Audio-Technica is debuting its BP28 14-inch (355.6 mm) and BP28L 22.4-inch (569 mm) Line + Gradient Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphones. These microphones combine a large-diaphragm condenser element with a 28-millimeter diameter shotgun design for low-noise performance. With tight polar patterns and a patented acoustic port design that maintains directionality across the entire frequency range, Audio-Technica says these shotgun microphones are specially designed to meet the needs of broadcast, film, television, outdoor recording and theater applications.

Particularly suitable for long-distance miking for audio acquisition for film or professional broadcast, the company says BP28 and BP28L offer a highly directional pickup pattern, with the BP28L’s pattern being exceptionally narrow. They provide a flat frequency response and low noise levels (BP28: 8 dB; BP28L: 3 dB) — transformer-coupled outputs that produce a smooth sonic character. Extremely high sensitivity (BP28: -28 dBV; BP28L: -23 dBV), wide dynamic range (135 dB), and high-SPL capability (BP28: 143 dB; BP28L: 138 dB), and they are equipped with a switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and 10 dB pad. Both. The mics’ rugged housing are made of lightweight, structural-grade aluminum alloy.

BP28 and BP28L Line + Gradient Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone specifications:

• Element: Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser
• Polar Pattern: Line + gradient
• Frequency Response: BP28: 20-19,000 Hz; BP28L: 20-20,000 Hz
• Low Frequency Roll Off: 80 Hz, 18 dB/octave
• Pad: -10 dB
• Open Circuit Sensitivity: BP28: -28 dB (39.8 mV) (0 dB=1 V/Pa, 1 kHz); BP28L: -23 dB (70.8 mV) (0 dB=1 V/Pa, 1 kHz)
• Impedance: 250 ohms
• Maximum Input Sound Level: BP28: 143 dB SPL (1 kHz at 1% THD), 153 dB SPL (When pad is on.); BP28L: 138 dB SPL (1 kHz at 1% THD), 148 dB SPL (When pad is on.)
• Noise: BP28: 8 dB SPL (A-weighted); BP28L: 3 dB SPL (A-weighted)
• Dynamic Range: 135 dB (1 kHz at Max SPL)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: BP28: 86 dB (1 kHz at 1 Pa, A-weighted); BP28L: 91 dB (1 kHz at 1 Pa, A-weighted)
• Phantom Power Requirements: 11-52 V DC, 3.4 mA
• Switches: Low cut: on/off; Pad: on/off
• Weight: BP28: 223 g (7.9 oz); BP28L: 313 g (11 oz)
• Dimensions: BP28: 354.9 mm (14.0″) long, 28.0 mm (1.1″) maximum body diameter; BP28L: 567.9 mm (22.4″) long, 28.0 mm (1.1″) maximum body diameter
• Output Connector: Integral three-pin XLR-M type
• Audio-Technica Case Style: BP28: SG6; BP28L: SG7
• Included Accessories: Windscreen (BP28: AT8170, BP28L: AT8169), holder (AT8470), stand adapter (3/8”-5/8”), carrying case