Audio-Technica U853R Hanging microphone

The U853R is a cardioid condenser hanging microphone designed for overhead installation in theatres, concert halls, houses of worship, and conference rooms where microphones must be suspended from the ceiling or flown from rigging. Its slim cylindrical housing and matte black finish minimize visual intrusion in architectural spaces, while the cardioid polar pattern provides directional pickup focused toward the stage or speaking area below.

Hanging Installation Design

The U853R ships with a hanging mount and rubber isolation ring that decouples the microphone from mechanical vibrations transmitted through the suspension cable. The captive cable exits from the top of the housing for clean integration with ceiling-mounted cable management in fixed AV and theatrical installations.

Cardioid Pattern for Stage Coverage

The cardioid polar pattern angles coverage downward toward the performance area when the microphone is hung facing the stage, providing greater sensitivity to direct sound while rejecting ceiling reflections and noise from above. This characteristic makes the U853R effective for choral and orchestral overhead miking as well as speech reinforcement in large open spaces.

Phantom Power and Frequency Response

Operating on 11–52V phantom power, the U853R covers a frequency range of 30 Hz to 20 kHz. Low self-noise ensures that quiet acoustic sources — including soft choral singing and spoken word — are captured with detail and clarity from elevated mounting positions.