• The CM-1000 is a fine studio microphone for acoustic instruments.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Since the 1960s, Nakamichi has been one of a handful of names synonymous with audiophile quality. Made in the 1990s, CM-1000 studio condenser microphones extended Nakamichi functionality to the capture end of the sound reproduction chain. This microphone's standard configuration was cardioid, with an available omnidirectional option. Both had extremely linear and extended frequency response. Both were best suited to acoustic instrument recording due to transient overload clipping that can occur at high volume levels.
  
  

Type and Physical Specifications

• The Nakamichi CM-1000 is a non-electret, FET-driven condenser element with two pickup pattern options, available as two exchangeable screw-on capsules. The microphone barrel is black anodized aluminum. One capsule, the CP-101, provides a cardioid pickup pattern for off-axis rejection, while the optional CP-102 capsule provides a spacious-sounding super-omnidirectional pickup pattern.
  
  The microphone itself has a 3-pin XLR connector, but it has to operate with the separate power supply, which also has XLR input and output connectors. The power supply also has an attenuator and a bass roll-off control to use when close-miking. The CM-1000 package includes a windscreen for outside use or close vocals, a microphone clamp and two cables, of which one connects between the microphone and the power supply. The microphone itself is fairly heavy, weighing in at .31 lbs., or about 140 grams.
  
  

Electrical Specifications

• The CM-1000 operates between 7 and 10 volts DC, requiring an 8.4 or 9.1 volt mercury battery. It is efficient, consuming less than 1.5 milliamps, and quiet, exhibiting a signal-to-noise ratio of better than 50 dB. The CM-1000's output impedance is a steady ±15% at 600 Ohms. When using the CM-1000 in high sound pressure-level environments, it can be attenuated -10 dB or -20 dB at the power supply.
  
  

Acoustic Specifications

• Relative to its sensitivity at 1,000 Hz, the CM-1000 maintains its sensitivity over the entire operating range to within 1.5 dB. The frequency response is ruler flat from 20 to 20,000 Hz, save for a 2.5 dB rise at the upper frequencies. The maximum sound pressure level the CM-1000 can safely handle is 139 dB.