Crown SASS-P MK II User Manual

Low frequencies

High frequencies

Diffuse-Field Frequency Response

Polar Response

STEREO PZM
MICROPHONE

SASS-P MK 

II

Specifi cations

Type:

  Stereo condenser.

Element: 

 Electret condenser Pressure Zone Micro-

pohone.

Frequency response (typical):

  20 Hz to 18,000 Hz in 

a reverberant fi eld. See Fig. 1.

Polar pattern (each channel):

  Omnidirectional at low 

frequencies, unidirectional at high frequencies. See 
Fig. 2.

Impedance: 

 150 ohms rated (240 ohms actual), bal-

anced. Recommended minimum load impedance 
1000 ohms.

Open-circuit sensitivity:

   6.0 mV/Pa* (–44.5 dB re 

   1 volt/Pa*).

Power sensitivity:

  –44 dB re 1 mW/Pa*. –136 dB 

EIA.

Equivalent noise level:

  20.5 dB SPL typical                  

(0 dB=.0002 dyne/cm

2

), A-weighted.

S/N ratio: 

 73.5 dB at 94 dB SPL.

Maximum SPL: 

 150 dB SPL at the diaphragm pro-

duces 3% THD.

Polarity: 

 Positive pressure on the diaphragm pro-

duces a positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to 
pin 3 of the output connector.

Operating voltage: 

 Standard phantom power, 12 to 

48 volts DC, positive voltage on pins 2 and 3 with 
respect to pin 1 of the output connector. Or two 9 
V alkaline batteries (Mallory Duracell MN1604 or 
equivalent).

Current drain: 

 1.1 mA per channel.

Material: 

 Molded high-impact plastic.

Finish: 

 Satin black and charcoal grey.

Cable:

  None supplied; use 2-conductor shielded mic 

cables.

Connectors: 

 3-pin professional audio connector (one 

per channel).

Switch: 

 Phantom/fl at, phantom/low-cut, battery/fl at, 

battery/low-cut. Battery off in phantom positions.

Net weight: 

 17 ounces (482 grams).

Dimensions:

  See Fig. 3.

Included Accessories:

  Handgrip, windscreen,

 5/8-in.-27 to 1/4-in.-20 thread adapter.

Fig. 1

Frequency in Hz

Fig. 2

T

he Crown

®

 SASS-P MK 

II

 Stereo Ambi-

   ent Sampling System™ is a patented,     
   stereo condenser microphone using PZM

®

technology. It is a mono-compatible, near-coin-
cident array designed for professional applica-
tions including:

   classical-music recording (acoustic en-
sembles)

   stereo electronic news gathering (E.N.G.)

   sports ambience and crowd reaction

   recording worship services

   televised theatre and dance

   fi lm ambience

   stereo sampling for keyboards

   stereo sound effects

   recording studios and live sound

Compared to its predecessor the SASS-P, the 
SASS-P MK 

II

 provides a warmer, smoother 

sound with more high-frequency brilliance 
(“air”) and less midrange “hardness.”

A patented design

1

, the SASS

®

 uses a

premium-quality Pressure Zone Microphone

®

for each channel. The PZMs are mounted on 
boundaries (with a foam barrier between them) 
to make each microphone directional. 

The carefully controlled polar patterns and 
human-head-sized spacing between capsules 
create extremely well-focused, natural stereo 
imaging with no “hole in the middle.” Overall, 
the reproduction of the sound fi eld is precise 
and realistic.

The SASS can accurately convey the ambient 
environment for location recording fi lm-wide 
sound, or synched audio ambience (movement 
of traffi c) where movement heard must precise-
ly match movements in the screen image.

A foam barrier/baffl e between the capsules 
shapes the pickup angle of each capsule in the 
front, and limits overlap of the two sides at 
higher frequencies. Although the mic capsules 
are spaced a few centimeters apart, there is 
little phase cancellation when both channels are 
combined to mono because of the shadowing 
effect of the baffl e.

The SASS can be powered in the fi eld by two 
9V batteries, as well as 12-48V phantom power. 
Separate left and right outputs are low-imped-
ance balanced.

*1 pascal = 10 microbars = 10 dynes/cm

2

  = 94 dB SPL.

1 

U.S. Patent #4,658,932, Michael Billingsley, 

April 1987.

Features

Perfect for stereo recording of classical music  
ensembles, E.N.G., sports ambience, audience 
reaction, and sound effects.

Sharp, accurate and spacious imaging.

Mono-compatible.

Lightweight and portable.

Powered by internal 9V batteries or phantom   
power.

Low-cut switch reduces rumble

.

Includes windscreen, handgrip, swivel stand 
adapter, and stand thread adapter.

  POLAR
PATTERNS