CAD M179 Large Diaphragm Variable Polar Pattern Condenser Microphone

The CAD M179 is a workhorse large diaphragm condenser microphone built for serious studio, live, and broadcast environments. With a continuously variable polar pattern, low self-noise, and impressive SPL handling, the M179 is equally at home on lead vocals, voice-overs, drum kits, guitar cabinets, acoustic instruments, brass, and room miking. Dial in exactly the pickup pattern you need, from tight and focused to wide and spacious, and capture every nuance with clarity and detail.

Key Features

• Continuously Variable Polar Pattern: Sweep smoothly from omnidirectional to figure-8 with a “hard” cardioid center detent for precise control of room ambience and isolation.
• Large 1.1" Dual-Diaphragm Capsule: Externally biased condenser capsule with gold-sputtered diaphragms for detailed, neutral, and natural sound across the spectrum.
• High SPL Handling: Handles up to 143 dB SPL with the pad engaged, making it a reliable choice for drums, percussion, and loud guitar cabinets.
• Low Self-Noise Electronics: Advanced, low-distortion circuitry delivers a clean signal with an excellent noise floor, ideal for critical studio recording.
• Switchable -20 dB Pad: Adds extra headroom for extremely hot sources, preventing overload at the mic and preamp stage.
• 100 Hz High-Pass Filter: Gentle 6 dB/octave low-cut filter helps control rumble, handling noise, and proximity effect when needed.
• Rugged Studio-Grade Construction: Durable charcoal gray finish with satin nickel grille, stainless internal pop/EMI filter, and robust chassis designed for daily professional use.
• Professional Connectivity: Standard 3-pin XLR output and phantom power operation make integration easy with any pro interface, preamp, or console.
• Included Shockmount: Elastic suspension shockmount reduces stand-borne vibration and handling noise for cleaner, more controlled recordings.

Ideal Applications

• Lead and backing vocals
• Voice-over, podcast, audiobook, and broadcast work
• Drum overheads, toms, room mics, and percussion
• Electric guitar and bass cabinets
• Acoustic guitar, piano, strings, brass, and woodwinds
• Room and ambience miking for ensembles and live performances

Technical Specifications

• Microphone Type: Side-address, externally biased large diaphragm condenser
• Polar Pattern: Continuously variable (omni → subcardioid → cardioid → hypercardioid → figure-8, with cardioid center detent)
• Diaphragm Size: 1.1" (27.9 mm) dual-diaphragm, gold-sputtered
• Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: -36 dBV (16 mV/Pa)
• Impedance: 200 ohms
• Equivalent Noise Level: 11 dB-A (typical)
• Maximum SPL: 143 dB SPL (with pad engaged)
• Pad: -20 dB, non-capacitive
• High-Pass Filter: 100 Hz, 6 dB/octave
• Output: Balanced 3-pin XLR male
• Power Requirements: 24–52 V phantom power, ≥ 8 mA
• Body Finish: Charcoal gray urethane with satin nickel front/rear grille
• Dimensions (Mic): 2.25" (57.2 mm) diameter x 7.0" (177.8 mm) high
• Net Weight (Mic): Approx. 17.8 oz (506 g)

Included Accessories

• Elastic suspension shockmount
• Protective storage case (varies by package)
• User documentation

Why Choose the CAD M179?

If you need a single microphone that can cover many roles in your studio or production rig, the CAD M179 is a standout choice. Its continuously variable polar pattern lets you fine-tune pickup exactly for each source and room, while the combination of high SPL handling, low self-noise, and neutral tonality makes it a flexible, “put it on anything” tool. From first studio builds to established facilities, the M179 delivers professional performance, reliability, and value.