TELE ECM-929 Super Uni-Directional Electret Condenser Microphone - Review

[Kiriakos GR]

INTRO:
September 4 2023, Storm Daniel sweeping across Greece.
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms hit Greece on Monday evening, part of an adverse weather phenomenon named Daniel, that affected the greater part of mainland, Ionian and Northern Aegean regions.

Kiriakos repair lab also were flooded due extreme rain, as it did 60% of city Volos, because all three rivers came out of their water transfer capacity.
The water jump in the repair lab floor, thankfully at a height of seven centimeter, and because all my valuables are over several furniture they were saved.
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Today's lucky find: TELE ECM-929 Super Uni-Directional Electret Condenser Microphone.
TELE = National distributor of OEM electronics.
ECM-929 = model of Shotgun Microphone 29cm long x 22.5cm diameter.
I did succeed for once more time to save this item from ending up to the dumpster. 

The microphone was taken apart and all parts was washed by tap water, so any mud inside (red dust) to be removed.

Electronics: They are inside two mic (condenser elements), one at front end and a second few centimeter at the back.
Approximately ten electrolytic capacitors plus one transistor (acting as pre-amp),  three position switch along it AA battery case.
No other magic found inside.        

After the successful restoration, I could not find any technical information about it over the internet.
And then I widened the search keys and I did discovered the totally unbranded microphone product world wide.

In Greece it circulated as: TELE ECM-929
In UK it circulated as: QTX SG300 Shotgun Microphone
In the USA as: YOGA Shotgun camera Microphone
And on eBay you do find generic descriptions: 280mm, camera Microphone, DSLR, Uni-Directional Condenser MIC Microphone for Interview ....

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Technical specifications of my find, these matching with  QTX SG300 Shotgun Microphone, and all the ones priced between 30 to 40 EUR at local stores.
While direct buy from China this is also 35 EUR (with shipping plus VAT).

Features:
It is an uni-Directional condenser microphone, perfect for interview.
Push the switch to 'T' for long distance application, 'N' for short distance application.
Effective pickup is up to 5m.
Recommended pickup is 20 ~ 30 centimeter.
 
An -wind foam helps to reduce wind interference and other noise.
An 5m length cable (XLR to 3.5mm) & a jack (3.5mm to 6.35mm) for connecting more devices.
Connect the audio frequency output cable and an -wind foam .
With two different type microphone clips.


Specifications:
Color: Black
Material:
Directional: Uni-Directional
Frequency Response: 50Hz-16KHz
Sensitivity: -32dB+/-3db (0dB = 1v/pa at 1KHz)
Output Impedance: 2000ohms +/- 30%
Cable length: Approx. 5m / 16ft
: 1.5V AA (not included)
Item size: 36.2 * 2.3 * 2.3cm / 14 * 0.9 * 0.9in
Item weight: 124g / 4.4oz

Package List:
1 * Microphone
1 * Cable
1 * -wind foam
2 * Microphone clips
1 * Jack (3.5mm to 6.35mm)

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Product specifications in Greek, due Greek source..

QTX SG300 Μικρόφωνο Short Shotgun
Mικρόφωνo τύπου shotgun με θήκη μπαταριών μέσα στο σώμα του μικροφώνου. Φέρει ενσωματωμένη υποδοχή XLRM, ενώ παρέχεται μαζί με καλώδιο, κλιπ και αφρώδες αντιανεμικό.
Ελεγχόμενο καρδιοειδές / υπερκαρδιοειδές πολικό διάγραμμα
Παρέχεται με βάση στήριξης.

Χαρακτηριστικά:
    Τροφοδοσία: 1.5Vdc (μπαταρία AA)
    Πολικό μοτίβο: Καρδιοειδές, υπερκαρδιοειδές (εναλλάξιμο)
    Απόκριση συχνότητας: 50Hz-18kHz
    Συνδέσεις: XLRM
    Αντίσταση εξόδου: 230 Ohms
    Χειρισμοί: Διακόπτης τριών επιλογών: off – cardioid – hypercardioid
    Ευαισθησία: -40dB (± 2dB)
    Αντίσταση εξόδου: 500/1600K ± 30% (1kHz).
    Απόκριση συχνότητας: 100Hz – 16kHz
    Διαστάσεις: 297 x 22mmØ
    Βάρος: 136g
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 To be continued...