The DC-196 is a versatile power tool built around the latest version of Milab’s rectangular capsule (the 2900). It offers low noise, selectable patterns (cardioid, omni, bidirectional), excellent SPL handling and an extremely smooth off-axis response – all in a very compact format. In fact, the DC-196 is one of the smallest large-diaphragm microphones ever produced.
The DC-196 shines on transient-rich sources like acoustic instruments and, thanks to the unique properties of the rectangular capsule, it excels in recording situations where a smooth off-axis response is crucial, such as string ensembles and choirs, but also stereo setups like X/Y and Blumlein where large-diaphragm microphones are usually avoided.
A matched pair of DC-196’s will fulfil the needs of even the most demanding recording engineers.
| Product name | Milab DC-196 |
| Type | Condenser |
| Article number | 1133 |
| Frequency response | 20 to 20,000 Hz |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid, Omni, Bidirectional |
| Pre-attenuation pad | -12 dB (switchable) |
| Max SPL (1 % THD at 1 kHz) | 132 dB |
| Max SPL with 12 dB pad | 144 dB |
| Sensitivity at 1 kHz | 21,5 mV/Pa (± 1 dB) |
| A-weighted noise level (IEC 179-A) | 11 dB (typical); 12 dB (max) |
| Power supply | 48 ± 4 V Phantom (DIN/IEC) |
| Current consumption | 4.2 mA |
| Output impedance | <200 Ω |
| Minimum load impedance | 1 kΩ |
| Connection | 3-pin XLR |
| Length | 145 mm |
| Diameter | 27 mm |
| Net weight | 230 g |
