Astatic 878HL-2 Dynamic Omnidirectional Desktop Microphone

The Astatic 878HL-2 is a professional dynamic omnidirectional desktop microphone designed for public address, paging, broadcasting, dispatch, and commercial communication systems. Featuring selectable high- and low-impedance operation, convenient push-to-talk controls, and a rugged weighted base, the 878HL-2 delivers dependable voice pickup for fixed-position audio applications.

Built for daily operation in demanding environments, the Astatic 878HL-2 combines a durable molded Cycolac housing with a zinc die-cast base for stability. Its omnidirectional dynamic microphone element provides consistent voice pickup, while the 50 Hz to 12 kHz frequency response offers clear speech reproduction with enhanced presence around 2 kHz.

The microphone features a professional DPDT push-to-talk switching mechanism, with locking and lift-to-talk operating options for convenient communication control. A slide switch located on the underside allows users to select the appropriate output impedance for their connected audio equipment.

With a permanently attached 7-foot (2.1-meter) four-conductor cable and a stable desktop design, the Astatic 878HL-2 is well suited for paging stations, radio studios, dispatch consoles, offices, and commercial sound installations.

Features & Benefits

Dynamic Omnidirectional Microphone Element

The Astatic 878HL-2 features a dynamic omnidirectional element that picks up sound from multiple directions.

This design provides consistent voice reproduction in desktop communication applications where users may speak from slightly different positions.

Selectable High- and Low-Impedance Operation

A built-in impedance selector allows the microphone to accommodate different audio system requirements.

High-Impedance (Hi-Z) Mode

• 40,000-ohm output impedance
• Designed for compatible inputs rated at 100,000 ohms or greater
• Suitable for equipment requiring high-impedance microphone signals

Low-Impedance (Lo-Z) Mode

• 400-ohm output impedance
• Designed for compatible microphone inputs ranging from 125 to 1,000 ohms
• Suitable for professional paging, PA, and communication equipment

This dual-impedance design provides greater flexibility when integrating the microphone into existing audio systems.

Push-to-Talk Operation

The 878HL-2 includes a professional DPDT leaf-switch mechanism operated through a convenient push-to-talk bar.

Locking and lift-to-talk operating options provide flexible control for paging, broadcasting, and other communication applications.

Voice-Optimized Frequency Response

With a frequency response of 50 Hz to 12,000 Hz and increased presence around 2 kHz, the microphone is designed to reproduce speech with clarity and intelligibility.

This makes it suitable for announcements, dispatch communication, and spoken-word applications.

Rugged Cycolac Housing

The microphone features a durable black molded Cycolac housing designed to withstand frequent use in professional communication environments.

Stable Zinc Die-Cast Base

A rugged zinc die-cast base provides stability during desktop operation.

The non-skid design helps keep the microphone securely positioned when activating the push-to-talk controls.

Heavy-Duty Shielded Cable

The permanently attached 7-foot cable features four conductors, including two shielded conductors, for connection to compatible communication and sound reinforcement equipment.

Key Features

• Professional dynamic omnidirectional desktop microphone
• Designed for paging, public address, broadcast, and communication systems
• Selectable high- and low-impedance output
• 40,000-ohm high-impedance operation
• 400-ohm low-impedance operation
• 50 Hz to 12 kHz frequency response
• Enhanced speech presence around 2 kHz
• Professional DPDT push-to-talk switching
• Locking and lift-to-talk operating options
• Impedance selector switch located underneath the microphone
• Durable molded black Cycolac housing
• Rugged zinc die-cast weighted base
• Non-skid desktop design
• Include “7-foot (2.1 m) four-conductor shielded cable with blunt ends.
• Suitable for commercial and industrial communication applications

Applications

Paging and Public Address Systems

Provides convenient push-to-talk voice control for announcements in commercial buildings, schools, warehouses, and institutional facilities.

Radio Broadcasting Studios

Offers dependable desktop microphone operation for compatible broadcast communication equipment.

Dispatch and Communication Centers

Supports fixed-position voice communication in dispatch offices, transportation facilities, and control stations.

Commercial Offices and Reception Areas

Provides a practical microphone solution for front-desk announcements and internal paging systems.

Transportation and Industrial Facilities

Suitable for communication systems requiring durable desktop microphones with selectable impedance and push-to-talk operation.

Sound Reinforcement Systems

Can be integrated with compatible microphone inputs in commercial PA and installed sound equipment.

Astatic 878HL-2 Technical Specifications

Astatic 878HL-2 Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Astatic
Model	878HL-2
Product Type	Desktop push-to-talk microphone
Generating Element	Dynamic
Polar Pattern	Omnidirectional
Frequency Response	50 Hz – 12,000 Hz
High-Impedance Output	40,000 ohms
High-Impedance Matching	100,000 ohms or greater
Low-Impedance Output	400 ohms
Low-Impedance Matching	125–1,000 ohms
Hi-Z Output Level	-55 dB (0 dB = 1 V/microbar)
Hi-Z EIA Rating	-151 dB EIA
Lo-Z Output Level	-58 dB (0 dB = 1 mW/10 microbars)
Lo-Z Voltage Rating	-76 dB (0 dB = 1 V/microbar)
Lo-Z EIA Rating	-152 dB EIA
Push-to-Talk Switch	DPDT professional leaf switch
Impedance Selector	DPDT slide switch on underside
Cable Type	Permanently attached, four-conductor, two shielded
Cable Length	7 ft (2.1 m)
Cable Termination	Blunt end — no connector included
Height	9-3/8 in. (238 mm)
Width	4-11/32 in. (110 mm)
Depth	5-27/32 in. (148 mm)
Weight	24-1/4 oz (687 g)
Housing	Molded Cycolac
Finish	Black housing with painted die-cast base

Installation and Compatibility

The Astatic 878HL-2 features a permanently attached 7-foot (2.1 m), four-conductor shielded cable with blunt ends for custom wiring. No connector is included.

The microphone offers selectable high- and low-impedance operation for compatible paging amplifiers, PA systems, and communication equipment. Verify the wiring and push-to-talk switching requirements before installation.

Why Buy the Astatic 878HL-2 from Audio Supply?

Audio Supply offers professional paging microphones and commercial sound equipment for installed audio systems. The Astatic 878HL-2 combines selectable impedance, dependable push-to-talk control, and rugged desktop construction for professional communication applications.