SGM-250CX - Microphone Azden - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Shotgun Condenser Microphone
Brand	Azden
Model	SGM-250CX
Polar Pattern	Supercardioid / Lobar
Frequency Response	40 – 20,000 Hz
Impedance	600 Ω ± 30%
Sensitivity	-42 dB ± 2 dB / 0 dB=1V/Pa at 1 kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	70 dB (1 kHz at 1 Pa)
Power Source	1.5V AA battery (1x) or 12-48V phantom power
Battery Life	Approximately 100 hours with alkaline battery
Dimensions	Approx. 22.5 cm (length) x 2.5 cm (diameter)
Weight	Approx. 85 g (without battery)
Connector	3.5mm mini-jack (stereo mini plug)
Cable Length	Included cable: approx. 30 cm (coiled)
Included Accessories	Microphone, 2-step windscreen (foam & fur), cable, shoe mount adapter, carrying pouch
Material	Aluminum body with black anodized finish
Color	Matte Black
Operating Temperature	0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
Storage Temperature	-10°C to 50°C (14°F to 122°F)
Warranty	2 years limited warranty (varies by region)
Country of Origin	China

Frequently Asked Questions - SGM-250CX Azden

How do I power the Azden SGM-250CX microphone?

The SGM-250CX can be powered either by a single 1.5V AA battery (alkaline recommended) or by 12-48V phantom power from a mixer or recorder. When using battery power, ensure the battery is inserted with correct polarity. Phantom power is automatically detected and will override the battery when present.

What is the polar pattern of the SGM-250CX?

The microphone has a supercardioid (lobar) polar pattern. This provides excellent rejection of off-axis sound, making it ideal for capturing audio from a specific source while minimizing background noise. It is commonly used for film, video, and broadcast applications.

How do I mount the microphone on a camera?

The SGM-250CX comes with a shoe mount adapter that slides into the camera's hot shoe. Loosen the screw on the adapter, attach the microphone via its built-in clip, then tighten the screw to secure it. For better isolation, use a shock mount (sold separately).

What accessories are included with the microphone?

The package includes: the SGM-250CX microphone, a foam windscreen, a fur windscreen (dead cat), a coiled mini-jack cable (approx. 30 cm), a shoe mount adapter, and a carrying pouch.

Can I use the SGM-250CX without an external power source?

Yes, you can use it with a single AA battery. When no phantom power is present, the microphone automatically draws power from the battery. Insert a fresh alkaline battery for best performance. Battery life is approximately 100 hours.

How do I clean and maintain the microphone?

Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners. The foam windscreen can be hand-washed with mild soap and water, then air-dried completely before reuse. Store the microphone in a dry, dust-free environment when not in use.

What is the frequency response of the SGM-250CX?

The frequency response ranges from 40 Hz to 20 kHz. This wide range captures both low-frequency rumble and high-frequency detail, suitable for dialogue and ambient recording. The response is tailored to reduce low-frequency noise when used outdoors.

How do I reduce wind noise during outdoor recording?

Attach the included foam windscreen for moderate wind, or the fur windscreen (dead cat) for stronger wind conditions. For extreme wind, consider using a blimp or additional wind protection. The microphone's supercardioid pattern also helps reject wind from the sides.

Is the SGM-250CX compatible with smartphones or tablets?

Yes, it can be used with smartphones or tablets that have a 3.5mm input jack. However, for proper audio level and power, use an external audio interface or a compatible adapter (like a TRRS to TRS splitter) if needed. Phantom power is not available from mobile devices, so use the battery.

What type of cable connector does the microphone use?

The microphone has a 3.5mm mini-jack connector. It comes with a coiled stereo mini plug cable. For cameras with larger jacks, you may need a 3.5mm to 1/4-inch adapter. Ensure the plug is fully inserted to avoid audio dropouts.

USER MANUAL SGM-250CX Azden

Black USB flash drive with U-shaped cable, no visible text or symbols on body

Product Highlights

• Newly developed electret condenser microphone element delivers the best sensitivity and lowest noise in its class
• Compact design works great with cinema cameras and for mounting on top of mirrorless cameras
• Powered by standard 48 V DC phantom power
• Custom designed acoustic tube with high precision phase canceling slots produces a flat frequency response with excellent directionality and wide dynamic range
• Brass/aluminum alloy case for improved durability and resistance to ambient RF
• Gold plated, 3-pin XLR output connector with 33 cm wire extension

Overview

The SGM-250CX is a short length, condenser shotgun microphone that is ideal for mounting on compact digital cinema cameras, as well as DSLR and mirrorless cameras equipped with XLR adapters. As part of Azden's 250 microphone model series, you can expect professional quality sound that preserves the natural characteristics of a speaking subject. Its supercardiod pickup pattern will also minimize the recording of extraneous noise and better focus on the sound in front of the camera.

Integrated in the microphone's design is a hardwired XLR cable for convenient connection to camera microphone inputs. The microphone's highly sensitive, condenser element is powered by standard 48 V phantom power, which most XLR microphone inputs can provide. The SGM-250CX includes Azden's SMH-X shock mount which mounts to standard size camera shoe slots, as well as 14 - 20 threaded mounts and tripods. Also included are diameter expander sheets for universal compatibility with ring-clamp style microphone mounts.

Power

Phantom power is a DC voltage supplied through a balanced microphone cable and used to power the electronics of the connected microphone. Most professional cameras, mixers and audio interfaces with microphone XLR preamps have the ability to supply phantom power. If the equipment you use does not, you will have to utilize a separate external phantom power supply.

Most commonly, phantom power is supplied at 48 V. This is the optimum voltage for the SGM-250CX. It is possible that your connecting equipment supplies a different voltage. The SGM-250CX is rated to work on a voltage between 11 and 50 V, however, performance will degrade with lower voltages and damage to the electronics could result when using voltages in excess of this range. It is recommended that you consult the manuals of any equipment you intend to use with the microphone beforehand. Please note that the warranty does not cover damage caused by using phantom power beyond what the microphone is rated for.

Diameter Expander Sheets

The SGM-250CX comes with two diameter expander sheets. These sheets are made from flexible rubber, have an adhesive backing, and are meant to be wrapped around the base of the microphone to allow it to better fit in ring-clamps larger than 21 mm. Be careful not to cover the cancellation slots of the microphone barrel when using the expander sheets.

Specifications

Freq. Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz

Polar Pattern: Super-cardioid

Sensitivity: -33 dB at 1 kHz (0 dB = 1 V/Pa)

Dynamic Range: 112 dB

Impedance: 100 Ω (at 1 kHz)

Max Input SPL: 130 dB SPL (1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.)

S/N Ratio: 76 dB (1 kHz at 1 Pa)

Power Requirement: DC 11-50 V Phantom

Output: 3-pin XLR

Dimensions: 153 mm x φ21 mm (6.02" x φ0.83") (Length x Diameter)

Cable: 5 mm x 330 mm

Weight: 85 g (2.99 oz)

Accessories: Shock mount holder, windscreen, carrying pouch, rubber sheets

XLR pin assignments

shield

hot

cold

Frequency Response

Polar Pattern

Included Accessories

Abstract 3D rendering of a mechanical or electronic component with interlocking loops (no text or symbols visible)

Shock absorbing camera-mount mic clip (SMH-X)

High quality foam windscreen

Black fabric bag with pleated texture and two black straps (no text or symbols)

Carrying pouch

Two overlapping gray rectangular panels with no visible text, numbers, or symbols.

Rubber diameter expander sheets

REGISTER FOR YOUR 10 YEAR WARRANTY

Congratulations on your purchase of the Azden SGM-250CX Professional Compact Cine Mic.

All Azden products come with a two (2) year limited warranty. The warranty for the SGM-250CX may be extended to ten (10) years.

To obtain your 10 year warranty, please register your microphone online at www.azden.com/warranty* within 90 days from the date of purchase.

*Azden's 10 year warranty is not available in all countries and not all Azden products are eligible. See www.azden.com for details

Azden Two Year Limited Warranty

Azden Corporation warrants, to the first purchaser, that the Azden brand product purchased is free from defects in material and workmanship. Azden's sole obligation under this warranty shall be to provide, without charge, repair or replacement (at Azden's sole discretion), within two years from the date of purchase. A dated receipt is required to establish the date of purchase and no registration is necessary to receive warranty service under this two year limited warranty. The cost to ship a failed product to and from Azden or to its dealer shall not be covered by this warranty.

This warranty is the sole and exclusive express warranty given with respect to the product and all other warranties, expressed or implied, are herby excluded. Neither Azden, nor the dealer who sells this product, is responsible for indirect, incidental or consequential damages.

This warranty does not extend to any defect, malfunction or failure caused by misuse, abuse, accident, act of God, faulty hookup, unauthorized modification, connecting this product to equipment for which this product is not intended or defective associated equipment.

Customers in the Asia and Oceania markets contact: Azden Corp., 1-12-17 Kamirenjaku Mitaka-shi, Tokyo, 181-8533 Japan Tel: [phone] (Japan) • Fax: [phone] (Japan) www.azden.co.jp • email: [e-mail]

Customers in the North/South America and European markets contact: Azden Corp., 200 Valley Road, Suite 101, Mt. Arlington, NJ 07856 Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone] www.azden.com • email: [e-mail]

Do not attempt to open the casing or make any modification to the internal electrical components. Electric shock or injury may result. Any unauthorized modification to this product will void all applicable warranties.

Do not store or operate this product near a heat source or in an environment of extreme temperatures. Avoid exposure to rain or any other source of moisture. Do not submerge in water. If exterior is exposed to water, wipe dry before use.

Remove batteries before storing this microphone for an extended period of time. Old alkaline batteries have the potential to leak and cause damage to the internal components of the microphone. Additionally, battery acid can be harmful if contact is made with the skin or eyes; if this happens, wash with water immediately. Use caution when handling discharged batteries.

Please take the time to read this manual carefully and keep it for your reference.