Authorized TRAM® Distributor
Authorized TRAM® Distributor

TRAM® TR50 Lavalier Microphone

When it was introduced, the TRAM® TR50 miniature microphone revolutionized the industry- it has become the standard in feature film, television production and other areas of the entertainment industry. In addition to its diminutive size and superior sound quality, the TR-50 offers a combination of features that are simply not offered by any other microphone.

The TRAM® TR50 miniature professional lavalier microphone answers the needs of even the most demanding sound recording engineer. It has been designed with the latest electret development and electronics technology, to provide high sound quality with little or no visibility. Its small size and unique design permit a variety of uses and fastening options, that make it ideal for unobtrusive appearance and hidden mic use. The tiny omni-directional capsule features minimum sound coloration and is therefore easily combined with boom mics during post production. A variety of accessories makes mounting the mic on or under clothing easy, with reliable results.

The extended frequency response range and omni-directional characteristics have been designed to satisfy the most stringent requirements in all professional audio fields, particularly film and TV production.

The TR50 is available with a variety of connectors (Micro-Mini, Lemo (4, 6 or 8pin), Mini Switchcraft (3, 4 or 5pin), Sony, Sennheiser, etc.) For direct attachment to any wireless microphone transmitter. In addition to its use with wireless transmitters, the TR-50 can be used as a low impedance hard-wired microphone with the TR-79 power supply. 12/48v phantom powering (in addition to internal powering) is available on all TR-50*PS microphones and TR-79+ positive bias power supplies.

The TR79 power supply provides a balanced transformer output to an XLR connector and uses an Eveready 357 battery. The battery compartment is designed to permit only one insertion direction, so the polarity cannot be reversed. This compartment is accessible by turning the black plastic end cap counter clockwise and pulling firmly. The battery is removed by pushing it out with a sharp object through the hole provided in the bottom of the compartment.
 

TR50 Lavalier Mic

  • TR50 Lavalier Mic Features:
    • Miniature Electret Condenser Microphone
    • Minimum sound coloration for universal use
    • Easily combined with boom microphones
    • Tiny, lightweight and compact; easily concealed
    • Extensive range of mounting accessories
    • Wide frequency response
    • Very low rubbing noise
    • Internal battery or 12-48V phantom power* (*with positive bias version only)
    • Detachable 250 Q power supply
    • Available in 4 colors: black, gray, white, tan
    • Large range of connectors for direct use on a wireless transmitter
    • Strong, durable and reliable
    • One-year warranty
  • TR50 Specifications:
    • Size: .18" x .300" x .55"
    • Type: Omni-directional electret condenser
    • Freq. Response: 40 - 16,000 Hz
    • Noise Level: 26dB equivalent SPL
    • Maximum SPL: 134dB
    • Output Level: -57dB
    • Nominal Impedance: 3,000Ω (TR-79 Power Supply - 250Ω)
    • Operating Voltage: 1.5V
    • Current Drain: 20-30 microamps (TR-79: 80-100 microamps)
    • Battery: 357 (SR44W/313)
    • Isolated Mic Element: To reduce rubbing noise
    • Bias: Negative and Positive
    • Cable: Sturdy, Flexible (TR-50BPS -9 ft. long)
    • Available mic colors: Black, Gray, Tan, or White

  • TR50 Standard Accessories included with microphone (replace * with color):
    • Cable Holder with Vampire Pins (*CH)
    • Clip on Holder with Vampire Pins (*COH)
    • Tie Bar with Alligator Clip (*TB)
    • Tie Tac (*TT)
    • Windscreen (*WS)
    • Tape Down (*TD)
    • Carrying Case (*CC)
    • Cable Reel (*CR) - PS versions only

When using the Clip On and Tape Down Holders under clothing, mount the mic with the back out (facing clothing), as the back of the microphone housing has less rubbing noise than the front grid. There will be no reduction in audio sensitivity. These accessories are available in Black, Gray, Tan or white.

  • TR50 Optional Accessories:
    • Boundary Layer Tape Down (BLTD)
    • Double Tie Bar (BDTB)
    • Mic Cage with Plain Back (MC1)
    • Mic Cage with Vampire Pin Back (MC2)

TR79 Power Supply

Provides powering and balanced XLR output to the TR50 miniature microphone. Available in two powering configurations (microphone bias must match power supply bias.):

TR79
Negative bias, operates on internal battery only

TR79+
Positive bias, operates on internal battery or external 12-48V phantom power.

Connection between the TR50 and TR79 is through a connector of choice (from an extensive list), matching the connector used by an accompanying wireless transmitter if required.

  • TR79 Features:
    • Tube-style power supply for TR50 mic
    • Single Mallory RM675 or equivalent battery
    • Balanced output on XLR connector
    • 18mm x 85mm
    • Output impedance 250Ω
     
 

TR79ML Detachable Power Supply With TB5M Connector For Use With TRAM TR50 Mics Wired For Lectrosonics

   
 
 

TR79 Power Supply Hard-Wired To
TRAM TR50B Lavalier Mic

FAQ

Positive Bias or Negative Bias?  What's the Difference?
This is an extremely popular question.  Click Here for the answer.

 

Repairs

There are are generally 3 types of repairs with TRAM® microphones:

  • Connector
    • Cable is intermittent at the connector end of the mic (or where the cable enters the power supply on a hard-wired mic).  This is by far the most common problem.  The solution is to cut the cable back about 1 inch from the connector and re-install connector.  To send us the mic for repair or to get more information on costs, please see the section sending in a repair.
       
  • Head
    • Cable is intermittent (or frayed or pulled out) where it enters the mic head (mic element). This can not be fixed.  Any problem with or near the mic head (mic element) can not be repaired.  The housing is assembled by a machine at the factory and therefore is not serviceable.  Your only solution is to purchase a new mic.  We offer the mic only with no case and no clips, and with or without a connector at a lower cost.  For mics that are hard wired into the power supply, we can install a new mic head/cable assembly onto your old power supply (the approximate cost to replace a hardwired mic with a new head/cable assembly is ~$238). To send us the mic for repair, please see the section sending in a repair.
       

  • Power Supply
    • Power Supply is dead.  First make sure you test the power supply with another known "good" mic.  Second, make sure the bias of the microphone is the same as the power supply (See FAQs above about Bias).  Third, make sure you are using a "good" battery.  It is very rare that we see a bad power supply and the cause of the fault is generally one of the items just listed.  If you have tried all three of those things and the power supply still doesn't work, then your only recourse is to purchase a new power supply as it is a non-serviceable item.
    • Cable is intermittent or frayed where it enters the power supply on a hard-wired mic.  This is repairable, see "Connector" type repairs above.

If you are still lost and have no idea whether it can be fixed or not or what component is at fault, you can send us everything and we can figure it out for you! 


Sending in a Repair:
  • To send us your TRAM® microphone for for an out-of-warranty repair, please complete an Online Repair Form, please note you will be redirected to a different site to complete the online repair form.  After completing the form, simply print it out and include it in the box with your repair. The address to ship it to will be on your completed repair form. Take care not to put tape or labels on repair items as doing so will leave a long lasting adhesive residue.
  • For more information on repairs, such as cost and turn-around time, please visit our microsite for Tram Lavalier Mic Repair.

 

General

Manufacture Warranty
TRAM® microphones are warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of one year from date of purchase. During this one year period, and upon proof of purchase, your microphone will be repaired or replaced, at the manufacture's option, without charge for either parts or labor, provided the microphone is sent prepaid to the manufacture. This warranty will not apply if the microphone has been misused, abused, incorrectly wired or altered. Warranty repair/replacement does not extend this warranty.  For warranty repairs, please contact the manufacture directly or contact the dealer you purchased it from. TramMicrophones.com is not the manufacture, we are only an authorized distributor and therefore only handle warranty repairs on microphones that we have sold.

Ordering
You can order microphones directly from this website.  Follow the links below for online ordering.

Order TR50 Lavalier Mics        Order TR50 Accessories