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MICROPHONES
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THE DEFINITIVE BUYERS GUIDE: COMPREHENSIVE DATA ON HUNDREDS OF MICROPHONES
Comprehensive
Buyers Guide
plus
Choosing Microphones: GET The
Right Model For Every SOURCE
How To Interpret Manufacturers
Specification Data
The Different Types Of
Microphone And How They Work
Good Practice In Rigging
And Caring For Microphones
And more!
includes:
free access to Alan Parsons
microphone tutorial video!
foreword
Production
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Mic Locker
15 Mics Everyone Should Know About
Every day, new customers come to Sweetwater looking for the perfect do-it-all mic. Although there is no one mic
thats perfect for every situation, there are several that you can use for many different sources. And you dont
have to spend a fortune to build a solid mic locker. Here are some of the most popular and useful microphones
available today.
Shure SM57/SM58
Two Truly Legendary Dynamic Microphones The Shure SM57 and SM58 are two of the most popular and versatile
microphones of all time. Theyre inexpensive and virtually indestructible, and they sound great on just about anything. Adding
one or two of each to your mic locker right away is money well spent.
Sennheiser MD 421 II
This Dynamic Mic Is Perfect for Toms, Bass Cabinets, and More Youll find this mic poised over toms in pro
studios everywhere. It fits into the tight space above the toms, but it wont pick up too much bleed from the cymbals. Its
also superb at capturing the impact of bass cabinets, the growl of guitar amps, and the resonance of male vocals.
Audio-Technica AT2035
An Affordable Large-diaphragm Condenser Mic Thats Great for Vocals The surprisingly affordable AT2035 gives
you the kind of gently flattering performance youd expect from a far more expensive large-diaphragm condenser mic. An
impressive 148dB maximum sound pressure level also makes it a great choice for guitar cabinets.
SHURE
SM57
Polar Patterns
Cardioid Supercardioid Figure-8 Omnidirectional
This is the most common This is a tighter version This pattern picks up sound This pattern picks
polar pattern; it picks up of the cardioid pattern. from both the front and the up sound from all
sound only from the front It gives you laser-line rear of the mic, and nothing directions, making
and blocks everything
Cardioid Supercardioid else Figure-8
out.Cardioid
That Omnidirectional
isolation in front,
Supercardioid blocking
Cardioid
Figure-8 out almost
Supercardioid
Omnidirectional atOmnidirectional
all from
Figure-8 Cardioid the sides. That
Supercardioid Figure-8 itOmnidirectional
the perfect pattern for recording
makes it perfect for isolating individual all sound from the sides. Its great for makes it great for recording two room ambience. It also handles low
instruments or vocals. When in doubt, drums, as you can isolate a single sources at once, such as an acoustic frequencies better than any other
use a cardioid mic. drum without picking up bleed from guitar and vocals. pattern, so its great for kick drums
the rest of the kit. and bass cabinets.
Find your perfect
microphone online!
Bock Audio 195 Go to
Practically Two Mics in One Premium FET Condenser You can use Bock
Audios 195 on everything from airy vocals to pummeling drums! This premium large- Sweetwater.com
diaphragm FET condenser gives you fat and norm modes plus a low-cut switch, so you
can tailor bass response. A variable pad lets you use the 195 in even high-SPL situations.
sE Electronics sE2200a II C
A Workhorse Mic Thats at Home in Any Studio An onboard highpass filter and a switchable 10dB pad help
make the sE2200a II C a genuine workhorse microphone, thats good for everything from vocals to violins. Having this cardioid
condenser in your locker will ensure that you always have a microphone for any occasion.
AKG C 414 XL II
Legendary Multi-pattern Studio Powerhouse This modern take on the classic C 414 gives you an astounding nine polar
patterns, multiple pads, and selectable highpass filter options. The result? A world-class large-diaphragm condenser mic that
works extremely well on a wide variety of sources.
Royer R-121
This Modern Ribbon Mic Lets You Capture Guitar Amps the Way You Hear Them The Royer R-121
ribbon mic hears pretty much the way your ears do. So, if you want to capture your guitars tone the way it sounds
when youre standing in front of your amp, the R-121 is the perfect mic for the job. Its also a stellar vocal mic.
RDE NT5
This Matched Pair Gives You Performance and Affordability For the cost of a single typical
condenser, you can get a carefully matched pair of small-diaphragm NT5s. These amazing mics give you
incredibly natural response, and they work well on several different sound sources.
contents
features
Microphone Types & How They Work 8
Not all mics work in the same way. In fact, there are several,
significantly different, basic microphone types, and it helps to know
whats going on inside each of them...
Glossary 176
Baffled by any of the terms youve come across in the editorial
features or the product listings? Find a plain-language
explanationhere!
A
microphone is adevice designed
to translate the vibrations travelling
through air, which we call sound, into
an analogous electrical signal that may then
be amplified and recorded. Their operation
generally involves alightweight diaphragm
of some kind being moved by the changes
in air pressure that constitute sound. The
electrical output is derived by monitoring
the motion of the diaphragm relative to the
fixed parts of the microphone.
The part of the microphone that
incorporates the diaphragm assembly
is known as the capsule and, in most
microphones that use asmall-diameter
capsule, the capsule is aligned such that
the end of the microphone is intended to
be aimed at the sound source. Most stick
microphones other than figure-of-eight
models are arranged this way, as are
all the typical stage vocal microphones,
such as the SM58. Larger studio capacitor
microphones, with diaphragm diameters
above 0.75 inches or so, usually have the
capsule facing sideways; alogo or other
marker, such as Rodes gold dot, is used to
indicate the front of the microphone. The
same is true of most ribbon microphones.
However, before looking at the
mechanisms most commonly used in
microphones, it helps to understand the
two main ways in which adiaphragm can
be used to track air vibrations: the pressure
model and the pressure gradient model.
Under Pressure
When asound arrives at the diaphragm from
the front, it is said to be on axis. Sounds are
off axis when the sound source comes from
some other angle. Amicrophone is said
to be 90 degrees off axis when the sound
source is in alignment with the edge of the
production, they are pretty rugged, and guitar, and the tonality also suits some
they need no power to operate. They can vocal styles. Recent technological advances
also be designed to tolerate very high sound have produced ribbon microphones with
pressure levels (SPLs), making them well far more high-end extension, making them
suited to drum recording and placement better suited to sound sources that include
close to loud brass instruments. important high-frequency information.
Their Achilles heel is that, since the Classic styles of ribbon model, such as
diaphragm has to drag the coil along with those built by Coles, Royer and AEA, tend
it, the laws of inertia make it more difficult to be expensive, which puts many home
to move at higher frequencies, and the recordists off buying them. However, there
practical outcome is that most moving-coil are now many more affordable models
microphones have aresponse that starts made in the Far East that allow the home
to roll off at around 16kHz or so. New studio user to experiment with them at
materials and more sophisticated magnetic amuch lower cost.
A cardioid pattern is so-called because of its alloys, such as neodymium, have managed Note that, in comparison with other
heart-like shape, picking up sounds from in to extend this range slightly in some cases, microphone types, ribbon microphones are,
front of and to the sides of the microphone,
but they are still not the ideal choice for in the main, still relatively fragile, so you
but rejecting sounds to the rear.
sounds with alot of high-frequency detail. should be very careful with them if you want
Mic Mechanisms Moving-coil mics are also less suitable for them to survive for along time. They should
quiet sound sources due to the amount of be protected from strong blasts of air when
Having looked at the way adiaphragms amplification needed to bring their relatively recording vocals, brass or kick drums by
pickup-pattern behaviour can be modified weak outputs up to auseful level. They are, using apop shield. Most manufacturers also
by the acoustic system in which it is however, commonly used for live vocals, recommend storing ribbon microphones
mounted, it is now appropriate to examine drum miking and guitar-amp miking. upright to avoid the ribbon sagging under
some of the ways that its movement can be The other common type of dynamic its own weight. When buying aribbon
turned into auseful electrical signal. microphone is the ribbon microphone. microphone, always enquire as to the cost
What is, arguably, the most common type Instead of avoice coil, an electrically and procedure for replacing the ribbon
of microphone used in the audio business conductive ribbon, usually made should it get damaged.
the so-called dynamic microphone works from metal foil, is suspended in
on the principle of moving an electrical astrong magnetic field and the
Capacitor Mics
conductor within aconstant magnetic audio signal induced directly into The other major class of designs
field. This action induces acurrent into the the ribbon material. Typically, ribbon are also sometimes known by the
conductor in accordance with Faradays microphones exhibit low sensitivity, older term condenser microphones.
law, which Im sure most of us have hastily which means they need more An electrical capacitor is formed
forgotten since leaving school! Anyhow, it amplification to achieve the same level
is essentially the same action that occurs as you might expect from amoving-coil Moving-coil (often called dynamic)
in electrical dynamos, except that, in the dynamic microphone. For this reason, mics, such as this popular model by
Shure, lend themselves very well to
case of amicrophone, an audio-frequency some models are built with preamps
stage use, due to their fairly rugged
vibration in the conductor results in an inside the microphone to turn them into consruction and ability to handle
audio-frequency alternating current (AC) active microphones. high SPLs.
at the output. As the amount of energy In all the common ribbon
intercepted by the mic is very small, the microphone designs, the ribbon is whenever apair of conductive plates
electrical energy generated is also very open to the air on both sides, and so are placed in close proximity separated
small, and needs amplifying to make has anatural figure-of-eight response, by an air gap or asuitable insulating
it useful. though it is possible to build modified dielectric material. Acapacitor can store
The most common type of dynamic ribbon microphones that achieve acardioid an electrostatic charge and, if you vary the
microphone is the moving-coil type, the response. Most show adepressingly distance between the plates of acharged
majority of which are designed to produce poor frequency response on paper, often capacitor, the voltage between the two
acardioid polar pattern. Here, acoil of starting to roll off as low as 10kHz, or even plates also changes. This basic law of
very thin wire is attached to the rear of the lower. However, their very simple, open physics can be exploited to turn aspecially
diaphragm, the overall construction looking construction gives them anatural sound, designed capacitor into amicrophone when
much like aloudspeaker in miniature. The and adequate high-frequency information one of the plates is athin, light, metalised
coil is suspended in anarrow gap within can often be restored using EQ, providing diaphragm and the other afixed plate.
amagnetic structure (again, very much circuit noise doesnt become aproblem. It The usual diaphragm material used in
like that of aloudspeaker) so that, as the often does when the sound source is quiet, todays capacitor microphones is aform of
diaphragm moves, the coil riding on its however, and the amount of amplification Mylar (a type of plastic) coated with avery
back also moves, and acurrent is induced needed can be high. The natural roll-off of thin layer of metal (most often gold). The
in the coil due its interaction with the aribbon microphone can also be used to diaphragm is then mounted close to afixed
magnetic field. Moving-coil microphones advantage, to bestow asilkier-sounding top back plate and an electrical charge applied.
lend themselves to automated mass end to bowed strings, cymbals and electric As sound causes the diaphragm to vibrate,
Specifications
Polar pattern Cardioid Introducing Audio-Technicas premier studio vocal microphone, the AT5040 cardioid
Frequency response 20 20,000 Hz condenser. The debut of our flagship 50 Series, the AT5040 represents a milestone
Open circuit sensitivity in condenser design, offering remarkably musical high-fidelity performance, with
25 dB (56.2 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa*
Maximum input sound level profound realism and depth, presence and purity of sound. As much as we admire
142 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D. the great microphones of the world, this new 50 Series cardioid condenser is pure
Signal-to-noise ratio1
innovation, not emulation. Wherever your passion for music takes you, listen for more.
89 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa*
Noise1 5 dB SPL audio-technica.com
Impedance 50 ohms
Dynamic range (typical)
137 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
*1 Pascal = 10 dynes/cm2 = 10 microbars = 94 dB SPL
1
Typical, A-weighted, using Audio Precision System One.
Mic Types & how they work
Heres what engineers are saying about the i5: Thanks to the Audix i5, getting a great snare
drum sound is something that I take for
granted. The i5 is what style of music. It is
The best thing to happen to snare drums since The Audix i5 is a
equally outstanding on stage and in the studio.
Charlie Watts! workhorse and is
The i5 keeps everyone happy: drummers,
Paul Hager - Front of House Engineer - Miley Cyrus one of the most
engineers, producers, and the audience.
durable mics I own.
I have been using the i5 on snare (top and It can adapt to most Charles A Martinez - Front of House Engineer -
situations, Steely Dan
bottom) for for five years, and its become one of
my favorites. This microphone has an incredible but I prefer it
SPL response with a smooth low end, and is on snare because it This mic is slammin! If youre tired of a heavy stick
durable enough to stand up to all the abuse from doesnt color hit blowing your snare mic cap to pieces, youll
touring. the natural tone love the Audix i5!
of the drum. Anthony Roberts - Monitor Engineer -
Stephen Shaw - Front of House Engineer - Buckcherry
Joe Amato - Tower of Power
Front of House
On the road you need three things: WD-40, gaffer Engineer -
tape, and an Audix i5. Use the first if it wont move, The Gaslight Anthem
the second so it doesnt move, and use the i5
when it has to sound good. The Audix i5 is the
thinking mans standard for an all-purpose snare
I am quite
mic.
familiar with the
Howard Burke - Front of House Engineer - Little Feat Audix i5, because I use it
on both of Travis Barkers snares.
When JD Blair (Shania Twain) is out with us, The i5 handles the high SPLs of his fast
I use only Audix mics on his kit. and hard playing, as well as the
I have also used them for subtle nuances of his delicate
Derico Watson rolls, all without coloration or
(Victor Wooten distortion. This mic helps me
Band) for years. get a great mix!
For full clarity, Jason Decter -
body, and Front of House Engineer -
accurate snare Blink 182
reproduction,
I trust only the i5.
Audix has never Audix is extremely proud of
let me down!
our award-winning i5 dynamic
Jack Trifiro -
Front of House Engineer -
microphone, and of the many prestigious
Shania Twain, Victor Wooten Band artists and audio pros who rely on it for live
performances and studio sessions. The i5
accurately captures the backbeat of every
drum kit - the snare drum.
www.audixusa.com
Taking
to
task
Choosing The Right
Microphone For The Job
Theres no such thing as
aone-size-fits-all mic, so
how do you choose whats
best for you?
Paul White
W
hile we humans get by with
asingle set of ears for every
listening application, it isnt so
easy when it comes to microphones. For
astart, their prices range from affordable to
astronomical, and while some are built with
sonic accuracy in mind, others are designed
to convey some kind of sonic flattery. It is
particularly difficult to recommend abest
vocal microphone, as the experienced
engineer will usually try to find amicrophone
that emphasises the more pleasing aspects
of apersons voice while giving less
prominence to the less desirable aspects.
Then there are other factors that affect
the way amicrophone behaves, such as
microphone placement and room acoustics.
Part of the problem arises because the
human hearing system involves alot of
psychoacoustic processing in the brain.
There are also mechanical considerations,
such as the shape of the ears and the
head-masking effect, that allow us to
interpret asubtle change in the frequency
spectrum as achange in the position of
the sound source. We can also pick out
If your chosen mic is set up in apoorly treated room, it may never sound good. Make sure
you use appropriate treatment, like aReflexion Filter if youre avocalist, for example.
well connected
Rigging, Connecting & Caring For Your Microphones
Looking after your mics effectively and knowing how to not in use, or in apurpose-designed case
or storage unit where they should be
rig them properly should ensure that you see years of held securely, and protected from dust,
trouble-free use from your collection... damp and rapid or extreme changes in
temperature. Capacitor microphones
Hugh Robjohns asignificant effect on the are particularly sensitive to damp
M
microphones tonal quality in and dust, and Iprefer to store mine
icrophones are delicate some cases. in strong freezer bags
technical instruments some
more so than others that
Caring For
need careful handling, rigging and Microphones
storage if they are to provide along and Microphones should be
reliable service life. The greatest risk stored in their individual
to amicrophone lies in being dropped manufacturers cases when
on to ahard surface, since this is likely
Where possible, always store your
to damage the capsule, diaphragm or microphones in apurpose-built
internal electronics, and even amodest case preferably one made for that
dent in the wire mesh grille can have specific model of microphone.
generally use aseven-pin XLR (but with used (see Star Quality box, overleaf). as clicks or noise superimposed on the
avariety of different and incompatible The cable screen is intended to microphones signal. For this reason,
wiring conventions). prevent electrostatic and RF interference foil- and CP-screened cables tend to be
Microphones with XLR outputs from reaching the inner signal cores, and used in fixed installations rather than as
are designed to be used within there are several different types of screen. general-purpose or stage mic cables.
alow-impedance and balanced interface, Some cables use abraided or woven Another form of screening is the
and expect to see apreamp input screen, but these are fiddly to unpick lapped and double-lapped (or Reussen)
impedance of typically 1.5k to 2.5k. before aconnector can be soldered to the screen, and this tends to be more
However, this value varies with different cable, and can bunch up and open out if common on higher-quality microphone
preamp designs and can affect the the cable is bent over tight radii, reducing cables. In these cases the screen is formed
microphone tonality in some cases. the screening effectiveness and making from amulti-stranded band of wires that
Microphone cables come in avariety
of forms and specifications, as well
as lengths. Given the very low output
Coiling cables properly so that they wont
signal that most microphones produce
it obviously makes sense to keep
tangle is an acquired skill that is well
microphone cables as short as practicable, worth mastering.
but its not unusual to find professional
rigs with microphones connected to cable coiling very difficult. are wrapped in an overlapping spiral
50-100 metres of cable without any A lot of modern cables use afoil around the inner cores. The Reussen
significant loss of quality. Most cables or conductive plastic screen that is version has asecond layer of lapped
comprise two inner wires twisted together bonded to the inside of the protective screening wires wound in the opposite
for the balanced signal, sometimes cable sheath. These provide guaranteed direction to provide even better screening
spaced with packing cords, and 100-percent coverage under all coverage and cable flexibility.
surrounding that is ascreen of some form, conditions and are easy to remove when The outer sheath diameter and
followed by the tough protective outer preparing the cable for wiring; adrain material are also important in the overall
layer or sheath. The lay length or the wire usually runs alongside the foil cable performance. Thicker sheaths
rate of twist of the inner pair affects the or conductive plastic (CP) to provide provide greater mechanical damage
cables ability to reject electromagnetic the screen connection. However, in protection but also make the cable
interference to some extent, and where some circumstances this type of cable stiffer, and stiff cables tend to transmit
high rejection of EM interference from construction can become microphonic, mechanical vibration directly into the
nearby cables is important, an alternative meaning that movement of the cable can microphone, resulting in unwanted
construction, called star-quad, is often generate electrical signals which manifest subsonic noise. They can also be harder
rodemic.com/soundbooth
Rigging & Caring For your mic
On the
double!
An Introduction To Stereo Mic Arrays
Finding the right mics for your needs will set
you on your way to making great recordings, but
expanding your collection to include at least one
pair will open up all kinds of stereo possibilities...
Hugh Robjohns and they are always fully
mono-compatible. The
T
latter means that the quality
here are three fundamental stereo doesnt change significantly
microphone techniques, each with when auditioned in mono.
several variations on the theme, In contrast, spaced
and all with their routes in pioneering techniques tend to deliver
research carried out in the 1930s. These afar more spacious and
can be broadly categorised as coincident, ambiguous soundstage with very
near-coincident and spaced. In very diffuse imaging, akin perhaps to
general terms, coincident techniques awatercolour painting. Many people timbral character
tend to produce finely detailed stereo prefer this kind of stereo presentation, can change quite
imaging equivalent perhaps to but mono compatibility is usually dramatically when auditioned
adetailed line drawing or aphotograph compromised to some degree, as the in mono. The near-coincident techniques,
as the term implies, offer ablend of the
characteristics of both coincident and
spaced techniques, but with generally less
extreme strengths and weaknesses.
Coincident Techniques
Coincident-microphone stereo
techniques are so-called because the two
microphones are mounted such that their
diaphragms are aligned (or coincident)
for the vertical axis. In other words, the
microphone capsules are arranged to sit
with one directly above the other, so that
sounds arriving from sources arranged in
front of the microphones will reach both
capsules simultaneously. In this way there
can be no timing or phase differences
between the information carried in the
left and right sound channels, which
only leaves the possibility of amplitude
differences. Those amplitude differences
are produced by the use of directional
microphones pointed in different
In acoincident array, the microphones are placed so that the capsule of one mic is directly directions!
above the capsule of the other. This ensures that sound arrives at both microphones at the Typically, cardioid, hyper-cardioid or
same time, with directional information being conveyed through level differences only. figure-of-eight polar patterns will be used,
the relative perspectives of different between the other two. Spaced Techniques
microphone arrays is to compare them Choosing which coincident array to
to camera lenses. The figure-of-eights use in agiven situation is an iterative The spaced microphone technique
are the equivalent of atelephoto lens process with several variables. The deliberately captures timing and phase
(they need to be placed along way back required recording perspective, which is differences between the two channels,
to get everything in!) and the cardioids determined in part by the halls acoustics, because sound from asource near the
are awide-angle lens, needing to be will indicate the approximate microphone side of the recording area will inherently
very close to fill the frame. Extending array position, and that will then reach one microphone before the other.
this dubious analogy alittle further, determine the required polar patterns Depending on the distances involved,
coincident hyper-cardioids with amutual to achieve the necessary image width. there may also be asmall level difference
angle of 90 degrees produce an SRA of There is then usually some adjustment of too. Although any polar pattern could be
about 140 degrees and are more like position, mutual angle and polar patterns used in aspaced array, the most common
astandard lens, being roughly midway to optimise the sound quality. approach is to use omnidirectional
microphones. Indeed, this is the only than about 1m tend to leave ahole in the Stichting). Near-coincident arrays use
stereo technique that can use a pair of centre of the image: acondition that is directional microphones configured with
omnidirectional microphones. It is often usually rectified by the addition of athird, amutual angle and spaced apart, so that
used where the greater bass extension central microphone, such as in the Decca they capture timing, phase and amplitude
and natural off-axis sound character of Tree array. differences proportional to the angle of
omnidirectional microphones is preferred. sound incidence. The ORTF array uses
If omnidirectional microphones are
Near-Coincident Arrays cardioids with amutual angle of 110
spaced by about 0.5m the effective The two best-known near-coincident degrees and spaced 0.17m apart, and
SRA is roughly 100 degrees, with wider arrays are the ORTF and NOS arrays, produces an SRA of about 95 degrees.
separations reducing the SRA and vice which are both named after the European The NOS array also uses cardioids but
versa. Spacing the mics less than about Broadcasting companies that invented with asmaller 90-degree mutual angle
0.37m results in alack of any real sense of them (Office de Radiodiffusion Tlvision and alarger 0.3m spacing, to produce an
stereo imaging, while separations greater Franaise and Nederlandse Omroep SRA of about 80 degrees.
Pre school
final recorded material, and its perfectly
possible to make hit records with the
standard preamps in aMackie console!
Most mic preamps are solid-state,
which means that they perform the
necessary amplification using discrete
Understanding Microphone Preamps transistor or integrated op-amp gain
stages, but some use vacuum tubes. Many
The best microphone in the world is useless without away use Class-A circuit topologies but others
T
designs employ
he output signal produced by virtually input and output
every microphone is very small, so transformers.
for all practical applications, it needs Output
to be amplified to raise it up to the typical transformers
line level that recorders and other audio provide galvanic
equipment expect to receive. The device isolation, which helps
that does this is called a microphone avoid ground loops
preamplifier or mic preamp. Mic because there is only
preamps are sometimes built into magnetic coupling (ie. no
recorders, and are usually included in electrical connection) through the
each input channel of amixing console, transformer, and input transformers
but they are also available as stand-alone step up the signal voltage providing
pieces of equipment. free gain, which reduces the workload
A number of strategies can be of the electronics. They also limit the audio
Alhough expensive
employed in the design and construction preamps may offer bandwidth to some extent and introduce
of amic preamp, as Ill explain, with each arange of extra facilities, its harmonic distortion both of which
having advantages and disadvantages. actually perfectly possible to make can be musically appealing in the right
In general, however, all are capable of great recordings using just the preamps circumstances.
superb performance when designed and on abudget console.
implemented well. While there are clearly
Impedance
audible differences between modern faster slew rate (meaning that they can The balanced microphone interface is
budget preamps and exotic high-end represent transient signals such as drum designed to work as alow-impedance
units, those differences are generally quite hits more faithfully), more gain, less phase voltage-transfer system, where the
small far smaller than the difference shift, and more headroom than more preamps input impedance is roughly five
made by moving amicrophone relative to modestly priced preamps, and sometimes to 10 times higher than the microphones
the source by afew inches, for example! these things are important... but often such source impedance. The principal benefit
High-end units may have wider bandwidth, benefits have relatively little impact on the is that this allows very long microphone
specs appeal
Understanding Product Specifications
Theres a load of information on every model in
this guide, but what does it actually tell you about how
the microphone is likely to perform?
Hugh Robjohns (which include electret forms) are
W
sub-divided into three diaphragm
hen considering the purchase size ranges, the reason being that this
of a new microphone it is often parameter determines several other
useful to draw up ashortlist important characteristics, such as
of potentially suitable models based on sensitivity, self-noise, high-frequency
things like price and technical performance, response, and off-axis coloration.
the latter being determined from the Larger diaphragms are more sensitive
manufacturers published specifications. and have lower self-noise, while
The specification data included in this smaller diaphragms are less sensitive
guide has been gathered directly from and have higher self-noise, but have
The specifications of each microphone
the manufacturers and has, as far as abetter high-end response and suffer
are clearly listed beside each model in the
is practicable, been standardised to less off-axis coloration. guide, along with any accessories that are
ensure the fairest possible comparisons. Valve microphones are also identified supplied with the microphone, and any
More extensive information, including separately, although they are always optional accessories that can be purchased
polar and frequency response plots, and capacitor mics, usually with external power from the manufacturer.
comprehensive search tools can be found supplies. Boundary layer (usually electret
on the independent Microphone Data web capsules) or pressure-zone mics have boundary itself reduces the polar pattern
site (found at www.microphone-data.com), avery different physical form from all other to ahemisphere instead of being
many of which have links back to the SOS microphones and thus deserve aseparate omnidirectional. The Ear/Sphere/Dummy
review of the corresponding microphones, identifier again, along with asub-group head option refers to specialised binaural
where available. called specialised application mics, which recording arrangements.
Much of the microphone specification includes drum mics, piano mics, string and To conclude the basic description
data is probably self-explanatory, but brass clip-on mics and head-worn mics. and identification of each microphone,
some terms may be less familiar, or the These usually have bespoke mounting the guide lists the maximum dimensions
significance of some specifications might arrangements and/or specialised technical and weight, along with any supplied and
not be entirely obvious, so its probably specifications, such as unusually high SPL optional accessories.
worthwhile explaining what they all mean ratings.
and what the implications or relevance A microphones polar response derives
Dealing With Decibels
might be in arriving at purchasing decisions. from one of three principal operating Having identified the type of microphone
modes: pressure operated (omni), pressure we are dealing with, the guide goes
Product Type & Polar Pattern gradient (figure-of-eight) and interference on to specify most of the all-important
The electrical technology employed in tube (rifle). The additional polar responses engineering parameters, starting with the
amicrophone is completely independent listed are obtained by combining pressure bandwidth. To be of value, the frequency
of its acoustic mode of operation (which and pressure-gradient operation in response should be quoted with amplitude
determines the polar response), and these various proportions through the use of limits (such as 3dB) to define the extent
two fundamental properties can be freely phase-shift capsule designs, resulting in of included amplitude variation, but not
mixed and matched by the manufacturers sub-cardioid (or hypo-cardioid), cardioid, every manufacturer seems able or willing
to achieve the desired performance and hyper-cardioid and super-cardioid patterns. to provide this information. In any case,
practical characteristics of each mic design. Rifle microphones are usually based on it is often more beneficial to examine
This guide identifies amicrophones hyper- or super-cardioid capsules with afrequency response chart to fully
electrical technology which is the major aslotted interference tube mounted in appreciate the nature of any presence
influence on its physical form within front of the diaphragm. The tube provides peaks, bass proximity effects, and the
eight product type categories. The list improved rejection of high-frequency rate of roll-off at the bandwidth extremes,
starts with dynamic, which in this specific signals located to the sides, and alonger as well as to inspect the polar response
case means amoving-coil microphone, tube maintains the narrow directionality to plots to note how the frequency response
as opposed to aribbon mic, which has lower frequencies. Most boundary-layer varies for off-axis sounds. Unfortunately
its own identifier. Capacitor microphones mics are pressure-operated, but the space prevents the inclusion of such
DYNAMIC
MICROPHONES
Dynamic mics encompass both moving-coil microphones and ribbon
microphones, but as the two types are so different, weve given the
ribbon mics their own dedicated section. Moving-coil dynamic mics
might seem like the poor relation of the capacitor microphone in
that they tend to be less sensitive and have less high-frequency reach
but they can still be the best choice in some situations. Their direct,
punchy sound makes them popular for close-miking drums
and guitar amps, while some rock and
urban artists prefer them for recording
vocals. Moving-coil mics also have
the advantage of being physically
tough, they require no phantom
power, andmany models can handle
extremely high SPLs.
AKG D5
$99
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
Founded in Vienna in 1947, AKG Acoustics are a Polar: Supercardioid SA: Protective bag,
manufacturer of microphones, headphones, wireless Dim: 51 x 285 (mm) stand adaptor
Wght: -
audio systems and related accessories for professional Freq: 70Hz - 20kHz
OA: -
and consumer markets. Some of their vintage models, Out Sens: 2.6mV/Pa
like the C12, are both rare and desirable, while their Max SPL: 147dB
Self Noise: 18dBA
current models, including the C414, can be found in Out Imp: <600
studios around the world. Rec Load: >2000
Pwr Type: -
HQ: www.akg.com Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
D7 Pad: - Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
D40
Filt Freq: -
$179 Slope: -
$99 Slope: -
Polar: Supercardioid SA: Replacement inner Polar: Cardioid SA: Case, adapter plate
Dim: 51 x 185 (mm) windscreen, protective Dim: 44 x 104 (mm) OA: -
Wght: 340g case, stand adaptor Wght: 245g
Freq: 70Hz - 20kHz OA: - Freq: 75Hz - 20kHz
Out Sens: 2.6mV/Pa Out Sens: 4mV/Pa
Max SPL: 147dB Max SPL: 144dB
Self Noise: 18dBA Self Noise: 18dBA
Out Imp: <600 Out Imp: <200
Rec Load: >2000 Rec Load: >1000
Pwr Type: - Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: - Alt Pwr: -
SC: - SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M) Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Audix i5
$150
Founded in 1984 in California, Audix are a well- Polar: Cardioid
respected manufacturer of microphones for stage, Dim: 38 x 142 (mm)
Wght: 183g
studio and specialised purposes. Their dynamic mics, in Freq: 50Hz - 16kHz
particular, are very popular with engineers. Out Sens: 1.5mV/Pa
Max SPL: 140dB
HQ: www.audixusa.com Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 150
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
OM7 Pad: -
SA: Heavy-duty nylon mic clip
Filt Freq: -
$310 Slope: -
(MC1), carrying pouch (P1)
Polar: Cardioid OA: Foam windscreen (WS-i5),
SA: Heavy duty nylon various mounts
Dim: 53 x 176 (mm) clip (MC1), carrying
Wght: 307g pouch (P1)
SOS Review (May 2007)
Freq: 48Hz - 19kHz OA: Foam windscreen
(WS357) www.soundonsound.com/sos/
Out Sens: 0.8mV/Pa
may07/articles/audixi5.htm
Max SPL: 144dB
Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 150
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
www.gracedesign.com
DYNAMIC MICROPHONES
f2 Pad: - f6
Filt Freq: -
$115 Slope: -
$180
Polar: Hypercardioid SA: Clip, pouch Polar: Hypercardioid
Dim: 104mm OA: - Dim: 121mm
Wght: 247g Wght: 311g
Freq: 52Hz - 15kHz Freq: 40Hz - 16kHz
Out Sens: 2.0mV/Pa Out Sens: 1.2mV/Pa
Max SPL: 139dB Max SPL: 140dB
Self Noise: - Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 580 Out Imp: 580
Rec Load: - Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: - Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: - Alt Pwr: -
SC: - SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M) Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
f5 Pad: - SA: Clip, pouch
Filt Freq: -
$115 Slope: -
OA: -
Polar: Hypercardioid SA: Clip, pouch
Dim: 145mm OA: -
Wght: 283g
Freq: 55Hz - 15kHz
Out Sens: 2.2mV/Pa
Max SPL: 137dB
Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 580
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Avantone ADM
$79
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
SA: -
Avantone are best known for their Mixcube single- Polar: Cardioid OA: -
driver loudspeakers, but they also make a range Dim: -
Wght: 350g
of high-quality solid-state and valve condenser Freq: 50Hz - 16kHz
microphones, as well as dynamic drum mics and Out Sens: -
ribbonmics. Max SPL: 145dB
Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 520
HQ: www.avantonepro.com Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
SC: -
Pad: -
Beyerdynamic M88TG
$399
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
Beyerdynamic have been an industry leader in Polar: Hypercardioid SA: Clamp (MKV 8),
the design and manufacture of premium-grade Dim: 49 x 181 (mm) padded pouch
Wght: 320g
microphones, headphones and wireless microphone Freq: 30Hz - 20kHz
OA: Pop shield,
windshield
systems since 1924. Their microphone range covers Out Sens: 2.9mV/Pa
pretty much every type, including dynamic, capacitor Max SPL: -
Self Noise: -
and ribbon models. Out Imp: 200
Rec Load: >1000
USA: www.americanmusicandsound.com Pwr Type: -
HQ: www.beyerdynamic.com Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
TG V70D Pad: -
TG V50D
Filt Freq: -
$249 Slope: -
$149
Polar: Hypercardioid SA: Microphone clamp, Polar: Cardioid
Dim: 54 x 185 (mm) soft case Dim: 54 x 185 (mm)
Wght: 345g OA: Wind shield (WS59). Wght: 270g
Freq: 25Hz - 18kHz Microphone also available Freq: 50Hz - 17kHz
Out Sens: 3.2mV/Pa in a switched version: TG Out Sens: 2.4mV/Pa
Max SPL: - V70DS Max SPL: -
Self Noise: - Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 280 Out Imp: 600
Rec Load: - Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: - Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: - Alt Pwr: -
SC: - SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M) Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
TG V71D Pad: - SA: Microphone clamp, soft case
Filt Freq: -
$249 Slope: -
OA: Wind shield (WS59).
Microphone also available in a
Polar: Hypercardioid SA: Microphone clamp, switched version: TG V50DS
Dim: 54 x 185 (mm) soft case
Wght: 345g OA: Wind shield (WS59)
Freq: 35Hz - 18kHz
Out Sens: 3.2mV/Pa
Max SPL: -
Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 420
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: -
Electro-Voice N/D267a
$79
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
Electro-Voice (commonly referred to as EV) are Polar: Cardioid SA: -
a manufacturer of audio equipment, including Dim: 52 x 181 (mm) OA: -
Wght: 238g
microphones, amplifiers and loudspeakers. Electro- Freq: 45Hz - 15kHz
Voice market their products for use in small or large Out Sens: 2.9mV/Pa
concert venues, broadcasting, houses of worship, and Max SPL: -
Self Noise: -
retail situations. Out Imp: 600
Rec Load: -
HQ: www.electrovoice.com Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
systems, headphones and earphones. JTS have official Out Sens: 2.5mV/Pa
distributors in over 70 countries, and are also an OEM Max SPL: 148dB
Self Noise: 19dBA
supplier of tailor-made products. Out Imp: 600
Rec Load: >2000
HQ: www.jtsusa.us Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
LD Systems D1USB
69 (US price not
Con via: XLR-3 (M) and
USB
Pad: -
LD Systems is a brand name of the Adam Hall Group, available) Filt Freq: -
associated with a wide range of value-for-money audio Polar: Cardioid Slope: -
Dim: 48 x 195 (mm)
products over the last decade. They offer a range of Wght: 435g
SA: Bag, clamp, USB
cable 3m, tripod stand
Chinese-sourced microphones, with German assembly Freq: 50Hz - 16kHz OA: -
and quality control, incorporating both moving-coil and Out Sens: -
Max SPL: -
capacitor models for stage and studio. Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 600
HQ: www.ld-systems.com Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
D1020 Con via: XLR-3 (M) D1057 Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: - Pad: -
69 (US price not Filt Freq: -
49 (US price not Filt Freq: -
available) Slope: - available) Slope: -
Polar: Hypercardioid SA: Bag, clamp, thread Polar: Cardioid SA: -
Dim: 49 x 190 (mm) adapter Dim: 31 x 155 (mm) OA: -
Wght: 280g OA: - Wght: 250g
Freq: 50Hz - 16kHz Freq: 50Hz - 16.5kHz
Out Sens: - Out Sens: -
Max SPL: 145dB Max SPL: 145dB
Self Noise: - Self Noise: -
Out imp: 370 Out imp: 600
Rec Load: - Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: - Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: - Alt Pwr: -
SC: - SC: -
DTP 640 REX Con via: XLR-3 (M), MTP 440 DM Pad: -
XLR-5 (M) Filt Freq: -
$329 Pad: - $89 Slope: -
Polar: Cardioid Filt Freq: - Polar: Cardioid SA: Leather bag,
Dim: 71 x 158 (mm) Slope: - Dim: 39 x 159 (mm) microphone clip
Wght: 755g SA: Leather bag, Wght: 280g OA: -
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz audio cable Freq: 60Hz - 16kHz
Out Sens: 2.5mV/Pa OA: - Out Sens: 2.5mV/Pa
and 3.6mV/Pa Max SPL: -
Max SPL: 168dB Self Noise: -
Self Noise: 26dBA Out Imp: <500
Out Imp: <200 Rec Load: -
Rec Load: >1000 Pwr Type: -
Pwr Type: P48 Alt Pwr: -
Alt Pwr: - SC: -
SC: - Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Miktek PM9
$199
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
Miktek produce precision microphones, which are Polar: Supercardioid SA: Individual serialised
handmade in Nashville, USA. The company are inspired Dim: 57 x 177 (mm) frequency response
Wght: 500g graph, protective case,
by iconic mics of the past, and develop capsules and Freq: 50Hz - 19kHz microphone clip
unique circuits to capture sound. Using the very latest Out Sens: 1.4mV/Pa OA: -
in audio technology, Mikteks designs are approved by Max SPL: 150dB
Self Noise: -
some of the worlds most acclaimed sound engineers. Out Imp: 300
Rec Load: 300
HQ: www.miktekaudio.com Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Prodipe TT1
$49
French company Prodipe are known for making Polar: Cardioid
monitors with ribbon tweeters, as well as Dim: 48 x 185 (mm)
Wght: -
manufacturing a wide range of low-cost microphones Freq: 50Hz - 15kHz
for stage and studio use. Out Sens: 3.5mV/Pa
Max SPL: -
HQ: www.prodipe.com Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 600
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
MC1 Pad: -
SA: Clamp, bag
Filt Freq: -
$89 Slope: -
OA: -
Polar: Uni-directional SA: Mic clip
Dim: - SOS Review (October
OA: -
Wght: - 2010)
Freq: 50Hz - 16kHz www.soundonsound.
Out Sens: 1.7mV/Pa com/sos/oct10/articles/
Max SPL: - prodipe-tt1.htm
Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 400
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: -
RDE M1
$99
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
Rode are based in Sydney, Australia, where all their Polar: Cardioid SA: Stand mount (RM1),
microphones are designed, and where the majority of Dim: 51 x 171 (mm) zip case (ZP1), lifetime
Wght: 360g warranty
their manufacturing takes place. They make all kinds Freq: 75Hz - 18kHz OA: -
of mics, from valve and solid-state condensers to lapel Out Sens: 1.58mV/Pa
and video microphones. Max SPL: -
Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 320
HQ: www.rodemic.com Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Sennheiser e906
$189.95
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
Longstanding German company Sennheiser make Polar: Supercardioid SA: Pouch,
microphones for a wide range of purposes, including Dim: 55 x 134 (mm) microphone clip
Wght: 140g
conferences, aviation, and music recording and Freq: 40Hz - 18kHz
OA: -
Sontronics STC-80
$149
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -
Sontronics are a British microphone brand founded in Polar: Cardioid,
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
2004 by mic designer and musician Trevor Coley. Their supercardioid
SA: Microphone clip,
range covers small- and large-diaphragm condensers, Dim: 47 x 190 (mm) aluminium flight case,
Wght: 426g lifetime warranty, free
valve and ribbon mics, as well as models made for Freq: 50Hz - 15kHz download of Toontrack
specific purposes, like recording drums and electric Out Sens: 2mV/Pa EZ Drummer Lite
guitar. Max SPL: - OA: Pop shield (ST-POP),
pro audio cables with
Self Noise: -
Out Imp: <600 Neutrik XX connectors,
USA: www.proaudiodesign.com Rec Load: - pro microphone stand)
HQ: www.sontronics.com Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Telefunken-Elektroakustik M80
$249
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
Telefunken Elektroakustik manufacture microphones Polar: Cardioid SA: Leather bag,
ranging from replicas of historic vintage mics to their Dim: 48 x 184 (mm) microphone clip
Wght: 371g
R-F-T series and dynamic models for live use. Their Freq: 30Hz - 18kHz
OA: -
Focusrite And so, the Focusrite DNA was formed, and today lies at the heart of our Scarlett
sound
range of USB 2.0 interfaces. Combined with class-leading digital conversion and
rock-solid driver stability, your sound could not be in safer hands.
on USB 2.0
Whatever your audio recording needs, theres a Focusrite Scarlett interface
for you. All you have to do is choose.
Analog ins 2 2 4 8 8
Analog outs 2 4 4 6 10
Digital ins - - 2 10 10
Digital outs - - 2 2 10
Headphone outs 1 1 2 2 2
S/PDIF N N Y Y Y
MIDI I/O N Y Y Y Y
Bus powered Y Y N N N
Routing software N N Y Y Y
Direct Monitor Y Y Y* Y* Y*
CAPACITOR
MICROPHONES:
LARGE-dIAPHRAGM
Large-diaphragm capacitor microphones (>20mm) are a popular
choice for vocal recording as many models have frequency
responses tuned to colour the sound in a flattering way,
ratherthan simply passing on exactly what they hear. They
are also used in studios to record instruments such as pianos,
drum kits and acoustic guitars. Though they are not always
the best choice forinstruments, their individual sonic flavours
sometimes bring about magical results. Both valve (see the
Valve Microphones section of this guide) and solid-state models
are available. There are also numerous multi-pattern models,
which are a good choice if you cant budget for a whole locker of
differentmicrophones.
AKG C414-XLS
$1049
Founded in Vienna in 1947, AKG Acoustics are a Polar: Omnidirectional, cardioid,
manufacturer of microphones, headphones, wireless hypercardioid, figure-of-8
Dim: 55 x 160 (mm)
audio systems and related accessories for professional Wght: 300g
and consumer markets. Some of their vintage models, Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
like the C12, are both rare and desirable, while their Out Sens: 20mV/Pa
Max SPL: 158dB
current models, including the C414, can be found in Self Noise: 6dBA
studios around the world. Out Imp: <200
Rec Load: >2.2k
HQ: www.akg.com Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: 4mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -6/-12/-18 dB switchable
Filt Freq: 40/80/160 Hz
C414-XLII SC: 4mA
Slope: 12/12/6 dB/Oct
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
$1099 Pad: -6/-12/-18 dB
SA: Shockmount, pop screen,
windscreen, flight case
Polar: Cardioid, switchable
supercardioid, OA: Factory-matched stereo set
Filt Freq: 40/80/160 Hz including mounting bar
hypercardioid Slope: 12/12/6 dB/Oct
Dim: 55 x 160 (mm) SA: Shock mount, pop
Wght: 300g SOS Review (November 2004)
screen, windscreen,
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz www.soundonsound.com/sos/nov04/
flight case
Out Sens: 20mV/Pa OA: Factory-matched articles/akgmics.htm
Max SPL: 158dB stereo set including
Self Noise: 6dBA mounting bar
Out Imp: <200
Rec Load: >2.2k
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
Sterling/Ocean Way
Signature Edition Microphone
Voiced by Allen Sides legendary engineer, producer and multiple
Grammy recipient the ST6050 was inspired by Ocean Ways expansive
collection of superb sounding microphones, spanning many decades
and musical eras.
By combining classic capsule and FET design with modern manufacturing
and consistency, the ST6050 yields stunning clarity with a rich, warm,
open sound and a silky top end ideal for modern artists, producers,
and engineers
2013 Sterling
capacitor microphones: large-diaphragm
Audio-Technica AE3000
$279
Pad: 10dB
Filt Freq: 80Hz
Slope: 12dB/Oct
For 50 years Audio-Technica have aimed to produce Polar: Cardioid SA: Isolation clamp
audio excellence and innovations in transducer Dim: 48 x 116 (mm) for 5/8-27 threaded
Wght: 170g stands (AT8471), 5/8-
technology. Renowned for the design and manufacture Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz 27 to 3/8-16 threaded
of high-quality audio products, the company offers a Out Sens: 7mV/Pa adaptor, soft protective
pouch
complete range of wired and wireless microphones, Max SPL: 148dB
OA: -
Self Noise: 11dB
headphones and accessories for broadcast, live-sound, Out Imp: 100
recording and installed-sound functions. Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48
HQ: www.audio-technica.com Alt Pwr: -
SC: 3mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Audix VX5
$290
Pad: -
Filt Freq: 150Hz
Slope: -
Founded in 1984 in California, Audix are a well- Polar: Supercardioid SA: Clip, pouch
respected manufacturer of microphones for stage, Dim: 181mm (H) OA: -
Wght: 277g
studio and specialised purposes. Their dynamic mics, in Freq: 40Hz - 16.5kHz
particular, are very popular with engineers. Out Sens: 5mV/Pa
Max SPL: 140dB
HQ: www.audixusa.com Self Noise: 26dBA
Out Imp: 150
Rec Load:
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Avantone CK6
$179
Avantone are best known for their Mixcube single- Polar: Cardioid
driver loudspeakers, but they also make a range Dim: -
Wght: -
of high-quality solid-state and valve condenser Freq: 35Hz - 20kHz
microphones, as well as dynamic drum mics and Out Sens: -
ribbonmics. Max SPL: -
Self Noise: 17dBA
Out Imp: 200
HQ: www.avantonepro.com Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -10dB
Filt Freq: 80Hz
Slope: 6dB/Oct
CV-12 Pad: -10dB
SA: Custom retro shockmount,
Filt Freq: 80Hz
$499 Slope: 6dB/Oct
padded wooden microphone box,
padded aluminium carry case,
Polar: Cardioid SA: Custom retro owners manual
Dim: - shockmount, padded OA: -
Wght: - wooden microphone box,
Freq: 35Hz - 20kHz padded aluminium carry
Out Sens: - case, owners manual
Max SPL: - OA: -
Self Noise: 17dBA
Out Imp: 200
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
CK-7 Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
$279 Slope: -
Polar: Cardioid, SA: Shockmount, wooden
omnidirectional, figure-of-8 box in metal carrying case
Dim: 51 x 187 (mm) OA: -
Wght: 650g
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
Out Sens: 12.5mV/Pa
Max SPL: 139dB
Self Noise: 16dBA
Out Imp: 250
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
SC: -
Behringer
Behringer were founded in 1989 and offer equipment
for a range of applications at consumer prices. They
produce a comprehensive product line including
loudspeakers, amplifiers, mixers, powered mixers,
computer-based recording and DJ products,
microphones, headphones, wireless systems, musical
instruments and professional lighting systems.
HQ: www.behringer.com
Beyerdynamic MC840
$1699
SC: 4.6mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -10 and -20 dB
Beyerdynamic have been an industry leader Polar: Omnidirectional, Filt Freq: 80 or 160 Hz
in the design and manufacturer of premium- cardioid, hypercardioid,
figure-of-8
Slope: 6dB/Oct
grade microphones, headphones and wireless Dim: 70 x 165 (mm)
SA: Clamp, elastic
suspension, transport case
microphone systems since 1924. Their Wght: 286g
OA: Pop shield,
Freq: 30Hz - 20kHz
microphone range covers pretty much every type, Out Sens: 18mV/Pa
windscreen, multi-purpose
dual-mount clamp
including dynamic, capacitor and ribbon models. Max SPL: 127dB
Self Noise: 27dBA SOS Review (July 2007)
USA: www.americanmusicandsound.com Out Imp: 180 www.soundonsound.
Rec Load: >1k
HQ: www.beyerdynamic.com Pwr Type: P11 - P52
com/sos/jul07/articles/
beyerdynamicmc840.htm
Alt Pwr: -
Brauner Phanthera
$1934.10
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
Brauner Microphones are a Germany-based Polar: Cardioid SA: Shockmount,
manufacturer of hand-crafted high-end microphones. Dim: 50 x 150 (mm) XLR-Vovox cable,
Wght: 500g aluminium case
The company were founded in 1995 by Sound Engineer Freq: 20Hz - 22kHz OA: Pop filter (P120-
Dirk Brauner. Out Sens: 28mV/Pa VT)
Max SPL: 142dB
HQ: www.braunerusa.com Self Noise: 11dBA SOS Review (August
Out Imp: 200 2007)
Rec Load: >1k www.soundonsound.
Pwr Type: P48 com/sos/
Alt Pwr: - aug07/articles/
SC: 10mA braunerphanthera.htm
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
USA: www.soundpure.com
HQ: www.charteroakacoustics.com
E700
$899
Polar: Omnidirectional, cardioid,
figure-of-8
Dim: -
Wght: -
Freq: 25Hz - 20kHz
Out Sens: 16mV/Pa
Max SPL: 125dB
Self Noise: 17dBA
Out Imp: <200
Rec Load: >200
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -10dB/-20dB
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
SA: Flight case, shockmount
OA: -
Editors Keys
Editors Keys manufacture shortcut editing
keyboards and USB microphones. The new SL Series
of microphones offer broadcast-quality sound and
plug directly into your USB port, and have received
some excellent reviews.
HQ: www.editorskeys.com
capacitor microphones: large-diaphragm
Elation KM901
$1170
SC: 2.5mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: 0dB, -10dB, +6dB
Elation are a Russian manufacturer specialising in Polar: Cardioid, Filt Freq: flat, 150Hz,
condenser microphones. Their aim is to design mics supercardioid, figure-
of-8
300Hz
that combine a wide dynamic range and high SPL- Dim: 51 x 210 (mm)
Slope: 0, 3, 6 dB/Oct
SA: Ash or oak wooden
handling capability with a warm and defined sound. Wght: 610g case
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz OA: Shockmount, pop
Out Sens: 25mV/Pa
HQ: www.elationmiclab.com Max SPL: 140dB
shield, cable, windscreen
Electro-Voice RE200
$349
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
Electro-Voice (commonly referred to as EV) are Polar: Cardioid SA: -
a manufacturer of audio equipment, including Dim: 28 x 137 (mm) OA: Stand adaptor, desk
Wght: 185g
microphones, amplifiers and loudspeakers. Electro- Freq: 50Hz - 18kHz
stand with rubber mount,
isolating shockmount,
Voice market their products for use in small or large Out Sens: 10mV/Pa foam windscreen
concert venues, broadcasting, houses of worship, and Max SPL: 130dB
Self Noise: 21dBA
retail situations. Out Imp: 200
Rec Load: -
HQ: www.electrovoice.com Pwr Type: P12, P52
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Flea Flea 12
$4235.80
Con via: C12
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Flea Microphones are a Slovakian custom manufacturer Polar: Omnidirectional, Slope: -
of large-diaphragm microphones, mechanical spare cardioid, figure-of-8
SA: Wooden box, PSU
Dim: 48 x 260 (mm)
parts and accessories for old vintage microphones. Wght: 600g
with built-in pattern
selector, microphone
Freq: 30Hz - 18kHz cap, cable with swivel
USA: www.vintageking.com Out Sens: 10mV/Pa connector
HQ: www.flea-microphones.com Max SPL: 138dB OA: Flight case,
shockmount, vintage
Self Noise: 15dBA
Out Imp: 50/200 hardware (PSU/pattern
Rec Load: 500/2k selector)
Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Josephson C700A
$4590
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Josephson Engineering are a microphone manufacturer Polar: Omnidirectional, Slope: -
catering to the professional studio, home studio, figure-of-8
SA: Pelican brand hard
Dim: -
broadcast and live sound markets. The company were Wght: -
case
OA: -
founded in 1988. Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
Out Sens: 9mV/Pa
HQ: www.josephson.com Max SPL: 135dB
Self Noise: <15dBA
Out Imp: -
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: 2 x P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
JTS JS-1
$209.95
Pad: -10dB
Filt Freq: 80Hz
Slope: 6dB/Oct
JTS Professional, founded in 1982, are a Taiwan-based Polar: Cardioid SA: Spider, windscreen
company who manufacturer professional microphones, Dim: 56 x 184 (mm) OA: -
Wght: 480g
wireless systems, conference systems, tour guide Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
systems, headphones and earphones. JTS have official Out Sens: 12.6mV/Pa
distributors in over 70 countries, and are also an OEM Max SPL: 132dB
Self Noise: 20dBA
supplier for tailor-made products. Out Imp: 200
Rec Load: >1k
HQ: www.jtsusa.us Pwr Type: P36-52
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Michael Wagener
Mtley Cre, Poison, Metallica, Alice Cooper, White Lion,
Megadeth, Skid Row, Janet Jackson, Queen, Ozzy Osbourne,
Dokken, and a lot more (visit www.michaelwagener.com)
LD Systems D1013CUSB
95 (US price not available)
LD Systems is a brand name of the Adam Hall Group, Polar: Cardioid
associated with a wide range of value-for-money audio Dim: 55 x 180 (mm)
Wght: 385g
products over the last decade. They offer a range of Freq: 30Hz - 18kHz
Chinese-sourced microphones, with German assembly Out Sens: -
and quality control, incorporating both moving-coil and Max SPL: 140dB
Self Noise: -
capacitor models for stage and studio. Out imp: -
Rec Load: -
HQ: www.ld-systems.com Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: USB
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
DVOX Con via: XLR-3 (M)
SA: Shockmount, zip bag, USB-
Pad: -
279 (US price not Filt Freq: -
cable
available) Slope: -
OA: -
Polar: cardioid SA: case, foam
Dim: 58 x 163 (mm) windscreen, shock
Wght: 630g mount
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz OA: -
Out Sens: 29.3mV/Pa
Max SPL: 129dB
Self Noise: 87.5dBA
Out imp: 200
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
D1105 Con via: XLR-3 (M) D1012C Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: - Pad: -
35 (US price not Filt Freq: -
115 (US price not Filt Freq: -
available) Slope: - available) Slope: -
Polar: Hypercardioid SA: Leather gig bag, Polar: Cardioid SA: Bag, clamp, thread
Dim: 50 x 180 (mm) microphone clip Dim: 32 x 212 (mm) adapter
Wght: 345g OA: - Wght: 490g OA: -
Freq: 50Hz - 16kHz Freq: 35Hz - 20kHz
Out Sens: 2.2mV/Pa Out Sens: -
Max SPL: 144dB Max SPL: 142dB
Self Noise: - Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 600 Out Imp: 200
Rec Load: - Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: - Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: - Alt Pwr: 9V battery
SC: - SC: -
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Features:
Case studies that look at small studios specific problems
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Use discount code SOS13 at checkout.
capacitor microphones: large-diaphragm
Miktek C7
$899
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Miktek produce precision microphones, which are Polar: Omnidirectional, Con via: XLR-3 (M)
handmade in Nashville, USA. They are inspired by iconic cardioid, figure-of-8
Pad: -10dB
Dim: 57 x 203 (mm)
mics of the past, and develop capsules and unique Wght: 680g
Filt Freq: 80Hz
Slope: 6dB/Oct
circuits to capture sound. Using the very latest in audio Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
SA: Wood presentation
technology, Mikteks designs are approved by some of Out Sens: -29, -34, -38
dBV/Pa
case, serialised
frequency response
the worlds most acclaimed sound engineers. Max SPL: 118, 123, graph, swivel-mount,
127 dB shockmount, aluminium
HQ: www.miktekaudio.com Self Noise: 13, 18,
22dB
carry case
OA: -
Out Imp: -
Rec Load: -
Mojave Audio
Founded by David Royer (known for his ribbon mic designs for Royer Labs) in
1985, Mojave Audio were a one-man, custom pro-audio gear shop. Since the
mid-1990s, Mojave mics have been used by high-end engineers on a number
of well-known recordings. The company were relaunched in 2005, with Davids
non-ribbon mic designs.
HQ: www.mojaveaudio.com
TLM 103D Con via: XLR-3 (M) U87ai Pwr Type: P48
Pad: - Alt Pwr: BS48 battery or
$1599.95 Filt Freq: -
$3199.95 N248 mains
Polar: Cardioid Slope: - Polar: Omnidirectional, SC: 0.8mA
Dim: 60 x 132 (mm) SA: Stand mount, cardioid, figure-of-8 Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Wght: 450g wooden box Dim: 56 x 200 (mm) Pad: -10dB
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz OA: Elastic Wght: 500g Filt Freq: -
Out Sens: 11mV/Pa suspension, Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz Slope: -
Max SPL: - auditorium hanger, Out Sens: 20, 28, SA: Wooden box
Self Noise: 7dBA windscreen, pop 22mV/Pa OA: Battery power
Out Imp: - shield, popscreen Max SPL: 117dB supply, mains PSU,
Rec Load: - (cardioid), 127dB with elastic suspension,
Pwr Type: Digital phantom 10db pre-att swivel mount,
Alt Pwr: DM-I series, DiGiCo Self Noise: 15, 12, 14 dBA popscreen,
AES 42-input card Out Imp: 200 windscreen
SC: - Rec Load: 1k
MC51 Con via: XLR-3 (M) MC404 (Stereo) Pwr Type: P48
Pad: -10dB Alt Pwr: -
$1199 Filt Freq: -
$1299 SC: 10mA
Polar: Omnidirectional, Slope: - Polar: Omnidirectional, Con via: XLR-5 (M)
cardioid, figure-of-8 SA: Shockmount clip, subcardioid, cardioid, Pad: -
Dim: 50 x 219 (mm) hardwood box supercardioid,
Filt Freq: 100Hz
Wght: 440g hypercardioid, figure-
OA: - Slope: 6dB/Oct
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz of-8
Dim: 51 x 225 (mm) SA: Shockmount clip,
Out Sens: 10mV/Pa SOS Review (May 1995) XLR cable, hardwood
Max SPL: 140dB Wght: 320g
www.soundonsound.com/ box
Self Noise: 17dBA Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
sos/1995_articles/may95/ OA: -
Out Imp: 50 Out Sens: 12mV/Pa
nevationmc51.html
Rec Load: 1k Max SPL: 134dB
Pwr Type: P48 Self Noise: 12dBA
Alt Pwr: - Out Imp: 50
SC: 10mA Rec Load: 1k
Oktava MK-101
$293
Pad: -10dB
Filt Freq: 200Hz
Slope: -
Oktava are the oldest major Russian manufacturer Polar: Cardioid SA: -10dB pad,
of professional audio equipment, famous for their Dim: 55 x 165 (mm) microphone holder
Wght: 260g
ribbon models as well as small- and large-diaphragm Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
OA: Swivel joint,
low-cut filter,
condenser microphones. Out Sens: 15mV/Pa shockmount, pop
Max SPL: 122dB filter
HQ: www.oktavausa.com Self Noise: <18dBA
Out Imp: 150
Rec Load: 1k
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: 8mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pearl CC22
$1532
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
Pearl are a Swedish manufacturer of high-end Polar: Cardioid SA: Wooden box,
microphones. Their large-diaphragm condensers Dim: 32 x 150 (mm) shockmount
Wght: 270g
are based around unusual rectangular capsules, and Freq: 20Hz - 25kHz
OA: Windscreen
they also make a stereo mic, the ELM-A. All Pearl Out Sens: 18mV/Pa SOS Review (September
microphones are hand-made in Sweden. Max SPL: 126dB 2004)
Self Noise: 12dBA www.soundonsound.
Out Imp: 100
USA: www.independentaudio.com Rec Load: 1k
com/sos/sep04/articles/
pearlcc22.htm
HQ: www.pearl.se Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: 2.3mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Peluso P-Stereo
$1443.94
Con via: XLR-5 (M)
Pad: -10dB
Filt Freq: -
Peluso produce top-quality studio microphones Polar: Omnidirectional, Slope: -
inspired by classic vintage designs. Hand assembled cardioid, figure-of-8
SA: Shockmount, wooden
Dim: 46 x 262 (mm)
from quality modern and vintage components, Peluso Wght: 750g
box, PSU and cable, XLR-5
(M) cable, flight case
mics are extensively tested by computer frequency Freq: 17Hz - 25kHz OA: -
response and human listening tests, ensuring the Out Sens: 12mV/Pa
Max SPL: 148dB
lowest noise standards. Self Noise: 15dBA
Out Imp: 200
HQ: www.pelusomicrophonelab.com Rec Load: 1k
Pwr Type: PSU
Alt Pwr: P48
SC: 6mA
Prodipe ST1
$109
Pad: -10dB
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
French company Prodipe are known for making Polar: Cardioid SA: Flight case,
monitors with ribbon tweeters, as well as Dim: - shockmount
Wght: -
manufacturing a wide range of low-cost microphones Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
OA: -
Red5 Audio
Red5 Audio, formed in 2001, are a small Scottish
company who manufacture microphones for both the
professional and home enthusiast markets, and aim to
provide excellent customer service. They also make a
range of mic accessories, including shockmounts and
pop shields.
HQ: www.red5audio.com
shapes: one in passive mode and three in active mode, P48 powered. So whatever
.........
the vibe, throw it down like you mean it with the AKG D12 VR.
Made in Austria. High dynamic range
akg.com/d12vr
ADV723/1/E
2013 HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved. AKG is a trademark of AKG Acoustics GmbH, registered
in the United States and/or other countries. Features, specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.
capacitor microphones: large-diaphragm
RDE Broadcaster
$419
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
Rode are based in Sydney, Australia, where all their Polar: Cardioid SA: Zip case, stand
microphones are designed, and where the majority of Dim: 167 x 50 x 65 (mm) mount, 10 year warranty
Wght: 577g
their manufacturing takes place. They make all kinds Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
OA: Windshield
of mics, from valve and solid-state condensers to lapel Out Sens: 19.9mV/Pa
and video microphones. Max SPL: 128dB
Self Noise: 14dBA
Out Imp: 40
HQ: www.rodemic.com Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr:
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
sE Electronics sE4400a
$649
SC: 5mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: 10, 20 dB
sE Electronics are one of the most prolific modern mic Polar: Omnidirectional, Filt Freq: 60, 120 Hz
manufacturers. Since being founded in 2000, theyve cardioid, hypercardioid,
figure-of-8
Slope: 3dB/Oct
released an enormous range of models covering almost Dim: 57 x 143 (mm)
SA: Shockmount,
flight case
every type of microphone and at pretty much every Wght: 280g
OA: Also available
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
price level. Out Sens: 24mV/Pa
as a factory-matched
stereo pair including
Max SPL: 130dB stereo bar
USA: www.fingerprintaudio.com Self Noise: 16dBA
HQ: www.seelectronics.com Out Imp: 200 SOS Review (April
Rec Load: 1k 2009)
Pwr Type: P48 www.soundonsound.com/sos/apr09/articles/
Alt Pwr: - se4400a.htm
Shure PG42-USB
$249
American company Shure make some of the most Polar: Cardioid
widely used dynamic mics, including the SM57 and Dim: -
Wght: 453g
SM58. They also manufacture high-end studio Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
condensers, as well as wireless mic kits. Out Sens: -
Max SPL: 136dB
HQ: www.shure.com Self Noise: -
Out Imp: -
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: USB
Alt Pwr: -
SC: 500mA
Con via: USB
Pad: 20dB
Filt Freq: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M) Slope: -
KSM44A SA: USB cable,
Pad: 15dB
$999 Filt Freq: -
aluminium
carry case,
Polar: Omnidirectional, Slope: - ShureLock
cardioid, figure-of-8 SA: ShureLock cristal rubber
Dim: 56 x 187 (mm) elastic shockmount, isolated
Wght: 492g ShureLock cristal swivel
shockmount
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz adaptor, aluminium
carry case, protective OA:
Out Sens: 29.8mV/Pa Windscreen,
Max SPL: 152dB Velveteen pouch,
suspension shockmount, Popper
Self Noise: 7.5dBA Stopper
elastic cord
Out Imp: 50
OA: Windscreen, padded
Rec Load: -
and zippered carry bag,
Pwr Type: P48 Popper Stopper magnetic
Alt Pwr: - pop filter, ShureLock rubber
SC: 5.8mA suspension shockmount
Sontronics Orpheus
$649
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -10, +10 dB
Filt Freq: -
Sontronics are a British microphone brand founded Polar: Omnidirectional, Slope: -
in 2004 by mic designer and musician Trevor Coley. cardioid, figure-of-8
SA: Yokemount, angled
Dim: 86 x 204 (mm)
Their range covers small- and large-diaphragm Wght: 894g
microphone clip, stand adaptor,
wooden case, lifetime warranty
condensers, valve and ribbon mics, as well as models Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz OA: Pop shield, pro-quality
made for specific purposes, like recording drums and Out Sens: 20mV/Pa cables with Neutrik XX
Max SPL: 125dB connectors, professional
electricguitar. Self Noise: 16dBA microphone stand
Out Imp: <=200
HQ: www.sontronics.com Rec Load: - SOS Review (September 2005)
Pwr Type: P48 www.soundonsound.com/sos/
Alt Pwr: - sep05/articles/sontronicsmics.
SC: - htm
Sony C38B
$2,856 MSRP
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -8dB
Filt Freq: -
Sony Electronics full line of professional audio Polar: Omnidirectional Slope: -
technology ranges from portable audio recorders Dim: 78 x 214 (mm) SA: Carry case, stand
Wght: 650g
to wireless and wired microphone technology and Freq: 30Hz - 18kHz
adaptors, screwdriver
OA: -
headphones. They make mics for a wide range of Out Sens: 3.98mV/Pa
applications, including recording, live sound, theatrical Max SPL: 140dB
Self Noise: -
performance and journalism. Out Imp: 250
Rec Load: -
HQ: http://pro.sony.com Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: 9V battery, DC
24-48V
SC: -
LSD-2 Con via: XLR-5 (M) LSM Con via: Mini-XLR, Mini-USB
Pad: 10dB Pad: -
$599 Filt Freq: 150Hz
$179.99 Filt Freq: -
Polar: Omnidirectional, Slope: 6dB/Oct Polar: Cardioid Slope: -
cardioid, figure-of-8 SA: Magnum-sized Dim: 74 x 130 (mm) SA: Mini-to-standard XLR cable
Dim: 52 x 283 (mm) windscreen, Halo Wght: 317g (2m), mini USB cable
Wght: 816g shockmount, wooden case, Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz OA: -
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz XLR-5 (M) to XLR-3 (M) Out Sens: 25.11mV/
Out Sens: 12mV/Pa adaptor Pa
Max SPL: 142dB OA: Metal pop screen, Litz Max SPL: 150dB
Self Noise: 18dBA wire microphone cable Self Noise: 14dBA
Out Imp: 200 Out Imp: 150
Rec Load: 1.2k Rec Load: 1.2k
Pwr Type: P48 Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: - Alt Pwr: -
SC: 2.5mA SC: 2.8mA
SP B1 Pad: 10, 20 dB SP B3
Filt Freq: 75, 150 Hz
$119.99 Slope: 6dB/Oct
$159.99
Polar: Cardioid SA: Shockmount, foam Polar: Omnidirectional, cardioid,
Dim: 52 x 182 (mm) windscreen, wooden case figure-of-8
Wght: 499g OA: Metal pop screen, Litz Dim: 52 x 182 (mm)
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz wire microphone cable Wght: 499g
Out Sens: 16mV/Pa Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
Max SPL: 137dB SOS Review (June 2005) Out Sens: 14, 16, 18 mV/Pa
Self Noise: 12dBA www.soundonsound. Max SPL: 132dB
Out Imp: 50 com/sos/jun05/articles/ Self Noise: 14dBA
Rec Load: 1.2k studioprojectsb1.htm Out Imp: 50
Pwr Type: P48 Rec Load: 1.2k
Alt Pwr: - Pwr Type: P48
SC: 3mA Alt Pwr: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M) SC: 3.1mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: 10dB
Filt Freq: 150Hz
SP C1 Pad: 10, 20 dB Slope: 6dB/Oct
Filt Freq: 75, 150 Hz SA: Shockmount, foam windscreen,
$249.99 Slope: 6dB/Oct wooden case
Polar: Cardioid SA: Halo shockmount, OA: Metal pop screen, 20 Litz wire
Dim: 52 x 226 (mm) foam windscreen, wooden microphone cable
Wght: 762g case
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz OA: Metal pop screen, Litz
Out Sens: 14mV/Pa wire microphone cable
Max SPL: 151dB
Self Noise: 16dBA SOS Review (December
Out Imp: 200 2002)
Rec Load: 1.2k www.soundonsound.
Pwr Type: P48 com/sos/dec02/articles/
Alt Pwr: - studioprojects.asp
SC: 3.5mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
valve and solid-state models. They also now make their Out Sens: 8mV/Pa
own mixing console, the Wunderbar. Max SPL: 147dB
Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 50
USA: www.vintageking.com Rec Load: -
HQ: www.wunderaudio.com Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: 0.5mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Capacitor
Microphones:
small-diaphragm
In theory, the smaller the mic diaphragm, the more accurately the incident
sound is captured. However, if the diaphragm diameter is made very small,
it picks up correspondingly less sound energy and so tends to suffer from
noise problems due to the high levels of amplification needed. In typical
studio applications, small-diaphragm mics tend to have capsule diameters
in the order of 12mm or so, though there are exceptions. Most small-
diaphragm models are less coloured sounding than their large-diaphragm
counterparts but, because of the smaller capsule size, valve models and
those with switchable patterns are far less common. Its more usual, where
various patterns may be required from a small-diaphragm microphone, to
find a range of swappable capsules. Small-diaphragm capacitor mics are
a popular choice for the accurate recording of acoustic instruments.
Audio-Technica AT4021
$349
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -10dB
Filt Freq: 80Hz
For 50 years Audio-Technica have aimed to produce Polar: Cardioid Slope: 12dB/Oct
audio excellence and innovations in transducer Dim: 21 x 144 (mm) SA: Stand clamp,
Wght: 119g
technology. Renowned for the design and manufacture Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
windscreen, protective
carry case
of high-quality audio products, the company offers a Out Sens: 19.9mV/Pa OA: -
complete range of wired and wireless microphones, Max SPL: 146dB
Self Noise: 14dBA
headphones and accessories for broadcast, live-sound, Out Imp: 250
recording and installed-sound functions. Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48
HQ: www.audio-technica.com Alt Pwr: -
SC: 3mA
ATM450 Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
$249 Slope: -
Polar: Cardioid SA: Isolation clamp,
Dim: 21 x 127 (mm) windscreen, soft
Wght: 98g protective pouch
Freq: 40Hz - 20kHz OA: -
Out Sens: 8.9mV/Pa
Max SPL: 152dB
Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 200
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P11-52
Alt Pwr: -
SC: 3.5mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Audix SCX1
$590
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
Founded in 1984 in California, Audix are a well- Polar: Cardioid SA: Clip, wood box,
respected manufacturer of microphones for stage, Dim: 104 (mm) windscreen
Wght: 114g
studio and specialised purposes. Their microphones Freq: 40Hz - 20kHz
OA: -
have long been popular with recording engineers. Out Sens: 26mV/Pa
Max SPL: 130dB
HQ: www.audixusa.com Self Noise: 15dBA
Out Imp: 200
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
M1255B Pad: -
M1250BS Filt Freq: -
$450 $430 Slope: -
Polar: Supercardioid Polar: Cardioid SA: Clip, hanging clip,
Dim: 54 (mm) Dim: 54 (mm) windscreen
Wght: 16g Wght: 16g OA: White finish,
Freq: 50Hz - 19kHz Freq: 50Hz - 19kHz MicroBoom system,
Out Sens: 10mV/Pa Out Sens: 38mV/Pa mounting options
Max SPL: 140dB Max SPL: 130dB
Self Noise: 21dBA Self Noise: 21dBA
Out Imp: 150 Out Imp: 150
Rec Load: - Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48 Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: - Alt Pwr: -
SC: - SC: -
Con via: Mini XLR-3 (M) Con via: Mini XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
SA: Clip, hanging clip, windscreen M1255BO
OA: White finish, MicroBoom system, $430
mounting options
Polar: Omnidirectional
Dim: 54 (mm)
Wght: 16g
Freq: 50Hz - 19kHz
Out Sens: 38mV/Pa
Max SPL: 130dB
Self Noise: 21dBA
Out Imp: 150
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: Mini XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
M1255BHC Pad: - SA: Clip, hanging clip, windscreen
Filt Freq: -
$450 Slope: -
OA: White finish, MicroBoom system,
mounting options
Polar: Hypercardioid SA: Clip, hanging clip,
Dim: 54 (mm) windscreen
Wght: 16g OA: White finish,
Freq: 50Hz - 19kHz MicroBoom system,
Out Sens: 38mV/Pa mounting options
Max SPL: 130dB
Self Noise: 21dBA
Out Imp: 150
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: Mini XLR-3 (M)
M1280BO Pad: -
M1280BHC Filt Freq: -
$450 $430 Slope: -
Polar: Hypercardioid Polar: Omni SA: Clip, hanging clip,
Dim: 67 (mm) Dim: 67 (mm) windscreen
Wght: 28g Wght: 28g OA: MicroBoom system,
Freq: 40Hz - 20kHz Freq: 40Hz - 20kHz mounting options
Out Sens: 10mV/Pa Out Sens: 10mV/Pa
Max SPL: 147dB Max SPL: 147dB
Self Noise: 21dBA Self Noise: 21dBA
Out Imp: 150 Out Imp: 150
Rec Load: - Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48 Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: - Alt Pwr: -
SC: - SC: -
Con via: Mini XLR-3 (M) Con via: Mini XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
SA: Clip, hanging clip, windscreen TM1
OA: MicroBoom system, mounting $325
options
Polar: Omni
Dim: 150 (mm)
Wght: 132g
Freq: 20Hz - 25kHz
Out Sens: 6mV/Pa
Max SPL: 130dB
Self Noise: 28dBA
Out Imp: 200
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
M1280BS Pad: -
SA: Clip, pouch
Filt Freq: -
$470 Slope: -
OA: Threaded windscreen,
calibrator adaptor
Polar: Supercardioid SA: Clip, hanging clip,
Dim: 67 (mm) windscreen
Wght: 28g OA: MicroBoom system,
Freq: 40Hz - 20kHz mounting options
Out Sens: 10mV/Pa
Max SPL: 147dB
Self Noise: 21dBA
Out Imp: 150
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: Mini XLR-3 (M)
Avantone CK1
$149
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -10dB
Filt Freq: -
Avantone are best known for their Mixcube single- Polar: Omnidirectional, Slope: -
driver loudspeakers, but they also make a range cardioid, hypercardioid
SA: Padded wooden
Dim: 23 x 153 (mm)
of high-quality solid-state and valve condenser Wght: 148g
microphone box, 19mm
omnidirectional, cardioid
microphones, as well as dynamic drum mics and Freq: 25Hz - 20kHz (3dB) and hypercardioid capsules
ribbonmics. Out Sens: 15mV/Pa OA: -
Max SPL: 138dB
Self Noise: 17dBA
HQ: www.avantonepro.com Out Imp: 200
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: 5mA
Behringer B-5
$79
Rec Load: >1k
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
Behringer were founded in 1989 and offer equipment Polar: Omnidirectional, SC: 3mA
for a range of applications at consumer prices. They cardioid
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Dim: 20 x 120 (mm)
produce a comprehensive product line including Wght: 90g
Pad: -10dB
Filt Freq: 150Hz
loudspeakers, amplifiers, mixers, powered mixers, Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
Slope: 6dB/Oct
computer-based recording and DJ products, Out Sens: 10mV/
Pa (omnidirectional),
SA: Cardioid and
microphones, headphones, wireless systems, musical 12.6mV/Pa (cardioid)
omnidirectional
capsules, stand adaptor,
instruments and professional lighting systems. Max SPL: 150dB windscreen, transport
(omnidirectional), 140dB case
(cardioid)
OA: -
HQ: www.behringer.com Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 70
ECM8000 Pad: -
C-2
Filt Freq: -
$60 Slope: -
$65 (pair)
Polar: Omnidirectional SA: Stand adaptor, Polar: Cardioid
Dim: - transport case Dim: 20 x 94 (mm)
Wght: 120g OA: - Wght: 90g
Freq: 15Hz - 20kHz Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
Out Sens: 6mV/Pa Out Sens: 20mV/Pa
Max SPL: 120dB Max SPL: 140dB, 150dB (with pad)
Self Noise: - Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 600 Out Imp: 75
Rec Load: - Rec Load: >1k
Pwr Type: P15-48 Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: - Alt Pwr: -
SC: - SC: 3mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M) Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -10dB
Filt Freq: 120Hz
Slope: 6dB/Oct
C-4 Pad: -10dB
SA: Stand adaptors, stereo bar,
Filt Freq: 120Hz
$76 (pair) Slope: 6dB/Oct
windscreen, transport case
OA: -
Polar: Cardioid SA: Stand adaptor, stereo
Dim: 23 x 94 (mm) bar, windscreen, transport
Wght: 60g case
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz OA: -
Out Sens: -
Max SPL: 136dB
Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 75
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: 3mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Beyerdynamic MC 930
$629
Pad: -15dB
Filt Freq: 250Hz
Slope: 6dB/Oct
Beyerdynamic have been an industry leader in Polar: Cardioid SA: Clamp, padded pouch
the design and manufacture of premium-grade Dim: 21 x 128 (mm) OA: Elastic suspension,
Wght: 115g
microphones, headphones and wireless microphone Freq: 40Hz - 20kHz
windscreen, hanging
mounting clip
systems since 1924. Their microphone range covers Out Sens: 30mV/Pa
pretty much every type, including dynamic, capacitor Max SPL: 125dB
Self Noise: 16dBA
and ribbon models. Out Imp: 180
Rec Load: >1k
HQ: www.beyerdynamic.com Pwr Type: P11-52
Alt Pwr: -
SC: 4.6mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
DPA 4006A
$1859
Pad: -20dB
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
DPA Microphones are a leading manufacturer of Polar: Omnidirectional SA: Windscreen, holder,
high-quality condenser microphones for studio, Dim: 19 x 170 (mm) three grids
Wght: 163g
broadcast, theatre, film and sound reinforcement Freq: 10Hz - 20kHz
OA: Holder, shockmount,
nose cone, gooseneck
environments. All DPA microphones and components Out Sens: 40mV/Pa mount, stereo booms, Peli
are manufactured at the companys purpose-built Max SPL: 147dB case
Self Noise: 15dBA
factory in Denmark. Out Imp: <200
Rec Load: -
HQ: www.dpamicrophones.com Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
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Earthworks M30
$649
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
American company Earthworks started out making Polar: Omnidirectional SA: Microphone clip,
test and measurement microphones, and their current Dim: 22 x 229 (mm) protective case, ADP1
Wght: 225g adaptor
mics still follow the ethos of aiming to sound as neutral Freq: 5Hz - 30kHz (1dB) OA: Wooden box,
and transparent as possible. All of their products Out Sens: 30mV/Pa shockmount microphone
including their studio monitors have unusually Max SPL: 142dB clip, foam teardrop
windscreen, 100mph
Self Noise: 22dBA
highbandwidths. Out Imp: 100 windscreen, foam
windscreen, LevelPad
Rec Load: 600
switchable -15 or -30 dB
HQ: www.earthworksaudio.com Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: 10mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Electro-Voice RE920Tx
$189
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
Electro-Voice (commonly referred to as EV) are Polar: Cardioid SA: -
a manufacturer of audio equipment, including Dim: 11 x 158 (mm) OA: -
Wght: 54g
microphones, amplifiers and loudspeakers. Electro- Freq: 80Hz - 18kHz
Voice market their products for use in small or large Out Sens: 1.3mV/Pa
concert venues, broadcasting, houses of worship, and Max SPL: -
Self Noise: -
recording situations. Out Imp: 1k
Rec Load: -
HQ: www.electrovoice.com Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: -
Josephson C42
$435
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
Josephson Engineering are a microphone manufacturer Polar: Cardioid SA: Shock-resistant
catering to the professional studio, home studio, Dim: - microphone clip, pouch
Wght: -
broadcast and live sound markets. The company was Freq: 40Hz - 20kHz (2dB)
OA: Pop screen
e22S Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
$1335 Slope: -
Polar: Cardioid SA: Shock-resistant
Dim: - microphone clip, pouch
Wght: - OA: -
Freq: -
Out Sens: 3mV/Pa
Max SPL: 144dB
Self Noise: <15dBA
Out Imp: <15
Rec Load: 200
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
JTS JS-22
$109
Pad: -10dB
Filt Freq: 80Hz
Slope: 6dB/Oct
JTS Professional, founded in 1982, are a Taiwan- Polar: Cardioid SA: Windscreen
based manufacturer of professional wired and Dim: 23 x 150 (mm) OA: -
Wght: 130g
wireless microphones, conference and tour-guide Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
systems, headphones and earphones. JTS have official Out Sens: 15.8mV/Pa
distributors in over 70 countries, and are also an OEM Max SPL: 140dB
Self Noise: 20dBA
supplier of tailor-made products. Out Imp: 100
Rec Load: >1k
USA: www.shsint.net Pwr Type: P36-52
HQ: www.jts.com.tw Alt Pwr: -
SC: <3mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
JZ Microphones BT-201
$479
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
JZ Microphones were established in 2007 in Latvia Polar: Cardioid SA: Wooden case
by Juris Zarins. Producing capsules made with the Dim: - OA: Holder, optional
Wght: -
Golden Drop sputtering technique, which provides a Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
omnidirectional, cardioid
or open cardioid -20dB
more detailed and transparent capsule response, JZ Out Sens: 11mV/Pa capsules
Microphones have been used by many award-winning Max SPL: 140dB
Self Noise: 12dBA
musicians, sound engineers and famous studios Out Imp: 50
around the world. Rec Load: >250
Pwr Type: -
HQ: www.jzmic.com Alt Pwr: -
SC: <2mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
LD Systems D1102
69
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
LD Systems is a brand name of the Adam Hall Group, Polar: Cardioid SA: -
associated with a wide range of value-for-money audio Dim: 23 x 153 (mm) OA: -
Wght: 240g
products over the last decade. They offer a range of Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
Chinese-sourced microphones, with German assembly Out Sens: 11mV/Pa
and quality control, incorporating both moving-coil and Max SPL: 134dB
Self Noise: -
capacitor models for stage and studio. Out Imp: 200
Rec Load: -
HQ: www.ld-systems.com Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: 2mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
MicW E216
$215
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
MicW are a professional recording microphone brand, Polar: Omnidirectional SA: Windscreen,
known for producing clean-sounding microphones. Dim: 22 x 155 (mm) shockmount
Wght: 155g
With great options for instrument and voice recording, Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz (2dB)
OA: Shockmount with
fixed pop screen, acoustic
MicW strive to develop products that faithfully Out Sens: 25mV/Pa equaliser, grid
reproduce sound and transmit the voice cleanly. Max SPL: 135dB
Self Noise: <21dBA
Out Imp: <75
USA: www.fdwcorp.com Rec Load: -
HQ: www.mic-w.com Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Miktek C5
$599
response graph, microphone clip,
shockmount, aluminium carry case
OA: Also available as a stereo
Miktek produce precision microphones, which are Polar: Cardioid matched pair
handmade in Nashville, USA. The company are inspired Dim: 26 x 115 (mm)
Wght: 226g
by iconic mics of the past, and develop capsules and Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
unique circuits to capture sound. Using the very latest Out Sens: 23.99mV/Pa
in audio technology, Mikteks designs are approved by Max SPL: 126dB
Self Noise: 17dBA
some of the worlds most acclaimed sound engineers. Out Imp: -
Rec Load: -
HQ: www.miktekaudio.com Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
PM5 Pad: -
SA: Wooden case, serialised
Filt Freq: 80Hz
$599 Slope: 6dB/Oct
frequency
Polar: Supercardioid SA: Protective case,
Dim: 57 x 177 (mm) serialised frequency
Wght: 500g response graph,
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz microphone clip, rugged
Out Sens: - aluminium carry case
Max SPL: 142dB OA: -
Self Noise: 17dBA
Out Imp: 200
Rec Load: 200
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Nevaton MC 49-C
$999
Pad: -
Filt Freq: 100Hz
Slope: 6dB/Oct
Formed in Russia in 1991, Nevaton have their roots Polar: Cardioid SA: Shockmount,
in the Leningrad optical and mechanical association Dim: 23 x 158 (mm) microphone clip, hardwood
Wght: 165g box
(LOMO) and the scientific and industrial association Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz (3dB) OA: -
EKRAN. Founded as a microphone manufacturer Out Sens: 10mV/Pa
and a research laboratory, Nevatons base contains Max SPL: 140dB
Self Noise: 16dBA
an acoustic lab, including a large anechoic chamber, Out Imp: 50
as well as a factory in which each microphone is Rec Load: 1k
handassembled. Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: 4mA
HQ: www.nevatonmics.com Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Oktava
Oktava are the oldest major Russian manufacturer of
professional audio equipment, famous for their ribbon models
as well as small- and large-diaphragm condenser microphones.
HQ: www.oktava.eu
Pearl MSH 10 MS
(Stereo)
SC: -
Con via: XLR-5 (M)
Pad: -
Pearl are a Swedish manufacturer of high-end 12,800 SEK
Filt Freq: -
microphones. Their large-diaphragm condensers Polar: Hypercardioid, Slope: -
figure-of-8, short rifle
are based around unusual rectangular capsules, and Dim: 28 x 187 (mm)
SA: Wooden box,
shockmount
they also make a stereo mic, the ELM-A. All Pearl Wght: 175g OA: Wind shield
microphones are hand made in Sweden. Freq: 40Hz - 20kHz (6dB)
Out Sens: 20mV/Pa
Max SPL: 130dB
USA: www.independentaudio.com Self Noise: 16dBA
HQ: www.pearl.se Out Imp: 500
Rec Load: 1k
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
Prodipe Duo A1
$129 (pair)
French company Prodipe are known for making Polar: Cardioid
monitors with ribbon tweeters, as well as Dim: -
Wght: 120g
manufacturing a wide range of low-cost microphones Freq: 30Hz - 18kHz
for stage and studio use. Out Sens: 12.59mV/Pa
Max SPL: 134dB
US: www.musicfactorydirect.com Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 100
HQ: www.prodipe.com Rec Load: 1k
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: -
Pad: -
Filt Freq: 100Hz
Pad: - Slope: 12dB/Oct
MC1 Condenser SA: Clamps, pop shields
Filt Freq: -
$109 Slope: - OA: -
Polar: Cardioid SA: Mic clip
Dim: - OA: -
Wght: -
Freq: 30Hz - 20kHz
Out Sens: -37dB (3dB)
Max SPL: >125dB
Self Noise: <23dBA
Out Imp: 100
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
RDE M2
$179
Rode are based in Sydney, Australia, where all their Polar: Supercardioid
microphones are designed, and where the majority of Dim: 47 x 187 (mm)
Wght: 308g
their manufacturing takes place. They make all kinds Freq: 35Hz - 20kHz
of mics, from valve and solid-state condensers to lapel Out Sens: 6.3mV/Pa
and video microphones. Max SPL: 141dB
Self Noise: 23dBA
Out Imp: 50
HQ: www.rodemic.com Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P24/48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
M3 Pad: -10dB
SA: Stand mount, zip
Filt Freq: 80Hz
$149 Slope: -
case, 10 year warranty
Polar: Cardioid OA: -
SA: Stand mount, wind
Dim: 33 x 225 (mm) shield, zip case, 10 year
Wght: 390g warranty
Freq: 40Hz - 20kHz OA: -
Out Sens: 10mV/Pa
Max SPL: 142dB SOS Review (November
Self Noise: 21dBA 2007)
Out Imp: 200 www.soundonsound.
Rec Load: - com/sos/nov07/articles/
Pwr Type: P48 rodem3.htm
Alt Pwr: 9V battery
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
NTG3 Pad: - S1
Filt Freq: -
$699 Slope: -
$329
Polar: Supercardioid SA: Aluminium storage Polar: Supercardioid
Dim: 19 x 255 (mm) cylinder, stand mount, wind Dim: 52 x 183 (mm)
Wght: 163g shield, zip case, 10 year Wght: 308g
Freq: 40Hz - 20kHz warranty Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
Out Sens: 31.6mV/Pa OA: Shockmounts, deluxe Out Sens: 5mV/Pa
Max SPL: 130dB wind shield, DeadCat, pistol Max SPL: 151dB
Self Noise: 13dBA grips, boom poles Self Noise: 18dBA
Out Imp: 25 Out Imp: 50
Rec Load: - Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48 Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: - Alt Pwr: -
SC: - SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M) Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
NTG1 SA: Stand mount, zip case, 10 year warranty
$249 OA: Also available in black
Polar: Supercardioid
Dim: 22 x 217 (mm)
Wght: 105g
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
Out Sens: 15.8mV/Pa
Max SPL: 139dB
Self Noise: 18dBA
Out Imp: 50
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P24/48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -
Filt Freq: 80Hz
Slope: -
SA: Stand mount, wind shield, zip NTG2 Pad: -
case, 10 year warranty Filt Freq: 80Hz
$269 Slope: -
OA: Shockmounts, deluxe wind
shield, DeadCat, pistol grips, Polar: Supercardioid SA: Stand mount, wind
boom poles Dim: 22 x 278 (mm) shield, zip case, 10 year
Wght: 161g warranty
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz OA: Shockmounts,
Out Sens: 15.8mV/Pa deluxe wind shield,
Max SPL: 131dB DeadCat, pistol grips,
Self Noise: 18dBA boom poles
Out Imp: 250
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P24/48
Alt Pwr: AA battery
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Schoeps CCM 4 LG
$2018
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
Founded in 1948, Schoeps specialise in making small- Polar: Cardioid SA: Wooden case,
diaphragm condensers. They also manufacture the Dim: 20 x 46 (mm) miniature stand mount
Wght: 43g with swivel, Lemo/XLR
Colette range of modular mics, as well as shotgun Freq: 40Hz - 20kHz adaptor cable
models and multi-microphone stereo and surround Out Sens: 13mV/Pa OA: Extension tubes,
recording kits. Max SPL: 132dB table stand, basket-
type windscreens,
Self Noise: 15dBA
Out Imp: 90 double M/S, ORTF,
USA: www.reddingaudio.com Rec Load: >600
ORTF surround
HQ: www.schoeps.de Pwr Type: P12/48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: 8 or 4 mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
SuperCMIT CMIT 5U
$4449 $2199
Polar: Short rifle Polar: Short rifle
Dim: 21 x 280 (mm) Dim: 21 x 251 (mm)
Wght: 112g Wght: 89g
Freq: 40Hz - 20kHz Freq: 40Hz - 20kHz
Out Sens: 28.18mV/Pa Out Sens: 17mV/Pa
Max SPL: 125dB Max SPL: 132dB Pad: -
Self Noise: 14, 16 dBA Pad: - Self Noise: 14dBA Filt Freq: -
Out Imp: 110 Filt Freq: 80Hz, 10kHz Out Imp: 50 Slope: -
Rec Load: 110 Slope: 18dB/Oct +5dB Rec Load: >600 SA: Polished wood
case, foam windscreen,
Pwr Type: DPP, 10V SA: PSD 2U or Mini-DA42 powering box, Pwr Type: P48
stand clamp with swivel
Alt Pwr: - foam windscreen Alt Pwr: -
OA: Basket-type
SC: 170mA OA: Shockmount with pistol grip, basket- SC: 4.4mA windscreens
Con via: XLR-3 (M) type windscreen Con via: XLR-3 (M)
sE Electronics H1 Live
$249
sE Electronics are one of the most prolific modern mic Polar: Cardioid
manufacturers. Since being founded in 2000, theyve Dim: 48 x 183 (mm)
Wght: 345g
released an enormous range of models covering almost Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
every type of microphone and at pretty much every Out Sens: 2mV/Pa
price level. Max SPL: 134dB
Self Noise: 18dBA
Out Imp: 50
USA: www.fingerprintaudio.com Rec Load: 1k
HQ: www.seelectronics.com Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: 3mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
sE4 SA: Microphone clip
$349 OA: -
Polar: Omnidirectional,
cardioid, hypercardioid
Dim: 28 x 178 (mm)
Wght: 280g
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
Out Sens: 25mV/Pa
Max SPL: 137dB
Self Noise: 15dBA
Out Imp: 200
Rec Load: 1k
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: 4mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -10, -20 dB
Filt Freq: 75Hz
Slope: 6dB/Oct sE1a Pad: -
SA: Shockmount, flight Filt Freq: -
$199 Slope: -
case
OA: Capsules: Polar: Cardioid SA: Microphone clip
omnidirectional, Dim: 25 x 163 (mm) OA: Shockmount, stereo
hypercardioid, mics also Wght: 190g bar for matched pair
available as a factory Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
matched pair Out Sens: 18mV/Pa
Max SPL: 130dB
SOS Review (March 2009) Self Noise: 17dBA
www.soundonsound. Out Imp: 200
com/sos/mar09/articles/ Rec Load: 1k
seelectronicsse4.htm Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: 3mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Sennheiser
Longstanding German company
Sennheiser make microphones
for a wide range of purposes,
including conferences, aviation,
and music recording and
performance. Their high-end
MKH condensers employ some
innovative capsule technology,
and their wireless mic systems
include vocal mics, headset mics
and lavelier models.
HQ: www.sennheiser.com
e965
$699
Polar: Cardioid, supercardioid
Dim: 48 x 199 (mm)
Wght: 396g
Freq: 40Hz - 20kHz
Out Sens: 7mV/Pa
Max SPL: 142dB
Self Noise: 21dBA
Out Imp: 50
Rec Load: 1k
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: 3.5mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -10dB
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
SA: Pouch, microphone clip
OA: -
Shure SM81
$349
American company Shure make some of the most Polar: Cardioid
widely used dynamic mics, including the SM57 and Dim: 24 x 212 (mm)
Wght: 230g
SM58. They also manufacture high-end studio Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
condensers, as well as wireless mic kits. Out Sens: 5.6mV/Pa
Max SPL: 136dB
HQ: www.shure.com Self Noise: 16dBA
Out Imp: 150
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: 1.2mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -10dB
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
KSM9HS Pwr Type: P48
SA: Microphone clip, swivel adaptor, 10dB
Alt Pwr: -
$699 SC: -
attenuator lock, carry case, windscreen
Polar: Hypercardioid, OA: Pop filter grille, heavy-duty windscreen,
Con via: XLR-3 (M) stereo microphone adaptor Shock Stopper,
subcardioid Pad: - isolation mount
Dim: 49mm x 191mm Filt Freq: -
Wght: 300g Slope: -
Freq: 50Hz - 20kHz SA: Aluminum carry case,
Out Sens: Hypercardioid stand adaptor
3mV/Pa, subcardioid OA: -
2.2mV/Pa
Max SPL: 150.8dB / 153dB
Self Noise: 20.7dB /
22.7dB
Out Imp: 145
Rec Load: -
Sontronics STC-1
$159
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -10, -20 dB
Filt Freq: 75, 150 Hz
Sontronics are a British microphone brand founded Polar: Omnidirectional, Slope: -
in 2004 by mic designer and musician Trevor Coley. cardioid, hypercardioid
SA: Angled microphone
Dim: 24 x 162 (mm)
Their range covers small- and large-diaphragm Wght: 214g
clip, foam wind shield,
wooden case, lifetime
condensers, valve and ribbon mics, as well as models Freq: 25Hz - 20kHz (1dB) warranty
made for specific purposes, like recording drums and Out Sens: 12mV/Pa OA: Capsules:
Max SPL: 137dB omnidirectional,
electricguitar. Self Noise: 16dBA hypercardioid, pop shield,
Out Imp: <200 pro-quality audio mic
USA: www.proaudiodesign.com Rec Load: - cables with Neutrik XX
connectors
HQ: www.sontronics.com Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
STC-6 Con via: XLR-3 (M) STC-1S Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -10dB Pad: -10, -20 dB
$249 Filt Freq: 75Hz
$449 (Pair) Filt Freq: 75, 150 Hz
Polar: Cardioid, Slope: - Polar: Omnidirectional, cardioid, Slope: -
supercardioid SA: Microphone clip, hypercardioid SA: 2 x microphone clip, 2
Dim: 47 x 190 (mm) aluminium flight case, Dim: 24 x 162 (mm) x foam windshield, stereo
Wght: 436g lifetime warranty Wght: 424g mounting bar, wooden
Freq: 30Hz - 20kHz (2dB) OA: Pop shield, pro-quality Freq: 25Hz - 20kHz case, lifetime warranty
Out Sens: 8mV/Pa audio mic cables with Out Sens: 12mV/Pa OA: Pop shield, pro-quality
Max SPL: 140dB Neutrik XX connectors, Max SPL: 137dB cables with Neutrik XX
Self Noise: 14dBA professional microphone Self Noise: 16dBA connectors, two levels of
Out Imp: <200 stand Out Imp: <200 -10dB pad plus phase
inverse
Rec Load: - Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48 Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: - Alt Pwr: -
SC: - SC: -
measurement purposes, but are equally at home in the Out Sens: 15.8mV/Pa
studio when neutrality and precision are required. Max SPL: 138dB
Self Noise: 13dBA
Out Imp: -
HQ: www.soundfirst.com Rec Load: 1k
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con Via: XLR-3 (M)
Studio Projects
Studio Projects Microphones a
division of PMI Audio Group is
a California-based design house,
headed by Brent Casey, which
specialises in microphones and
electronics for the professional
audio market.
USA: www.pmiaudio.com
HQ: www.studioprojects.com
SP C4 Since 1948
$349 (matched pair)
Polar: Omnidirectional, cardioid,
hypercardioid
Dim: 20 x 129 (mm)
Wght: 92g
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
Out Sens: 12, 12, 13
mV/Pa
Max SPL: 158dB
Self Noise: 18, 18,
17 dBA
Out Imp: 50
Rec Load: 1.2k
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: 3.1mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -10, -20 dB Time less
Filt Freq: 75, 150 Hz
Slope: 6dB/Oct
SA: Interchangeable
capsules, foam history & the lates news
windscreens with www.facebook.com/SchoepsMics
external acoustic
fabric overlay, stereo
X-Y bar, microphone
stand clips SCHOEPS GmbH www.schoeps.de
OA: Metal pop Spitalstr. 20 mailbox @ schoeps.de
sreen, 20-foot Litz
wire microphone D-76227 Karlsruhe Tel. + 49 721 943 200
cable
RIBBON
Microphones
Ribbon mics are a subset of dynamic microphones and
today come in both active and passive variants. Passive models tend
to have a very low electrical output and so place high demands on the
preamp to which they are connected, unless the sound source is relatively
loud. Because of their construction, ribbon mics are almost always figure-of-
eight pattern types, which also means they exhibit a strong proximity effect.
This, combined with their smooth and often restricted high end, means some low-
cut EQ may be necessary when working close to the sound source. While the lack
of high-end reach might be considered a limitation, ribbon mics have the ability to
smooth out the aggressive highs encountered when miking bowed strings, guitar
amplifiers and the cymbals above a drum kit. They also suit some vocal styles. A few
of the more recent models have a more extended high-frequency response but still
exhibit the characteristic ribbon smoothness, which contrasts with the often rather
more assertive high end of a capacitor microphone.
AEA A440
$5220
AEA Audio Engineering Associates manufacture Polar: Figure-of-8
a wide range of studio ribbon microphones based on Dim: 117 x 312 (mm)
Wght: 2.4kg
classic designs from RCA. They also repair vintage Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
RCA models, as well as building preamps designed Out Sens: 22mV/Pa
specifically for ribbon mics. Max SPL: 136dB
Self Noise: 9dBA
Out Imp: 92
HQ: www.ribbonmics.com Rec Load: >1k
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: 7mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
A840 Pad: -
SA: Custom storage/shipping case,
Filt Freq: -
$1553 Slope: -
grey zippered bag, Accusound silver
studio pro cable (3m)
Polar: Figure-of-8 SA: Custom storage/ OA: Hand-tuning to stereo match a
Dim: 99 x 295 (mm) shipping case, grey pair, custom body graphics or colours,
Wght: 816g zippered bag, Accusound custom microphone flag, round low-
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz silver studio pro profile desk stand
Out Sens: 6.3mV/Pa cable(3m)
SOS Review (June 2009)
Max SPL: 141dB OA: Non-reflective
www.soundonsound.com/sos/jun09/
Self Noise: 17.5dBA exterior, stereo-matched
pair, custom graphics articles/aeaa440.htm
Out Imp: 92
laser engraved on the
Rec Load: >1k trim band
Pwr Type: P48 SOS Review (Feb 2012)
Alt Pwr: - www.soundonsound.
SC: 7mA com/sos/feb12/articles/
Con via: XLR-3 (M) aea-a840.htm
Audio-Technica AT4080
$999
For 50 years Audio-Technica have aimed to produce Polar: Figure-of-8
audio excellence and innovations in transducer Dim: 53 x 118 (mm)
Wght: 474g
technology. Renowned for the design and manufacture Freq: 20Hz - 18kHz
of high-quality audio products, the company offer a Out Sens: 11.2mV/Pa
complete range of wired and wireless microphones, Max SPL: 150dB
Self Noise: -
headphones and accessories for broadcast, live-sound, Out Imp: 100
recording and installed-sound functions. Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48
HQ: www.audio-technica.com Alt Pwr: -
SC: 3mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
AT4081 Pad: -
SA: Shockmount, microphone dust cover,
Filt Freq: -
$699 Slope: -
protective carry case
Polar: Figure-of-8 OA: -
SA: Isolation clamp for 5/8-
Dim: 21 x 155 (mm) inch threaded stands, 5/8-
Wght: 152g inch to 3/8-inch threaded SOS Review (August 2010)
Freq: 30Hz - 18kHz adaptor, windscreen, www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug10/
Out Sens: 7.9mV/Pa protective carry case articles/at-4080-4081.htm
Max SPL: 150dB OA: -
Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 100 SOS Review (August 2010)
Rec Load: - www.soundonsound.com/
Pwr Type: P48 sos/aug10/articles/at-4080-
Alt Pwr: - 4081.htm
SC: 3mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Avantone CR-14
$259
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
Avantone are best known for their Mixcube single- Polar: Figure-of-8 SA: Custom retro
driver loudspeakers, but they also make a range Dim: 37 x 175 (mm) shockmount, padded
Wght: 496g wooden case,
of high-quality solid-state and valve condenser Freq: 30Hz - 15kHz microphone box,
microphones, as well as dynamic drum mics and Out Sens: 2.5mV/Pa padded aluminium
storage/travelcase
ribbonmics. Max SPL: 148dB
OA: -
Self Noise: 70dBA
Out Imp: 600
HQ: www.avantonepro.com Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
This Miktek C7 is my Ive been tracking with The CV3 sounds warm The CV4 has been a
new favorite mic. At the my CV4 non stop. The and clean. The texture go to for months now
studio, we fight over addition of the MPA- from the tube and on vocals Ive been
who gets to use it! 201 has created a killer transformer makes using my C5s for my
Supa Dups chain. it sound great. A lot least favorite job ever,
Rihanna, John Legend, Bruno Graham Marsh of mics fall flat when hi hats. Love them on
Mars, Drake, Eminem
Cee Lo Green, Bruno Mars, T.I., compared to this one. acoustics also...
Leona Lewis, Ludacris, Gnarls
Charles Wakeman Vance Powell
Barkley.
Calle 13, Nas and Damian Jack White, The Dead Weather,
Marley, DJ Khaled, Inner Circle Red Fang, Buddy Guy, The
Raconteurs, Wanda Jackson
Theres a lot of talk about microphones these days. Old ones, new ones, vintage, modern....
samples, sound clips, shoot outs.... its all good. But why are top engineers everywhere, who
could use any microphone, placing Miktek mics in front of their most critical sources?
Visit your exclusive Miktek dealer today and listen for yourself. (It takes about three seconds.)
Beyerdynamic TG V90r
$499
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
Beyerdynamic have been an industry leader in Polar: Cardioid SA: Clamp
the design and manufacture of premium-grade Dim: 57 x 184 (mm) OA: -
Wght: 471g
microphones, headphones and wireless microphone Freq: 50Hz - 14kHz
systems since 1924. Their microphone range covers Out Sens: 0.9mV/Pa
pretty much every type, including dynamic, capacitor Max SPL: -
Self Noise: -
and ribbon models. Out Imp: 330
Rec Load: >1k
USA: www.americanmusicandsound.com Pwr Type: -
HQ: www.beyerdynamic.com Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
BeesNeez Judas
$1399
Australian company BeesNeez offer a diverse range Polar: Figure-of-8
of microphones for the recording, broadcast and Dim: 38 x 145 (mm)
Wght: 400g
film industries. Theyre a small company, yet they Freq: 18Hz - 17kHz
manufacture every part of their mics themselves, Out Sens: -
including the capsules. Max SPL: 148dB
Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 50
HQ: www.beesneezmicrophones.com.au Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
Lily Pad: -
SA: Shockmount, waterproof case
Filt Freq: -
$1450 Slope: -
OA: -
Polar: Figure-of-8 SA: Shockmount,
Dim: 64 x 195 (mm) waterproof case
Wght: 950g OA: -
Freq: 18Hz - 17kHz
Out Sens: -
Max SPL: 150dB
Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 50
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Coles Electroacoustics
Coles Electroacoustics are a long-established manufacturer of specialised
microphones and other acoustic transducers. The most well known are the
legendary 4038 studio ribbon microphone, and 4104 and 4115 lip microphones.
USA: www.independentaudio.com
HQ: www.coleselectroacoustics.com
Karma K6
$199
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
Karma Audio are located in Cupertino, CA, and design, Polar: Figure-of-8 SA: Shockmount,
manufacture, and distribute a full range of professional Dim: 50 x 165 (mm) hardcase
Wght: 455g
recording microphones. Karma Audios product Freq: 20Hz to 15kHz
OA: Inline XLR pad &
phase reverse, dual-head
philosophy is to provide distinctive, affordable and Out Sens: - pop filter, reflection filter
high-quality microphones that enable a new generation Max SPL: 140dB
Self Noise: -
of recording engineers to produce music. The company Out Imp: 150
was founded in 2001. Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48
HQ: www.karmamics.com Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: -
MXL R144
$99.99
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
The microphone division of Marshall Electronics (not Polar: Figure-of-8 SA: Heavy-duty
the similarly named guitar-amp makers), MXL started Dim: 47 x 171 (mm) shockmount, wooden
Wght: 400g case
off producing low-cost studio capacitor mics, but Freq: 20Hz - 17kHz OA: Pop filter,
have since branched out into ribbon mics and models Out Sens: - windscreen
designed for the stage. Max SPL: 130dB
Self Noise: - SOS Review (May 2011)
Out Imp: 250 www.soundonsound.
HQ: www.mxlmics.com Rec Load: >1.5k com/sos/may11/articles/
Pwr Type: - mxl-r144.htm
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: -
Oktava ML 5202
$397
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
Oktava are the oldest major Russian manufacturer Polar: Figure-of-8 SA: Mic holder
of professional audio equipment, famous for their Dim: 62 x 185 (mm) OA: Shockmount,
Wght: 590g
ribbon models as well as small- and large-diaphragm Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
pop filter
Peluso R14
$645.47
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
Peluso produce top-quality studio microphones Polar: Figure-of-8 SA: Shockmount, wooden
inspired by classic vintage designs. Hand assembled Dim: 36 x 176 (mm) box
Wght: 496g
from quality modern and vintage components, Peluso Freq: 30Hz - 16kHz
OA: -
Loads of Character!
Ph
Po anto
we m
Mic Activator re
d
*
Prodipe
French company Prodipe are known for making monitors with ribbon
tweeters, as well as manufacturing a wide range of low-cost microphones for
stage and studio use.
HQ: www.prodipe.com
Royer Labs' line of ribbon microphones has made a profound difference in the way engineers record
music. The Company's ribbon technology is extremely natural sounding and brings a more realistic, analog
sound and feel to digital recordings and live sound reproduction. In the '90s, Royer Labs single-handedly
Royer Ribbons
brought ribbon microphones into mainstream recording. Royer's innovations continue to win the praise of 818.847.0121
artists, producers, and engineers today. www.royerlabs.com
- The Recording Academy
sE Electronics
sE Electronics are one of the most prolific modern mic
manufacturers. Since being founded in 2000, theyve
released an enormous range of models covering almost
every type of microphone and at pretty much every
price level.
USA: www.fingerprintaudio.com
HQ: www.seelectronics.com
microphone to include a large transformer. Out Sens: 25mV/Pa SOS Review (May 2009)
Max SPL: 135dB www.soundonsound.
USA: www.fingerprintaudio.com Self Noise: 15dBA com/sos/may09/
Out Imp: 200
HQ: www.seelectronics.com Rec Load: 1k
articles/sernr1.htm
Shure
American company Shure make some of the most
widely used dynamic mics, including the SM57 and
SM58. They also manufacture high-end studio
condensers, as well as wireless mic kits.
HQ: www.shure.com
Valve/Tube
microphones
Before solid-state circuitry became widely available, all active
microphones (capacitor mics, mostly) used valves. Although
solid-state microphones are theoretically capable of capturing
sound more accurately than valve models, valves in audio
equipment can impart a pleasing sonic character, and are
often said to make things sound slightly larger than life.
For this reason, classic valve microphones like Neumanns
U47 are still highly sought after, and many companies are
making new valve models too, usually with the aim of making
a microphone that has a vintage sound quality. Because of
the high voltages required to adequately power a valve, most
of these models come with their own power supply, which will
usually connect to the microphone via a non-standard, multi-
pin XLR cable. If the mic is a multi-pattern model, the power
supply will often also house the patternselector switch.
Custom Shop Con via: XLR-7 (M) Custom Shop Con via: XLR-7 (M)
TC47 Pad: - TC251 Pad: -
Filt Freq: - Filt Freq: -
$999 Slope: -
$999 Slope: -
Polar: Cardioid SA: Shockmount, Polar: Cardioid SA: Shockmount,
Dim: - ring mount, XLR-7 Dim: - ringmount, XLR-7 (M)
Wght: - (M) cable, power Wght: - cable, power supply,
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz supply, pop filter, Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz pop filter, windscreen,
Out Sens: 20mV/Pa windscreen, case Out Sens: 20mV/Pa case
Max SPL: 125dB OA: Upgraded Max SPL: 125dB OA: Upgraded
Self Noise: 15dBA Accusound OFC Self Noise: 15dBA Accusound OFC
copper cables or copper cables or
Out Imp: <250 Out Imp: <250
silver cables, low silver cables, low
Rec Load: 1k noise tube Rec Load: 1k noise tube
Pwr Type: PSU Pwr Type: PSU
Alt Pwr: - Alt Pwr: -
SC: - SC: -
Audio-Technica AT4060
$1815
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
For 50 years Audio-Technica have aimed to produce Polar: Cardioid SA: PSU, shockmount;
audio excellence and innovations in transducer Dim: 53.4 x 210 (mm) rackmount adapters for
Wght: 640g PSU, carrying case, 10m
technology. Renowned for the design and manufacture Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz XLR-6 cable, AC PSU
of high-quality audio products, the company offer a Out sens: 19.9mV/Pa cable
complete range of wired and wireless microphones, Max SPL: 150dB, 149dB OA: -
Self Noise: 19dBA
headphones and accessories for broadcast, live-sound, Out Imp: 200
recording and installed-sound functions. RL: -
Pwr Type: PSU
HQ: www.audio-technica.com Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con Via: XLR-6 (M)
Avantone CV-12
$499
SC: -
Con via: XLR-7 (M)
Pad: -10dB
Avantone are best known for their Mixcube single- Polar: Omnidirectional, Filt Freq: 80Hz
driver loudspeakers, but they also make a range cardioid, supercardioid,
hypercardioid, figure-of-8
Slope: 6dB/Oct
of high-quality solid-state and valve condenser Dim: 46 x 237 (mm)
SA: Retro shockmount,
extra elastic bands, PS-12
microphones, as well as dynamic drum mics and Wght: 800g multi-pattern, power
Freq: 25Hz - 20kHz
ribbonmics. Out Sens: 18mV/Pa
supply with cables, padded
wooden box, padded
Max SPL: 136dB aluminium storage,
HQ: www.avantonepro.com Self Noise: 78dBA travelcase
Out Imp: 250 OA: -
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: PSU
Alt Pwr: -
BeesNeez Arabella
$3000
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-7 (M) to mic,
Australian company BeesNeez offer a diverse range Polar: Omnidirectional, XLR-3 (M) output
of microphones for the recording, broadcast and subcardioid, cardioid,
supercardioid,
Pad: -
film industries. Theyre a small company, yet they hypercardioid, figure-of-8
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
manufacture every part of their mics themselves, Dim: 63 x 195 (mm)
SA: Shockmount,
Wght: 1.2kg
including the capsules. Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
lead, power supply,
waterproofcase
Out Sens: 12mV/Pa OA: -
HQ: www.beesneezmicrophones.com.au Max SPL: 140dB
Self Noise: 13dBA
Out Imp: 150
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: PSU
Behringer
Behringer were founded in 1989 and offer equipment for a range of
applications at consumer prices. They produce a comprehensive product line
including loudspeakers, amplifiers, mixers, powered mixers, computer-based
recording and DJ products, microphones, headphones, wireless systems,
musical instruments and professional lighting systems.
HQ: www.behringer.com
With the rebirth of Atlantic Studios, we are The LEWITT LCT 940 combines the characteristics of
constantly searching for state-of-the-art gear both Tube and FET condenser microphones in a single
to bring out the best in our artists performanc- housing. Two independent signal paths can be blended
es. The LEWITT LCT 940 has been a fantastic in any ratio.
addition to our audio arsenal. It not only has a
full, rich low end and crystal clear highs, but its
combination of sonic exibility and transparency
is truly exceptional.
Craig Kallman
CEO of Atlantic Records //
Ofcial LEWITT Endorser
LCT Recording Series DTP Percussion Series MTP Performance Series LTS Wireless Series
Also available at
For sales inquiries contact sales@trunorthmusicandsound.com // +1 855 878 6668 105 // www.trunorthmusicandsound.com
www.lewitt-audio.com
visit us on Facebook and YouTube
valve/tube microphones
Brauner Valvet
$3285
Con via: -
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Brauner Microphones are a Germany-based Polar: Omnidirectional, Slope: -
manufacturer of hand-crafted high-end microphones. cardioid
SA: PSU, shockmount,
Dim: 50 x 150 (mm)
The company were founded in 1995 by Sound Engineer Wght: 550g
Vovox-Tubelink cable,
aluminium case
Dirk Brauner. Freq: 20Hz - 22kHz OA: Pop filter
Out Sens: 28mV/Pa
USA: www.braunerusa.com Max SPL: 142dB
Self Noise: 11dBA
SOS Review (March
HQ: www.brauner-microphones.com Out Imp: 200
2004)
www.soundonsound.
Rec Load: >1k com/sos/
Pwr Type: PSU mar04/articles/
Alt Pwr: - braunervalet.htm
SC: -
Charter Oak
Charter Oak, founded in 2002 by producer and
engineer Michael Deming, create high-quality, hand-
assembled recording products that rival higher-
priced microphones and signal processors in the
industry. The studio background of its founder gives
Charter Oak the inside edge and has resulted in
multi-award-nominated products.
USA: www.soundpure.com
HQ: www.charteroakacoustics.com
Miktek CV4
$1399
Con via: XLR-7 (M)
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Miktek produce precision microphones, which are Polar: Omnidirectional, Slope: -
handmade in Nashville, USA. The company are inspired subcardioid, cardioid, figure- SA: Wood
of-8, hemispherical case, serialised
by iconic mics of the past, and develop capsules and Dim: 51 x 229 (mm) frequency response
unique circuits to capture sound. Using the very latest Wght: 680g graph, PSU, XLR-7
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
in audio technology, Mikteks designs are approved by Out Sens: 18mV/Pa
(M) cable, swivel
mount, shockmount,
some of the worlds most acclaimed sound engineers. Max SPL: 133dB aluminium carry case
Self Noise: 16dBA OA: -
Out Imp: -
HQ: www.miktekaudio.com Rec Load: - SOS Review (May 2011)
Pwr Type: PSU www.soundonsound.com/sos/
Alt Pwr: -
may11/articles/miktek-cv4.htm
SC: -
Peluso 22 47 LE
$2070.29
Alt Pwr: -
SC: 500mA
Con via: 8-pin screw-on
Peluso produce top-quality studio microphones Polar: Omnidirectional, Pad: -
inspired by classic vintage designs. Hand assembled subcardioid, cardioid,
supercardioid,
Filt Freq: -
from quality modern and vintage components, Peluso hypercardioid, figure-of-8 Slope: -
SA: Shockmount, 8-pin
mics are extensively tested by computer frequency Dim: 58 x 235 (mm)
microphone cable, PSU,
Wght: 855g
response and human listening tests, ensuring the Freq: 20Hz - 22kHz
power cable, wooden
microphone box, flightcase
lowest noise standards. Out Sens: 12mV/Pa OA: Stereo matched pair
Max SPL: 140dB
HQ: www.pelusomicrophonelab.com Self Noise: 16dBA
Out Imp: 200
Rec Load: 1k
Pwr Type: PSU
RDE Classic II
$2099
SC: -
Con Via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -10, -20 dB
Rode are based in Sydney, Australia, where all their Polar: Nine selectable Filt Freq: 20Hz
microphones are designed, and where the majority of patterns including
omnidirectional, cardioid,
Slope: -
their manufacturing takes place. They make all kinds figure-of-8 SA: Shockmount,
ringmount, aluminium
of mics, from valve and solid-state condensers to lapel Dim: 65 x 201 (mm)
flight case, spare twin
Wght: -
and video microphones. Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
triode valve, valve storage
case, lifetime warranty
Out Sens: 14mV/Pa OA: -
HQ: www.rodemic.com Max SPL: 131dB
Self Noise: 18dBA
Out Imp: 200
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: PSU
SB Audio NR47
949 (US price not
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -
Newmann Retro, also known as SB Audio Ltd., were available)
Filt Freq: -
formed by producer Stephen Bull in 2011. The company Polar: Omnidirectional, Slope: -
cardioid, figure-of-8
design and sell the NR range of microphones. Dim: 60 x 235 (mm)
SA: Shockmount, aluminium case,
wooden box, switchable 110-
Wght: 860g 240V PSU, mains cable, XLR-7 (M)
HQ: www.sbaudioltd.com Freq: 20Hz - 22kHz mic-to-PSU cable, microphone
Out Sens: 12.6mV/Pa stand thread adaptor
Max SPL: 140dB OA: Abbey Road-style metal pop
Self Noise: 16dBA filter
Out Imp: 200 SOS Review (March 2010)
Rec Load: - www.soundonsound.com/sos/
Pwr Type: PSU mar10/articles/newmannretronr47.
Alt Pwr: - htm
sE Electronics Gemini II
$1599
sE Electronics are one of the most prolific modern mic Polar: Cardioid
manufacturers. Since being founded in 2000, theyve Dim: 80 x 223 (mm)
Wght: 1.24kg
released an enormous range of models covering almost Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
every type of microphone and at pretty much every Out Sens: 25mV/Pa
price level. Max SPL: 135dB
Self Noise: 16dBA
Out Imp: 50
USA: www.fingerprintaudio.com Rec Load: 1k
HQ: www.seelectronics.com Pwr Type: PSU
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: 8-pin mic
to PSU, XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -10dB
Filt Freq: 250Hz
Gemini G5 Alt Pwr: -
Slope: 6dB/Oct
SC: -
$1099 Con via: 8-pin mic to
SA: Shockmount,
PSU, flightcase
Polar: Cardioid PSU, XLR-3 (M) x 2
OA: Pop shield
Dim: 68 x 183 (mm) Pad: -
Wght: 820g Filt Freq: -
SOS Review (March
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz Slope: -
2008)
Out Sens: 25mV/Pa SA: Shockmount, PSU,
(FET), 31.6mV/Pa (tube) www.
flight case
Max SPL: 130dB (FET), soundonsound.
OA: Pop shield
132dB (tube) com/sos/
Self Noise: 18dBA mar08/articles/
(FET), 16dBA (tube) segeminiz5600aii.
Out Imp: 50 htm
Rec Load: 1k
Pwr Type: PSU
Sony C800GPAC
$2856
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: Mic output
Sony Electronics full line of professional audio Polar: Omnidirectional, JR16RK-7P type
technology ranges from portable audio recorders cardioid Pad: -
Dim: 57 x 237 (mm)
to wireless and wired microphone technology and Wght: 900g
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
headphones. They make mics for a wide range of Freq: 20Hz - 18kHz SA: Windscreen,
applications, including recording, live sound, theatrical Out Sens: 18mV/Pa
(omni), 25mV/Pa (cardioid)
cradle suspension,
stand screw
performance and journalism. Max SPL: 134dB (omni), adaptor, mic cable,
131dB (cardioid) carry case, G sticker,
HQ: http://pro.sony.com Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 100
frequency response chart
OA: -
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: PSU
Sontronics Helios
$899
Sontronics are a British microphone brand founded Polar: Omnidirectional, subcardioid,
in 2004 by mic designer and musician Trevor Coley. cardioid, supercardioid, hypercardioid,
figure-of-8
Their range covers small- and large-diaphragm Dim: 86 x 204 (mm)
condensers, valve and ribbon mics, as well as models Wght: 900g
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
made for specific purposes, like recording drums and Out Sens: 20mV/Pa
electricguitar. Max SPL: 125dB
Self Noise: 18dBA
USA: www.proaudiodesign.com Out Imp: <200
HQ: www.sontronics.com Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: PSU
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: 8-pin connector, XLR-3
(M)
Omega Pad: -10dB Pad: -10dB
Filt Freq: 75Hz Filt Freq: 75Hz
$799 Slope: - Slope: -
Polar: Cardioid SA: Spider shockmount, 2 spare SA: Yoke-style mount, angled
Dim: 76 x 261 (mm) shockmount elastics, wooden case, microphone clip, stand adaptor,
Wght: 749g PSU, -10dB pad and 75Hz filter, wooden case, PSU, -10dB pad and
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz 8-pin to 3-pin cable, power cable, 75Hz filter, 8-pin to 3-pin cable,
Out Sens: 25mV/ aluminium flight case, lifetime power cable, aluminium flight case,
Pa warranty lifetime warranty
Max SPL: 125dB OA: Pop shield, pro-quality audio OA: Pop shield, pro-quality audio
Self Noise: 18dBA cables with Neutrik XX connectors, cables with Neutrik XX connectors,
Out Imp: <200 professional microphone stand professional microphone stand
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: PSU SOS Review (September 2006) SOS Review (September 2005)
Alt Pwr: - www.soundonsound.com/sos/ www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep05/
SC: - sep06/articles/omega.htm articles/sontronicsmics.htm
Con via: 8-pin connector, XLR-3 (M)
Telefunken-Elektroakustik AR-51
$1895
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: -
Telefunken-Elektroakustik manufacture microphones Polar: Omnidirectional, Pad: -
ranging from replicas of historic vintage mics to their subcardioid, cardioid,
supercardioid,
Filt Freq: -
R-F-T series and dynamic models for live use. Their hypercardioid, figure-of-8 Slope: -
SA: PSU, tube
microphones are hand crafted in the USA. Dim: 44 x 241 (mm)
microphone cable, elastic
Wght: 765g
shockmount, wooden
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
HQ: www.telefunken-elektroakustik.com Out Sens: 14mV/Pa
box
OA: -
Max SPL: 138dB
Self Noise: 16dBA
Out Imp: 200
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: -
Wunder Audio
Wunder Audio started off repairing mixing consoles and building
mic preamps in 1999. Today, they make a wide range of vintage-
inspired microphones, including valve and solid-state models.
They also now make their own mixing console, the Wunderbar.
USA: www.vintageking.com
HQ: www.wunderaudio.com
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specialised microphones
Specialised
microphones
Some microphones fall outside of the common categories,
examples being measurement microphones, contact
microphones and, more recently, those with digital outputs.
Other specialised products adopt familiar microphone
technologies and then package them for a specific application,
such as mics designed to be clipped to drum rims. Recent
years have seen great advances in the performance of
headset mics and models optimised
for semi-permanent mounting
onto acoustic instruments. If it
doesnt fit into one of the other
categories, this is where to look.
AKG C518M
$249
Founded in Vienna in 1947, AKG Acoustics are a Application: Drums and
manufacturer of microphones, headphones, wireless percussion
Polar: Cardioid
audio systems and related accessories for professional Dim: 47 x 200 (mm)
and consumer markets. Some of their vintage models, Wght: 110g
like the C12, are both rare and desirable, while their Freq: 60Hz - 20kHz
Out Sens: 5mV/Pa
current models, including the C414, can be found in Max SPL: 130dB
studios around the world. Self Noise: 31dBA
Out Imp: <200
HQ: www.akg.com Rec Load: >2k
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: <2mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -
C519M Filt Freq: -
$249 Alt Slope: -
Application: Suitable for a range Pwr: - SA: Drum bracket, protective bag,
of instruments including wind SC: <2mA windscreen, mounting adaptor
instruments, drums and piano Con via: XLR-3 (M) OA: Battery power supply,
Polar: Cardioid Pad: - phantom power adaptor
Dim: 47 x 213 (mm) Filt Freq: -
Wght: 85g Slope: -
Freq: 60Hz - 20kHz SA: Instrument mounting
Out Sens: 5mV/Pa clip, bag, windscreen
Max SPL: 130dB OA: Clarinet clamp
Self Noise: 31dBA
Out Imp: <200
Rec Load: >2k
Pwr Type: P9-52
Audix FireBall V
$190
Con via: -
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Founded in 1984 in California, Audix are a well- Application: Harmonica Slope: -
respected manufacturer of microphones for stage, Polar: Cardioid SA: Heavy-duty
Dim: 54 x 100 (mm)
studio and specialised purposes. Their dynamic mics, in Wght: 140g
press-fit microphone
clip, carry pouch
particular, are very popular with engineers. Freq: 50Hz - 16kHz OA: External foam
Out Sens: 1.5mV/Pa windscreen, spring-
HQ: www.audixusa.com Max SPL: 140dB loaded rim-mount clamp,
tension rod microphone
Self Noise: -
Out Imp: - clamp, 20-inch XLR
cable, wireless bodypack,
Rec Load: -
high-quality low/high
Pwr Type: - impedance transformer
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
MicroHP f90
$255 $135
Application: Mini Application: Mini clip-on
instrument mic percussion mic
Polar: Cardioid Polar: Cardioid SC: -
Dim: 30mm Dim: 147mm Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Wght: 47g Wght: 170g Pad: -
Freq: 40Hz - 20kHz SC: - Freq: 50Hz - 18kHz Filt Freq: -
Out Sens: 6mV/Pa Con via: XLR-3 (M) Out Sens: 8.8mV/Pa Slope: -
Max SPL: 140dB Pad: - Max SPL: 135dB SA: APS910 PSU, rim
Self Noise: 24dBA Self Noise: 29dBA mount clip
Filt Freq: -
Out Imp: 250 Out Imp: 250 OA: -
Slope: -
Rec Load: SA: APS910 PSU, DCLAMP Rec Load:
Pwr Type: P48 mount Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: OA: - Alt Pwr:
Beyerdynamic TG D52D
$159
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Beyerdynamic have been an industry leader in Application: Drums Slope: -
the design and manufacture of premium-grade Polar: Hypercardioid SA: Soft case
Dim: -
microphones, headphones and wireless microphone Wght: 140g
OA: -
systems since 1924. Their microphone range covers Freq: 40Hz - 20kHz
pretty much every type, including dynamic, capacitor Out Sens: 1.3mV/Pa
Max SPL: -
and ribbon models. Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 200
USA: www.americanmusicandsound.com Rec Load: -
HQ: www.beyerdynamic.com Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
TG D57C Con via: XLR-3 (M) TG D58C Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: - Pad: -
$199 Filt Freq: -
$199 Filt Freq: -
Application: Toms, snare Slope: - Application: Toms, snare Slope: -
Polar: Cardioid SA: Soft case Polar: Cardioid SA: Soft case
Dim: - OA: Wind shield Dim: - OA: Wind shield
Wght: 145g Wght: 140g
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
Out Sens: 5mV/Pa Out Sens: 5mV/Pa
Max SPL: 140dB Max SPL: 140dB
Self Noise: - Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 200 Out Imp: 200
Rec Load: - Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P12-48 Pwr Type: P12-48
Alt Pwr: - Alt Pwr: -
SC: 4.7mA SC: 4.7mA
TG i56C Alt Pwr: P48 (using adaptor) TG i55C Helix Con via: Mini XLR-4 (M)
SC: - Pad: -
$199 Con via: Mini XLR-4 (M)
$199 Filt Freq: -
Application: Acoustic instruments, Pad: - Application: Stringed instruments Slope: -
particularly accordions, Filt Freq: - Polar: Omnidirectional SA: Flexible helix clip, soft case
bandoneons and zithers Dim: 5 x 13 (mm)
Slope: - OA: Phantom power adaptor,
Polar: Cardioid Wght: 9g miniature mixer, wind shield
SA: Mounting clip, adhesive pads,
Dim: - soft case Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
Wght: 40g OA: Mounting plate set, phantom Out Sens: 10mV/Pa
Freq: 30Hz - 20kHz power adaptor, miniature mixer, Max SPL: 118dB
Out Sens: 12.4mV/Pa wind shield Self Noise: -
Max SPL: 136dB Out Imp: 1k
Self Noise: - Rec Load: -
Out Imp: - Pwr Type: 1.5V to 9V DC
Rec Load: - Alt Pwr: P48 (using adaptor)
Pwr Type: 1.5V to 9V DC SC: -
DPA 4060
$519.95
Out Imp: 30-40
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48
DPA Microphones are a leading manufacturer of Application: Alt Pwr: Wireless systems min 5V,
high-quality condenser microphones for studio, Acoustic max 50V through DPA adaptor
instruments, studio, SC: -
broadcast, theatre, film and sound reinforcement broadcast, theatre Con via: MicroDot
environments. All DPA microphones and components Polar: Omnidirectional Pad: -
Dim: 5 x 13 (mm)
are manufactured at the companys purpose-built Wght: 8g
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
factory in Denmark. Freq: Soft-boost grid: 20Hz - SA: Two grids
20kHz, 3dB soft boost at 8-20 kHz. OA: Windscreens, clips, holders,
High-boost grid: 20Hz - 20kHz,
HQ: www.dpamicrophones.com 10dB boost at 12kHz
extension cables, adaptors,
powersupplies
Out Sens: 20mV/Pa SOS Review (March 1998)
Max SPL: 134dB www.soundonsound.com/sos/
Self Noise: 23dBA
mar98/articles/danish.html
4088 max 50V through DPA adaptor max 50V through DPA adaptor
4099B
SC: - SC: -
$659.99 Con via: MicroDot
$599.95 Con via: MicroDot
Application: Headset Pad: - Application: Double bass Pad: -
Polar: Omnidirectional Filt Freq: - Polar: Supercardioid Filt Freq: -
Dim: - Slope: - Dim: 45mm long Slope: -
Wght: 14g SA: Pop screens, cable Wght: 33g SA: Clip, windscreen,
Freq: 100Hz - 20kHz with 4-6dB OA: Pop screens, extension cables, Freq: 80Hz - 15kHz with 2dB soft adaptor, cable
soft boost at 15kHz power supplies boost at 10-12 kHz OA: Clips,
Out Sens: 6mV/Pa Out Sens: 6mV/Pa mounts,
Max SPL: 144dB Max SPL: 142dB holders,
Self Noise: 26dBA Self Noise: 23dBA extension
Out Imp: 30-40 Out Imp: 30-40 cables,
Rec Load: - Rec Load: - adaptors
Pwr Type: P48 Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: Wireless systems min 5V, Alt Pwr: Wireless systems min 5V,
4099C max 50V through DPA adaptor 4099D max 50V through DPA adaptor
SC: - SC: -
$599.95 Con via: MicroDot
$599.95 Con via: MicroDot
Application: Cello Pad: - Application: Drums and percussion Pad: -
Polar: Supercardioid Filt Freq: - Polar: Supercardioid Filt Freq: -
Dim: 45mm long Slope: - Dim: 45mm long Slope: -
Wght: 33g SA: Clip, adaptor, cable Wght: - SA: Clip, adaptor, cable
Freq: 80Hz - 15kHz with 2dB soft OA: Clips, mounts, holders, Freq: 80Hz - 15kHz with 2dB soft OA: Clips, mounts, holders,
boost at 10-12 kHz extension cables, adaptors boost at 10-12 kHz extension cables, adaptors
Out Sens: 6mV/Pa Out Sens: 2mV/Pa
Max SPL: 142dB Max SPL: 152dB
Self Noise: 23dBA Self Noise: 28dBA
Out Imp: 30-40 Out Imp: 30-40
Rec Load: - Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48 Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: Wireless systems min 5V, Alt Pwr: Wireless systems min 5V,
4099G min 5V, max 50V through DPA 4099P (stereo) max 50V through DPA adaptor
adaptor SC: -
$599.95 SC: - $1,198.95 Con via: MicroDot
Application: Guitar, dobro Con via: MicroDot Application: Piano stereo system Pad: -
Polar: Supercardioid Pad: - Polar: Supercardioid Filt Freq: -
Dim: 45mm long Filt Freq: 80Hz Dim: 45mm long Slope: -
Wght: 36g Slope: - Wght: 46g SA: Magnet mounts, adaptors,
Freq: 80Hz - 15kHz with 2dB soft SA: Clip, adaptor, Freq: 80Hz - 15kHz with 2dB soft cables
boost at 10-12 kHz cable boost at 10-12 kHz OA: Clips, mounts, holders,
Out Sens: 6mV/Pa OA: Clips, Out Sens: 6mV/Pa extension cables, adaptors
Max SPL: 142dB mounts, Max SPL: 142dB
Self Noise: 23dBA holders, Self Noise: 23dBA
Out Imp: 30-40 extension Out Imp: 30-40
Rec Load: - cables, Rec Load: -
adaptors
Pwr Type: P48 Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: Wireless systems Alt Pwr: Wireless systems min 5V,
4099S Pwr Type: P48 4099T min 5V, max 50V through
Alt Pwr: Wireless systems min 5V, DPA adaptor
$599.95 max 50V through DPA adaptor $599.95 SC: -
Application: Saxophone, clarinet SC: - Application: Trumpet, brass Con via: MicroDot
Polar: Con via: MicroDot Polar: Supercardioid Pad: -
Supercardioid Pad: - Dim: 45mm long Filt Freq: 80Hz
Dim: - Filt Freq: 80Hz Wght: 31g Slope: -
Wght: - Slope: - Freq: 80Hz - 15kHz with 2dB SA: Clip, adaptor,
Freq: 80Hz - 15kHz SA: Clip, adaptor, cable soft boost at 10-12 kHz cable
with 2dB soft boost OA: Clips, mounts, Out Sens: 2mV/Pa OA: Clips, mounts,
at 10-12 kHz holders, extension cables, Max SPL: 152dB holders, extension
Out Sens: 6mV/Pa adaptors Self Noise: 28dBA cables, adaptors
Max SPL: 142dB Out Imp: 30-40
Self Noise: 23dBA Rec Load: -
Out Imp: 30-40 Pwr Type: P48
Rec Load: - Alt Pwr: Wireless systems
4099U Alt Pwr: Wireless systems min 5V, Alt Pwr: Wireless systems
max 50V through DPA adaptor
4099V min 5V, max 50V through
$599.95 SC: - $599.95 DPA adaptor
Application: Any instrument Con via: MicroDot Application: Violin, SC: -
Polar: Supercardioid Pad: - mandolin Con via:
Dim: 45mm long Filt Freq: - Polar: Supercardioid MicroDot
Wght: 41g Slope: - Dim: 45mm long Pad: -
Freq: 80Hz - 15kHz SA: Clip, adaptor, cable Wght: 33g Filt Freq:
with 2dB soft boost at OA: Clips, mounts, holders, Freq: 80Hz - 15kHz with 80Hz
10-12 kHz extension cables, adaptors 2dB soft boost at 10-12 kHz Slope: -
Out Sens: 6mV/Pa Out Sens: 6mV/Pa SA: Clip,
Max SPL: 142dB Max SPL: 142dB adaptor, cable
Self Noise: 23dBA Self Noise: 23dBA OA: Clips,
Out Imp: 30-40 Out Imp: 30-40 mounts, holders,
Rec Load: - Rec Load: - extension cables, adaptors
Pwr Type: P48 Pwr Type: P48
Earthworks DP30/C
$649
American company Earthworks started out making Application: Close-
test and measurement microphones, and their current miking toms and
snare drums
mics still follow the ethos of aiming to sound as neutral Polar: Cardioid
and transparent as possible. All of their products Dim: 22 x 275 (mm)
Wght: 113g
including their studio monitors have unusually Freq: 30Hz - 30kHz
highbandwidths. Out Sens: 10mV/Pa
Max SPL: 145dB
HQ: www.earthworksaudio.com Self Noise: 22dBA
Out Imp: 100
Rec Load: 600
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: 10mA
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
FW730 Pad: -
$1,299 Filt Freq: -
Application: Floor-standing Slope: -
choir microphone SA: Protective case, foam teardrop windscreen
Polar: Cardioid OA: Rim mount
Dim: 27 x 2185 (mm)
Wght: 900g SOS Review (July 2010)
Freq: 30Hz - 30kHz www.soundonsound.com/sos/jul10/articles/
Out Sens: 10mV/Pa Con via: XLR-3 (M) earthworksdpseries.htm
Max SPL: 145dB Pad: -
Self Noise: 22dBA Filt Freq: -
Out Imp: 100 Slope: -
Rec Load: 600 SA: Cast iron base
Pwr Type: P48 OA: Tripod base, foam teardrop
Alt Pwr: - windscreen, LevelPad switchable
SC: 10mA -15 or -30 dB
Electro-Voice PL33
$99
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Electro-Voice (commonly referred to as EV) are Application: Kick drum Slope: -
a manufacturer of audio equipment, including Polar: Supercardioid SA: -
Dim: 59 x 142 (mm)
microphones, amplifiers and loudspeakers. Electro- Wght: 364g
OA: -
Voice market their products for use in small or large Freq: 20Hz - 10kHz
concert venues, broadcasting, houses of worship, and Out Sens: 0.5mV/Pa
Max SPL: -
retail situations. Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 150
HQ: www.electrovoice.com Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Holophone H2-5.1
$4,995 (plus decoding
Out Imp: -
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48
Holophone offer a diverse line of recording software at $725)
Alt Pwr: -
microphones for audio professionals to capture and Application: Surround SC: -
sound
record multi-channel surround sound. These include Polar: Omnidirectional,
Con via: XLR-3
(M) x 6
their H2-PRO 7.1 and 5.1, H4 SuperMINI, H3-D and cardioid, hemispherical, ear/ Pad: -
PortaMic Pro models, all built to create realistic, sphere/dummy/head
Dim: 150 x 200 (mm)
Filt Freq: -
discrete 5.1 and 7.1 recordings for broadcast, feature Wght: 1.5kg
Slope: -
SA: Pelican case
film, live events and other professional applications. Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz (x7),
OA: Foam windscreen,
20Hz - 110Hz (x1)
Rycote fuzzy windjammer,
Out Sens: 5mV/Pa
HQ: www.holophone.com Max SPL: 142dB
hand grip
Self Noise: -
SET iT frEE
w w w. d p a m i c r o p h o n e s . c o m / d f a c t o
specialised microphones
JTS CM-825iF
$199.95 MSRP
Con via: Mini XLR-4
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
JTS Professional, founded in 1982, are a Taiwan- Application: Earhook Slope: -
based manufacturer of professional wired and Polar: Omnidirectional SA: Detachable cable,
Dim: 4 x 11 (mm)
wireless microphones, conference and tour-guide Wght: 9g
windscreen, bag, clip
OA: Cables with different
systems, headphones and earphones. JTS have official Freq: 50Hz - 18kHz connectors to match
distributors in over 70 countries, and are also an OEM Out Sens: 22.4mV/Pa wireless systems
Max SPL: 130dB
supplier of tailor-made products. Self Noise: 26dBA
Out Imp: 1.2k
HQ: www.jtsusa.us Rec Load: >5k
Pwr Type: P3-5
Alt Pwr: -
SC: <0.05mA
Karma K-TDM
$39.99
Karma Audio are located in Cupertino, CA, and design, Application: Tom, snare
manufacture, and distribute a full range of professional Polar: Supercardioid
Dim: 36 x 135 (mm)
recording microphones. Karma Audios product Wght: 130g
philosophy is to provide distinctive, affordable and Freq: 50Hz - 14kHz
high-quality microphones that enable a new generation Out Sens: 1.5mV/Pa
Max SPL: -
of recording engineers to produce music. The company Self Noise: -
were founded in 2001. Out Imp: 250
Rec Load: -
HQ: www.karmamics.com Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
K-BDM Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Slope: -
Pad: -
$39.99 Filt Freq: -
SA: Microphone clamp, carry
Application: Bass drum case
Slope: -
Polar: Supercardioid OA: -
SA: Microphone clamp, carry case
Dim: 50 x 145 (mm) OA: -
Wght: 170g
Freq: 50Hz - 14kHz
Out Sens: 1.2mV/Pa
Max SPL: -
Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 250
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
LD Systems D1007
92 (US price not
LD Systems is a brand name of the Adam Hall Group, available)
associated with a wide range of value-for-money audio Application: Bass
products over the last decade. They offer a range of Polar: Supercardioid
Dim: 58 x 140 (mm)
Chinese-sourced microphones, with German assembly Wght: 350g
and quality control, incorporating both moving-coil and Freq: -
capacitor models for stage and studio. Out Sens: 0.6mV/Pa SC: -
Max SPL: 170dB Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Self Noise: - Pad: -
HQ: www.ld-systems.com Out Imp: 300 Filt Freq: -
Rec Load: - Slope: -
Pwr Type: - SA: -
Alt Pwr: - OA: -
MXL AC-400
$79.95
The microphone division of Marshall Electronics (not Application: Conference
the similarly named guitar-amp makers), MXL started Polar pattern: -
Dim: 279.4 x 76.2 mm
off producing low-cost studio capacitor mics, but Wght: 453.6g
have since branched out into ribbon mics and models Freq: 40Hz - 16kHz
designed for the stage. Out Sens: -
Max SPL: -
Self Noise: -
HQ: www.mxlmics.com Out Imp: -
Rec Load: -
Pwr Alt: -
SC: -
Con via: USB
Filt Freq: -
SA: USB cable, windscreen
OA: AC-404
A-55 Kicker Con via: -
Pad: -
$99.95 Filt Freq: -
Application: Kick drum Slope: -
Polar: Cardioid SA: -
Dim: 60 x 130 (mm) OA: -
Wght: 540g
Freq: 30Hz - 15kHz
Out Sens: -
Max SPL: -
Self Noise: -
Out Imp: -
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
MicW i266
$179
MicW are a professional recording microphone brand, Application: iPhone/iPod Touch
known for producing clean-sounding microphones. Polar: Cardioid
Dim: 18 x 55 (mm)
With great options for instrument and voice recording, Wght: 16g
MicW strive to develop products that faithfully Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
reproduce sound and transmit the voice cleanly. Out Sens: 10mV/Pa
Max SPL: -
Self Noise: -
HQ: www.mic-w.com Out Imp: 2.2k
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: Plug-in power
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: 3.5mm 4-pole headset interface
Pad: -
SC: - Filt Freq: -
i436 Slope: -
Con via: 3.5mm 4-pole headset
$179 interface SA: -
Application: iPhone/iPod Touch Pad: - OA: Windscreen, clip, 2m extension
Polar: Omnidirectional Filt Freq: - cable, split cable, aluminium tube,
windjammer
Dim: 10 x 50 (mm) Slope: -
Wght: 8g SA: -
Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz OA: Windscreen, clip, 2m extension
Out Sens: 6.3mV/Pa cable, split cable, aluminium tube,
Max SPL: - windjammer
Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 2.2k
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: Plug-in
power
Alt Pwr: -
Miktek PM10
$159
SC: -
Con via: -
Pad: -
Miktek produce precision microphones, which are Application: Snare, Filt Freq: -
handmade in Nashville, USA. The company are inspired toms
Slope: -
Polar: Supercardioid
by iconic mics of the past, and develop capsules and Dim: 57 x 140 (mm)
SA: Protective case,
microphone clip
unique circuits to capture sound. Using the very latest Wght: 300g OA: Drum clip
in audio technology, Mikteks designs are approved by Freq: 20Hz - 19kHz
Out Sens: 1.9mV/Pa
some of the worlds most acclaimed sound engineers. Max SPL: 150dB
Self Noise: -
HQ: www.miktekaudio.com Out Imp: 300
Rec Load: 300
Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
Peavey PM 18s
$129
Peavey are one of the largest independently owned Application: Podium
suppliers of musical instruments and professional Polar: Cardioid
sound equipment in the world. Established by Hartley Dim: 13 x 460 (mm)
Wght: 220g
Peavey in 1965, Peavey hold 130 patents in musical Freq: 50Hz - 20kHz
instrument design and audio technology. Their Out Sens: 11.2mV/Pa Con via: -
products can be found in government buildings, theme Max SPL: 132dB Pad: -
Self Noise: - Filt Freq: -
parks, airports, stadiums and more. Out Imp: 250 Slope: -
Rec Load: - SA: Windscreen, mounting
HQ: www.peavey.com Pwr Type: P9-52 bracket
Alt Pwr: - OA: -
SC: 3mA
Prodipe ST4
$229 (set of 4)
French company Prodipe are known for making Application: Snare
monitors with ribbon tweeters, as well as drum, kick drum,
overhead
manufacturing a wide range of low-cost microphones Polar: Cardioid
for stage and studio use. Dim: -
Wght: - Self Noise:
Freq: 80Hz - 12kHz <22dBA
HQ: www.prodipe.com (SD), 30Hz - 12kHz Out Imp: 250
(KD), 30Hz - 20kHz (SD), 200 (KD), Con via: -
(A1) 100 (overhead) Pad: -
Out Sens: 1.9mV/Pa Rec Load: >1k Filt Freq: 100kHz
(SD), 0.6mV/Pa (KD), Pwr Type: P48 Slope: 12dB/Oct
15.8mV/Pa (overhead) Alt Pwr: - SA: Flight case, clamps
Max SPL: 130dB SC: - OA: -
RDE HS1
$299
Con via: MiCon (proprietary)
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Rode are based in Sydney, Australia, where all their Application: Headset Slope: -
microphones are designed, and where the majority of Polar: Omnidirectional SA: Weatherproof case, pop filter,
Dim: 200 x 180 (mm)
their manufacturing takes place. They make all kinds Wght: 6.5g
mini-furry, cable management clip,
adjustment tools, Kevlar-reinforced
of mics, from valve and solid-state condensers to lapel Freq: 60Hz - 18kHz cable, 5 year warranty
and video microphones. Out Sens: 21.1mV/Pa OA: MiCon connector series, 3m
Max SPL: 110dB cable, available in pink
Self Noise: 25dBA
HQ: www.rodemic.com Out Imp: 3k
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: Plug-in power (2-5 V)
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Schertler A-DYN
$1,599.99
Schertler, founded in the early 1980s by Stephan Application: Instrumentpickup
Schertler, produce acoustic transducers and Polar: -
Dim: -
acoustic amplifiers, and focus on total fidelity Wght: 55g
in the reproduction of the sound of acoustic Freq: 20Hz - 18kHz
stringedinstruments. Out Sens: 13mV/Pa
Max SPL: -
Self Noise: -
USA: www.eastmanguitars.com Out Imp: 440
HQ: www.schertler.com Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Basik Con via: Mono 1/4-
Slope: -
inch jack
$169 Pad: -
SA: Cable clip for double-bass,
Application: - cello and violin, adhesive putty,
Filt Freq: - wood box
Polar: - Slope: - OA: Preamplifier (A-PRE),
Dim: - SA: Phantom preamp holder
Wght: 45g supply,
Freq: 60Hz - 15kHz adhesive
Out Sens: - putty, soft
Max SPL: - case
Self Noise: - OA: 48V to
Out Imp: 1k 10V phantom
power adaptor
Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: P12
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Sennheiser e904
$199.95
Longstanding German company Sennheiser make Application: Drums
microphones for a wide range of purposes, including Polar: Cardioid
conferences, aviation, and music recording and Dim: 41 x 63 (mm)
Wght: 125g
performance. Their high-end MKH condensers employ Freq: 40Hz - 18kHz
some innovative capsule technology, and their wireless Out Sens: 2mV/Pa
mic systems include vocal mics, headset mics and Max SPL: -
Self Noise: - Con via: -
lavelier models. Out Imp: 350 Pad: -
Rec Load: 1k Filt Freq: -
HQ: www.sennheiserusa.com Pwr Type: - Slope: -
Alt Pwr: - SA: Pouch
SC: - OA: -
Sontronics DM-1B
$449
SC: -
Con via: XLR-3 (M)
Pad: -15dB
Sontronics are a British microphone brand founded Application: Kick drum, Filt Freq: -
in 2004 by mic designer and musician Trevor Coley. bass instruments
Slope: -
Polar: Cardioid
Their range covers small- and large-diaphragm Dim: 72 x 144 (mm)
SA: Yoke-style mount,
aluminium flight case,
condensers, valve and ribbon mics, as well as models Wght: 829g lifetime warranty
made for specific purposes, like recording drums and Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz OA: Pro-quality cables with
Out Sens: 6mV/Pa Neutrik XX connectors
electricguitar. Max SPL: 155dB
Self Noise: 14dBA SOS Review (December 2011)
USA: www.proaudiodesign.com Out Imp: <200 www.soundonsound.com/sos/
HQ: www.sontronics.com Rec Load: - dec11/articles/sontronics-dm.htm
Pwr Type: P48
Alt Pwr: -
Boundary
microphones
Boundary mics are essentially microphones placed at
a room boundary (or other large surface), such as a wall
or ceiling, where their position means they are unable
to receive reflections from the surface to which they
are attached. A typical boundary mic comes fixed to
a small metal plate, which in turn can be fixed to the
boundary surface. Common applications include
environments where reflections from a particular
surface are to be avoided, such as a low ceiling
above a drum kit or beneath the lid of a grand piano.
Most boundary mics use omni capsules, which, in
a boundary scenario, produce a hemispherical pickup
pattern. Some cardioid models are also available.
MicW iBoundary
$69 MSRP
Filt Freq: -
SA: split cable, PC/laptop cable
OA: -
MicW are a professional recording microphone brand, Polar: Omnidirectional
known for producing clean-sounding microphones. Dim: 9 x 40 (mm)
Wght: 70g
With great options for instrument and voice recording, Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
MicW strive to develop products that faithfully Out Sens: 17.8mV/Pa
reproduce sound and transmit the voice cleanly. Max SPL: -
Self Noise: -
Out Imp: 2.2k
HQ: www.mic-w.com Rec Load: -
Pwr Type: -
Alt Pwr: -
SC: -
Con via: 3.5mm 4-pole jack
Nevaton MC 403
$749
Pad: -
Filt Freq: -
Slope: -
Formed in Russia in 1991, Nevaton have their roots Polar: Hemispherical SA: Hardwood box
in the Leningrad optical and mechanical association Dim: 10 x 80 (mm) OA: -
Wght: 120g
and the scientific and industrial association EKRAN. Freq: 20Hz - 20kHz
Founded as microphone manufacturers and a research Out Sens: 20mV/Pa
laboratory, Nevaton have a base that contains an Max SPL: 130dB
Self Noise: 17dBA
acoustic lab, including a large anechoic chamber, and a Out Imp: 50
factory where each microphone is hand assembled. Rec Load: 1k
Pwr Type: P48
USA: www.redsquareaudio.com Alt Pwr: -
SC: 10mA
HQ: www.nevatonmics.com Con via: XLR-3 (M)
The following manufacturers were invited to participate in Heil Sound Marek Design Soundking
this guide, but had not supplied any data or images by the www.heilsound.com www.md-mics.com www.soundking.com
production deadline. JJ Audio Milab Soundman
www.jjaudiomic.com www.milabmic.com www.soundman.de
AMT Clockaudio Kel Audio Nady Superlux
www.appliedmic.com www.clockaudio.com www.kelaudio.com www.nady.com www.superlux.us
Azden Countryman Associates Korby Audio Technologies Samson Symphotec
www.azden.com www.countryman.com www.korbyaudio.com www.samsontech.com www.symphotec.de
Berliner Microphones Da-Cappo Lawson Sanken Taylor Hohendahl Engineering
www.berlineraudio.com www.da-cappo.com www.lawsonmicrophones.com www.sanken-mic.com www.theaudio.com
Bock Audio Electroharmonix M-Audio SD Systems Tram
www.bockaudio.com www.ehx.com www.m-audio.com www.sdsystems.com www.trammicrophones.com
BPM Studiotechnik Equation Audio Maroon Audio Sonodore Violet Design
www.bpm-studiotechnik.com www.equationaudio.com www.maroonaudio.com www.rensheijnis.com www.violet-design.com
Chameleon Labs Hebden Sound MBHO Soundfield XXL Inside
www.chameleonlabs.com www.hebdensound.co.uk www.mbho.de www.soundfield.co.uk www.xxlinside.com
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Audix Corporation www.audixusa.com ............................... 13 RODE Microphones www.rodemic.com ................................ 21
Blue Microphones www.bluemic.com ................................. 95 Royer Labs www.royerlabs.com ............................. 129
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DPA Microphones www.dpamicrophones.com ................ 163 Stedman Corporation www.stedmancorp.com ........................ 57
Earthworks Audio www.earthworksaudio.com................. 103 Sterling Audio www.sterlingaudio.net .......................... 53
Fingerprint Audio www.fingerprintaudio.com ................... 75 Studiofilter www.studiofilter.com ............................ 83
Focal Press www.focalpress.com ............................. 73 SONY www.sony.com/proaudio .....................IBC
Focusrite www.focusrite.com................................ 49 Sound Pure www.soundpure.com .......................... 125
Grace Design www.gracedesign.com.......................... 37 Sweetwater Sound www.sweetwater.com .......................... 4-5
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Lauten Audio www.lautenaudio.com .......................... 67 Vintage King www.vintageking.com ........................... 97
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