Studio Microphone
Microphone Array
If you are looking for a new studio microphone, the options are vast for vocal as well as instrument mics. The year 2017 heralded the launch of a wide range of new microphones for the studio. PT selects six distinctive microphones and details in the features and specs that matter when investing in a good studio microphone.
Audio Technica AT5047
AT5047 captures the full, expressive character of a sound source, no matter how loud or how soft. And since it is equipped with a transformer-coupled output, the microphone maintains a constant load output impedance, even when capturing sources at extreme SPL, resulting in a stable relationship between the mic and a mic preamp or console input.
Main Features include:
• Exceptionally wide dynamic range captures the full, expressive character of instruments and voices – from the caress of drum brushes to powerful vocal performances.
• Four rectangular diaphragms (2 micron) function together to provide a combined surface area twice that of a standard one-inch circular diaphragm.
• Discrete components carefully selected and optimized for maximum performance and compatibility with standalone microphone preamps and console inputs.
• Transformer-coupled output provides smooth sonic character.
• Hand assembled and inspected for 100% quality control.
• Advanced internal shock mounting decouples the capsule from the microphone body.
• Elegant, durable housing of aluminum and brass.
• Included advanced-design custom AT8480 shock mount provides superior isolation.
• Custom hard-shell carrying case with die-cut foam compartments offers protection during storage and transport.
Technical Specification:
• Element: Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
• Open Circuit Sensitivity: -29 dB (35.5 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
• Impedance: 150 ohms
• Maximum Input Sound Level: 148 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
• Noise: 6 dB SPL
• Dynamic Range (Typical): 142 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
• Signal-To-Noise Ratio: 88 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
• Phantom Power Requirements: 48V DC, 2.7 mA typical
• Weight: 592 g (20.9 oz)
• Dimensions: 165.3 mm (6.51’’) long, 57.0 mm (2.24’’) maximum body diameter
• Output Connector: Integral 3-pin XLRM-type
• Accessories Furnished: AT8480 shock mount for 5/8”-27 threaded stands; 3/8” to 5/8” stand adapter; protective carrying case
Blue bluebird SL
Bluebird SL is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone delivering pristine, highly versatile sound. With a high-pass filter and -20dB pad, Bluebird SL is ideal for capturing standout vocal performances, expressing the true tone of guitars, piano and more with extended upper clarity, smooth mids and rich lows.
Main Features include:
• Extended upper clarity with smooth mid frequencies for any voice or instrument
• Hand-built proprietary large-diaphragm cardioid capsule for full, open sound
• High-pass filter and -20dB pad for ultimate versatility
• Works great with home studio USB audio interfaces
Technical Specification:
• Transducer Type: Condenser, Pressure Gradient
• Polar Patterns: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Sensitivity: 28.5 mV/Pa at 1 kHz (1 pa = 94 dB SPL)
• Output Impedance: 50 ohm
• Rate Load Impedance: Not less than 1k omh
• Maximum SPL: 138dB SPL (0.5%)
• S/N Ratio: 82.3 dB-A
• Noise Level: 11.7
• Dynamic Range: 126.3 dB
• Power Requirement: +48V DC Phantom Power
• Weight: 455g
• Dimensions: 222.5mm x 47.5mm
• HPF: 100Hz, 12db per octave
• PAD: -20dB
Earthworks SV33
SV33 studio vocal microphone is designed to deliver vocal performances brimming with stunning detail. It provides freedom and ease to users for every recording session with an enormous sweet spot and incredible rear rejection, maintaining complete sonic accuracy for vocal performances.
The SV33 eliminates limitations found in other high-end studio microphones and infuses ease into the process for both the vocalist and the engineer. With 140 degrees of freedom across the frontal hemisphere every moment of joy, longing, pain or elation will come through with clarity. Also, its discrete Class A circuitry allows the signal path to remain uncompromised, delivering the purest sound possible.
Main Features of Shape 65 include:
• Front Address
• 14mm Capsule
• True cardioid pattern
• 30Hz – 33kHz
• Handles up to 145dB SPL
• Hand-tuned precision
• Crisp, clear and authentic reproduction
• Nextel Dark Black finish for low reflectivity and durability
Technical Specification of Shape 65:
• Frequency Response: 30Hz – 33kHz ±2dB at 5 inches (12.7cm)
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Sensitivity: 10mV/Pa (-40dBV/Pa)
• Power Requirements: 24-48V Phantom, 10mA
• Max Acoustic Input: 145dB SPL
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 79dB A-weighted
• Output: XLR (pin 2+)
• Output Impedance: 65Ω balanced (between pins 2 & 3)
• Minimum Output Load: 600Ω between pins 2 & 3
• Noise: 15dB SPL equivalent (A weighted)
Royer Labs R-10
The Royer R-10 is a passive mono ribbon microphone and can handle SPLs of up to 160 dB @ 1 kHz. It’s compact size and mounting system allows for flexible, unobtrusive positioning.
The R-10’s built-in windscreen provides superior protection from air blasts and plosives. It also reduces proximity effect (bass buildup from close miking) so guitar cabinets and acoustic instruments can be close-miked with less bass buildup.
The R-10 utilizes a David Royer custom designed transformer for high overload threshold, minimizing saturation at even extremely high sound pressure levels. The mic’s open grill design minimizes standing waves and associated comb-filtering effects and its smooth frequency response, phase linearity and lack of self-distortion make it ideal for all digital recording and live sound formats.
Main Features include:
• High SPL capabilities for electric guitar, brass and other close miking applications
• Multi-layered wind screen provides superior protection to ribbon element
• Internally shock-mounted ribbon transducer gives increased durability
• Passive design and custom transformer minimize high SPL overload
• Hum-bucking transducer design delivers extremely low residual noise
• Ribbon element not affected by heat or humidity
• Absence of high-frequency peaks, “ringing” and phase shifts
• Equal sensitivity from front or back of the element
Technical Specification:
• Acoustic Operating Principle: Electrodynamic pressure gradient
• Polar Pattern: Figure-8
• Generating Element: 2.5-micron aluminum ribbon
• Magnets: Rare Earth Neodymium (Grade 52)
• Frequency Response: 30Hz-15,000Hz +/- 3dB
• Sensitivity: -54dBv (re. 1v/pa)
• Output Impedance: 100 Ohms
• Maximum SPL: 135dB @ 50 Hz, 160dB @ 1kHz
• Recommended Load Impedance: 700 Ohms (or greater)
• Output Connector: Male XLR 3-pin (Pin 2 Hot)
• Dimensions: Length including mounting base: 5 7/8 inches (149 mm) Width 1 3/8 inches (35 mm)
• Weight: 13 oz (368 grams)
• Shipping Weight: Single: 2.5 lbs, Matched Pair: 4 lbs
• Accessories: Microphone Holder, Mic Sock, Carrying Case
• Microphone: Adjustable Swivel Mount (Black).
sE Electronics X1 S
X1 S is an updated and refined condenser microphone with expanded features, completely overhauled circuit design, and superior performance - including the highest dynamic range and SPL handling capabilities in its class.
Main features include:
• Custom-Designed, Hand-Crafted Capsule: It utilizes a hand-made condenser capsule, meticulously constructed and tuned.
• High-Performance Electronics: Its internal redesign also allows for improved sensitivity, dramatically increased SPL handling (up to 160dB!), and a huge reduction in self-noise.
• Two Switchable Attenuation Levels: The -10 dB and -20 dB pad switches provide extended dynamic range, enabling a wide range of applications and close-mic techniques for even the loudest instruments.
• Two Switchable Low-Cut Filters: Selectable at either 80Hz or 160Hz, these two filters help eliminate low-frequency rumble or footfall noise, as well as help compensate for excessive bass (proximity effect) with close-mic techniques.
• All-Metal Housing and Premium Finish: The X1 S’s all-metal chassis provides efficient rejection of any electrical interference and noise - and the high-quality finish ensures a great look for years to come.
• Gold-Plated XLR Connector: Ensures loss-free, reliable signal connection for years.
Technical Specification:
• Capsule Type: Hand-Crafted 1” True Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 30 mV/Pa (-30.5 dBV)
• Max SPL: 140 / 150 / 160 dB (0/10/20 dB pad) (0.5% THD @ 1kHz)
• Equivalent noise level: 9 dB(A)
• Dynamic range: 131 / 141 / 151 dB (0/10/20 dB Attenuation pad)
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 85 dB
• Low-cut filter: 80 / 160 Hz, 6 dB/Oct, switchable
• Attenuation Pad: 10 / 20dB, switchable
• Powering: 48 Volts according to IEC 61938
• Electrical Impedance: 125 Ohms
• Recommended load impedance: >1k Ohms
• Current consumption: 6 mA
• Connectivity: 3-pin male XLR connector
• Dimensions: Diameter: 58mm (2.28 in), Length 169mm (6.65 in)
• Weight: 445 g (15.70 oz.)
Sony C-100
The C-100 two-way Condenser Microphone is suitable for critical vocal and instrument recording in recording studios, as well as live and broadcast situations. With the incorporation of newly developed double microphone capsules and noise elimination structure, the C-100 delivers a broad frequency range of 20 Hz to 50 kHz and excellent reproduction of vocal and musical qualities.
Main features include:
• Excellent Sound Quality: Two-way diaphragm structure realizes both broad high range and resonant mid-low range and gives great vocal presence
• Wide Frequency Response: Broad frequency response (20 Hz to 50 kHz) provides superb sound reproduction quality for High-Resolution Audio
• Noise Elimination Construction: Two-part metallic body structure succeeded from C-800G microphone prevents acoustic vibration resulting in low noise and clear sound
• Switchable Polar Patterns: The C-100 microphone features switchable uni-directional, omni-directional and Figure-8 polar patterns for various recording applications
• Low-Cut Filter: Low-Cut filter switch helps eliminate low-frequency noise and proximity effect
• Pad Switch: An -10dB pad switch on C-100 microphone provides added headroom and minimizes distortion caused by transient peaks.
Technical Specification:
• Length: 6.89 in
• Diameter: 1.57 in
• Unit Weight: 1 lb
• Transducer Type: Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Bi-Directional / Figure-Eight, Omni-Directional
• Frequency Range: 20 Hz - 50 kHz
• Sensitivity: -36 dBV/PA (15.8 mV)
• Max. Spl: Cardioid: 131 dB SPL / Omnidirectional: 137 dB SPL / Bi: 135 dB SPL