Studio Microphones

Vocals, Music and Mics

SHURE SM57 Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

An industry standard for performance and recording, the versatile and rugged SM57 is an exceptional instrument microphone and vocal microphone. An ideal choice for sound reinforcement and recording applications, the legendary SM57 is tuned for clean reproduction of amplified and acoustic instruments, targeting the main sound source while minimizing background noise. The SM57 has an extremely effective cardioid pickup pattern that isolates the main sound source while minimizing background noise. In the studio, it is excellent for recording drums, guitar, and woodwinds.

Key Features:

• Contoured frequency response for clean, instrumental reproduction and rich vocal pickup
• Professional-quality reproduction for drum, percussion, and instrument amplifier miking
• Pneumatic shock-mount system cuts down handling noise
• Frequency response: 40 to 15,000 Hz
• Replacement cartridge: R57
• Supplied break-resistant swivel adapter that rotates 180° Supplied break-resistant swivel adapter that rotates 180°

Technical Specs:

•Type: Dynamic
• Frequency Response: 40 to 15,000 Hz
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Sensitivity (at 1,000 Hz Open Circuit Voltage): Open Circuit Voltage: -56.0 dBV/Pa (1.6 mV) (1 Pa = 94 dB SPL)
• Impedance: Rated impedance is 150Ω (310Ω actual) for connec- tion to microphone inputs rated low impedance.
• Polarity: Positive pressure on dia phragm produces positive volt- age on pin 2 with respect to pin 3.
• Case: Dark gray, enamel-painted, die- cast steel with a polycarbonate grille and a stainless steel screen.
• Connector: Three-pin professional audio connector (male XLR type)
• Net Weight: 284 grams (10 oz) Dimensions: 157 mm (6-3/16 in.) L x 32 mm (1-1/4 in.) W

RODE NT1-A Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The RØDE NT1-A 1” cardioid condenser microphone is reportedly Røde’s biggest selling microphone and has become an industry standard; delivering the warmth, extended dynamic range, clarity and high SPL capability typically only featured on some of the world’s most expensive microphones.

With a self-noise level of only 5dBA it is widely recognised as one the world’s quietest studio microphones. This low noise makes it an ideal vocal microphone as well as perfect for recording guitars and percussion.

Packaged in the ‘Complete Vocal Recording Solution’, the NT1-A includes everything you need to get a truly professional vocal recording and is ideal for home studio recording.

A studio grade pop shield and shock mount is included, along with a premium 20’ microphone cable, dust cover, and an downloadable instructional video packed with recording tips.

Key Features:

• Large 1” capsule with gold plated diaphragm
• Cardioid polar pattern
• Ultra low noise, self noise of only 5dB (A)
• Wide dynamic range
• True condenser (externally biased)
• Internal capsule shock mounting
• Includes RØDE SM6 shock mount, pop filter and dust cover
• 10 year extended warranty when you register your microphone

Technical Specs:

• Acoustic Principle: Pressure Gradient
• Active Electronics: JFET im- pedance converter with bipo- lar output buffer
• Capsule: 1.00”
• Address Type: Side
• Frequency Range: 20Hz - 20kHz
• Output Impedance: 100Ω

NEUMANN TLM 102 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Conceived primarily as a vocal microphone, the TLM102 is suitable for use with loud instruments such as drums, brass instruments and guitar amplifiers.

The TLM 102 is impressive in terms of sound: In the interior is a newly developed large-diaphragm capsule (cardioid) with a maximum sound pressure level of 144 dB, which permits the recording of percussion, drums, amps and other very loud sound sources, for example. Instruments that are not especially loud also benefit from the very fast transient response of the TLM 102. However its most important applications are in the realm of vocals and speech; a slight boost above 6 kHz provides for excellent presence of the voice in the overall mix. Up to 6 kHz the frequency response is extremely linear, ensuring minimal coloration and a clearly defined bass range. The capsule has an elastic suspension for the suppression of structure-borne noise. A pop screen integrated into the grille serves to suppress plosives in vocal and speech recording. The TLM 102 is ideal for the home recording and project studio sector, as well as for the broadcasting area, especially when clear lines of sight to the speakers are a priority. The TLM 102 is available in black and nickel; a stand mount is included.

Key Features:

• Large-diaphragm microphone with cardioid directional characteristic (pressure gradient transducer)
• Compact, characteristic but smaller-scale Neumann design
• Very high maximum sound pressure level
• Slight presence boost above 6 kHz
• Transformerless circuitry
• Large-diaphragm microphone with cardioid directional characteristic (pressure gradient transducer)
• Compact, characteristic but smaller-scale Neumann design
• Very high maximum sound pressure level
• Slight presence boost above 6 kHz
• Transformerless circuitry

Tech Specs:

• Acoustical operating principle: Pressure gradient transducer
• Directional pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency range: 20 Hz... 20 kHz
• Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kohm: 11 mV/Pa
• Rated impedance: 50 ohms
• Rated load impedance: 1 kohms
• Equivalent noise level, CCIR1): 21 dB
• Equivalent noise level, A-weighted1): 12 dB-A
• Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR1) (rel. 94 dB SPL): 73 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted1) (rel. 94 dB SPL): 82 dB
• Maximum output voltage: 13 dBu
• Supply voltage (P48, IEC 61938): 48 V ± 4 V
• Current consumption (P48, IEC 61938): 3.5 mA
• Weight approx.: 210 g
• Diameter: 52 mm; Length: 116 mm

SENNHEISHER MK4 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The MK 4 is a professional quality large-diaphragm true cardioid condenser microphone for professional studio recordings and home and project studios. Featuring fine resolution and outstanding sound quality, the MK 4 is easy to handle, ideal for vocals, and acoustic instruments, making it an ideal choice for professional project studios and home recordists. It features a 1” true condenser capsule based on the acoustics of the e 965 high-end vocal mic, optimised for recording.

Key Features:

• Large-diaphragm capsule (1”)
• True condenser design
• 24-carat gold -plated diaphragm
• Full metal housing
• Capsule shock-mounted internally to minimise structure-borne noise
• Designed for project studios and stage use
• Low inherent self-noise and high maximum SPL

Technical Specs:

• Nominal impedance ca.: 50 Ω
• Min. terminating impedance: 1000 Ω
• AF sensitivity: 25 mV/Pa
• Equivalent noise level: 10 dB(A)
• Maximum sound pressure level (passiv): 140 dB
• Power supply: 48 V phantom powering (P48)
• Current consumption: 3,1 mA
• Dynamic range: 130 dB
• Dimensions: 160 x 57 mm (L x D)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Weight: 485 g

AUDIO-TECHNICA AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Audio-Technica’s stringent quality and consistency standards set the AT2020 apart from other mics in its class. Its low-mass diaphragm is custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. With rugged construction for durable performance, the microphone offers a wide dynamic range and handles high SPLs with ease. The AT2020: the new standard for affordable side-address studio condensers.

Key features:

• The price/performance standard in side-address studio condenser microphone technology
• Ideal for project/home-studio applications
• High SPL handling and wide dynamic range provide unmatched versatility
• Custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient response
• Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source
• Pivoting, threaded stand mount attaches securely for easy and precise placement of the microphone

Technical specs:

• Element: Fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz
• Open Circuit Sensitivity: –37 dB (14.1 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
• Impedance: 100 ohms
• Maximum input Sound Level 144 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
• Noise: 20 dB SPL
• Dynamic Range (typical): 124 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
• Signal-To-Noise Ratio: 74 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
• Phantom Power Requirements: 48V DC, 2 mA typical
• Weight: 12.1 oz (345 g)
• Dimensions: 62.0 mm (l), 52.0 mm maximum body diameter
• Output Connector: Integral 3-pin XLRM-type

BLUE MICROPHONES YETI

The Yeti is a side-address microphone. A side-address microphone accepts sound from an angle perpendicular to the mic—as opposed to a front-address mic, which accepts sound from the “end” of the microphone. Yeti was designed with a convenient, no-hassle workflow in mind.

Key Features include:

• The ultimate professional USB microphone
• Tri-capsule array
• Multiple pattern selection—cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional and stereo
• Gain control, mute button, zero-latency headphone output
• Perfect for vocals, musical instruments, podcasting, voiceovers, interviews, gaming, field recordings, conference calls
• Plug ‘n play—Mac and PC compatible

Technical specs:

• Power Required/Consumption: 5V 150mA • Sample Rate: 48 kHz • Bit Rate: 16-bit • Capsules: 3 Blue-proprietary 14mm condenser capsules • Polar Patterns: Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, Stereo • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz • Max SPL: 120dB (THD: 0.5% 1kHz) • Dimensions (extended in stand): 4.72” (12cm) x 4.92”(12.5cm) x 11.61”(29.5cm) • Weight (microphone): 1.2 lbs (.55 kg) • Weight (stand): 2.2 lbs (1 kg)