Following Audio-Technica’s recent enhancement of its 3000 Series UHF True Diversity Wireless Systems with the addition of automatic frequency scanning, the company is now offering the new ATW-T371 handheld cardioid condenser microphone/transmitter in its ATW-3171a system.

Incorporating Audio-Technica’s Artist Series ATM710 cardioid condenser element, the ATW-T371 wireless microphone is designed to be handheld or mounted on a microphone stand. Featuring rugged metal construction, soft-touch controls and a multi-function LCD display, the microphone is powered by two 1.5V AA batteries with a life of 6-8 hours. A dual power switch permits selection of high power for maximum range, or low for extended battery life.

The 3000 Series is a 200-channel frequency-agile UHF wireless system designed for a wide range of applications including live performance, touring, fixed installation, public address and worship. Its Automatic Frequency Scanning function automatically determines and sets the best available frequency (open channel) - useful when employing multiple wireless systems, thereby avoiding interference and intermodulation. Up to 16 simultaneous systems per frequency band are compatible, with a total maximum of 32 simultaneous systems across two bands.

The 3000 Series systems and components are available in two UHF frequency bands: 795.500 to 820.000 MHz and 840.125 to 864.875 MHz, with 200 selectable frequencies in each band. Soft-touch controls offer quick, easy access to the most important functions during set-up and operation. In addition, the 3000 Series features Audio-Technica’s digital Tone Lock® squelch, plus an easy-to-read LCD information display in each unit that provides convenient visual indications of settings and operation status.

With estimated availability during late September, the ATW-T371 will retail at £319.95 (inc VAT).

For more information, visit their web site at www.audio-technica.com.

Posted in Microphones, Technology

Zaxcom today announced that its popular TRX900 wireless microphone system is now available with the Zaxcom Recording Wireless™ feature. This patent-pending option records up to 12 hours of audio directly to an internal memory card for later use in the post house, eliminating concern over audio loss due to RF or EMI interference during transmission.

The system’s new internal recording capability is particularly useful for reality television productions or other programming where ad lib dialogue is used frequently. Because the audio is recorded directly to the body pack, there’s no chance of missing anything, even if the sound mixer wasn’t expecting dialogue from a given actor or reality show participant. The sound mixer’s job is further simplified by the fact that perfect reception is no longer a concern — he or she can focus solely on sound mixing rather than trying to figure out the best place for an antenna or spending time installing a lengthy multicable run.

The TRX900 system features an ultra-compact design and will operate for up to five hours on a single battery. The units are completely remote controllable, allowing production staff to stop recording, replay audio, or begin recording all while the actor is wearing the body pack.

Each TRX900 system has a timecode receiver to ensure that all units are precisely synchronized with each other and with the cameras. This functionality creates a virtual multitrack recording system, allowing post-production teams to work independently with the audio from each unit while knowing they will easily synchronize with the master audio track and camera footage.

The Zaxcom Recording Wireless feature uses a mobile audio recording format developed by Zaxcom that prevents the burnout of memory cards typically experienced with other computer-based file systems. This unique file format also ensures that the system is fault tolerant, allowing users to recover audio from the memory card even when recording is stopped abruptly due to power loss.

For more information, visit their web site at www.zaxcom.com.

Posted in Microphones, Technology

Audio-Technica’s comprehensive range of wireless products is to be further augmented with the launch of the company’s new, affordable 700 Series. The series delivers professional features and sound quality unheard of in its class, while offering customers a range of easy-to-use solutions designed for a variety of performance situations.

Comprising five different packages, the 700 Series includes the Vocal system with handheld mic/transmitter, the Presenter system with belt pack and lavalier mic, the Guitar system including cable for guitar/belt pack hook-up, and the Active system that includes a headworn mic. For ultimate flexibility, the Options system comprises a basic belt pack and receiver, with the customer able to select a microphone of choice from Audio-Technica’s Wireless Essential range. (All Wireless Essential models are compatible with the Options system.)

The 700 Series offers 8 selectable frequency-coordinated UHF channels, automatic frequency scanning with open channel selection at the touch of a button, and Audio-Technica’s Tone Lock™ squelch system that eliminates interference when the transmitter is off. Its diversity operation selects the stronger signal from two antennas, giving increased range and reliability.

The UniPak™ transmitter features separate guitar/mic trim control, switchable high/low RF power, an internal channel selector and multi-colour battery/power indicator. The handheld transmitter also features variable trim control, internal channel selector and multi-colour battery/power indicator. Both transmitters offer AA operation with a battery life of 8-12 hours for the UniPak, and 12 hours for the handheld.

The ATW-R700 receiver features an LED channel display, plus antenna and AF peak indicators. Balanced XLR and unbalanced 1/4″ output connectors offer compatibility with most audio gear. Up to 8 systems can be used simultaneously for multi-microphone applications.

The 700 Series is estimated to ship in Europe, Middle East and Africa during October.

UK Retail Pricing (inc VAT):
Vocal System: £199.95
Guitar System: £199.95
Presenter System: £209.95
Active System: £239.95
Options System: £179.95

For more information, visit their web site at www.audio-technica.com.

Posted in Microphones

The CharterOak M900 is the only small diaphragm condenser microphone in the CharterOak line of high quality microphones for recording and broadcast.

After an extended period of development, CharterOak has met the challenge of creating a small diaphragm condenser with a reasonably flat frequency response, and the robust and musical sound for which all CharterOak microphones are known.

The M900 achieves both of these goals and more, as it features a two-step sensitivity switch (-10db and -20db) and a two position bass roll off at 150Hz and at 75 Hz, both of these features enhancing the functionality and versatility of this beautiful sounding microphone. Additionally, M900 owners can swap capsules as the M900 ships with cardioid, hyper-cardioid, and omni directional capsules.

The M900 exhibits the same simplicity of design, rigid build quality and robust sound that is present in all CharterOak microphones and it is backed with the same lifetime guarantee, making it a welcome addition to any microphone collection.

For more information, visit their web site at www.charteroakacoustics.com.

Posted in Microphones

Following the success of their solid state Type B microphone, Red Microphones introduced today the Type A, a tube microphone based on a system of interchangeable capsules. To celebrate the release of this new mic, Red will be including a free R7 capsule ($650 value) to customers who purchase the mic by September 31, 2006.

The Type A vacuum tube microphone system is a high quality, innovative, and unique solution for virtually any critical recording need. Combining low noise and superb transient response along with a choice of nine different interchangeable capsules called “The Redheads,” the Type A is a microphone system that is as versatile as it is dependable. The bayonet-mount capsules can quickly be changed for a stunning variety of sounds and pickup patterns without having to shut off the included “PowerStream” power supply.

The transformer-less Class A discrete amplifier circuit of the Type A is a thoroughly modern design with a nod to the classic circuits of yesterday. Utilizing a single hand-selected ECC88 vacuum tube, the Type A can reproduce musical detail and subtlety previously only heard in mics costing thousands more. The Type A includes a custom-built flight case, Red’s high-definition tube mic cable, a shock mount and the innovative PowerStream power supply, which not only insures ultra-stable performance but features a soft-start feature that maximizes tube life and minimizes startup time.

For a limited time, purchase the new Type A Tube Microphone along with any one of the R0-R7 capsules and get a R7 Capsule for FREE ($650 Value). Complete your purchase by September 31, 2006, send in proof of purchase along with the Type A Intro Offer redemption coupon, and Red will send the R7 Capsule directly to you free of charge.

The Type A is available now for $1345.
The Redhead Capsules are available now and range in prince from $249 to $849.

For more information, visit their web site at www.redmic.com.

Posted in Microphones

American ribbon microphone maker Crowley and Tripp are unveiling their new Recordist and Recordist Ensemble Stereo Kit at AES in San Francisco this October, adding a new voice to their established line of highest quality U.S. ribbon mics, and raising the bar for Blumlein ribbon recording.

The company’s newest ribbon microphone - The Recordist - is voiced for realistic reproduction of classical and jazz performances where a full-range, natural sound is desired. As with other Crowley and Tripp products, the Recordist’s high output, low noise design excels with location recording devices and digital audio interfaces, without the need for special high gain ribbon mic preamps. The Recordist is priced at $1,295 each, and comes with its own low diffraction rotary mount for exact placement, a durable Pelican™ case for location gigs, and a three-year warranty.

The Recordist Ensemble Stereo Kit fills the need for those who want to record in realistic Blumlein stereo, but need the tracking flexibility not offered by integrated stereo ribbon microphones. The Recordist Ensemble Stereo Kit consists of two matched Recordist microphones, extender bar, two low diffraction rotary mounts, and is offered at an introductory price of $1,995. Recordist mics come with a three-year warranty, a durable Pelican™ case and a stage-appropriate gunmetal gray finish.

In addition to the Recordist, Crowley and Tripp manufactures the Studio Vocalist, Soundstage Image, Proscenium, SPLx Custom, and Naked Eye ribbon microphones completely in the U.S. Each microphone is an original design carefully voiced for a variety of applications in recording studios and on location. See and hear the full line of highest output, lowest noise Crowley and Tripp microphones at booth #1431 at AES.

For more information, visit their web site at www.soundwaveresearch.com.

Posted in Microphones, Recording, Technology

Royer Labs is pleased to announce the R-122V Vacuum Tube Ribbon Microphone, the company’s newest addition to the venerable R-Series microphone line, is now shipping. The R-122V is a compact, monaural, bi-directional microphone, and is the first commercially produced vacuum tube ribbon microphone available.

A limited production vacuum tube studio ribbon microphone, the R-122V utilizes the same patented large-ribbon transducer assembly that is found in the R-121 and R-122 Active Ribbon microphones—providing a familiarity of sonic performance associated with the R-Series microphones. The R-122V exhibits a flat frequency response and a well-balanced soundfield, and provides an output of -37dB, which is approximately 13dB hotter than an R-121. Like its predecessors, the R-122V’s ability to withstand high SPL levels makes it well suited for applications that were previously considered off limits to ribbon microphones.

The R-122V’s offset-ribbon design positions the ribbon element toward the front of the microphone body. This design enables high SPL handling on the front (logo) side of the instrument, with the option of a slightly brighter response when recording via the microphone’s back side (3 feet and closer; phase reversed in this position).

The R-122V’s active electronics utilize a NOS (new old stock) U.S. built, military 5840 triode-connected vacuum tube and Royer’s proprietary toroidal ribbon matching transformer (patent pending). A Jensen® 8:1 ratio output transformer provides an electrically isolated, fully-balanced output signal. The R-122V can drive virtually any preamplifier and long cable runs (from power supply to preamp) with ease. The active circuitry provides optimum impedance to the ribbon element at all times, preventing over-damping of the ribbon element and assuring consistent microphone performance. The R-122V receives an extensive burning in procedure to assure proper settling of the vacuum tube.

The R-122V employs a pure (99.99%), low mass, 2.5-micron thick aluminum ribbon. The R122V’s unique, patented offset-ribbon transducer assembly incorporates rare earth Neodymium magnets in a specially designed flux frame, which forms a powerful magnetic field while reducing unwanted stray magnetic radiation. The smooth frequency response and phase linearity of the R-122V, coupled with its classic triode-connected vacuum tube circuitry, enable the R-122V to deliver a consistent acoustic performance with stunning realism. Frequency response is excellent, regardless of the angle of sound striking the ribbon, and off-axis coloration is negligible.

With a satin nickel body finish and black transducer finish (18-carat gold finish is optional), the new Royer Labs R-122V is a visually striking microphone. This superb microphone comes in a camera style case with a dedicated power supply, a shock mount, and the included cable set is equipped with military grade locking type XLR connectors.

John Jennings, Royer’s VP of Sales and Marketing commented on the company’s new offering, “There is quite a bit of history behind this microphone. We actually developed vacuum tube ribbon microphones, including the R-122V, about a year before the release of the company’s phantom-powered active series. The vacuum tube ribbon mic designs were created specifically to establish an internal standard to compare the solid-state active mics against. With the introduction of the R-122V, we’ve now come full circle.”

Jennings also states, “The R-122V’s low end is extended and there is tremendous detail and depth in the midrange. It’s very lush sounding. It will perform well on a variety of applications, and it has the headroom to handle extremely loud sound sources, but we feel it is best utilized in classical and acoustic applications where capturing the subtleties, nuance, and depth of performances is most desired.”

The new R-122V Vacuum Tube Ribbon Microphone carries a suggested retail price of $2,995.00 and is available now.

For more information, visit their web site at www.royerlabs.com.

Posted in Microphones

Sennheiser is introducing three new microphone stands with a cable connection at its base rather than at the microphone itself.

This new system means that plug-on wireless transmitters can now be attached to the bottom of the stand or, if preferred, cables can be connected at the base eliminating the necessity to run the mic cable up the stand itself.

While the 60cm and 80cm variants are ideal for use as “wireless” floor stands at large events, the 30cm version is designed for TV and panel discussions. The stands can be combined with a choice of Sennheiser MZH goosenecks and ME microphone heads, and can be converted to wireless operation using an SKP 3000 or SKP 500 plug-on transmitter.

The floor stands are fitted with a female XLR-3 connector and locking screw at their top to accommodate the gooseneck, and a right-angled male XLR-3 connector at the bottom.

For more information, visit their web site at www.sennheiser.com.

Posted in Accessories, Microphones

Neumann is building on the legacy of its well-known KM series of miniature microphones with the introduction of three new digital models with integrated DSP. The modular KM 183 D, KM 184 D and KM 185 D combine omnidirectional, cardioid and supercardioid capsules with the KM D output stage to offer three different directional characteristics.

The proven Neumann A-to-D converter is located immediately next to the capsule in the new microphone models. The converter supports a dynamic range far exceeding that of the capsule, with no coloration and absolute transparency.

Two versions of the new digital miniature microphones are available in classic nickel and black Nextel finish. All standard sampling frequencies, from 44.1kHz to 192kHz, are supported.

The integrated DSP functions - including gain, a compressor/limiter with de-esser and a peak limiter - can be configured and controlled remotely via the DMI-2 digital microphone interface and the RCS remote control software. The fully digital system permits the peak limiter to operate across the entire available dynamic range even in stressful recording situations.

Neumann is additionally offering attractively priced “Connection Kits” to permit easy connection of the digital KM series microphones to S/PDIF and AES/EBU interfaces without the DMI-2. An upgrade to the DMI-2, with its configuration capabilities and DSP functions, is possible at any time. A plug-in power supply is included as a standard feature. A battery pack to permit outdoor operation is available as an option.

The DMI-2 digital microphone interface has recently been updated with discreet visual enhancements, support for the 192kHz sampling rate, AES 11 synchronization capability and greatly improved jitter performance. Data exchange with the microphone in accordance with the AES 42 standard and the supply of the data stream from the microphone in AES/EBU format remains a key feature of the DMI-2.

Two budget-oriented starter sets that package a Neumann KM 184 D microphone with a Connection Kit for S/PDIF or AES/EBU connection offer a straightforward introduction to digital microphone technology at a very attractive U.S. retail price of $3,495. Since the microphone includes an A-to-D converter and does not require a preamplifier, these starter sets provide all of the necessary components for capturing the Neumann microphone sound onto the digital recording medium with no coloration.

For more information, visit their web site at www.neumann.com.

Posted in Microphones, Technology

Advanced tube technology enables musicians to capture the full range of their sound.

Sterling Audio — working closely with Aspen Pittman of Groove Tubes fame, legendary researcher and designer of audio tubes and microphones — has announced recent additions to Sterling Audio’s line of professional microphones:

ST66 (Class-A tube, large diaphragm condenser mic)
ST55 (Class-A FET, large diaphragm condenser mic)
ST44 (Class-A tube, mid-size diaphragm condenser mic)
ST33 (Class-A FET, mid-size diaphragm condenser mic)
ST31 (low-noise FET, mid-sized condenser mic) With the exception of the ST31, all models feature an attenuation switch (ST55/ST66 -10dB; ST33/ST44 -15dB), a 75Hz, 12dB/octave low frequency roll-off switch, cardioid polar pattern, and transformer-isolated output. The ST31 uses a hypercardioid polar pattern and transformerless output design.

All Sterling microphones feature high-SPL handling. Available accessories are the STSM3 and STSM4 shockmounts and the STPF1 professional pop filter.

One of the features of Sterling Audio’s large capsules is the exclusive Disk Resonator™ system. With it, they have been able to compensate for the 14kHz frequency roll-off that is inherent in large diaphragm mics. This deficiency translates to a lack of sparkle from high-frequency sound sources.

Other manufacturers have typically solved this problem with corrective EQ circuits after the capsule; “boosting” the high frequency which unfortunately results in increased noise and other negative sonic artifacts from this band aid circuit approach.

Disk Resonator Technology incorporates a gold-plated brass “umbrella” that protrudes from the center of the diaphragm in Sterling Audio’s ST55 and ST66 mics. It gently boosts the diaphragm sensitivity to shorter sound waves, allowing it to respond more accurately to those all-important higher frequencies. The result is optimal sensitivity, full frequency response, and a low signal-to-noise ratio.

While most modern condenser diaphragms are 6 to 12 microns in thickness, Sterling Audio, in association with Dupont, has produced a highly resilient Mylar that measures a mere 3 microns. This allows the ST55 and ST66 to deliver a degree of sensitivity unparalleled in the industry.

The ST66 and ST44 use triode wiring on specially selected pentode tubes to yield low noise and a more realistic dynamic response than their competitors. Its power supply is designed with a load-balancing circuitry that allows cable runs of more than 200 feet with no deviation from optimal performance.

For more information, visit their web site at www.sterlingaudio.net.

Posted in Microphones, Technology