CONDENSER
The new DPA Microphones d:facto condenser vocal mic incorporates what the company has identified as the top user-preferred factors of the cardioid 4011 and has tailored those qualities to a supercardioid handheld design.
The pre-polarized diaphgram eliminates the need for an external polarization voltage. Total harmonic distortion is less than 1 percent up to 139 dB SPL peak, dynamic range is specified as typically 120 dB maximum, and SPL (peak before clipping) is 157 dB. A 3-stage pop protection grid effectively removes unwanted noise.
The mic head can also be unscrewed for mounting onto Wisycom wireless microphone systems.
The AKG Perception 170 (now also available as a stereo set) offers a small, .5-inch diaphragm, condenser design.
A switchable 20 dB pre-attenuation pad enables the mic to be used close to sound sources, delivering up to 155 dB SPL.
The metal chassis and reliable gold-plated XLR-type output make the Perception 170 suitable for rigorous live sound applications.
MIPRO has long been noted for its Electret Condenser Microphone (ECM) capsule on both wired and wireless handheld mics.
That has now been upgraded to a new, proprietary True Condenser Microphone (TCM) module, applied in the handheld MM-89 condenser. The copper casing of the mics is shaped by CNC lathe and tested rigorously under computer-controlled high- and low-temperature circulation.
In addition to enhancing durability, TCM also provides very good separation of directionality, meaning background noise is minimized and feedback is suppressed, while also offering fast transient response. A proprietary suspension design eliminates vibrations and “touch noises.”
HEADWORN & LAVALIER
The Sennheiser Ear Set 4 (HSP 4 capsule, cardioid) and Ear Set 1 (MKE 1 capsule, omnidirectional) mics offer an ear bow and boom that can be easily adapted to the shape of the ear and face.
Transparent and skin-friendly hypoallergenic adhesive tape (included in delivery) help insure an even better fit of the boom, and it also provides strain relief for the cable.
Both are available with LEMO or 3.5 mm jack plugs for use a variety of wireless bodypack transmitters. A modular design allows the components to be easily interchangeable.
The Countryman B2D is an extremely small directional lavalier, perhaps the smallest available. To reduce handling noise, the cable is held under compression at three points, with slack in between, and at the closest point to the mic head, it is embedded in a special thermoplastic elastomer designed to dampen vibrations. This approach allows the mic to be used by simply clipping it onto the lapel rather than taping the cable or other more involved methods.
To equalize the frequency response, the B2 incorporates a tiny active circuit placed inside of the wireless transmitter connector. The circuit takes power from the transmitter and equalizes the audio signal to sound natural and intelligible at a distance of 6 to 10 inches from the mouth.
Since every wireless transmitter manufacturer uses a different input preamp for the mic, each B2D connector contains a different circuit, hand-tuned to deliver a consistently clear frequency response for that particular transmitter. These circuits are overmolded in hard plastic to protect them from mechanical damage.
The Hosa Technology Mogan Elite earset microphone offers a new, moisture-resistant, 2.5 mm omnidirectional capsule with -45 dB nominal sensitivity, which means it can be positioned farther from the user’s mouth without loss of quality.
The mic element is on a sprung-steel mechanism that is easily adjustable yet stable, and it is designed to be worn over either ear.
In addition, the cable is Kevlar-reinforced for additional durability, and is interchangeable so that the Elite connects to most leading wireless system transmitters. It’s available in both black and beige.
The new Sanken Microphones COS-11D HWM utilizes the same miniature components as the COS-11D lavalier but in a headworn package suitable for live sound applications. Sanken’s proprietary vertical diaphragm design has the elongated rectangular diaphragm placed vertically in the mic body, which results in a much greater surface area, with increased sound quality achieved by the larger effective capsule in a very compact body.
Recessed capsule technology makes the mic less susceptible to moisture, furthered by proprietary PNP capsule material. Because of the recessed capsule design, the overall response pattern can be tuned for a true omnidirectional pattern. In conjunction with the close proximity to the vocal source, it provides a more natural sound and is optimized for minimal feedback issues.
The mic’s electronics provide extended filtering to help immunize the audio from the harsh RFI environment prevalent with digital and hybrid transmitters. It’s available in either beige or cocoa.