BRAUNER VM1 - MICROPHONE

Tech Specs
Capsule Type: Large Diaphragm Condenser (Tube)
Directional Response: Infinitely Variable
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 22kHz
Max SPL: 142dB
Impedance: 200 Ohm
Signal To Noise Ratio: 83dB

What The Manufacturer Says:
The VM1 was the fulfillment of Dirk Brauner’s dream to build his vision of the perfect sounding tube microphone. A microphone that captures the spirit of the classic vintage tube microphones and at the same time, meets the high technical standards of today’s modern microphones. The VM1 was awarded the SSAIR Award in 1998, marking the beginning of a tradition of excellence in design philosophy, engineering and precision.

In our humble opinion, no other microphone has played a greater role in the renaissance of the tube microphone. As the archetype of all Brauner microphones it continues to serve as the inspiration for all Brauner products. The VM1 has a completely natural, modern sound with the highest resolution of sonic detail. Its transparent open character is predestined for vocal and instrumental recordings and is the first choice microphone of top artists and sound engineers all over the world.

Source: www.brauner-microphones.de

AKG C414 XLS - MICROPHONE

Tech Specs
Capsule Type: Large Diaphragm Condenser
Directional Response: Variable
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Dynamic Range: 152dB
Max SPL: 140 - 158dB
Impedance: <= 200 Ohms
Signal To Noise Ratio: 88dB

What The Manufacturer Says:
AKG’s legendary C 414 needs no introduction – it is a tool found in most recording studios and has been used on thousands of hit records; it’s been on stage with artists of every musical genre and is also used by leading broadcast facilities the world over.

For over 60 years, leading musicians and engineers have used legendary AKG microphones to capture their sound so their audience hears every nuance. The C 414 family has been one of the world’s most widely-used and respected studio and stage microphones in audio history. AKG has continually set new benchmarks for useful features, improved technical specifications and ease of use to answer requests from ever-demanding recording studios, broadcast stations and audio engineers.

The new models C 414 XLS and C 414 XL II offer nine pickup patterns which enable to choose the perfect setting for every application. For live-sound applications and permanent installations all controls can be disabled easily for trouble-free use. A Peak Hold LED displays even shortest overload peaks.

The C 414 XLS maintains the sonic character of the legendary C 414 B-ULS, the longest-lived C 414 model. Engineered for highest linearity and neutral sound, it is the most universal and versatile large diaphragm microphone for decades. Widely used for accurate, beautifully detailed pickup of any acoustic instrument the new C 414 XLS combines proven reference quality, leading-edge technology and state-of-the-art components.

The C 414 comes complete with carrying case, pop filter, windscreen, and spider-type shock mount.

Source: www.akg.com

ELECTROVOICE RE20 - MICROPHONE

Tech Specs
Capsule Type: Dynamic Pressure Gradient
Directional Response: Cardioid
Frequency Response: 45 Hz - 18kHz
Impedance: 150 Ohms

What The Manufacturer Says:
Industry Standard Variable-D® dynamic cardioid microphone. Favorite among broadcasters and sound engineers worldwide. Variable-D® design and heavy-duty, internal P-pop filter reduces proximity effect. Internal element shock-mount reduces vibration-induced noise. Bass roll-off switch.

Source: www.electrovoice.com

NEUMANN KM184 - MICROPHONE

Tech Specs
Capsule Type: Small Diaphragm Condenser
Directional Response: Cardioid
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Dynamic Range: 138dB
Max SPL: 143dB
Impedance: 50 Ohms
Signal To Noise Ratio: 72dB

What The Manufacturer Says:
The "Series 180" consists of three compact miniature microphones with patterns that satisfy the demands of all common studio applications.

Because of its optimized mechanical construction and conscious omission of modularity, which is unnecessary in many cases, the "Series 180" is predestined for economy-minded production and home recording studios.

The KM 183 and KM 184 microphones are the successors of the well proven KM 83 and KM 84, which have been used since the seventies worldwide with great success. The KM 185 rounds out the series with a hypercardioid microphone.

Although the KM 184 has the same capsule as the KM 84, the microphone differs slightly on the 0° frequency response: The KM 184 has a gentle rise at about 9 kHz, a characteristic that was introduced very successfully with the KM 140. The result is a tonal balance that is fresher and livelier when compared to the KM 84 with its flat frequency response in that band.

This difference was achieved with just a slight change of the capsule’s rear opening, and is not due to resonances.

Source: www.neumann.com

M-AUDIO KEYSTATION 61ES - MIDI CONTROLLER

Tech Specs
Controller Type: 61 Note Semi Weighted Velocity Sensitive Keyboard
Additional Controllers: Pitch / Modulation Wheel / Volume Slider
Interface Type: USB / MIDI out
Storage: None
System Requirements: PC: Windows 98SE / Me / 2000 (SP4) / XP (SP2 Home or Professional Edition only), Mac: OS 9.2.2 with OMS 2.3.8 (included)
OS X 10.1.5 or greater

What The Manufacturer Says:
The Keystation 61e is a 61-note USB keyboard with velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted keys that is designed to easily integrate in any computer music environment. Class compliancy with Mac OS X and Windows XP delivers true plug-and-play setup. The Keystation 61e is also compatible with many music education and music creation software titles, making it ideal for classrooms and studios alike. More advanced users can control software synths, external sound devices, and more with the assignable slider, and pitch and mod wheels. This sleek, compact keyboard is USB bus-powered and requires no external power supply.

Source: www.m-audio.com

SHURE SM7B - MICROPHONE

Tech Specs
Capsule Type: Dynamic Pressure Gradient
Directional Response: Cardioid
Frequency Response: 50Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance: 150 Ohms

What The Manufacturer Says:
The SM7B dynamic microphone has a smooth, flat, wide-range frequency response appropriate for music and speech in all professional audio applications. It features excellent shielding against electromagnetic hum generated by computer monitors, neon lights, and other electrical devices. The SM7B has been updated from earlier models with an improved bracket design that offers greater stability.

Source: www.shure.com

SHURE SM57 - MICROPHONE

Tech Specs
Capsule Type: Dynamic Pressure Gradient
Directional Response: Cardioid
Frequency Response: 40Hz - 15kHz
Impedance: 150 Ohms

What The Manufacturer Says:
The legendary Shure SM57 microphone is exceptional for musical instrument pickup and vocals. With its bright, clean sound and contoured frequency response, the SM57 is ideal for live sound reinforcement and recording. It has an extremely effective cardioid pickup pattern which isolates the main sound source while minimizing background noise. In the studio, it is excellent for recording drums, guitar, and woodwinds.

The SM57’s outstanding performance, legendary reliability, and diversity of application make this "workhorse" the choice of performers, producers, and sound engineers worldwide.

Source: www.shure.com

AKG D112 - MICROPHONE

Tech Specs
Capsule Type: Dynamic Pressure Gradient
Directional Response: Cardioid
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 17kHz
Dynamic Range: 160dB
Max SPL: Outside Measurement Range
Impedance: 210 ohms
Signal To Noise Ratio: 73 dB

What The Manufacturer Says:
The D 112 has earned a well-deserved reputation worldwide as the best kick drum microphone ever made. Heavy-footed drummers won’t faze it, because the D 112 handles up to 160 dB SPL with no audible distortion.

A specially engineered diaphragm with a very low resonance frequency maintains solid and powerful response below 100 Hz, while a narrow band presence rise at 4 kHz punches through dense mixes with little or no added EQ.

The result is a kick drum sound that ideally balances precise definition and forceful impact. The D 112 is also an excellent choice for use with bass cabinets, trombones, etc.

Source: www.akg.com

OKTAVA MK-219 - MICROPHONE

Tech Specs
Capsule Type: Large Diaphragm Condenser
Directional Response: Cardioid
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 18kHz
Dynamic Range:
Max SPL: 122dB
Impedance: 200 Ohms
Signal To Noise Ratio:

What The Manufacturer Says:
The Hugely popular MK 219 is a fixed pattern, cardioid microphone featuring a large diaphragm capsule teamed with a low noise discreet preamplifier circuit. Magnetic reed switches are provided for reliable long term durability of both the 10dB pad and the high pass filter.

The capsule employs an extremely thin, gold plated diaphragm and is built to a classic design, enabling the microphone to equal or outperform models many times its price, not only on subjective sound quality but also, in many cases, in terms of sensitivity.

When used for vocals, the large diaphragm capsule adds warmth and enhanceshigh frequency detail while still sounding completely natural. It is strongly recommended that the microphone be used in conjunction with a pop filter when close miking vocals.

The Oktava MK219s high sensitivity means that it can be used on acoustic guitars, pianos and (in stereo matched pairs, available by special order) for ensemble recordings.

Source: www.oktava-online.com

VIOLET DESIGN THE FINGER - MICROPHONE

Tech Specs
Capsule Type: Small Diaphragm Condenser
Directional Response: Cardioid
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Dynamic Range: 128dB
Max SPL: 140dB
Impedance: 50 ohms
Signal To Noise Ratio: 71 dB

What The Manufacturer Says:
"The Finger" microphones are based on single diaphragm medium size electrostatic capsules. Highest quality Mylar diaphragm is sputtered with special formula coating and tensioned on precisely made back-plates, getting faster impulse transient response, minimum sound coloration, better low frequency response, and louder sound pressure level handling. Each capsule is carefully checked for all parameters and measured in an anechoic chamber for optimum of performance.
Unidirectional polar pattern effectively reduces ambient studio/stage noise and acoustic feedback on stage, keeping the frontal incidence angle optimally wide. The microphones capsule is protected with brass mesh that keeps high frequencies and sound transparency unaffected.

The internal solid state pre-amplifier is based on class-A fully discrete transformer-less electronics circuit, built using the best quality, selected components. The circuits are designed under the highest audio standards and provide linear audio frequency range, high dynamics, low self-noise and very low audio distortion of all types.

"The Finger" requires quality and stable 48V phantom power. It is available from most mixing console and separate microphone pre-amplifier inputs, or from separate phantom power supply units. Some units, though rated as 48V sources, may supply inadequate or unstable phantom power, which can result in distortion and degraded performance. Please check your phantom power source under real microphone load.

Rugged microphone construction and two internal shock-mounts, separate for the capsule and for the electronics, effectively reduces hand use noise, stand rumble, outside infrasonic interference and mechanical shocks. "The Finger" is ready for use on supplied flexible microphone stand holder. It can be mounted on an external elastic suspension shock-mount for studio or special stage needs. External shock-mount is available as option.

APPLICATIONS:

"The Finger" microphones are designed for very wide applications, including ambient, musical instrument and vocal needs. Musical instruments include drums, piano, guitars, percussion, bowed strings, and many other instruments. Vocals include choir and distanced lead vocal applications. The microphones can be successfully used in recording studio, in professional sound reinforcement systems and installed sound systems, broadcast and TV studios, in movie and video industry, project studios and home recording, and many other applications.

Source: www.violet-design.com

API 512C - 500 SERIES PREAMP

Tech Specs
Gain Range: Microphone: 10dB - 65dB, Instrument: 14dB - 50dB
Frequency Response: 30Hz - 20kHz
Max Input Level: Microphone: +8dBu, Instrument: +36dBu
Input Impedance: Microphone: 1500 Ohms, Instrument: 20 K Ohms
Output Impedance: <75>
Clipping Level: +30dBu
Distortion: <0.5%>
Noise: Microphone EIN: -129, Instrument EIN: -125

What The Manufacturer Says:
The API 512C is a mic/line/instrument preamp designed to provide a low noise, unusually good sounding front end for all types of audio systems. Sonically, it is at the top of the "Mic Preamp List", regardless of price. Offering low noise (-129 EIN) and 65 dB of gain, the 512C includes phantom power, switchable polarity, -20 dB pad and Mic/Line or Instrument selector. Front panel XLR and 1/4 inch connectors combined with rear panel mic access allows for additional flexibility when installed in an API LunchBox, Six Pack, 10 position vertical rack, a 2 position horizontal rack, or an API console.

What makes the API 512C unique is its long evolution from the original 1967 era 512, the first modular mic pre, to the current full featured 512C, while preserving the original sound character that made it so much a part of the early days of recording. Offering high headroom and a wide variety of inputs and input access ponts, it is ideal for unusual and demanding applications.

Imagine a situation where only a few preamps are needed, yet the smallest available console has a proportonally "small" mic preamp, making it useless for the demanding application, or conversely, imagine where you need a large number of preamps, and a console of sufficient inputs and quality would be too large to transport or rack mount. The 512C hits the spot with its quality and famous tone. Expand, combine or downsize at any time without trade-ins or product obsolescence. In addition, the 512C's sound and performance exceeds most "console mic pres" in every respect.

The beauty of the entire API 500 Series is its long term flexibility and lasting value when needs change over time. With a range of mounting frame options, the 512C will be a valuable asset to your performance critical applications.

The 512C Mic/Line Preamp makes use of the 2510 and 2520 op-amps and therefore exhibits the reliability, long life, and uniformity which are characteristic of API products.

Source: www.apiaudio.com

RODE NT5 - MICROPHONE

Tech Specs
Capsule Type: Small Diaphragm Condenser
Directional Response: Cardioid
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Dynamic Range: 128dB
Max SPL: 143dB
Impedance: 100 ohms
Signal To Noise Ratio: 78dB

What The Manufacturer Says:
Intended for recording acoustic instruments, drum overheads, cymbals and live performances, the compact externally polarized mic employs a 1/2" capsule, an active J-FET impedance converter with bipolar output buffer.

Finished in durable satin nickel, the NT5 is intended for either single or stereo X/Y mic set-ups. The NT5 matched pairs come supplied in a custom carry case with windshields and mounts.

* Externally biased condenser
* Gold sputtered 1/2" capsule
* Heavy-duty satin-nickel plated body
* Surface mount circuitry
* Low noise
* Full frequency response

Source: www.rodemic.com

AUDIO TECHNICA AT4040SM - MICROPHONE

Tech Specs
Capsule Type: Large Diaphragm Condenser
Directional Response: Cardioid
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Dynamic Range: 133dB
Max SPL: 145dB
Impedance: 100 ohms
Signal To Noise Ratio: 82dB

What The Manufacturer Says:
The AT4040SM side-address condenser microphone features an advanced large diaphragm tensioned specifically to provide smooth, natural sonic characteristics. A marriage of technical precision and artistic inspiration, the AT4040SM offers exceptionally low noise, wide dynamic range and high-SPL capability for greatest versatility. This ultra-consistent microphone may be used with confidence in a wide variety of studio and live miking applications, even under the stringent demands of digital recording systems. The AT4040SM's low-noise circuitry is symmetrical and transformerless, resulting in exceptional transient response and clean output signals for transparent reproduction of even the most troublesome of instruments and sound effects.

* Technically-advanced large diaphragm tensioned specifically to provide smooth, natural sonic characteristics
* Externally polarized (DC bias) true condenser design
* Exceptionally low noise, wide dynamic range and high-SPL capability for greatest versatility
* Transformerless circuitry virtually eliminates low-frequency distortion and provides superior correlation of high-speed transients
* Precision-machined, nickel-plated brass, acoustic element baffle provides enhanced element stability and optimal sensitivity
* Open acoustical environment of the symmetrical housing assembly minimizes unwanted internal reflections
* State-of-the-art surface-mount electronics ensure compliance with Audio-Technica's stringent consistency and reliability standards
* Custom shock mount provides superior isolation
* Switchable 80 Hz hi-pass filter and 10 dB pad

Source: www.audio-technica.com