The Story of John Peluso and German Microphones

On today's (Sunday, April 20th) All Things Considered program on NPR the last story was about a couple in Southern Virginia that make the famous Peluso Microphones. The story weaves in the history of the famed German Neumann Microphone and how the Third Reich wanted a microphone that could convey "emotion" as well as sound. So Neumann developed the "Hitler Bottle." That mic became the legendary "U-47" that made its way to this country to be made famous by Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Tony Bennett, the Beatles and others.There are also comments by German mic expert, Klaus Heyne.

You know how much I respect talent, pride in tradition, the desire for excellence and just plain good stories about good people. Go the site link below and read the story. Better yet, listen to the story. It's nearly 14 minutes long and will enlighten you with a new respect and pride in craftsmanship. I still want to get up with Ed Gambill and make a trip to the hills of Virginia and talk to the Master Mic Builder himself. Ed said John Peluso understands Voiceover folks

Read & listen to the story HERE:

AT Intros New B’cast Mics

Audio-Technica introduced its AT8004 ($135) and AT8004L ($149) Omnidirectional Dynamic Microphones, designed specifically for the broadcasting market. The AT8004 (5.93 inches) and the longer AT8004L (9.43 inches) are ideal for handheld interviews, ENG/EFP and sports broadcasting applications, or as the “mono” mic when used in conjunction with a stereo mic. Additionally, the AT8004L’s longer handle easily accommodates a microphone flag while still providing sufficient space for the talent to grip the microphone.

The AT8004 and AT8004L offer a frequency response of 80-16,000 Hz and an omnidirectional polar pattern. In addition, they each feature a rugged housing and a hardened-steel grille as well as internal shock mounting, making them able to stand up to field use while minimizing handling and cable noise. The new AT8004 and AT8004L microphones are also fully RoHS-compliant – free from all substances specified in the EU directive on the reduction of hazardous substances (RoHS). (courtesy of MIX magazine)

Updated Heil PR40 File

Now this is the PR40 I know and love. Lance Blair sent us a new sound file and it really sounds good. It has a little boost in a frequency range that enhances most voices and deliveries.

I still agree it's the dynamic that sounds most like a condenser.

Here's a little funny Lance sent, "Playing with my PR40."

Tests to come....

I was wondering if you have gotten your hands on any samples of the ADK A6 or if you have the mic itself. If it's somewhat in-between the Hamburg and the Vienna, then it will be my next purchase.
I'll send you some new samples of the Heil PR40 now that I've gotten it to sound much better. I've stopped using the True P Solo preamp since it induces sibilance and has a rather weak end to it, and I made some substantial tweaks to my computer. I just picked up the ART MPA Gold and put some $30 Tung Sols and JJ/Teslas and I'm very happy with it. It's much cleaner and well defined than I expected and I love that it has variable impedance and HPF. Even running as a starved plate device it sounds good, but I run itat full voltage.
Hope you're well and keep up the great blog and reviews, Lance Blair.

Great to hear from you Lance. I have been jumping through hoops to get an ADK A6 and an S-7 to test head to head. JP Gerrard had a note saying that they (ADK) have been very surprised at reports from some pro studios that have found the S-7 to be the best VO mic in the ADK arsenal. He is surprised in a way because of the 6micron thick diaphragm. It specs with one of the widest dynamic ranges on their chart. Larry Villella expected the A6 to be the "end it all" VO mic because of its clarity. ADK now has a new US distributor and it looks like I might have to try and go through them. Lots of Bureaucracy. I'll keep working on it because like you, I think it would be worthwhile.
I got a note from Bob Heil yesterday discussing the new PR35. He said Joan Biaz asked him to make a hand-held PR30 for stage--so he did. I want to try it for my on-camera interview mic. Bob also will be excited about your new PR40 test. He still says it will blow nearly every dynamic and condenser close to it away. I look forward to your test. Thanks.
VO Mic Test Page

Oh Yeah....I got an email from a rep from a major gear company offering VO Mic Test crew (that's you and me) a special deal on the AKG C414-XLS. Basically, as I understand, he will knock off another $100 off the sale price and throw in a pair of AKG K271 headphones. Email me and I'll send you the contact info. emailme

A Test, A Quiz, A Game, A Chance to Help.

You may have found yourself in this situation. You have accumulated a collection of mics that you are comfortable with. Maybe you regularly use one or two or three for different type jobs, but you hate to get rid of any of the others. They are like favorite pets or something.

Tom Test has this dilemma. He has quite a collection of accumulated mics and he wants to pare them down to just a few of the most useful.

Get out your pencil and paper. Listen to each mic, write down the number and your impressions of his sound on each. I recommend NOT trying to match up the mic’s brand to the number yet.

There is a Warm Authority presentation (lower key) and High Energy presentation (higher key) to get a good idea of how they are used.

Tom Test's WARM mic samples.

Tom Test's Hot mic samples.

Now check your notes and make your comments below. I cannot say that there will be a drawing from all the comments for one of the mics not chosen. I said I cannot say that--so I won't.

We may try to talk Tom into a big Yard Sale so we can then help him pay for another new mic. Only this time we will make all of our recommendations on what would sound best for him.

Get the pencil & paper and start making notes.

Behringer XM8500 – $20 (el cheapo dynamic mic)
Marshall V63M - $75 (medium diaphragm condenser)
Kel HM-1 - $110 (small diaphragm condenser)
AKG Perception 200 - $185 (large diaphragm condenser)
Studio Projects C-1 - $240 (large diaphragm condenser)
ElectroVoice RE-20 - $399 (a cardioid dynamic mic)
Rode NTK - $569 (tube condenser)
M-Audio Sputnik - $799 (large diaphragm vacuum tube mic)

Lean, Clean.. and Mean. SE Titan May Be a Sleeper VO Mic

So, after a while, you realize that the most used mic in your locker is the one that cuts through the music or other background and puts your voice and message right up front. Maybe some clients or another producer commented on that sound. Perhaps that workhorse mic is not your favorite sound when you do your movie trailer imitations because you love how rich and full you sound on that big tube condenser. But that everyday clean and clear mic is the one you go to for the steady money.

We have been privileged to share Josh Mahler’s search for his perfect sound and he has tested some outstanding examples with his excellent voice. Not long ago, some of his friends in Europe suggested he get hold of the SE Titan LDC. They told him it is the hot new voiceover rage.

Have you seen this mic? Strange! Short, stubby, it’s rather awkward looking. But we don’t buy mics to look at, and the question is how does it sound and can I use it and get my money out of it?

You know I am starting to favor transformerless condensers for the clean sound that realistically puts out exactly what goes in. The SE Titan is transformerless and has high transient response, maybe due the Titanium diaphragm (anyone that plays golf is familiar with the cost of titanium). All of this should translate into clear high frequencies with less distortion and tighter low frequency response—and it does. SE says upfront this mic is good for vocal work and broadcast. It’s that sound we were talking about.

Listen to Josh’s test here and decide for yourself. Better yet, click back & forth between his TLM-103 (also transformerless) and the SE Titan.