A Shout-Out to My Mates in Australia

I appreciate Australia. I particularly love the positive Australian attitude. It's kind of like our Southern "Git`er done" except the Aussies add, "and have fun doing it."
I also appreciate Australian microphones. And apparently Australians use a lot of mics. Not only do the major mic manufacturers ship a lot of mics down under, they modify and make some units specifically for Australian taste.
Australians also make some mighty fine mics. I would love to test one of Ben Sneesby's BeezNeez handmade mics on our VO Mic Test page. And I am shopping for a gang of shotgun mics for my expanding video company, so the Rode NTG-3 is a must-try.

Recently, I was doing research for a presentation to an Economic Development group and found an outstanding article on the positive outlook of a company in Sydney--RODE.

Here is their story. Enjoy and appreciate. And let me hear some of your stories and experiences with Australian Mics.

"Smoke & Laser" Mic Talk Still Lingering.

When we first mentioned the research Dr. Schwartz is doing on the "perfect sound recording mic" there were a few test models that demonstrated the theory. The research and development continues, but we are still about 40 db away from the goals (120 db expected--40 db demonstrated).
Is there a conventional microphone manufacturer that will step in and help to bring this new technology to being? Or will it take a Ultra-high tech company with big bucks?  To me, Ultra-High Tech Big Buck Company implies "Government Contract." That usually means use for the military.
We shall see.

ProSound ariticle on update of the "Smoke & Laser" mic.

Behind the Scenes Photo Tour of Making Mics

As you hold your favorite trusted tool; feel the different textures, the heft, the different materials; notice the intricate way the parts are put together; wonder why they used a particular way to match everything; maybe you will have a little more understanding after you see what goes into making your mic.
Here is an example of the famous Schoeps process. Do notice the way the work flow is accomplished now to the way it was done in 1956.

Schoeps Tour Today

Schoeps Tour 1956

TELEFUNKEN Introduces New R-F-T AR-51 Tube Microphone

Affordably Priced Version of the Renowned ELA M 251 E

Anaheim, CA, January 14, Winter NAMM — TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik's Winter NAMM product introduction is the new AR-51 large diaphragm tube condenser microphone. The AR-51 is TELEFUNKEN's latest addition to its affordably priced R-F-T line of tube mics.
The AR-51 is designed in the tradition of the classic mics of the past, utilizing the same circuit design as the classic TELEFUNKEN ELA M 251E. The AR-51 employs new cost-efficient manufacturing methods to meet a price point suitable to any recording studio, from major World Class facilities to voiceover rooms and home project studios. The new R-F-T AR-51 utilizes only premium components, including a vintage New Old Stock (NOS) tube that has been rigidly tested for noise and microphonics, as in the ELA M 251E. The AR-51 also features a globally-sourced power supply and capsule, both rigorously tested prior to installation.
As with all products in the R-F-T range of TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik microphones, the circuit board has been designed for superior current handling, permitting the amplifier to have full access to the necessary "power on demand" for handling low frequency and transient information. Modifications have been made to the amplifier circuit to optimize the performance of the capsule and a signal path that includes the same European manufactured output transformer found in every ELA M 251 E built since 1960.
At the TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustic studios in South Windsor, CT, audio engineers have successfully tested a wide range of applications for this new large diaphragm microphone. The microphone is especially suitable for recording acoustic and electric guitars, piano, percussion, for drum overheads and close miked drums, as well as for both male and female vocals. The perfect complement to the company's acclaimed AK-47, the AR-51 is a significant addition to any studio's microphone locker.
Hear the new AR-51 and the entire TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik collection at Winter NAMM, Booth 1868, Hall E.