Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Shure Introduces New KSM42, KSM44A Studio Microphones

Shure Incorporated in Niles, Ill., announces the latest additions to its line of KSM microphones: the KSM42 ($999 MSRP) and KSM44A ($1,249 MSRP) .
photo of Shure KSM42
Shure KSM42The KSM42 is a side-address, cardioid condenser microphone designed for vocal recording. With a tailored frequency response and extensive internal and external pop filtering, the single-pattern, dual-diaphragm design of the KSM42 is said to exhibit an ultra-wide dynamic range and exceptionally smooth proximity control for studio applications.
It promises a consistent cardioid polar pattern that creates a broad “sweet spot” and natural off-axis response. It has a dual-diaphragm design with an active front, ultra thin, 2.5 micron, 24-karat gold, low mass, one-inch Mylar diaphragm. Its integrated three-stage mesh grille is designed to guard against wind and breath noise. the KSM42 also has an open cage ShureLock rubber suspension shock-mount with a low-profile magnetic pop filter, and is manufactured from premium electronic components and gold-plated internal and external connectors. An internal shock-mount promises to reduce unwanted handling and stand noise.

The KSM44A is a large-diaphragm, side-address condenser microphone designed for a variety of live and studio applications. Shure has redefined the mic's dynamic range to capture every nuance with a minimum of self-noise. “We’ve lowered the self-noise while simultaneously increasing the max sound pressure level (SPL)," says Chad Wiggins, Shure’s Category Manager for Wired Products. "The result is 7 additional decibels of pure dynamic range.”
photo of Shure KSM44A
Shure KSM44A
The KSM44A offers multiple polar patterns—cardioid, omnidirectional and bidirectional—for maximum flexibility in a variety of recording applications. Its dual one-inch, externally biased, ultra-thin, 2.5 micron, 24-karat gold-layered, low mass diaphragms are designed to offer superior frequency response. The KSM44A is likewise comprised of premium electronic components and gold-plated internal and external connectors. It has a subsonic filter to eliminate rumble from mechanical vibration below 17 Hz (cycles per second). A three-position switchable low-frequency filter helps reduce unwanted stand vibration noise or counteract proximity effect, and an integrated three-stage “pop” protection grille reduces breath noise.
Shure states that the KSM42 and KSM44A microphones will be available in July, carry a two-year limited warranty, and can be purchased at select retail partners. For a complete list of authorized dealers, visit www.shure.com.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Don't Count Out a Good Dynamic for VO

Ronan Chris Murphy gives excellent advice about mic choices. He really hits home in the second half of this video when he tells you to "try them all." 
Do not discount the dynamics.  You can transpose his advice from musicians to Voiceover.


RCM on Dynamic Mics for Musicians' Friend

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Telefunken AK-47 MkII to Debut at Summer NAMM

Nashville, TN (June 16, 2010)--Telefunken Elektroakustik is introducing the new MkII version of the R-F-T AK-47 at Summer NAMM 2010.

Featuring a dual-sided, gold-sputtered capsule and a NOS (New Old Stock) Telefunken EF-732 vacuum tube, the new AK-47 MkII includes a transformer upgrade to the BV8 found in the U-47 and U-48 microphone classics of the past.

Telefunken Elektroakustik has researched the historic design and transformer-manufacturing source for their BV8 output transformers. These BV8 transformers are then manufactured to the historic specifications dictated by Telefunken's library of historic technical documents.  

Through continued research, the AK-47 MkII's new amplifier reportedly better employs the extended low frequency capabilities of the original 1950's transformer design. Additional modifications have introduced premium quality components into the circuit layout in an effort to take full advantage of the extended frequency response capabilities.

Telefunken Elektroakustikwww.t-funk.comhttp://www.t-funk.com