Would You Take a Class With This Teacher?

How to improve microphone technique (for singers but some of the same principles for Voice Over).

WHOA! A New RE(3)20

Anaheim, CA (January 14, 2011)—Electro-Voice has released the RE320, drawing from its RE20 and RE27N/D Broadcast Group mics to create a studio and live performance mic for the MI marketplace.

The RE320’s key features include Electro-Voice’s Variable-D proximity control technology which affects tonal performance; a patented humbucking coil for reputedly noiseless operation; and a high-output neodymium magnet structure capsule.

Rounding out the feature set is the new “dual personality” switch; one setting of the switch engages a response curve for voice and most instrument miking, while the other switch position activates a response curve designed specifically for kick drums with dips and peaks in traditional spots.

Regarding the switch, Electro-Voice’s Rick Belt comments, “We’ve known for many years that the RE20 is sought-after for miking kick drums, despite its broadcast vocal ‘original purpose.’ Adding the kick drum curve switch position as a key RE320 feature reinforces its usefulness as a specialty instrument mic, in addition to its outstanding performance on voice and low-mid to upper-register instruments in the alternate switch position.”

Sennheiser introduces the MK 4 large-diaphragm studio microphone

At the NAMM Show in Anaheim, audio specialist Sennheiser is presenting the new MK 4, a large-diaphragm true condenser microphone. This cardioid microphone, which is manufactured in Germany, is Sennheiser’s first large-diaphragm side-address microphone and focuses on giving the best possible sound quality rather than technical extravagance. It provides a powerful yet warm sound that is both direct and tight with fine treble resolution.

The MK 4 large-diaphragm microphone was developed for project studios, but is also affordable for home recordists and musicians

The MK 4 with its nickel-colored finish was developed for professional users in project studios, but is equally well suited for other recording environments and is tough enough for use on stage. It is also a microphone that is affordable for home recordists and musicians. “In the development of the MK 4, we invested every euro in getting the best possible sound,” explained Product Manager Sebastian Schmitz, “and we focused on the key elements of a good studio microphone to ensure that we can offer the MK 4 to our customers at an attractive price.” The finest sound structures are well resolved, and sound coming from the sides is picked up without coloration and so does not change the overall sound quality. The microphone has a very harmonious presence; it has vivid mids and is also very detailed in the bass range. At the same time, typical cardioid cancellation is relatively frequency-independent.

Sturdy large-diaphragm model
The MK 4 has a large 1-inch diaphragm precisely spattered with 24-carat gold. The sturdy metal housing and the elastically mounted capsule make the microphone tough enough for even the most energetic recording situations. The excellent suppression of handling noise offered by the internal capsule mount can be even further improved by the use of an elastic suspension, which is available as an accessory. The open front of the suspension mount enables the MK 4 to be positioned close to the sound source. The microphone has a maximum sound pressure level of 140 dB, and its self-noise of 10 dB(A) is extremely low. “The MK 4 is highly versatile for vocals, acoustic guitars and grand pianos as well as for strings and wind instruments,” Sebastian Schmitz explained. “What is more, in numerous field trials it has proven to be an excellent microphone with guitar amplifiers, drums and percussion. To sum up: it is an unpretentious microphone with outstanding sound.”

The MK 4 will be available after NAMM and comes complete with a microphone clip and a protective pouch. Optional accessories include an elastic suspension, a foam windshield and a popshield.

Technical data

Transducer principle:	externally polarized condenser microphone
Diaphragm diameter:	25.4 mm (1”)
Pick-up pattern:	cardioid
Frequency response:	20 – 20,000 Hz
Sensitivity:	25 mV/Pa
Maximum sound pressure level:	140 dB
Equivalent noise level:	10 dB(A) / 20 dB(CCIR)
Dynamic range:	130 dB
Power supply:	48 V phantom power (P48)
Current consumption:	3.1 mA
Diameter:	57 mm (maximum)
Length:	6.3 in. (160 mm)
Weight:	17.1 oz. (485 g)

Optional accessories: MKW 4 windshield MZP 40 popshield MKS 40 elastic suspension 

This is interesting. Doesn't Sennheiser own Neumann? Will there be a MK series for voice studio? Or will they leave that to Neumann?