Most new products are introduced at major tradeshows that attract dealers, consultants, contractors and end-users. NAMM, NAB, InfoComm, WFX and AES are just a few.
As we approach the halfway point of the year, several of the year's most important trade shows are now behind us. So we approached the major microphone manufacturers and asked them to describe their latest microphones that are appropriate for the church market. Here's what those manufacturers would like you to know about their newest offerings:
AKG MODULAR PLUS SERIES
The AKG CK43, available on the company's Discreet Acoustics Modular Plus Series, is a supercardioid condenser capsule that offers users a 95-degree pickup angle, ideal for situations where unwanted noise pickup is a concern. The CK49 is a reference condenser capsule with an 80-degree pickup, with clean, off-axis response. It is ideal for use with inexperienced presenters, focusing on the voice when the person is distant, and reducing pop if close to the mic.
“The variety offered through the Modular Plus Series, from the power offerings to the mounting and capsule modules, is the best in class and will provide optimum audio for any house of worship, regardless of size,” says Thomas Giczy, business development manager of installed sound and conferencing, AKG.
AUDIO-TECHNICA ATM510
The new ATM510 Cardioid Dynamic Handheld Microphone from Audio-Technica is designed specifically for close-up vocal use in professional live-sound applications. It features a rugged, all-metal design and construction built for years of trouble-free use; a newly designed superior internal shock mounting, which reduces handling and stage noise; Hi-Energy neodymium magnets for articulate vocal reproduction; a multi-stage grille design that A-T says offers excellent protection against plosives and sibilance without compromising high-frequency clarity.
“The ATM510 is a natural for praise band use as well as for any live musical performances in a church setting,” says David Marsh, director of sales and marketing, installed sound and broadcast, Audio-Technica Inc. “The mic delivers smooth, clear reproduction for vocals as well as for spoken words. It offers excellent off-axis rejection, very low handling noise, and incredibly rugged design for years of trouble-free use.”
AUDIX L5
Audix says the L5 is a micro-sized (5-mm) cardioid condenser lapel microphone also available with an omni-directional polar pattern (L5-O). The L5 series, which features modular, interchangeable capsules, is intended for use with the Audix RAD 360 wireless system as well as hard-wired vocal and instrument applications.
“The L5 is an extraordinarily good sounding microphone. It is also unique in that it is one of the only clip-on lapel microphones that has interchangeable capsules (omni-directional or cardioid). This can be very useful for a church that needs to run multiple microphones for drama, musical presentations mic'ing percussion or as an ambient microphone for in-ear mixing or for mixing audience into sermon recordings,” says Gene Houck, national sales manager with Audix Corp.
BEYERDYNAMIC TG V90r
Sitting near the top of Beyerdynamic's Touring Gear microphone series is the TG V90r, a ribbon mic designed to deliver smooth, clear, natural sound. Beyer says the TG V90r is the only ribbon microphone in the world that can stand out even with live vocals on loud stages.
“The new Touring Gear line continues the Beyerdynamic tradition of high quality, innovative microphone options. ‘Option' is the key term for this line of microphones that includes dynamic, ribbon, and condenser solutions in handheld, headworn, lavalier vocal mics, as well as specific solutions for drums, strings and brass instruments,” says David Hetrick, national sales manager, Beyerdynamic.
BLUE MICROPHONE enCORE 300
Blue Microphone's flagship enCORE 300 is a condenser microphone designed for live sound with a custom-tuned Blue capsule matched to a phantom-powered circuit, for true studio sound on stage. Blue says its open architecture design allows for uninterrupted sound no matter how the mic is gripped or cupped.
“The enCORE 300 is the next best thing to bringing our top studio mics on stage,” says John Maier, CEO of Blue Microphones. “When the recording session ends, singers can now enjoy the same Blue sound they get in the studio, gig after gig.”
CAD AUDIO 1700VP
The 1700VP Remote Control Variable Pattern Microphone from CAD Audio is designed for recording and sound reinforcement of choirs and larger vocal ensembles, instruments and ambient mic'ing in houses of worship—particularly in applications where a traditional suspended microphone is inappropriate. CAD Audio says it's the first continuously variable pattern condenser choir microphone system with remote polar control design. This allows for the precise shape adjustment of the pick-up pattern in real time, resulting in superior audio performance and absolute control of gain before feedback from a remote location using standard microphone cable.
“The 1700VP is the most effective tool a church can have in its mic locker to deliver the message of the choir with a smooth, balanced sound. The flexibility to contour the polar pattern in order to create a soundscape with choral impact is unlimited,” says Glenn Roop, executive director of business development with CAD Audio.
COUNTRYMAN H6
Available in both omni and directional versions, the new Countryman H6 Headset features the same microphone capsule found in the Countryman E6 Omni Earset Mic. Countryman says the new H6 provides transparent, natural sound pick-up with an extremely low profile capsule at just 0.1-inch (2.5 mm) in diameter—roughly the size of a No. 2 pencil lead. The capsule is offered in three sensitivities (7 mV/Pa, 2 mV/Pa, and 0.7 mV/Pa), with its high dynamic range and flat 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response. The microphone employs a lightweight and adjustable headframe designed to stay perfectly in place. Available in four colors—light beige, tan, cocoa, and black—to match a wide range of skin tones, the H6 is designed to be invisible when worn.
“The ultra-low profile H6 Headset delivers exceptional audio quality with a secure and rugged headframe. With both omni and directional versions, superior moisture resistance, and its ability to be all but invisible when worn, I'm confident this microphone is an ideal choice for houses of worship,” says Chris Countryman, president of Countryman Associates.
DPA d:facto
DPA Microphones' new d:facto handheld vocal mic is a supercardioid condenser mic designed for superior gain-before-feedback, while the robust three-stage pop protection grid built into the microphone effectively removes unwanted noise. Designed to last, d:facto is built to provide exceptional isolation from handling noise and is able to accommodate extreme sound levels. The microphone head can be used on the DPA wired handle and can also be unscrewed for mounting onto a Wisycom wireless microphone system.
“For many years, the broadcast market has been requesting that the high sound quality of DPA's legendary 4011 mic be available for a myriad of live performance and recording needs,” says DPA's CEO, Christian Poulsen. “As a result of the innovative partnership with Wisycom, we have developed the d:facto vocal mic to fulfill those requests. The option of wired and wireless modes, combined with DPA's proven technology, has resulted in a stylish vocal mic encapsulating flexibility and unsurpassed sound quality: key elements for equipment of the future.”
EARTHWORKS SR40V
Earthworks SR40V High Definition Vocal Microphone features a nine-mm back electret condenser-type transducer with a diaphragm measuring five microns, providing “the fastest transient response of any vocal microphone on the market”, according to the manufacturer.
The hypercardioid polar pattern is intended to deliver excellent-sounding, natural on- and off-axis performance. Earthworks says the new mic achieves a frequency range spanning from 80 Hz – 40 kHz for increased natural clarity of sound with greater presence and depth than is customarily associated with vocal microphones.
“We are extremely proud of this new mic,” says Bill Norton, Earthworks' COO. “Earthworks' dedication to producing what we call True Live Sound has long been a hallmark that defines our entire product line. Everything about this microphone—from its accuracy of sound and the way it feels in the hand to its refined build quality—unite to form a world-class experience that better enables vocalists to showcase their talents in an entirely new light.”
ELECTRO-VOICE RE320
Designed to meet the demanding needs of project and pro studio operators, live and studio performers and engineers, as well as podcasters, the new RE320 features EV's Variable-D proximity control technology for tight, consistent tonal performance, a patented humbucking coil for noiseless operation, and a high-output neodymium magnet structure. A “dual personality” switch engages a response curve appropriate for voice and most instrument mic'ing, while the other switch position activates a response curve designed specifically for kick drum.
“The superb sonic qualities of the Electro-Voice RE320, coupled with the ultimate flexibility afforded though its dual personality ‘voicing' switch, makes the RE320 the strongest multi-purpose microphone option a facility can consider,” says Rick Belt, global product manager, Electro-Voice wired and wireless microphones. “RE320 is the top, top-shelf dynamic microphone for both voice and instruments.”
GALAXY AUDIO CBM Series
Galaxy Audio's new Carbon Boom Microphone (CBM) Series is designed for use on choirs, orchestral, and theatrical productions. The carbon shaft of the microphones makes them rigid and lightweight, yet they are portable and the element is easily positioned. The CBM series has two element choices, the CBM5 and the CBM3. The CBM5 has a ½-inch gold-plated element and the CBM3 consists of three interchangeable elements (omni, cardioid, and supercardioid). Both the CBM3 and CBM5 include a 24-inch stand or a 67-inch microphone stand. The Carbon Boom Microphone series is also available as a dual microphone unit. “The CBM Series is a great, low-cost solution. It comes bundled with the microphone stand, and it's easy to install. This is just one of the new series of products we have added to the product line, this year, in support of our growing company,” says Yule M. Jabara, CEO, Galaxy Audio.
MOGAN Elite Omni
Hosa Technology introduces the Mogan Elite Omni
Earset Microphone. Designed to deliver full-frequency vocal reproduction, the new Mogan Elite earset microphone features a moisture-resistant, 2.5 mm omni-directional capsule with -45 dB nominal sensitivity that is designed to be positioned farther from one's mouth. An innovative earpiece is designed to be worn comfortably for extended periods—enabling one to deliver clear, crisp vocal performances without distraction.
“The Mogan Elite earset mic is a great choice for the house-of-worship market for two primary reasons: audio quality and a comfortable fit,” says Jonathan Pusey, vice president of sales and marketing, Hosa Technology. “The mic delivers high speech intelligibility—so one's message doesn't get lost—and, with its easily adjustable, distraction-free ear cushion, worship leaders can remain focused.”
NEUMANN KK 204 and KK 205
Neumann's newest offering is the KK 204 and KK 205 microphone capsules. The cardioid (KK 204) and supercardioid (KK 205) patterns are compatible with Sennheiser's 2000 series wireless handheld transmitters. The acoustic features of the KK 204 and KK 205 capsule heads are derived from the multiple award-winning wired Neumann stage microphones, the KMS 104 and KMS 105. The polar patterns are built to provide very uniform response over the entire frequency range and to deliver excellent resistance to feedback.
Wolfgang Fraissinet, president of Neumann, says, “Neumann capsules have already been used in combination with the Sennheiser SKM 5200 handheld transmitter for the past 10 years on some of the largest stages of the world, where the highest demands are placed on a high-resolution sound and transmission reliability. With the development of the KK 204 and KK 205 capsule heads, the Neumann sound is now also available for the Sennheiser 2000 Series. The synergies between the key areas of expertise of Sennheiser handheld transmitters and Neumann capsule sound permit us to offer our customers a wireless system of absolutely uncompromising quality, even for the most demanding live applications.”
PEAVEY PVM 480
Peavey's new PVM 480 is designed for digital sampling, studio or location recording, or instrumental pick-up, including hi-hat and overhead cymbals. It offers a super-cardioid directional pattern, -20 dB (typical) front-to-back rejection, flat frequency response of 40 Hz - 20,000 Hz and 128 dB maximum SPL.
“The PVM 480 condenser is one of the most versatile microphones in the Peavey line,” says Fred Poole, product development manager at Peavey. “It is perfect for houses of worship because of its versatility. It can be used as an overhead head mic, a podium mic, an overhead drum mic, or for mic'ing any number of acoustic instruments.”
POINT SOURCE AUDIO C0-7L
Point Source Audio describes the new CO-7L Miniature Lavalier Microphone as a low-profile, high-performance microphone that is extremely small so it can be cleverly hidden behind a button, in a hairline, or even attached to eyeglasses. The CO-7L offers 140 dB SPL and is offered in multiple colors to allow matching or blending to hair, skin, or clothing.
“Although earworn microphones have been our focus, we started to get a lot of customer demand for a lavalier version of our flagship CO7 Earworn,” says Yvonne Ho, vice president of sales and marketing, Point Source Audio. “We're introducing the lavalier in direct response to customers looking for a performance-grade lavalier microphone that is water-resistant and nearly invisible to the eye.”
PROVIDER SERIES PSE9
The new Provider Series PSE9 Earset Microphone is a low-profile, single-ear headworn condenser microphone featuring a durable design with replaceable cables. The PSE9 is built for exceptional sound quality around the popular PSL6 low profile lavalier microphone. Provider Series says the PSE9 Earset microphone can be easily molded to fit virtually any user, and can be worn on the left or right side of the face. The PSE9 is available in black or tan. In addition, the PSE9 is currently available to work with wireless systems from Shure, Audio-Techinca, Sennheiser, AKG, and EV.
“At Provider Series, we are constantly listening to worship leaders, drama teachers, and sound designers,” says Edward Byce, owner, Provider Series. “The most common comment that we hear is the desire to have a low-cost, high-quality, head-worn microphone that can be used for singing and speech. The PSE9 is the answer to that request. We have taken our very popular capsule on the PSL6 Lavalier microphone and made it into an earset microphone with replaceable cables for a street price of $159.”
SHURE MX153
The MX153 subminiature earset microphone from Shure is designed for speech reinforcement in situations where a lavalier mic does not provide sufficient gain-before-feedback. The MX153 features a padded earloop for excellent comfort and a flexible boom for easy microphone placement. The MX153 is available in black, tan, or cocoa to match typical skin tones. In addition, it features Shure CommShield Technology, which consists of robust shielding and RF filtering that makes the microphone highly resistant to intense RF interference from nearby smart phones or other digital wireless devices, often called “GSM buzz.”
“The MX153 headworn earset has a flexible boom for easy positioning and offers more gain before feedback than a lavalier,” says John Born, product specialist, Shure Inc. “Its lightweight design is comfortable and stays in place securely, and multiple color options minimize visibility.”
