Audix announces its latest large-diaphragm studio vocal microphone, the A231, designed to set “a new gold standard for capturing the human voice,” according to the announcement. Sporting the distinctive gold-plated brass band like the SCX25A instrument mic – the A231 is designed for lead and backing vocals, spoken word and voiceover applications, and acoustic instrument miking.
The A231 condenser microphone brings together multiple design features in a professional and musical package. The gold-plated brass band around the circumference of the A231 us desugbed to hint at the capsule within: a 33-millimeter, true condenser featuring a precision-tensioned diaphragm with gold deposition all the way to its far edges. This is designed to produce an “effective diaphragm area approximately 25 percent larger than that of a typical large-diaphragm condenser mic, and results in a sound that is neutral and rich at the same time. An exacting cardioid pickup pattern offers a predictable proximity effect and exceptional off-axis rejection,” the release states.
The capsule feeds circuitry designed for quietness and an active driven shield to protect the signal path from interference and capacitive coupling. An internal shock mount is designed to eliminate touch noise so the A231 can be used in the recording studio as well as the live stage – without the need for an unwieldy external shock mount.
The A231 capsule is suspended by the specially designed internal shock mount behind a double-woven steel alloy mesh grille and seated in precision-machined aluminum body. This mechanical form factor allows the A231 to be positioned in tight spaces where larger microphones may be too obtrusive.
“When used on vocals, voiceover or spoken word, the A231 offers a rich tone that blends low-end power and high-end detail with a warm but controllable proximity effect and a high end that is crystal-clear, yet free of artifacts like sibilance. The A231 goes beyond the performance of classic vocal mics to create a tonality all its own. A cardioid polar pattern with smooth off-axis response over a wide frequency range makes this sound effortless to obtain, regardless of mic placement,” the announcement continues.
The A231 is also designed to work well on acoustic instruments. With a 140 dB maximum SPL, the A231 can handle a kick drum at close range, yet its 12 dBA equivalent noise level makes it quiet on more delicate sources like upright bass and strings. It is designed to avoid high-end harshness that could mar the sound of cymbals, so the A231 is made for use on drum overheads and spot miking as well. Its small size and lessened need for bulky shock mounts lets the engineer place it anywhere it sounds best.
“With its warm character, sweet highs, flexible placement, low noise, and impressive 128 dB dynamic range, the Audix A231 excels at lead and backing vocals, choir miking, and the voiceover requirements of podcasters and livestreaming artists who require a big step up in their audio quality. The A231 sets a new gold standard in vocal miking,” the release concludes.
The A231 is available now for an MSRP of $949.00.
