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Introduction: There were 31 microphones submitted for review. Additional manufacturers were willing to submit product. It was determined that any more microphones would prohibit proper, thorough, evaluation. This review would not have been successful, had it not been for adequate time with all of the microphones, with the same positioning techniques, on the same sources. A future review will be held, for those unable to participate this time.
It was a pleasure dealing with all of these companies. I met a few people that were presently involved in church/ministry music programs, or had been in the past. All of them expressed the desire to provide the church market with more affordable, effective tools. All of them understand the trends in church productions, building and system designs.
All of the manufacturers have websites full of information about their products. Some of them have "White Papers" that highlight their technology, while others list the bullet points with no specifications. DPA is the only company offering a "Microphone University," detailing standard microphone techniques and theory, in addition to Product Applications. The following is general information, provided by the manufacturers, via their websites. I have listed the website addresses for all manufactures in the specifications below. For additional technical information, you will need to contact the manufacturers directly.
 Audix SCX-25
The SCX-25 is a cardioid condenser microphone. Some call this and the T.H.E. mic a "lollipop" mic. Guess why? The mic has a capsule suspension system that is said to "completely isolate it from the mic body and the electronics." The goal is to minimize acoustic reflections and diffractions, "delivering a pure, open-air sound unlike any other microphone, regardless of size or cost."
This is basically a 1" (large) diaphragm mic with electronics similar to the SCX-1. This is one of the world's smallest large diaphragm mics. Audix recommends this mic for studio vocals, voice-overs, choirs, ambient room miking, drum overheads, orchestras, bells, chimes, marimba, vibes, acoustic instruments (piano, sax, strings, guitar, flute).
These mics come in a classy, cherry wood box, with stand mount and windscreen.
Published Specs:
Transducer Type Condenser: Condenser www.audixusa.com
Audix Micro
Audix Micros are some of the world's smallest condenser mics. There are no remote electronics. There is an internal integrated preamp in there! There are two sizes available in the Micro line. The M1244 (high SPL version) cardioid, M1245 cardioid, M1245hc hyper-cardioid, are the most miniature. These mics are designed for instrument clipping and/or hanging. I tested the larger M1290 cardioid. There is also a M1290hc hyper-cardioid and M1290o omni available.
The M1290 has a 12mm gold vaporized diaphragm. The balanced electronics accommodate cable runs up to 150'. Since there are no remote electronics, there is no chance of the cable acting as a RF antenna. Audix says that the Micros have extremely low noise.
The recommended uses for this mic are: acoustic instruments, ambient room, orchestra, drum over-head, choir, group vocal, recording and live applications.
These mics also come in a classy, cherry wood box, with stand mount and windscreen.
Published Specs:
www.audixusa.com
 DPA Microphones 4023
The DPA Type 4023 "Compact" condenser mic uses the same type of cartridge as the famous B&K 4011. This mic has an internal ultra-small thick-film mounted FET-preamplifier. This mic has no remote electronics!
The Compact series has many cable and connector options. The Type 4023 has a standard LEMO-connector. If you have watched any award shows on television, you have no doubt seen this mic attached to an optional Flamingo series floor stand via the LEMO connector. Included for testing are a variety of Coincidental Stereo mounting accessories for the 4023.
DPA suggests that this mic is THE option for faithful, non-colored reproduction. This mic is suitable for remote Coincident Stereo recording, low-profile direct miking, etc.
There are many cable, connection and hardware options available.
Published Specs:
Directional characteristics: Cardioid www.dpamicrophones.com
 DPA Microphones 4052
The DPA Type 4052 Compact is an omnidirectional version of the Type 4023. This mic uses the same type of capsule as the famous B&K 4006, but is preamplified using a build-in ultra-small thick-film mounted FET-preamplifier. The 4052 has its cable mounted behind the microphone axis for situations where the microphone needs to be suspended from its own cable.
DPA suggests that the Type 4052 is the perfect for on-camera or on-stage use where high definition audio is desired, in A-B Stereo pairs for ambient recording, etc.
There are many cable, connection and hardware options available.
Published Specs:
Directional characteristics: Omnidirectional www.dpamicrophones.com
 Audio Technica AT-4040
Audio Technica's AT-4040 was designed "for professional recording and critical applications in broadcast and live sound." This condenser has a nickel plated, brass, large diaphragm. Typically, nickel diaphragms are brighter than gold. The acoustic element baffle provides enhanced element stability and optimal sensitivity. The open acoustical environment of the symmetrical housing assembly minimizes unwanted internal reflections.
AT states that the 4040 captures transients and reproduces them accurately, via state-of-the-art surface mount electronics.
This mic comes with AT8779 shock-mount, dust cover and case.
Published Specs:
Element: Condenser www.audiotechnica.com
 Audio Technica AT-4047
Audio Technica's AT-4047 is a condenser, designed to provide characteristics similar to "early FET mics" (read like the Neumann U47 FET). This mic has a dual, nickel plated, brass diaphragm and a transformer coupled output. This mic is said to have "low noise, wide dynamic range and high SPL capability."
Like the AT 4040, Audio Technica has designed in an open acoustical environment of the symmetrical housing assembly, to minimize unwanted internal reflections, state-of-the-art surface-mount electronics.
This mic includes one AT8449/SV shock mount.
Published Specs:
Element: Condenser www.audiotechnica.com
 Audio Technica AT-4050
The Audio Technica AT-4050 is a large diaphragm, multi-pattern mic. There are three switchable polar patterns: omni, cardioid, figure-eight. AT states that this mic provides "transparent uppers/mids balanced by rich low-end." This mic has a dual diaphragm like the 4047. Only, these diaphragms are 2-microns-thick, gold vapor-deposited, and have been through a five-step aging process that optimizes performance characteristics over time.
The electronics are state-of-the-art, surface-mount, high-speed, and transformerless.
This mic comes with one AT8449 shock mount, dust cover and case.
Published Specs:
Element: Condenser www.audiotechnica.com
 Audio Technica AT-4041
Audio Technica's AT-4041 is a small, low mass, diaphragm condenser mic with transformerless electronics. This mic is said to provide "smooth, extended frequency response." This mic has a slight rise in the high-end, and is said to "ideal for drum overheads, acoustic guitar, piano, horns and under snare drum miking.
This mic comes with one AT8405 stand clamp; foam windscreen and protective case.
Published Specs:
Element: Condenser www.audiotechnica.com
 Audio Technica AE3000
Audio Technica has combined studio mic technology with road microphone technology. The result? The Artist Elite series. This is a large diaphragm condenser, designed to handle the extreme SPLs of guitar cabinets. drums, etc. It's compact size provide for low-profile miking.
The mic is compact for a large diaphragm.
The AE3000 comes with an AT8471 isolation clamp, a thread adapter and a protective pouch.
Published Specs
Element: Condenser www.audiotechnica.com
 Audio Technica AE5100
The Artist Elite 5100 from Audio Technica is a large diaphragm, condenser mic. This compact, front- address mic provides studio quality reproduction of overheads, percussion, acoustic guitar, strings and other acoustic instruments.
The AE5100 includes one AT8471 isolation clamp; 3/8"-16 threaded adapter; AT8136 foam windscreen; protective pouch
Published Specs:
Element: Condenser www.audiotechnica.com
 Rode NT4
The Rode NT4 is a dedicated Stereo XY condenser microphone. The NT4's design allows for quick, repeatable set-up. This is considered a small (1/2") diaphragm mic. The diaphragms are gold sputtered, and are matched pairs.
The electronics are surface mounted, transformerless, J-FET.
The Rode NT4 comes with a custom carry case and RM3 Stand Mount.
Published Specs:
Capsule: 2 X 0.5" (13mm) externally polarised condenser microphone in stereo XY placement www.rodemic.com
 Rode NT-1A
Rode's NT-1A is a large (1") diaphragm condenser mic. The NT-1A has improved dynamic range and "depth." This mic is said to have "incredibly low noise specifications (5 dBA), the lowest on the market."
The electronics are surface-mounted JFET.
This mic is recommended as a studio mic for capturing vocals, acoustic instruments and more.
The NT-1A includes a shock mount and zip pouch.
Published Specs:
Capsule: Externally polarised 25mm (1") condenser www.rodemic.com
 Rode NT-1000
The Rode NT1000 is a large (1") diaphragm, cardioid, condenser mic. The diaphragm is gold plated, and is specially shock mounted.
Rode states that the electronics are "ultra low-noise," transformerless, JFET/bi-polar combination.
Rode recommends the NT1000 for vocal and instrumental miking.
This michrophone includes a pouch and M2 Stand Mount
Published Specs:
Capsule: Externally polarised 1 pressure-gradient condenser www.rodemic.com
 ADK Area 51 TT
The ADK Area51 Tube Transducer is a dual large (1") diaphragm mic. The electronics are Class A, driven by a 6072A tube. The TT has nine switchable polar patterns. Polar patterns are selected remotely on the external power supply, via a "vintage" looking pot knob.
Also included are a shock mount, an aluminum flight case with gold colored trim (very spiffy), and power supply cable.
www.adkmic.com
 ADK Area 51 TL
The ADK A51 TL is a dual large (1.06"), diaphragm condenser mic, with four selectable polar patterns. The diaphragms are three microns thick. The electronics are transformerless.
The ADK TL Includes the same spiffy case mentioned above, when purchased in pairs, or a medium aluminum carry case when purchased individually. Also included are a windscreen and shock mount.
www.adkmic.com
 Shure KSM-137
The Shure KSM137 appears to be a small diaphragm "pencil" mic. In actuality, it is an end-address medium diaphragm condenser mic. This mic has the same gold layered, 2.5 micron Mylar diaphragm that is in the KSM32.
The electronics are Class A, discrete, transformerless. Shure states that the "circuitry yields transparency, extremely fast transient response, no crossover distortion, and minimal harmonic and intermodulation distortion."
A subsonic filter eliminates low frequency rumble (less than 17 Hz). In addition to that, there is a three-position switchable low-frequency filter, and a switchable pad (0 dB, 15 dB, and 25 dB).
Shure's recommended uses for the KSM137 include, but are not limited to: Acoustic instruments (piano, guitar, drums, percussion, strings), wind instruments (brass and woodwind), low frequency instruments (double bass, electric bass, kick drum), overhead miking (drums or percussion), ensembles (choral or orchestral), room ambiance pick-up (guitar amplifier or drums).
www.shure.com
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Experiencing Worship, The Study