Microphones

Microphones

Below you find the list of microphones that I currently own and have used on some of my recordings. See [here] for further information about microphones (specifications, polar patterns, setups, etc). I use the Golden Age Premier PRE-73 and ART PRO MPA II preamps.

 

Beyerdynamic M 160

The Beyerdynamic M 160 is a dynamic double-ribbon microphone.

• Polar pattern: hypercardioid (which is unique, since generally these type of microphones are figure-8)
• Frequency response: 40 – 18kHz
• Sensitivity:  1.0mV/Pa (=-60 dBV)
• NO PHANTOM POWER!!!

Review: [here] and [here]. See also my post about ribbon microphones.

 

Lewitt LCT 140 AIR

Lewitt LCT 140 AIR stereo pair back-electret microphones. See also [here].

• Polar pattern: cardioid
• Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Sensitivity:  14.6 mV/Pa, -36.7 dBV/Pa

Review: here

Image: polar diagram and frequency response (FLAT and AIR)

 

sE Electronics sE2200a MkII
The sE2200 MkII is a condenser microphone.

• Polar pattern: multi-pattern (cardioid, omnidirectional or figure-of-eight polar)
• Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz (-3dB)
• Sensitivity at 1kHz into 1 kΩ: 20mV/PA.

Review: here

Image: polar diagram and frequency response of omni and cardioid configuration

 

Rode NT5
The Rode NT5 is a condenser microphone

• Polar pattern: cardioid
• Frequency response 20Hz – 20kHz
• Sensitivity at 1kHz: 12mV

 

Image: polar diagram, frequency response

 

Shure SM58

The Shure SM58 is a unidirectional (cardioid) dynamic vocal microphone known as the world’s most popular performance microphone.

Type: Dynamic (moving coil)
Frequency Response: 50 to 15,000 Hz
Polar Pattern:  Cardioid
Output Impedance: 300 Ω
Sensitivity at 1 kHz, open circuit voltage: -56.0 dBV/Pa [1] (1.6 mV) (1 Pa=94 dB SPL)
Polarity: Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3

Image: polar diagram, frequency response, and wiring diagram

 

 

Shure SM57
The Shure SM57 is a dynamic instrument microphone

• Polar pattern: cardoid
• Frequency response: 40Hz – 15kHz
• Sensitivity at 1kHz: 1.6mV

 

Image: polar diagram, frequency response

 

Behringer ECM8000
The ECM8000 is a measurement microphone (condensor) that I used for room equalization together with the Behringer DEQ2496. This microphone has an ultra-linear frequency response.

• Polar pattern: omni-directional
• Frequency response: 15Hz to 20kHz

Unfortunately, this microphone died on 19 October 2021 (RIP)

 

Beyerdynamic MM1

I replaced the Behringer ECM8000 with the Beyerdynamic MM1 condensor measurement microphone. For each individual microphone the calibration file can be requested from Beyerdynamic.

• Polar pattern: Omnidirectional
• Diffusefield calibrated
• Frequency Response: 20-20.000Hz  (50-16000Hz +/-1.5dB)
• Max SPL at 1kHz: 122 dBspl

 

IK Multimedia ARC MEMS

ARC System 2.5 now includes the ultra-precise MEMS measurement microphone that perfectly works in synergy with ARC’s correction software. A MEMS (MicroElectrical-Mechanical System) microphone is also called a microphone chip or silicon microphone. A pressure-sensitive diaphragm is etched directly into a silicon wafer by MEMS processing techniques, and is usually accompanied with integrated preamplifier. See also here.

This microphone is built around an omnidirectional, high precision MEMS capsule that ensures maximum response accuracy and stability over time. In contrast to standard condenser measurement microphones, which are potentially subject to subtle frequency response variations over time, MEMS technology is far more stable.

Specifications microphone

• Signal to noise ratio: 65 dB (A)
• Max SPL: 124 dB
• Frequency response: 20-20000 Hz
• Polar pattern: Omni directional, free field

I use this microphone together with the IK Multimedia ARC System 2.5 for room calibration.

 

Samson Q7
The Samson Q7 is a dynamic microphone. Just for fun!

• • Polar pattern: cardioid
  • Frequency response: 80hZ – 12kHz

 

 

 

Manuals

 

Gallery

  

Image: sE Electronics sE2200a MkII

 

 

Image: Setup of the sE Electronics sE2200a MkII in my home studio

Image: Rode NT5

Image: Shure SM57

Image: Behringer ECM8000

Image: IK Multimedia ARC MEMS measurement microphone

 

Image: Samson Q7