Shure SM58 & SM57 mics have a reputation for being reliable to the point of being indestructible.
Mats Stålbröst, editor of the Stockholm-based Studio, took that as a challenge and subjected a SM58 to a year of sadistic torture.
And here it is in all its awesome glory.
He used the SM58 mic to hammer nails, dropped it from heights, submerged it in water, drove a car over it and nuked it.
And the thing still worked.
So they buried it underground for a year. Continue reading
NAMM Show Update: MXL Microphones introduced a new USB mic – the USB.009-24 cardioid condenser microphone.
The MXL USB.009-24 features 24-bit A/D and D/A converters with up to 96 kHz recording capability. They recommend the mic for home recording, podcasting, as well as adding dialog to business presentations and other multimedia projects. They also recommend the mic for re-recording voice tracks to accompany video shot in the field.
Compatible with both USB 2.0 high speed and USB 1.1 protocols, the MXL USB.009-24 is a plug and play device.
The MXL USB.009-24 ships with a desktop microphone stand, a mounting clip, a flight case, cleaning cloth, one USB cable, an owner?s manual and an applications guide.
The MXL USB.009-24 carries a MAP of $399.95. The product is expected to be available Spring of 2008. Continue reading
Audio-Technica has introduced a couple of stereo shotgun microphones aimed at the high-end broadcast and production environment.
The new BP4027 and BP4029 Stereo Shotgun models are based on models that A-T originally developed for the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Designed for broadcasters, sound recordists and videographers, these phantom-powered models feature independent line-cardioid and figure-of-eight elements configured in an M-S (Mid-Side) arrangement. Each provides a switch-selectable internal matrixing system offering a selection of wide and narrow stereo (L/R) output or M-S output. A switchable low frequency roll-off filter helps minimize the pickup of unwanted low frequency noise. The models differ from one another primarily in length (BP4027 15″ long and BP4029 9″ long); they both feature a lightweight rugged design, ideal for on-camera use. Continue reading
The Brauner product family was extended by another top-class microphone at this year’s Prolight+Sound trade show, with the Phanthera mic.
Description:
Not only the name Phanthera relates to the big wild cats. It appears dynamic, powerful, ductile and charming. It is hard to put its sonic character into simple words. Therefore Brauner emphatically recommends prospective buyers give the Phanthera a serious try within their well-known studio environment.
All microphones are entirely manufactured in Germany.
Technical Data:
Marshall Electronics has introduced the MXL USB.008, a low noise USB large gold diaphragm cardioid condenser mic for the broadcast industry.
The mic uses low noise electronics and the latest in enhanced digital conversion techniques for pristine audio quality. The mic uses MOGAMI cable for the internal analog wiring to bring out the maximum definition.
The MXL USB.008 ships with a rugged tote bag, a desktop mic stand, mic stand adaptor, a 10-foot USB cable, wind screen, owners manual and an applications guide. The MXL USB.008 carries an MSRP of $199.00 and is now shipping. A stereo version will also be available.
Nady Systems has introduced a new USB microphone?the USB-24M. The mic connects directly into any computer with a USB 2.0 (or higher) input port for plug-and-play operation with most DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software.
The USB-24M is designed for recording vocal tracks or voice-overs on your computer or for online communication. The mic features a dynamic neodymium element with cardioid pick-up, and the AD converter has 24-bit, 96KHz sampling rate. The mic features a heavy gauge mesh grill and sturdy construction.
The USB-24M is shipping now and lists for $69.95.