Microphones > Exploring Your Options
Exploring Your Options
Now you need to check some of the various professional microphones which are designed for the application. You will find that some work significantly better than others. Although the general rule "you get what you pay for" usually applies to a point, there are exceptions. Some manufacturers might make some great vocal microphones, while others shine in choir microphones, or pulpit microphones. Most professional manufacturers have some "Gems" and some "Not-so-goods". Price is not always the determining factor.
Alectro Systems carries many different lines of professional microphones, and we make a point of analyzing and evaluating many of them on an ongoing basis to select the best of the best. We check handling noise, frequency response, pickup range, unwanted sound rejection, proximity effect, physical and electrical reliability, product support, etc. This way we can select and install the best microphones for each application.
Some of the current "Gems" are The AKG C535EB, Electro-Voice RE90H and CPL C33E.
AKG C535EB
The
AKG
C535 is an excellent vocal
and instrument condenser microphone.
It has a very smooth response with a slight rise in the 7-12KHz
range to give it some presence. This microphone has a low
proximity effect producing a natural sound up close or at any distance.
It is therefore an excellent choice for multipurpose applications
where it might be used at various distances. The C535 is a
great sounding microphone which is very versatile and forgiving.
It fits nicely into both the performance and studio categories.
Electro-Voice RE90H
The
Electro-Voice
RE90H is a very small hanging choir
microphone. It hangs by its
wire and has an integral angling system. The unit has a low
proximity effect and good pickup range. It is available in
black or white. The RE90H is a condenser microphone which
requires phantom power.
CPL C33E
The
CPL
C33E is an excellent choice
for pulpits and lecterns due to it's
slim, inconspicuous design, low proximity effect, and quiet, easily
adjustable integral gooseneck. The low proximity effect gives
a natural sound at distances beyond 4 inches where most microphones
sound very "thin" and "tinny". It also has about the furthest
pick up range possible. It is a condenser microphone which
requires phantom power. The C33
is the 12 inch version. It is also available in a 6 inch
(C31), 9 inch (C32) and 18
inch (C34).
When we install a microphone on a pulpit or lectern, we usually use an SM116 shock mount. This is a high quality rubber isolation unit which is permanently attached to the wood surface. It is recessed into a 2 inch hole in the wood, and the microphone snaps into a connector which is part of the SM116. The SM116 shock mount eliminates sound transfer from the wood into the microphone. Any noises from bumping the wood surface, opening books, or even walking on the floor are prevented from getting to the microphone.
AKG C680BL
The
AKG
C680BL is a flat cardioid boundary microphone with built-in
phantom power adapter. This low profile unit has a full range frequency
response of 60Hz to 20KHz. It has a high-sensitivity shock mounted
transducer which is effective over a working distance of 2 to 5
feet. In applications where you need an inconspicuous microphone
with a large pick up range, such as an altar, this is a good choice.
Keep in mind that the C33E will be more effective due to its closer
proximity to the person speaking. I don't recommend that you use
the C680 for pulpit, lecterns etc. In fact the C33E with a 232 desk
stand is still a better choice for altars and communion tables,
but if you do need a flat microphone, we have found the C680BL to
be the best in terms of price / performance.
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