Mojave Audio began in 2005 to bring David Royer’s condenser microphone designs to the world. With a focus on condenser solutions using top-shelf components, custom circuit design and rigorous QC processes, Mojave quickly became a recognized name amongst studio engineers and audio professionals worldwide.
Challenged by an industry icon to create a handheld mic for stage applications, David accepted the challenge and researched the pros and cons of traditional dynamic microphones. He realized that early dynamics with their thick heavy diaphragms and big voice coils sounded like someone was talking through a thick velvet curtain. These dynamic mics often had a large, distinctive “presence peak” in their design so they sounded good on poor speaker systems.
The Smooth Alternative
David’s solution was to use a thinner plastic diaphragm attached to a lighter voice coil made of thinner copper wire. The result was the MA-D dynamic microphone, which offered a natural sounding frequency range with excellent transient response. He smoothed out the annoying presence peak and controlled the response around 500 Hz to minimize the boxy effect found in many dynamic mics. Finally, he added a broad and shallow peak around 10k Hz for a bit of air.
The Wireless Option
The obvious next step was to offer a wireless version. The MA-D Wireless Head is a screw-on capsule designed to mate with wireless handheld transmitter bodies featuring the 1.25” concentric ring screw-on mount used by Shure, Audio-Technica and other wireless manufacturers.
For this review, I used an Audio-Technica 5000 Series (2nd Gen) premium wireless system. After attaching the MA-D capsule to my transmitter, I fired up the wireless system and gave it a go. For initial talk-out tests I used a small P.A. rig set up in my shop.
I did a quick comparison of the MA-D to a familiar dynamic capsule on the same transmitter. Right away with the MA-D, I noticed an overall smoothness especially in the midrange. My voice sounded more natural without an annoying bite. Yet I could easily work the mic close to take advantage of its proximity effect. The controlled cardioid pattern and excellent off-axis rejection allowed me to get quite loud without feedback. On a female vocal, I liked the nice airy top-end that didn’t sizzle. Overall, with the MA-D capsule, I needed less channel EQ to get the sound I desired.
I found handling noise to be almost nonexistent due to the capsule’s integrated pneumatic shock mount, and the built-in windscreen behind the rugged mesh grille kept breath plosives and P-pops under control.
With a max SPL rating of greater than 160 dB @ 1 kHz, I would probably overload the transmitter’s front-end long before the capsule.
The capsule’s overall shape gave it a sleek look when mounted on the transmitter handle, and even though it was slightly longer than my other dynamic capsule, it felt well balanced when holding the transmitter.
Time to Get MA-D
The MA-D Wireless head gives wireless users another tool to tame the dynamic world’s harsh realities. Thank you, David.
At a Glance:
MA-D Wireless Head: Mojave Rich Tone for Your Wireless
With the MA-D interchangeable capsule, Mojave Audio offers a simple, affordable upgrade for your handheld wireless transmitter: A microphone sound with smooth alternative to the traditional dynamic.
PROS
- Smooth response with air
- Excellent off-axis rejection
- Minimal handling noise
- Fits transmitters using Shure system
CONS
- Need one with Sennheiser mount
SPECS
- Type: Dynamic
- Response (+ 2 /-6 dB): 30 -15,000 Hz
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Sensitivity: -53 dB re 1V/pa
- Max SPL: >160 dB @ 1 kHz
- Connector: 1.25” screw mount
- Street Price: $179
MANUFACTURER: Mojave Audio
More Info: www.mojaveaudio.com
