If you’re looking for a handheld with extended bandwidth, greater detail and fast transient response, a condenser mic is just the ticket. With that in mind, we present this look at some current top-end condenser models. No frequency response data is given; simply stating that a mic has a 20 Hz to 20 kHz spec is fairly meaningless, and many models include LF or upper-mid presence boosts to add character or intelligibility, so a “flat” response is rarely desirable. Weight is often a factor, particularly when using a handheld mic over extended periods with certain vocalists.
FEATURED LISTING
Earthworks SR117…The best live vocal microphone?
Offering the power and quality of a condenser microphone with the safety and familiarity of a dynamic, the SR117’s supercardioid design provides extremely high gain before feedback, with…
- Balanced Frequency Response
- Exceptional Plosive Protection
- Rugged and Tour Ready
- Dressed Down for Stage and TV
Price: $199, and a capsule-only SR3117 version ($179) is available to upgrade your favorite wireless system.
For more info, visit:
603/654-2433
AKG C636
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Max SPL: 150 dB
- Sensitivity: 5.6 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 20 dB (A)
- Weight: 11 oz
- Notes: Switchable 80 Hz LF roll-off
- Street Price: $629
Apex 515
- Pattern: Cardioid/omni/supercardioid
- Max SPL: 134 dB
- Sensitivity: 13.8 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 17 dB (A)
- Weight: Not stated
- Notes: Includes three interchangeable capsules
- Street Price: $99
Aspen Pittman Designs DT1
- Pattern: Hypercardioid
- Max SPL: 146 dB
- Sensitivity: Not stated
- Self-Noise: 28 dB (A)
- Weight: 12 ounces
- Notes: Dual-top converts from probe to ball head
- Street Price: $119
Audio-Technica AE5400
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Max SPL: 157/147 dB (pad in/out)
- Sensitivity: 10.0 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 14 dB (A)
- Weight: 11.6 oz
- Notes: Same capsule as AT4050 studio mic; 10 dB pad; LF roll-off
- Street Price: $399
Audix VX10
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Max SPL: 138 dB
- Sensitivity: 24 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 19 dB (A)
- Weight: 10.9 ounces
- Notes: VX10-Lo low-output version also offered for loud vocalists
- Street Price: $599
Austrian Audio OC 707
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Max SPL: 150 dB
- Sensitivity: 10 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 19 dB (A)
- Weight: 12.35 oz
- Notes: Switchable 120 Hz low-cut filter
- Street Price: $479
beyerdynamic TG V96c
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Max SPL: 150 dB
- Sensitivity: 4 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 20 dB (A)
- Weight: 11.5 ounces
- Notes: Capsule-only version also offered
- Street Price: $569
https://north-america.beyerdynamic.com
CAD Microphones C92
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Max SPL: 138 dB
- Sensitivity: -40.0 dBv (10mV) @ 1PA
- Self-Noise: Not stated
- Weight: 10 ounces
- Notes: TrueFlex™ Equitek diaphragm
- Street Price: $95
DPA 2028
- Pattern: Supercardioid
- Max SPL: 160 dB
- Sensitivity: 5 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 22 dB (A)
- Weight: 10.1 ounces
- Notes: Three-stage shockmount/filter/grill
- Street Price: $600
Ehrlund EHR-H
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Max SPL: 127 dB
- Sensitivity: 8 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 9 dB (A)
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
- Notes: Unique triangular capsule
- Street Price: $799
Electro-Voice RE520
- Pattern: Supercardioid
- Max SPL: 150 dB
- Sensitivity: 5.6 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 17 dB (A)
- Weight: 11.7 ounces
- Notes: Memraflex Grille
- Street Price: $329
Lewitt MTP W950
- Pattern: Cardioid, supercardioid
- Max SPL: 140 dB
- Sensitivity: 8.1 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 21 dBA
- Weight: 14 ounces
- Notes: -12 dB pad, HP filter, removable capsule
- Street Price: $799
Microtech Gefell M900
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Max SPL: 143 dB
- Sensitivity: 17 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 13 dB (A)
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Notes: M910 supercardioid version also avail.
- Street Price: $1,414
Miktek PM5
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Max SPL: 142 dB
- Sensitivity: 18 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 19 dB (A)
- Weight: 10.4 ounces
- Notes: Handheld version of C5 studio mic
- Street Price: $599
Milab LSR-3000
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Max SPL: 150/138 dB (pad in/out)
- Sensitivity: 13 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 25 dB (A)
- Weight: 10.4 ounces
- Notes: 12 dB pad and 80 Hz low-cut switches
- Street Price: $798
Neumann KMS 105
- Pattern: Supercardioid
- Max SPL: 150 dB
- Sensitivity: 4.5 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 18 dB (A)
- Weight: 10.6 ounces
- Notes: Offered in black or silver; KMS104 is similar cardioid version
- Street Price: $729
Peavey CM1
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Max SPL: 136 dB
- Sensitivity: 7.1 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 24 dB (A)
- Weight: 11.2 ounces
- Notes: Internal shock-mount reduces handling noise
- Street Price: $129
RØDE S1
- Pattern: Supercardioid
- Max SPL: 151 dB SPL
- Sensitivity: 5.00mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 18 dB (A)
- Weight: 10.9 ounces
- Notes: Available in black or nickel finish
- Street Price: $329
Sennheiser e 965
- Pattern: Cardioid/supercardioid (switchable)
- Max SPL: 152/142 dB (pad in/out)
- Sensitivity: 7 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 21 dB (A)
- Weight: 13.9 ounces
- Notes: Switchable low-cut filter and 10 dB pad
- Street Price: $499
Shure KSM9
- Pattern: Cardioid/supercardioid (switchable)
- Max SPL: 152 dB
- Sensitivity: 2.81 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 22 dB (A)
- Weight: 10.6 ounces
- Notes: Class-A circuitry; available in grey or champagne finish
- Street Price: $699
Superlux PRO238 Mk II
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Max SPL: 136 dB
- Sensitivity: 10 mV/Pa
- Self-Noise: 16 dB (A)
- Weight: 13.8 ounces
- Notes: Switchable LF filter
- Street Price: $139
NEXT MONTH
Wireless IEM Hardware
Getting the signal from the monitor console to the artists’ earpieces can be tough. We look at rugged transmitter/belt pack receiver systems designed for the job.
