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Icon audio new microphones are out of this world

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iCON Pro Audio launches large-diaphragm Space series of professional studio microphones with Cocoon and Martian models boasting bold, intergalactic design


NASHVILLE, TN, USA: high-quality, professional-grade musical equipment provider iCON Pro Audio is proud to announce availability of Cocoon and Martian — making for an eye- and ear-opening fusion of vintage-sounding clarity with bold, intergalactic design as the two large-diaphragm condenser microphone launches with which it is inaugurating its Space series — as of January 21…
Cocoon could conceivably conjure up images of the namesake 1985 American science-fiction comedy-drama film directed by Ron Howard about a group of elderly people rejuvenated by aliens — at least to those of a certain age, yet there is no denying the aptness of the name iCON Pro Audio applied to the cocoon-shaped intergalactic design of the first of two large-diaphragm professional studio microphone models making up its newly-launched Space series. Clearly, Cocoon is as eye opening in looks as it is ear opening in delivery, thanks to incorporating a true electrostatic Golden DropTM transducer within its space-age capsule architecture. A sputtering technique where a precisely engineered pattern of golden dots is distributed, this innovative technology allows Cocoon’s 33 mm (active) diameter diaphragm to move with laser-sharp precision for increased intelligibility while simultaneously reducing any colouration or distortion, which proves particularly effective given that the transducer is the part of the microphone that actually detects and converts the sound waves! With the thin, ultralight membrane being fabricated with pure 999 gold — considered the best purity of gold readily available since this refers to purity in parts per 1,000, meaning 999 parts are gold, Cocoon’s resultant extended upper clarity with smooth midrange suits any voice or instrument application.
Although on paper perhaps sounding out of this world, the ultra-rugged-constructed Cocoon’s Class-A discrete electronics housed within its metal die-cast body are built by hand in Latvia using only the highest-quality components for peak performance, superlative durability, and extremely low self noise. Outside of the microphone itself, iCON Pro Audio’s advanced shock-mount technology neutralises unwanted vibrations to preserve the integrity of the signal, aided still further by the inclusion of a durable metal pop-filter, thereby ensuring an optimum recording experience borne out by Cocoon’s professional performance specifications, including: 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range; unidirectional, cardioid polar pattern; 21 mV/Pa sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1000 Ω load; 50 Ω output impedance; 1000 Ω rated load impedance; 138 dB maximum SPL for 0,5% THD at 1000 Ω load; 85 dB-A S/N Ratio DIN/IEC 651 (A-weighted); 8dB-A equivalent noise level DIN/IEC (A-weighted); and 130 dB microphone preamplifier dynamic range.
Meanwhile, Martian sounds as warm and friendly as he looks — yes, iCON Pro Audio refers to the second entrant in its Space series of large- diaphragm condenser microphones as a ‘he’! Though the family resemblance to his cocoon-shaped sibling might not necessarily be physically obvious at first glance, enclosed inside the rotating head is a space-age shock-mounted capsule with an electrostatic Golden DropTM transducer made of pure 999 gold, allowing the 26mm (active) diameter diaphragm to move more quickly for rich detail and transparency. But below the shock-mounted capsule residing in his head, Martian rides in an advanced full-body shock-mount, complete with face shield pop filter, which neutralises unnecessary vibrations and minimises plosives, thereby ensuring the best recording experience possible. Perfect placement of his pop filter is perfectly possible, thanks to being able to rotate Martian’s head to just the right angle. And, no, he is not an extraterrestrial, but rather his Class-A discrete electronics housed within his durable metal die-cast body are also built by hand in Latvia using only the highest-quality components for peak performance, superlative durability, and extremely low self noise.
As a perfect microphone for voice and instrument applications, features well worth highlighting include Martian’s warm and classic sonic character; unidirectional, cardioid pickup pattern for outstanding sound source separation and feedback; professional hand-built large- diaphragm capsule for full, open-sound and unsurpassed audio quality; and pressure-gradient transducer with shock-mounted capsule, to name but a notable few. And a few performance specifications should be more than enough to seal the deal, as follows: 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range; 33 mV/Pa sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1000 Ω load; 50 Ω output impedance; 1000 Ω rated load impedance; 134 dB maximum SPL for 0,5% THD at 1000 Ω load; 83.2 dB-A S/N Ratio DIN/IEC 651 (A-weighted); 10.5 dB-A equivalent noise level DIN/IEC (A-weighted); and 123.5 dB microphone preamplifier dynamic range.
As an eye- and ear-opening fusion of vintage-sounding clarity with bold, intergalactic design as the two large-diaphragm condenser microphone launches with which iCON Pro Audio is inaugurating its Space series, serious recordists looking to make a bold statement in their studio spaces should surely consider making some space for the phantom-powered — +48V (+/-4V) — Cocoon and Martian models… space-age microphones for new-generation studios! 

Cocoon and Martian will begin shipping through iCON Pro Audio’s growing global network of dealers/distributors (https://iconproaudio.com/distributors/) in Q2 2021 with a MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) of $499.00 USD and $699.00 USD, respectively.

For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated Cocoon webpage here: https://iconproaudio.com/product/cocoon/
For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated Martian webpage here: https://iconproaudio.com/product/martian/
Head into outer space to watch Cocoon and Martian’s arrival on earth in iCON Pro Audio’s Space series introductory video here:https://youtu.be/fU-hIX0qo6c
See and hear Cocoon and Martian in action here: https://youtu.be/gnnJHjsfiFI (Note that this video features the song ‘Giant’ by Steffanie Christ’ian: https://steffchris.com)
See and hear Cocoon and Martian in action again here: https://youtu.be/JvXlnKHJZws (Note that this video features the song ‘Fire’ by Josie Pace: https://www.josiepace.com) 

Black lion audio announces new B173mkII AND B12A mk3 portable preamps

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Black Lion Audio announces availability of British-style B173 mkII and American-style B12A mkIII portable preamps


CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, USA: boutique audio company Black Lion Audio is proud to announce availability of the B173 mkII and B12A mkIII — British-style (1073) and American-style (312A) portable preamps packed into convenient half-rack-sized units, respectively, allowing users to mix and match as they sonically see fit — as of October 1…
Simply speaking, Black Lion Audio’s B173 mkII is the most portable 1073 ‘British sound’ around! As such, it uses the same Cinemag input and output transformers that are found in the company’s ‘full-size’ B173 Quad mic preamp to duly deliver a whopping 70dB of gain, alongside a revamped gain stage and a lower noise floor for a cleaner, lower distortion sound. Sonically, the front panel-positioned Hi-Z IN (high impedance input) brings a harmonically rich tone to guitars, keyboards, and synthesizers, while the stepped input 1073-style GAIN and variable OUTPUT LEVEL attenuation knobs allow for flawless control over transformer saturation. 48V phantom power and phase inverse controls round out the front panel with self-explanatory XLR IN (input) and TRS OUT (output) connections literally bringing up the rear.
Representing the most portable 312A ‘American sound’ around, Black Lion Audio’s B12A mkIII uses the same Cinemag input and output transformers that are found in the company’s ‘full-size’ B12A Quad preamp to duly deliver a whopping 70dB of gain — just like its B173 mkII half-rack-sized sibling. Similarly, the front panel- positioned Hi-Z IN input also brings a harmonically rich tone to guitars, keyboards, and synthesizers, while the stepped 312A-style input GAIN control allows for perfect recall. Remaining on the front panel, there are also 48V phantom power and phase inverse controls, plus an 18dB PAD, while the B12A mkIII’s rear panel-positioned XLR IN and TRS OUT connections mirror those found on the B173 mkII. 

The B173 mkII is available to purchase through Black Lion Audio’s growing global network of dealers/distributors (https://www.blacklionaudio.com/dealers) with a MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) of $449.00 USD and an SSP (Suggested Selling Price) of €449.00 EUR (including VAT). For more in-depth information, please visit its dedicated webpage here: https://www.blacklionaudio.com/store/products/mic-pres/b173-mk2/

The B12A mkIII is available to purchase through Black Lion Audio’s growing global network of dealers/distributors (https://www.blacklionaudio.com/dealers) with a MAP of $399.00 USD and an SSP of €399.00 EUR (including VAT). For more in-depth information, please visit its dedicated webpage here: https://www.blacklionaudio.com/store/products/mic-pres/b12a-mk3/

Antelope Audio announces availability of EDGE Strip discrete preamp and modelling mic bundle

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SANTA MONICA, CA, USA: having turned heads and opened ears during a must-see showcase at The 2018 NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA earlier this year, high-end professional audio equipment manufacturer Antelope Audio is proud to announce availability of the EDGE Strip bundle — comprising the trailblazing EDGE modelling microphone and specifically-designed DISCRETE MP Discrete Dual Ultra-Linear Microphone Preamp, perfectly paired to tender the same audio quality as a locker-full of vintage mics and rack-full of outboard gear as an all-in-one solution for high-quality studio recordings with vintage analogue sound — as of February 28…

Antelope Audio’s talented team of engineering experts, led by capable company CEO Igor Levin, designed DISCRETE MP to perfectly match the frequency response of the already-available, trailblazing EDGE, a large-diaphragm modelling microphone featuring dual edge- terminated capsules for a smooth/natural sound, reproducing the expressiveness and character of costly classic microphones — albeit without excessive expense. Elsewhere, the EDGE Strip-bundled DISCRETE MP dual-input microphone preamplifier places the same transistor schematic that beats at the state-of-the-art heart of the aptly-named DISCRETE 8 ThunderboltTM & USB Interface with 8 Discrete Mic Preamps and DISCRETE 4 ThunderboltTM & USB Interface with 4 Discrete Mic Preamps series siblings — released to critical acclaim late last year — at its user’s fingertips.

Furthermore, the EDGE Strip bundle comes complete with the free native-format Fusion AFX Pack plug-ins, including several microphone and preamp emulations alongside the BA 1073 EQ (inspired by the Seventies-vintage channel module with a specific analogue punch putting in an appearance on many notable recordings) and STAY-LEVIN compressor (personally designed by Igor Levin at Antelope Audio to capture the spirit of its historic hardware namesake that shaped the special sound of a slew of Sixties Stateside classics).

Clearly, then, the days of spending tens of thousands of dollars on a vintage mic collection are over, thanks to those must-have microphone emulations: BERLIN 47 FT allows authentic access to the sound of one of the most popular microphones in the history of audio recording; BERLIN 67 carries with it the true sound of an iconic tube condenser microphone with multiple — cardioid, omni, and figure eight — polar patterns, popularised as a result of its signature sound and adaptability; BERLIN 87 is the go-to microphone when it comes to recording brass sections, guitars, overheads, piano, percussion, strings, and vocals; and TOKYO 800T, a vintage tube mic with a super-low noise floor and extreme sensitivity that is a top choice for many masters of vocal recording. Reality bites still further with ANTELOPE V76, GIRAFFE G9, and BAE 1073 MP preamp emulations par excellence.

Evidence has it that Antelope Audio has always collectively prided itself in coming up with technologies that unite the digital and analogue audio worlds. While both DISCRETE MP and EDGE are all-analogue devices, making them fully compatible with any audio interface and A/D converter central to any studio setup anywhere, DISCRETE MP allows users to explore the full potential of EDGE in both Antelope Audio– centred setups or other audio systems. Saying that, thanks to its 1kHz hardware calibration OSC (oscillator), DISCRETE MP easily adapts to any studio setup.

Still deeper, DISCRETE MP masterfully makes available Antelope Audio’s signature sonic footprint of pristine audio quality. The unique discrete design of its preamp allows Antelope Audio to modify each individual aspect of the preamp, putting total control over colouration, clarity, and character in the hands of discerning users.

Ultimately, DISCRETE MP powerfully punches well above its (950g) weight while packing a lot into its diminutive (190mm W x 46.5mm H x 157mm D) dimensions, as evidenced by its impressive technical specifications: two INPUTS on MIC-XLR and LINE-USE 1/4” JACK, offering 20dBu max balanced @ 2kΩ (XLR only) and 29dBu max balanced @ 13K to ground (TRS only); two TRS OUTPUTS (22dBu max); USB CONTROL I/O (USB 2.0 Full-Speed Type B for remote control only); and a mic preamp pushing out an accomplished gain range of 0dB to 61dB (in 1dB steps) alongside 48V phantom power.

Put it this way: when taken together as the EDGE Strip breakthrough bundle, Antelope Audio’s all-new, all-analogue DISCRETE MP Discrete Dual Ultra-Linear Microphone Preamp and already-available EDGE modelling microphone make for a killer combination!

 

EDGE Strip — a breakthrough bundle of Antelope Audio’s all-new, all-analogue DISCRETE MP Discrete Dual Ultra-Linear Microphone Preamp and already-available, trailblazing EDGE modelling microphone — is now available to purchase through Antelope Audio’s growing global network of dealers with an MSRP of €1,295.00 EUR. (Note that the free native-format Fusion AFX Pack plug-ins are all iLok protected; users can create a free account for the iLok Licensing System and purchase the third-generation iLok Smart Key from here: https://www.ilok.com.)

 

For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated EDGE Strip webpage here: https://en.antelopeaudio.com/products/edge-strip/

Watch Antelope Audio’s cutting-edge EDGE modelling microphone demonstration video here: https://youtu.be/ZE-aiemDI58 

IK Multimedia’s ARC System 2.5 with new MEMS microphone is now shipping

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IK Multimedia is proud to announce that ARC System 2.5 with MEMS microphone is now available for shipping. Version 2.5 of the Advanced Room Correction System combines a new highly accurate MEMS measurement microphone, measurement software together with an audio correction plug-in for Mac/PC DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) and employs Audyssey MultEQ® XT32 patented technology to greatly improve the audio monitoring accuracy of speakers in any studio or listening room.

The first system of its kind, ARC System works by measuring the room in multiple positions, producing an accurate representation of its acoustic response, then generates a correction filter that makes the response linear. This allows users to mix and compose in an environment capable of an exact representation of the music and audio being produced, regardless of the acoustic characteristics of the room. ARC System was first introduced by IK Multimedia in 2007 and quickly established itself as one of the most popular acoustic correction systems in the world.
New high-precision MEMS measurement mic
IK Multimedia was the first to incorporate the use of MEMS (microelectro-mechanical systems) microphones for pro audio recording applications with its popular iRig® Acoustic range, first released in 2015, and is now pioneering their use in the field of ultra-accurate measurement microphones. The new MEMS measurement microphone included in ARC 2.5 works together with the room correction software to achieve a new milestone in accuracy with a precision of +/- 0.5 dB. Just like the other MEMS products from IK, the new measurement mic is manufactured in Italy and features an omnidirectional capsule that ensures maximum response accuracy and stability over time, in contrast to standard condenser measurement microphones which can exhibit frequency response variations due to manufacturing or age.

MEMS microphones offer extreme resistance to shock along with humidity and temperature variations thanks to the manufacturing process behind them. This means they are very durable and can be easily transported without the risk of damage. Additionally, all the ARC System microphones manufactured using this process maintain a consistent degree of accuracy with near-zero variation in performance from unit to unit. This guarantees accurate, repeatable and reliable audio measurements even after long periods of time.

MultEQ® XT32 Technology
ARC 2.5 utilizes Audyssey MultEQ® XT32 technology to evaluate the acoustic information captured at multiple locations in the listening area in both frequency and time domains. It uses a sophisticated clustering algorithm to combine this information so that acoustic problems are accurately analyzed. Based on these measurements, a correction filter is calculated that adjusts both time and frequency response problems in the listening area and performs a fully automated system setup. The result is clear, well-balanced audio monitoring in any environment.

“Virtual Monitoring” for the real world
The included “Virtual Monitoring” feature lets users select specific templates to deliberately alter the response of the monitoring setup to match devices like LCD TVs, car audio systems, small radios, etc., and listen to how their mixes will translate on other “virtual” band-limited systems and to ensure a perfect sound translation.
Thousands of rooms corrected worldwide
Since 2007, IK Multimedia’s ARC System has been leading the way in terms of true affordability and professional reliability when it comes to acoustic room correction systems. With tens of thousands of installations worldwide, correcting the rooms of music enthusiasts and independent producers to those of studio and acoustic engineers, ARC has become an absolute industry standard that continues to amaze for its ease of use and indisputable effectiveness.

Take the room out of the mix
ARC System is the most cost-effective, professional solution for achieving a consistent sound and frequency response across the entire spectrum in any room, whether acoustically treated or not. From home studios to professional recording facilities, ARC will take the “sound of the room” out of the equation, enabling users to mix faster and with total confidence, ensuring their productions translate properly with the outside world.

Pricing and availability
ARC System 2.5 with MEMS microphone is now available at a cost of $/€199.99*. Users that have previously purchased any IK product with a minimum value of $/€99.99 can take advantage of a special crossgrade price of only $/€149.99.

Current ARC 2 users can upgrade to software version 2.5 free of charge (Mac/PC), whereas ARC 1 and ARC TDM users can upgrade their software for as low as $/€49.99.

The MEMS measurement microphone can be purchased separately for $/€69.99 by previous ARC users**.

* All prices excluding taxes
** Software must be updated to v.2.5 for compatibility with the MEMS microphone

For more information, please visit:
www.ikmultimedia.com/arc

Evaton Technologies introduces the MKAdapter Gooseneck solution for Micro Korg synths!

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This adapter allows you to use a standard Mic adapter with your MicroKorg Vocoder!
check it out at https://www.evatontechnologies.com/mkadapter.

The really great thing about this is that its such a simple solution and can really save you from accidents that having an extra boom stand on stage could cause.

The MKAdapter™ allows you to use a standard microphone gooseneck directly on your Korg MicroKorg synthesizer vocoder, without needing to set up a separate mic stand.

The MKAdapter is a standard 5/8-27 threaded adapter. It fits the built-in microphone holder socket on the Korg MicroKorg synthesizer/vocoder,  that was designed to hold the flexible microphone included with the synth.

Shorten your gig setup time and reduce your touring weight; buy the MKAdapter™ from one of our dealers today!

MKAdapter™ is 100% Made in USA

MK Adapter image_1