Icon audio new microphones are out of this world

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

Beyerdynamic creator bundle announced

beyerdynamic Pairs FOX Microphone with Professional Headphones for Creator Bundle

NAMM attendees can enter to win beyerdynamic’s Creator Bundle during the Anaheim show

Farmingdale, NY. – January 21, 2019 –beyerdynamic, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of headphones, microphones and conferencing products, announces Creator Bundles, combining the FOX USB-C Studio Microphone with professional headphones, DT 240 PRO or DT 770 PRO. beyerdynamic will giveaway two Creator Bundles daily at the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show in Anaheim, California from January 24 – 27, 2019.

beyerdynamic’s Creator 24 Bundle features the FOX USB paired with the DT 240 PRO, a mobile stereo headphone for monitor and recording purposes. The DT 240 PRO features clean, deep bass, vivid mids and defined highs. Designed to provide studio quality in an environment, the DT 240 PRO’s precise and powerful drivers ensure a high output volume on any device. The DT 240 PRO’s high noise attenuation prevents the penetration of ambient sound, making it an ideal product for producers, podcasters and filmmakers. Featuring a lightweight, yet rugged, design, the DT 240 PRO is built with a padded headband and soft, replaceable earpads for a comfortable fit.

The Creator PRO Bundle pairs the FOX with a studio legend, the DT 770 PRO, which is recognized as the most frequently used studio headphone in the world. The DT 770 PRO is a closed, dynamic headphone with exceptional sound quality, long term comfort and accurate performance. The DT 770 PRO is the perfect monitoring headphone for recording studios, post production, and broadcasting studios. Built with a low mass coil and diaphragm assembly, the DT 770 PRO produces a transient performance for the most demanding professional and audiophile applications. The DT 770 PRO features a carefully tailored frequency response to highlight natural and balanced sound, meanwhile, it’s soft earpads and adjustable earpieces created unparalleled listening comfort.

During NAMM 2019, beyerdynamic will select two giveaway winners each day to receive a Creator 24 Bundle, including the FOX USB-C and DT 240 PRO. To enter to win, NAMM attendees can visit beyerdynamic to take a photo with one of the products, share the image on Facebook and Instagram with #BDNAMM2019. Participants will be added into a drawing for a chance to win one of beyerdynamic’s Creator 24 Bundles. For additional details and rules, please visit beyerdynamic in booth 16104 at the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show in Anaheim, California from January 24 – 27, 2019.

To learn more about beyerdynamic, please visithttps://north-america.beyerdynamic.com/. Connect with beyerdynamic on FacebookTwitterInstagramand LinkedIn for news on the latest promotions.

Antelope Audio unveil Edge Family of modeling microphones

Antelope Audio unveil all-new Edge Family of modeling microphones
Edge Solo, Edge Duo, and Edge Quadro large-diaphragm condensers deliver pristine cardioid, multi-pattern and 360° recording with stunning vintage mic emulations
September 17, 2018 — Following the success of the acclaimed Edge and Verge modeling microphones, Antelope Audio have unveiled the next evolution of their mic modeling technology. The new Edge Family consists of three large-diaphragm condensers — the fixed cardioid pattern Edge Solo, the multi-pattern Edge Duo, and the dual-capsule Edge Quadro.
Together with Antelope’s continually expanding range of vintage mic emulations, available both as native plug-ins and as FPGA FX running on Antelope’s own audio interfaces, the new Edge mics deliver the characteristic sound of some of the most sought-after mics of all time with incredible depth and realism. Developed specifically for each mic, the emulations are based on exacting measurements of the original mics made in one of the best anechoic chambers in Europe.
Set to ship in October, the Edge Family makes Antelope’s unrivaled mic modeling technology available at a variety of different price points while expanding the range of possible recording applications — from mono to stereo to 3D audio. Custom electronics designed by Antelope’s award-winning engineers deliver exceptional dynamic range and frequency response, resulting in an excellent microphone even before choosing your favorite vintage mic flavor.
Antelope Audio founder Igor Levin comments: “We are constantly looking to innovate and deliver greater value to our users. With the Edge Family, we’ve grown our mic modeling ecosystem into a complete recording solution. We set out to deliver not just the best modeling mics available but the best microphones in the industry, period.”
Introducing the new Edge Family
Exclusively built at Antelope’s European headquarters and featuring electronics designed by Igor Levin himself, the Edge Family are outstanding mics in their own right, with an exceptionally even frequency response and wide dynamic range. Their transparent, accurate response provides the perfect platform for Antelope’s remarkable mic emulations.
Edge Solo is the simplest of the three new mics. Connecting via a regular mono XLR cable, it houses a single large-diaphragm capsule with a fixed cardioid pickup pattern. It’s specifically designed to work hand-in-hand with Antelope’s mic modeling plug-ins to emulate some of the greatest cardioid- pattern mics in history.
Edge Duo features a dual-membrane capsule with independent outputs, allowing the signal from each membrane to be individually processed and recombined. This not only means users can vary the polar pattern from within the plug-in, even after recording, it also allows the Edge Duo to accurately emulate the characteristic pickup pattern and on- and off-axis response of each mic for true multi-dimensional mic modeling.
Edge Quadro is a game-changing stereo/surround mic with two dual-membrane capsules and a rotating head. Delivering four channels for independent processing will allow for stereo techniques like M/S, X/Y, Blumlein, and even 3D sound. Users can select a different emulation and polar pattern for each head. The upper head can be rotated noiselessly even while the microphone is actively recording, delivering virtually limitless variations in tonality and stereo image.
The Edge emulations: a mic locker full of classics
The Edge Solo, Duo, and Quadro boast an ever-growing library of stunning vintage mic emulations. There are 11 different emulations already available, with 7 more soon to be released — all free to Edge owners. For the Edge Solo, all 18 will be available from launch.
When used with any of Antelope’s mic preamp-equipped audio interfaces, the new Edge mics offer maximum accuracy and real-time mic emulation courtesy of the interfaces’ onboard FPGA processing.
Uniquely, Antelope also provide native versions of their mic modeling plug-ins, meaning that no additional hardware is required. Available in VST, AU, and AAX formats for both macOS and Windows, Antelope’s native AFX mic emulation plug-ins deliver the same minimal latency, high degree of oversampling, and precise floating-point calculations as their renowned FPGA effects.
Edge Family giveaway
To celebrate the launch of the new Edge Family, Antelope Audio are holding a prize draw. For the chance to win an Edge Solo, Edge Duo, or Edge Quadro, simply visit https://en.antelopeaudio.com/edge-giveaway before October 8, 2018 and enter your details.
Watch Antelope Audio’s all-new Edge Family of modeling microphones introductory video here: https://youtu.be/jGX26IZE2z8