VoiceCouncil brings you the microphone highlights from the NAMM trade show.
NAMM is one of the largest music product trade shows of the year and a prime opportunity for manufactures to show off their latest gear. Going though some of the thousands of new and exciting products on display we have brought to you our top selection of mics which will soon be hitting the shops in 2012.
Sennheiser’s entry-level XS Wireless Series
Sennheiser have launched the XS Wireless Series, offering five new wireless solutions for musicians. Offering reliability and quality sound at an entry level price, the XS series offers good value for money and are ideal for everything from small conferences to bands, vocalists and musicians. Models include the XSW 35 vocal set, XSW 65 vocal set, XSW 72 instrument set, XSW 12 presentation set and the XSW 52 head-mic set.
More details: http://www.sennheiser.co.uk
Audix BP7 Pro Microphone Band Pack
Audix have introduces two professional band microphone packs at this years NAMM show – the BP5 PRO and BP7 PRO. These contain five (and seven) Audix microphones for use with every band member in your live set – including their OM5 lead vocal dynamic microphone and OM2 dynamic vocal mics for support. By bundling their microphones together, Audix have been able to offer a sizeable price saving over buying the mics separately. Also, new for 2012, Audix have also brought out two less expensive band packs, the BP5F and BP7F. These combinations include five and seven microphones from the dynamic Fusion Series.
More details: http://www.audixusa.com/docs/latest_news/EFkyVZVFEAbPixIyCR.shtml
sE Electronics sE2200a II
sE Electronics have debuted their brand new mic, the SE2200A II — an update to the extremely popular SE2200A large diaphragm condenser microphone. Unlike the previous version, the SE2200A II offers a choice of three polar patterns: omni-directional, cardioid and figure-of-eight, allowing greater flexibility for home studio users wanting to record more than just vocals. Due to be available from this month, the SE2200A II will ship with a matching rubberised shock-mount, and a pop filter that conveniently bolts on to the shock-mount’s ring.
More details: http://www.seelectronics.com/se2200a-mic
Line 6 XD-V Series Digital Wireless Microphone Systems
Line 6 have introduced a new range of wireless microphone systems – the XD-V75, XD-V55, and XD-V35. These have features first found on their XD-V70 wireless microphone, such as microphone modelling technology which aims to deliver the sound of the world’s most popular wired mics within the single unit. With 24-bit, 10Hz–20kHz, compander-free performance, XD-V series digital wireless systems should provide great audio clarity and license-free operation worldwide.
More details: http://uk.line6.com/livesound#vocalwireless
Audio-Technica ATM510 and ATM610a Dynamic Handheld Microphones
Audio-Technica have introduced its new ATM510 cardioid dynamic handheld microphone and ATM610a hypercardioid dynamic handheld microphone. The ATM510 is designed specifically for close-up vocal use in professional live-sound applications, and the ATM610a is intended for both lead and backup vocal use and is designed to be particularly effective on loud stages. Both microphones feature a rugged, all-metal design and construction for years of trouble-free use. There is also a newly designed superior internal shock mounting which reduces handling and stage noise.
More details: http://www.audiotechnology.com.au/namm-news/audio-technica-atm510-atm610a/
Audio-Technica AT2005 Dynamic USB Microphone
Audio-Technica have also unveiled a new USB-powered dynamic microphone. The AT2005USB is a handheld cardioid dynamic microphone which is, Audio-Technica claims, ideal for recording instruments and vocals when used with a computer as well being able to be used live with a P.A. system. It also features a convenient headphone output with volume control that enables the user to monitor the audio signal right from the microphone. The mic’s USB operation is compatible with both Windows and Mac-based hardware.
More details: http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/6dc0904d195f995e/index.html
MXL Trio Microphone
The MXL Trio is an iPad compatible USB condenser microphone, which also can be used via USB with PC and Apple computers. Built out of a rugged all metal design, it is designed with the travelling recording artist in mind, as well as consumers who want to podcast or record vocal demos at home. The Trio is an addition to the already popular Tempo series from MXL and allows users to record on-the-go into their iPad using the Camera Connector Kit. A zero latency headphone jack is also built into the body of the microphone so that users can monitor whilst they record.
More details: http://www.mxlmics.com/microphones/usb/Trio/
For news about the latest gear for vocalists (i.e. PAs and accessories) see our NAMM News Release
