microphones 2008+++JZ++++JZ++++JZ++++JZ++++JZ++++JZ++++JZ++++Junprecedented way.The new products were tested numerous timesuntil we reached great results.as JZ, created a unique capsule whichshowed more than great results. The newgeneration electrostatic capsule uses anirregular circle sputtered large size (27mm)diaphragm, providing a cardioid polarpattern with a transparent, detailed, close toneutral sound, high SPL and low distortion.The capsule’s thin, humidity protectedconstruction allows usage as closemounted matchingpairs for perfect omniand figure of eightpatterns. JZ realisedthat the technologyof capsules can beimproved moreand more.Products in the FutureThe Black Hole SEThe Black Hole SEwill be a professionalelectrostatic studiomicrophone. It looksfrom the outside quite similar to the BlackHole, but it has only one capsule. Using thisgear, you are limited with cardioid polarpattern only; also the price of this versionwill be made more affordable to everyone.The new microphone will be available afterseveral months.The PandaThe Panda is basically a new point of viewin microphone design. This is the beginningof a new and innovative milestone inmicrophones. All good ideas from previousmodels are kept in this new series, but inaddition, the design has been changed to beCharacteristics of MASTER:• Multi-pattern condenser: cardioid, omni,figure-8.• Class A discrete amplifier circuit.• Two oppositely placed, independent, large,true electrostatic capsules inside thecompact head.• New special capsule with a single, lesscentre tap diaphragm and adjustablebackplate.• Patented variable sputtering of diaphragm,using specially mixed alloy for the coating.• Integrated capsule shockmount.more expressive. The Panda is designed asa universal microphone, with a focus on thebroadcasting market because of its smallsize and planning compatibility with theAES42 digital interface.The SwanThe Swan is the second element in our newrange. Based on thesame innovative standholder principlesas the Black Hole,the Swan is moregraceful. Designallows usage insituations where lackof space is an issue.Equipped with thelatest generationcapsule, the Swandelivers a modernwarm sound, withadditional nuances ofclassic values.Meet Us!The new company will introduce itself atthe coming NAMM Show 2008 in January,where the main emphasis will be on thenew multi-pattern studio microphone,The Black Hole. In March, JZ Microphoneswill exhibit at Pro Light + <strong>Sound</strong> Show2008 in Frankfurt (Germany), and finally,everyone can meet the team of JZMicrophones at the 124th AES Conventionin Amsterdam (the Netherlands). Forvisitors, JZ Microphones has prepared quitean attractive presentation, and will inviteeveryone to test the new products in anThe Black Hole capsuleCONTACT DETAILSJZ Microphones Ltd.Gaujas street 30, Marupe,LATVIA, LV-2167t +371 672 466 48f +371 672 466 49e info@jzmic.comEdijs RudzisJZ Microphones Ltd.International Sales Managert +371 299 948 64e edijs@jzmic.comAndis BlindsJZ Microphones Ltd.Marketing and customer relationst +371 299 948 63e andis@jzmic.comw www.jzmic.comTHE INTERNATIONAL MICROPHONE BUYER’S GUIDE 17
++M-AUDIO + + + + M-AUDIO+ + + + M-AUDIO+ + + + M-AUDIO+ + + + MM-<strong>Audio</strong> Microphones – The New VintageM-<strong>Audio</strong> microphones balance the best qualities of history’s greatest mics withmodern technology in a new generation of unique recording instruments. <strong>Sound</strong>ingboth familiar and fresh, M-<strong>Audio</strong> microphones redefine the genre for the 21st Century.Over the past 20 years, M-<strong>Audio</strong> has built areputation for pioneering innovative productsthat extend the boundaries of musiccreation. In the last decade, the U.S.-basedcompany has focused much of its attentionon developing electro-acoustic designsfor studio monitors and microphonesof uncompromising quality. As a result,M-<strong>Audio</strong> has become a leading providerof first-rate creative solutions to artists,producers, and engineers worldwide.Microphone FocusDespite all of the music industry’stechnological advances, recordingconnoisseurs – M-<strong>Audio</strong> engineers included– love the sound of classic microphones.Unfortunately, vintage microphones comewith a plethora of inherent hassles includingfragility, bulk, tube noise, erratic reliabilityand mismatches – not to mention scarcityand collector prices. M-<strong>Audio</strong> engineersbecame obsessed with bringing professionalmicrophones into the modern age, creating aboutique environment within the company inorder to further the cause. Taking inspirationfrom the classics, the Los Angeles-basedengineering team developed innovativedesigns that combine the best of vintagesoul and modern technology.Every M-<strong>Audio</strong> condenser featuresClass-A discrete transistor electronics formuch cleaner performance than IC circuits– and the company sources top-qualityelectronics components from around theworld. All capsules are manufactured withextraordinary precision: Diaphragms areultra-thin 3- or 6-micron Mylar, with alayer of 24-carat gold distributed uniformlyusing advanced evaporation techniques.Where cost-cutters usually employ metalcoatedplastic for backplates, all M-<strong>Audio</strong>backplates are machined from solid,high-quality brass for full, natural sound.All components are manufactured usingcomputer-controlled processes, ensuringexceptional quality and consistency acrossthe entire product line.M-<strong>Audio</strong> technicians then handassembleand measure all microphonesto performance tolerances of ±1dB fromeach other – including frequency responsein every polar pattern, sensitivity, andequivalent noise. Consequently, any twounits of the same M-<strong>Audio</strong> microphonemodel automatically represent a matchedpair with closer tolerance than many oldschoolmanufacturers – at no additionalpremium.As a result of these and other qualities,M-<strong>Audio</strong>’s condenser microphones havebecome tremendously successful aroundthe world – receiving the highest praise fromcritics, as well as a diversity of top producerslike Patrick Leonard, Joe Barresi, andCarmen Rizzo.M-<strong>Audio</strong> Sputnik: A Modern-Day ClassicYears of laboratory research and studioexperimentation culminated in M-<strong>Audio</strong>’sdistinctive philosophy for what constitutesan outstanding recording microphone.Sputnik, the company’s flagship studiotube condenser, represents their highestachievement to date. While many late-modelstudio condensers seek to merely emulatethe characteristics of yesteryear’s classicmics (like those made by Neumann andAKG), the Sputnik is unique in the way it payshomage to venerable classics while forgingits own inimitable sound.M-<strong>Audio</strong>’s engineers started with thecapsule, the element primarily responsiblefor the mic’s sensitivity and smooth sound.Dual large diaphragms provide for switchingpickup patterns between cardioid, figure-8,and omni. Each diaphragm of the Sputnik’sdouble-sided capsule is centre terminated –like Neumann’s M7 capsule – and it yields arich, throaty low-mid response reminiscentof the Neumann classic. Improving on theNeumann capsule, the Sputnik employsthinner, more sensitive 3-micron Mylardiaphragms that achieve their gold coatingvia a new vapor-depositing technique thatdelivers more uniformity than the oldersputtering process.Spaced precisely 47 microns behindeach diaphragm is its solid-brass backplate,which features a carefully configured holearrangement for a smooth frequencyresponse over multiple pick-up patterns.The dual backplate structure honours that ofAKG’s CK12 capsule, yielding a comparablyopen and smooth high-frequency response.M-<strong>Audio</strong>’s Sputnik is the best-in-class solutionfor transparent, faithful capturing of both delicateand hearty acoustic sources – everything fromsolo vocalists to acoustic guitar, hand percussion,piano, low-string and brass orchestralinstruments, and ambient room miking.18 M-AUDIO