Prism Sound Orpheus - Audio Media

++M-AUDIO + + + + M-AUDIO+ + + + M-AUDIO+ + + + M-AUDIO+ + + + MM-Audio Microphones – The New VintageM-Audio microphones balance the best qualities of history’s greatest mics withmodern technology in a new generation of unique recording instruments. Soundingboth familiar and fresh, M-Audio microphones redefine the genre for the 21st Century.Over the past 20 years, M-Audio 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-Audio 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-Audio 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-Audio 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-Audio 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-Audiobackplates 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-Audio 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-Audio microphonemodel automatically represent a matchedpair with closer tolerance than many oldschoolmanufacturers – at no additionalpremium.As a result of these and other qualities,M-Audio’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-Audio Sputnik: A Modern-Day ClassicYears of laboratory research and studioexperimentation culminated in M-Audio’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-Audio’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-Audio’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