The major trade fair AES in San Fransisco earlier this month saw a whole lot of new microphones. Here are some odd ones that might suite some podcaster out there.
Shotguns
Audio-Technica debuted three new shotgun microphones: the BP4071, BP4071L and BP4073 Line + Gradient Condenser models (pictured above). Designed for “critical extended-range pickup in broadcasting, film/TV production and theater sound reinforcement applications”, offering extremely focused pickup. All of them require 48V DC phantom power, and feature a switchable 150 Hz high-pass filter.
BP4071 Line + Gradient Condenser The 15.55″-long BP4071 has been specially created to meet the greater-distance pickup demands of broadcasting, film/TV sound, professional recording, wildlife recording and theatrical sound reinforcement.
BP4071L Line + Gradient Condenser was originally developed at the request of broadcast professionals, featuring an extremely narrow polar pattern intended to minimize unwanted background noise or interference.
BP4073 Line + Gradient Condenser The BP4073 is the smallest of the three and is particularly ideal for use in ENG and field production applications where a more compact camera may be employed.
The Audio-Technica BP4071, BP4071 and BP4073 Line + Gradient Condenser shotgun microphones will be available January 2009 with U.S. MSRPs as follows:
BP4071 $1,169.00 BP4071L $1,299.00 BP4073 $999.00
Stereo microphones
Audio-Technica also introduced the stereo microphone AT8022 and the BP4025 X/Y Stereo Field Recording Microphone. These were designed for broadcast and professional recording, for use with both audio and video equipment. Both mics also feature a lightweight design, intended for camera-mount use and the like. The AT8022 is designed for use with either consumer or professional gear, while the BP4025 is best suited for professional use according to Audio-Technica.
The AT8022 X/Y Stereo Microphone and the BP4025 X/Y Stereo Field Recording Microphone will be available October 2008 and priced at: AT8022 $499.00 U.S. MSRP BP4025 $749.00 U.S. MSRP
Tascam also showed stereo microphones – the TM-ST2 and TM-STPRO. The unbalanced TM-ST2 is intended for both live recording and for video camera connection. The TM-STPRO has the ability to run on phantom power. Both microphones feature a switchable low cut filter and come with a mic clip, battery, wind screen and protective carry bag.
Tascam TM-ST2 has an expected street price of $149. The TM-STPRO has a projected street price of $179.
Stage
Blue Microphones announced their latest additions; the BottleRocket Stage One Solid-State Microphone System and the Bottle Rocket Stage Two Tube Microphone System.
The Stage One BottleRocket is a transformerless solid state microphone system “with the clarity and detail” according to Blue. It’s fully compatible with the Bottle Caps, an interchangeable capsule system used with Blue’s Bottle mic, which lets you add an array of tonal characteristics and pickup patterns on the fly.
The Stage Two BottleRocket is a transformerless tube microphone. It is also compatible with the Bottle Caps and comes with B8 capsule as well as a custom shockmount, 5-conductor tube mic cable, Blue’s Powerstream power supply and an ATA flight case.
The BottleRockets will be available October 31, 2008 for $899 MSRP (Stage One) and $1999 MSRP (Stage Two).
Originally posted on October 14, 2008 @ 1:28 pm