www.psneurope.com
February 2014 l 41
livefeature
Danish rock god Jesper Binzer and the DPA d:facto vocal mic
THE DIGITAL AGE The first realistic proposition for a digital microphone was Beyerdynamic’s MCD100 as far back as 1998, a product now acknowledged by Beyerdynamic’s pro-audio business unit manager Wolfgang Ernst as being ahead of its time.
and not only that, we use them and break them.” The diversification of
New Hampshire-based manufacturer Earthworks into live microphones speaks volumes. Dedicated to high definition recording solutions for decades,
the company’s SR (Sound Reinforcement) Series – especially the new SR40V vocal model – ports condenser technology into the live arena with great emphasis on flat polar response, high rejection of unwanted sound and transparency.
In 2010, German pioneer Schoeps contributed to a White Paper titled Digital Microphones and AES 42, a discussion of the adoption of the AES 42 standard as the protocol for a direct interface between the microphone and the next step in the signal chain. This has combined with several innovations in the wireless field, as Audix founder Cliff Castle explains: “For years UHF analogue wireless mic systems have been considered the most accurate systems, producing the strongest signal and range,” he says. “Although this remains true, there have been many advances in digital technologies allowing for new digital wireless
offerings that can effectively navigate congested airspace and operate in a 2.4GHz range, ensuring licence-free use worldwide.” The relationship between Sennheiser and Neumann continues to push this boundary, and has paid big dividends for the group ever since the launch of the first Neumann capsule for a Sennheiser handheld transmitter in 2002. “When using a wireless link, you need to take into account that the low-cut you usually need to set on your desk is already ‘included’ in the wireless system,” says Sennheiser’s Schmitz. “With analogue systems you also have to carefully watch the compander effects… [see boxout COMPAND FRACTURE]. If it’s digital transmission, there are other, more subtle effects of data reduction to deal with – unless you’re using [2012- launched] Digital 9000 and its HD mode.”
Frontman Michael Angelakos using a Shure KSM9
With more performance
microphones available today than ever before, Shure is not losing sight of its heritage even as it contributes to higher standards. “With sound systems getting
better, we have seen an uptake in higher-priced, premium microphones generally, which also includes condenser mics for live performance,” says Tuomo
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