Description of Mic Models

The following mic models are available in the Axe-Fx. You can also find a list on the Fractal Audio website.

Axe-FX Mic Type	Description
None (**This is now the default since v. 4.00)	Disables mic post processing
57 DYN	What can you say about the Shure SM57 It is a tool found in the workbench of every sound engineer, both for live and studio applications. There's simply no question: it's a "must-have" mic. The SM57 is a cardiod (unidirectional) dynamic microphone with a contoured frequency response of 40 to 15,000 Hz, perfect for clean reproduction of vocals and instruments. But the SM57 is most renowned in the music industry as the standard microphone of choice for snare drums and guitar amplifiers. Go to any stage or studio and you're likely to find SM57s pointing at the amps and snare. By the way, the '57 has been proudly standing on the podium of the US President for over 30 years, so you can add patriotism to its outstanding attributes! This mic is also known to take a beating and come back for more, so tell your roadie Rocco to have a ball! Its outstanding performance, legendary reliability, and diversity of application make this "workhorse" the choice of performers, producers, and sound engineers the world over. Technical Info Type: Dynamic Frequency Response: 40 to 15,000 Hz (see Figure 2) Polar Pattern: Unidirectional (cardioid), rotationally symmetrical about microphone axis, uniform with frequency 3-pin professional audio connector (male XLR type) Case: Dark gray, enamel-painted, die-cast steel with a polycarbonate grille and a stainless steel screen. Dimensions: 32 x 157 x 23mm (1-1/4 x 6-3/16 x 29/32 in.) Swivel Adapter: Positive-action, break-resistant, adjustable through 180�, with standard 5/8 in.-27 thread Net Weight (without cable): 284 g (10 oz.) Furnished Accessories: Swivel Adapter, Storage Bag
58 DYN	The Shure SM58® unidirectional (cardioid) dynamic vocal microphone is designed for professional vocal use in live performance, sound reinforcement, and studio recording. It has a tailored vocal response for a sound which is a world standard for singing or speech. A highly effective, built-in spherical filter minimizes wind and breath "pop" noise. A cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source while minimizing unwanted background noise. Rugged construction, a proven shock-mount system, and a steel mesh grille ensure that even with rough handling, the SM58 will perform consistently, outdoors or indoors. Type: Dynamic (moving coil) Frequency Response: 50 to 15,000 Hz Polar Pattern: Unidirectional (cardioid), rotationally symmetrical about microphone axis, uniform with frequency Sensitivity (at 1,000 Hz Open Circuit Voltage): -54.5 dBV/Pa (1.85 mV) 1 Pa = 94 dB SPL Impedance: Rated impedance is 150 ohms (300 ohms actual) for connection to microphone inputs rated low impedance Polarity: Positive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3 Connector: Three-pin professional audio connector (male XLR type) Case: Dark gray, enamel-painted, die cast metal; matte-finished, silver, spherical steel mesh grille Net Weight: 298 grams (10.5 oz)
421 DYN	The Sennheiser MD 421 is one of the most recognized microphones in the world. Its excellent sound qualities enable it to cope with the most diverse recording conditions and broadcasting applications. The 5-position bass control enhances its "all-round" qualities. Features Rugged professional microphone 5-position bass roll-off switch Effective feedback rejection Clear sound reproduction Easy handling due to pronounced directivity Includes microphone clamp for 3/8 in. thread Technical Info Pick-up pattern: cardioid Frequency response: 30 - 17,000 Hz Sensitivity: (free field, no load) (1 kHz) 2 mV/Pa +/- 3 dB Nominal impedance: 200 ohms Min. terminating impedance: 200 ohms Dimensions in mm: 215 x 46 x 49 Weight: approx. 385 g
87A COND	The Shure Beta 87A is a premium quality supercardioid hand-held electret condenser vocal microphone with exceptionally smooth frequency response and high sound pressure level capability. Used for professional sound reinforcement, broadcasting, and studio recording applications, the Beta 87A combines superb performance with the ruggedness needed for touring and field production. The Beta 87A features a controlled low-frequency roll-off that compensates for proximity effect and prevents the “boomy” sound often associated with close pick-up. The characteristic Shure presence rise brightens the upper midrange. The tight supercardioid pattern, with null points at approximately 125 degrees, provides maximum isolation from other vocalists or instruments while offering minimal off-axis coloration. The Beta 87A operates on phantom power. Polar Pattern: Supercardioid Output Impedance: Rated at 150 ohms (100 ohms actual +/- 20%) Recommended minimum load impedance: 800 ohms Sensitivity (at 1,000 Hz) Open Circuit Voltage -52.5 dBV/Pa (2 mV) (1 Pa = 94 dB SPL) Clipping Level (at 1,000 Hz) 1000 ohm Load: -6 dBV (0.5 V) Maximum SPL (at 1,000 Hz) 140.5 dB (0.25% THD, 1000 ohm load) Self-Noise (equivalent sound pressure level; measured with true rms voltmeter) 23.5 dB typical, A-weighted 25.5 dB typical, weighted per DIN 45 405 Dynamic Range 117 dB (maximum SPL to A-weighted noise level) Signal-to-Noise Ratio 70.5 dB at 94 dB SPL (IEC 651) (S/N ratio is difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self-noise A-weighted.) Power Phantom Supply Requirement: 11 to 52 Vdc, positive at both pins 2 and 3 Current Drain: 1.0 to 1.2 mA Connector Three-pin (XLR) professional audio Case: Aluminum construction with blue metallic finish, and hardened steel grille with nickel satin chrome plating Net Weight: 207 grams (7.6 oz)
U87 COND	Over 50,000 Neumann U87 users can't be wrong, this microphone is the professional standard and sets the mark by which all others are measured. The U 87 will celebrate its 40th birthday in 2007 and is still going strong. The U 87 is probably the best-known and most widely used Neumann studio microphone. It is equipped with a large dual-diaphragm capsule with 3 directional patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8. These are selectable with a switch below the headgrille. A 10 dB attenuation switch, located on the rear, enables the microphone to handle sound pressure levels up to 127 dB without distortion. Furthermore, the low frequency response can be reduced to compensate for proximity effect. Features: Variable large diaphragm microphone Pressure-gradient transducer with double membrane capsule The studio microphone classic 3 directional characteristics: omni, cardioid, figure-8 Switchable low frequency roll-off Switchable 10 dB pre-attenuation Ideal as main and as support microphone in the most differing recording situations Applications The U 87 Ai condenser microphone is a large diaphragm microphone with 3 polar patterns and a unique frequency and transient response characteristic.
E609 DYN	Sennheiser e609 Silver The e609 Silver is based on the legendary MD 409 microphone. Able to withstand high SPLs without distorting, the e609 Silver's flat-profile capsule allows extremely close miking of guitar cabinets and precise drum miking, particularly toms. The e609 Silver's super-cardioid design improves isolation while its increased output and wider frequency response improves performance. Its sound inlet basket, made of refined steel, is distinguished by a unique silver address side. Features: Metal construction -- rugged and reliable Super-cardioid pick-up pattern provides isolation from other on-stage signals Hum compensating coil reduces electrical interference Neodynum ferrous magnet with boron keeps mic stable regardless of climate Technical Info Pick-up pattern: Super-cardioid Frequency response: 40 - 18,000 Hz Sensitivity: 1.5 mV/Pa at 1 kHz, nominal Nominal impedance: 350 Ohms Minimum terminating impedance: 1 k Dimensions in inches: 2.17 x 1.34 x 5.28 Weight: 6.43oz Contact Pressure: 2.5 N Weight (without cable): 9.2 oz
RE16 DYN	Electro-Voice Model RE16 DYN Description The Electro-Voice Model RE16 is a Variable-D® dynamic supercardioid micro­phone designed for the most exacting professional use. It is like the RE15, except that it uses a unique blast filter. The blast filter, an integral part of the RE16, permits hand-held and outdoor use without “P-popping” or excessive wind noise. Utilizing the Variable-D® design, the RE16 features a directional characteristic independent of frequency. The result is a microphone that generates little off-axis coloration while providing the greatest rejection of unwanted sounds. A super-cardioid, the RE16 provides its greatest rejection at 150 degrees off axis. Typical cardioids provide greatest rejection in the horizontal plane when the microphone is tilted In its most natural position –30 degrees from horizontal as on a boom or floor stand. An easily operated “bass-tilt” switch corrects spectrum balance for boom use and other longer reach situations. A “hum-buck” coil and screw-machined steel outer casing provide 25 dB of hum rejection. Hum pickup level is –125 dBm (re: .001 gauss field). Using the mechanical nesting concept of design, by means of which the internal transducer parts are nested one within another, the RE16 transducer is a nearly solid mechanical structure that is highly resistant to damage from mechanical shock. The Memraflex grille screen resists deformation. The exclusive non-metallic Electro-Voice Acoustalloy diaphragm is virtually unaffected by extremes of atmospheric conditions. A carefully designed steel outer case provides additional mechanical protection. Finish is non-reflecting fawn beige micomatte. Technical Info Pick-up pattern: Dynamic Frequency response: 80 - 15,000 Hz Sensitivity: 1.4 mV/Pa Nominal impedance: 150 Ohms Dimensions in inches: 7.38 x 1.78 x 0.75 Weight: 8 oz
R121 Cond	Royer Labs R-121 Ribbon Microphone Like many of the best loved classic ribbon mics, the R-121 has a figure-8 pattern, sensitivity in the dynamic mic range, and a warm, realistic tone and flat frequency response. But that’s where the similarities end. By using advanced materials and a blend of cutting edge and old-school hand-build construction techniques, the R-121 is a far more versatile and user-friendly ribbon mic that can stand up to the most demanding tasks, including live stage use. It’s built solid enough for us to give it a lifetime warranty. The R-121 redefined ribbon microphones so thoroughly that Recording Magazine wrote "…the Royer R-121 is destined to become one of the classic microphones of the 21st century". Acoustic Operating Principle: Electrodynamic pressure gradient Polar Pattern: Figure-8 Generating Element: 2.5-micron aluminum ribbon Magnets: Rare Earth Neodymium Frequency Response: 30 -15,000 Hz +/- 3dB Sensitivity: -50 dBv Re. 1v/pa Output Impedance: 300 Ohms @ 1K (nominal) Rated Load Impedance: >1500 Ohms @ 300 Ohms Maximum SPL: >135dB @ 20 Hz
D112 DYN	AKG D112 Large Diaphragm Microphone This microphone was developed for clean kick drum and bass guitar performance with a powerful, punchy sound. The microphone shall be a dynamic type with a cardioid pickup pattern with response from 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+/- 10 dB), 40 Hz - 17 kHz (+/- 3 dB). Sensitivity shall be no less than 1.8 mV/Pa, and the maximum operating level for 1 and 3% THD shall be virtually unmeasurable. Absolutely free of distortion even at high sound pressure levels, very low diaphragm resonance, a relatively narrow-band rising high frequency response at 4 kHz, and an extremely robust construction are the outstanding features of this microphone. Technical Info Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 17 kHz Polar Pattern: Cardioid Sensitivity: 1.8 mV/Pa (-55 dBV) Impedance: 210 ohms
67 COND	Neumann U67 The microphone capsule of the U 67 microphone is a pressure-gradient device. It is composed of two identical cardioid systems arranged back to back. By switching of the polarizing voltage these two cardioid patterns can also be combined as to produce the three directional characteristics cardioid, omni-directional, and figure-8. Selection of these patterns is accomplished by a switch located at the front of the microphone directly beneath the wire cage. The symbol of the characteristic selected appears in a window directly above the switch. Two additional switches are located at the rear of the microphone. One switch provides for a sensitivity reduction of appr. 10 dB ahead of the amplifier section permitting transmission of the highest sound pressure levels without danger of overloading the amplifier. The second switch produces a roll-off at the low frequency end beginning at 200 cps. This permits compensation of the normally occurring low frequency rise when a pressure - gradient microphone is addressed at close range. This position further serves to suppress low frequency mechanical interference. These two switches like wise have windows in which their position is indicated. When the sensitivity reduction is effective, the window shows "-10 dB", and when the low frequencies are attenuated, the window shows a horizontal line with its left end bent downward. (These symbols are described as viewed when the microphone is on a stand with its connector end facing the floor.) A special circuit within the amplifier distinctly attenuated all frequencies below 30 cps, while those above 40 cps are reproduced linearly. The microphone amplifier's response may be extended to below 20 cps flat by opening the jumper "S-2" in the amplifier itself.