Audix has unveiled its latest large-diaphragm studio vocal microphone, the A231.
Sporting the distinctive gold-plated brass band made famous on the SCX25A instrument mic – the A231 has been designed to open up new creative possibilities in the realm of lead and backing vocals, spoken word and voiceover applications, and acoustic instrument miking with its clean, powerful sound.
The gold-plated brass band around the circumference of the A231 hints at the capsule within: a 33-millimeter, true condenser featuring a precision-tensioned diaphragm with gold deposition all the way to its far edges. Audix says this produces an effective diaphragm area approximately 25 percent larger than that of a typical large-diaphragm condenser mic, and results in a sound that is neutral and rich at the same time. Meanwhile, an exacting cardioid pickup pattern offers a predictable proximity effect and "exceptional" off-axis rejection.
The capsule feeds quiet circuitry and an active driven shield protects the signal path from interference and capacitive coupling. An internal shock mount virtually eliminates touch noise enabling the A231 to be used across a wide variety of environments – from the recording studio to the live stage – without the need for an unwieldy external shock mount.
The A231 capsule is suspended by the specially designed internal shock mount behind a double-woven steel alloy mesh grille and seated in precision-machined aluminium body. When used on vocals, voiceover or spoken word, Audix says the A231 offers a rich tone that blends low-end power and high-end detail with a warm but controllable proximity effect and a high end that is crystal-clear, yet free of artifacts like sibilance.
The A231 is also said to excel on acoustic instruments. With 140 dB maximum SPL, the A231 can easily handle a kick drum at close range, yet its low 12 dBA equivalent noise level makes it whisper-quiet on more delicate sources like upright bass and strings. With no high-end harshness to mar the sound of cymbals, the A231 is well-equipped for drum overheads and spot miking as well. Its small size and lessened need for bulky shock mounts lets the engineer place it anywhere it sounds best.
The A231 is available now for an MSRP of $949 / £700.
Those interested in home recording may also wish to check out our full guide on how to record vocals at home.
