Audix SCX25 Studio Mic

AUDIX SCX25 Details ^top

The SCX-25 is a condenser microphone with an elegant design and a revolutionary capsule suspension system. Uniquely shock mounted within an intricate machined brass ring, the SCX-25 capsule is completely isolated from the mic body and the electronics. By successfully minimizing acoustic reflections and diffractions, SCX-25 delivers a pure, open-air sound unlike any other microphone, regardless of size or cost.

Delivering a smooth uniform cardioid frequency response from 20 - 20k, the SCX-25 will reproduce vocals and acoustic instruments with exceptional detail and realism. The SCX-25 is very consistent when responding to incoming off-axis signals, exhibiting excellent phase coherence and minimal proximity effect.

By employing miniaturized low noise components, the preamp circuitry for the SCX-25 is housed within a brass microphone body which is merely 4 inches long. The result is the smallest footprint of any large diaphragm microphone to date, allowing the SCX-25 more convenience and freedom when it comes to mic placement. And because of the internal capsule suspension mounting system, the need for costly shock mounts is eliminated and set-up time is greatly simplified.

The SCX-25 operates on phantom power of 48 - 52 Volts. Optimum results will be achieved by using the SCX-25 with a high quality mic preamplifier and premium quality microphone cable.

Operation and Maintenance: Condenser microphones as a general rule are much more sensitive and reactive than dynamic microphones and should be handled with care. Avoid extreme temperatures wherever possible. Moisture and high humidity can adversely effect the performance of the microphone and cause permanent damage. When not in use, please store your mic in the pouch or case provided at room temperature.

Live Sound & Recording The SCX-25 can be used successfully to record any acoustic instrument, which, of course, includes the human voice. It is an outstanding choice for symphonic recordings, bluegrass instruments, orchestral instruments, zone miking, and room miking. We are constantly receiving new miking ideas and applications from live sound and recording engineers. Please consult the Audix web site for updates or call us if you have questions regarding specific instruments or applications.

The correct side: Note that the front of the microphone element is on the same side as the printing. This side of the microphone should be facing towards the sound source.

Vocals: The SCX-25 is a stunning vocal microphone with an extreme accuracy and detail. Since the SCX-25 is not prone to proximity effect, the vocalist can be positioned just about anywhere within a 2 foot range. The microphone can be in just about any position as long as the element is directly facing the artist's voice. A pop-screen of some type should be employed.

Piano: The SCX-25 is the ideal piano microphone and is being used successfully for both studio and live applications. A conventional stereo pair set up is the most popular method. Typically one mic placed mid-way over the upper register towards the keyboard, and one mic placed mid-way over the lower register towards the rear of the strings. The SCX-25 can be placed very close to the strings (and hammers) for a more percussive sound. For classical piano, the pair of microphones is usually placed outside the piano facing the lid at a distance of anywhere between 4-8 feet from the strings.

Closed lid: For live sound and live recording, the biggest problem is that piano mics are prone to picking up sound from the rest of the instruments on stage. For this reason, most live sound engineers like to get the lid either closed or somewhat closed. This usually results in a “boxy” or harsh sound. The SCX-25 can provide a beautiful and realistic sound even with the lid completely closed. By using the optional D-flex mic clip, inside miking is made easy. These clips will attach to the dividing bars of the piano and can be placed in a wide variety of positions. This method allows for the piano lid to be completely closed if necessary.

Acoustic guitar: One microphone— The SCX-25 provides a huge soundfield, so you will want to experiment in order to find the “sweet spot” of the guitar. The trick is to find the perfect blend between the bass overtones which eminate from the body, the picking of the strings, and the clarity of the fretboard. A good starting point is 12 inches out, 4-6 inches above the soundhole, the mic placed between the soundhole and the end of the fretboard. Stereo miking—One mic near the fretboard and the other 18 inches above the body of the guitar.