Apex SP2 Studio Mic Package 4 Microphone Set + FREE Cables

APEX SP2 Details ^top

The Apex-SP2 is a prepackaged set of four microphones designed to complete any studio. It contains one Apex460 large diaphragm multi-pattern tube condenser microphone with power supply, two matched Apex185 dual-pattern pencil condenser microphones, and one Apex415 solid-state tri-pattern large diaphragm condenser microphone, all in one convenient carry-case. All of the microphones in the Apex-SP2 package are shipped with their appropriate shock mounts and windsocks.

The central element of the Apex-SP2 package is the Apex460 multi-pattern tube microphone outfit. The Apex460 boasts an integrated 12AX7 driven tube circuit built into the microphone itself that ensures clean, warm tone and incredible gain. Any one of nine different polar patterns can be easily selected from the control knob on the front panel of the Apex460's external power supply module making the Apex460 one of the most versatile high performance tube microphones in its class.

The Apex415 large diaphragm condenser microphone operates in either cardioid, omnidirectional or figure-8 polar patterns, has on board –10dB pad and low frequency roll off switch. An excellent choice for any application where subtlety and clarity is paramount and high sound pressure handling is required. The rugged Apex415 is also the microphone of choice for live recording or live sound reinforcement applications.

Completing the Apex-SP2 Studio Pack are TWO matched Apex185 pencil condenser microphones. The Apex185's are one of the most versatile small diaphragm pencil condenser microphones available. Each is shipped with interchangeable hypercardioid and omnidirectional microphone capsules, and have on-board –10dB pad and low frequency roll-off switches.

Features

Included in the Apex-SP2 Package:

* 1 x Apex460 Multi-pattern tube condenser microphone with external power supply and 25-foot 7-pin XLR microphone cable
* 1 x Apex415 Three-pattern large diaphragm condenser microphone
* 2 x Apex185 Matched small diaphragm pencil condenser microphones with omnidirectional and cardioid capsules
* 2 x IMC-3 Shock mounts (for Apex460 and Apex415)
* 2 x IMC-9 Shock mounts (for Apex185's)
* Windsocks for all four microphones

Apex460:

The APEX460 Vacuum Tube Condenser Microphone continues to raise the bar on performance while continuing to lower the price barrier for studio quality microphones. The APEX460 Tube Microphone is an aggressively priced, yet superior sounding, large diaphragm studio condenser capable of competing easily with much more expensive microphones in this class.

One unique feature of this microphone is the nine different selectable polar patterns easily available from the selector switch on the front panel of the external power supply. Rather than limiting the user to the three popular patterns (Omnidirectional, Cardioid, and Figure Eight pattern) most commonly available, the APEX460 has three gradient stages between each pattern. This allows the studio engineer or home recordist far more versatility. In vocal applications where an omnidirectional pattern isn't quite 'fat' enough, but cardioid is too narrow, you now have three additional steps to find the right subtle mix between the two standard patterns. There are also three additional steps between cardioid and figure-8 pattern.

Improved quality in affordable recording equipment has brought serious power to the home studio enthusiast or small project studio. The microphone is the first, and often most important link in the signal chain. The APEX460 is high performance, yet truly affordable large diaphragm condenser microphone. They are an outstanding choice for the main microphone for any professional studio, home studio, or any of the computer based direct to hard drive recording systems now available.

Due to their rugged construction, high SPL handling capability and affordable price, the APEX460 is also an outstanding choice for live sound reinforcement or live recording. They have proven themselves as overhead mics for drum kits, for guitar or bass cabinets where superior sound quality and high sound pressure handling is required, or as the mic of choice for saxophones, flutes, acoustic guitars or acoustic bass where subtlety and clarity is paramount.

Vocalists can use the proximity effect to their advantage, adding fullness and more "bottom end" to the voice. Experienced vocalists can easily incorporate it part of their overall microphone technique. Again, experimentation with mic placement during the recording process is the key. The omnidirectional polar pattern does not exhibit this effect.

Apex415:

Rugged construction, high SPL handling in a compact aluminum chassis makes the Apex415 an ideal choice for a main microphone for any home or project studio. Cardioid, omnidirectional or figure-8 polar patterns are selected from integrated switches on the microphone chassis. On board –10dB pad switch and low frequency roll off switch ensure the microphone can be tailored to any application. An excellent choice for use on guitar or bass cabinets, for background vocals, on strings, brass and woodwinds, acoustic guitars or upright basses or any application where subtlety and clarity is paramount and high sound pressure handling is required. The rugged Apex415 is also the microphone of choice for live recording or live sound reinforcement applications.

The Apex415 microphone is made with a heavy-duty aircraft grade machined brass body with a durable, scratch resistant anodized finish and are shipped with a quality Apex IMC-3 "cat's cradle" style shock mount mic stand adaptor, windsock and convenient case for safe and secure storage and transportation.

Apex185:

The Apex185 are sold only as a matched pair and are small diaphragm pencil condenser microphones. Included is interchangeable omni directional capsules and cardioid capsules that are matched for perfect stereo imaging.

The Apex185 microphone bodies have on-board -10dB pad and low frequency roll-off switches. Ideal for use tight on drum kits and cymbals (when using the cardioid capsules), overhead on drum kits (when using the omnidirectional capsules) on acoustic guitars, stringed instruments, acoustic pianos, ambient vocals and brass or woodwind sections.

The cardioid capsules are generally used for live sound reinforcement applications and recording applications where wide dynamic range and good off-axis rejection is required. The omnidirectional capsules can be used where in the studio or for live recording where off-axis rejection isn''t an issue, and the engineer wants to limit proximity effect or needs a wider non-directional pickup pattern.

The Apex185 has two switches on the microphone body. The -10dB pad switch allows the engineer to reduce the microphone's output when close miking high sound pressure sources like brass and woodwind instruments or when using the Apex185 on drums or percussion instruments. The low-frequency roll-off switch allows the user to reduce low frequency 'clutter' in the audio signal at the source, making for cleaner recorded tracks with increased presence and definition.

The matched pair of Apex185 come with IMC-9 shockmount cradles to better isolate the capsules when using the microphones for most delicate recording or live sound reinforcement applications.

So how do I know which polar pattern capsule to use for my apllication?

An omni-directional pattern will give your mic the ability to pickup sound from all directions. This is ideal for recording sounds that emanate from multiple directions, or picking up the source material as well as the natural ambiance and reverberation of a room. Omnidirectional patterns also have no proximity effect, or 'bottom end enhancement' as the source gets closer to the microphone. This makes an omnidirectional pattern ideal for use recording choirs, string sections, background vocals or acoustic instruments where a natural 'open' tone quality is preferred.

The cardioid pattern is ideal for single instrument or solo vocal use. This pattern picks up only sound directly in front of the microphone, and sounds from back and sides of the microphone are rejected. The cardioid pattern also has the most pronounced proximity effect, and best off-axis rejection.

The matched pair of Apex185 includes individual Frequency Response graphs for the microphones to verify that they are indeed matched pairs. A sturdy carrying case is also included for safe storage and transportation of the Apex185 microphones, shockmounts, capsules and windsocks.