recordinghacks

Cascade Microphones X-15

Blumlein Ribbon Stereo Microphone

The X-15 is a stereo ribbon that looks like two RSM-3s glued end-to-end. The two ribbons are of the “medium ribbon/long path” variety, measuring roughly 45mm in length. The ribbons are mounted 90° to one another, creating a Blumlein array of overlapping figure-8 pickup patterns.

The mic is available with stock transformers (made in China), or upgraded with Lundahl LL2912 transformers; the latter is known as the X-15L and retails for $649 as of December 2008.

The mic has a single 5-pin XLR connector, and is supplied with a metal signal-splitter box that provides two standard 3-pin XLRM jacks. Note that recording in stereo requires two preamps and two channels in your DAW or console.

In addition to the splitter, the mic ships with a 30-foot 5-pin XLR cable, a spider shockmount, a padded vinyl pouch, a windscreen, and an aluminum carrying case.

Pro Audio Review

With the separate elements, proper mic placement and a good-sounding room, the stereo spread was excellent, as was the mic’s ability to pick up the room sound. I tried the X-15 with my custom Martin 00-28 with silk/steel strings and it really sounded good with a tight bass and warm midrange. The resulting recording really filled out the width and depth of stereo recording.

The Cascade Microphones X-15 is also known as: X15, X-15L, X15L.

The mic was released in 2007.

Specifications

Frequency Response - BlumleinClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Blumlein (2.6 mV/Pa; 90 - 11,000 Hz)

Ribbon Construction	Impedance	SPL/Noise
dual 2.5-micron, 1.75'' aluminum ribbons	200 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 145 dB

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
n/a	n/a	n/a	3-pin XLR male (2)

Power Specifications

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