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! |
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Pickup Patterns | Pads & Filters |
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Blumlein
(2.6 mV/Pa; 90 - 11,000 Hz) |
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Ribbon Construction | Impedance | SPL/Noise |
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dual 2.5-micron, 1.75'' aluminum ribbons | 200 Ohms (Low) | Max SPL: 145 dB |
Weight | Length | Max Diameter | Interface(s) |
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n/a | n/a | n/a |
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Power Specifications |
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