recordinghacks

Elation Mic Lab KM201

MSRP: $375 Pencil Condenser Microphone

Elation Mic Lab KM201

Description

Elation’s KM201 is a small-diaphragm “pencil” condenser with interchangeable capsule heads. The mic ships with a cardioid head; omni and hypercardioid are available separately.

The mic’s feature set is similar to the ubiquitous Oktava MK-012; even the name of Elation’s mic is an anagram of the Oktava’s. Both are transformerless, detachable-capsule SDC pencil mics. However, these are truly different microphones; the KM201 has a half-inch (~12mm) diaphragm, whereas the Oktava SDC capsules have a ~17mm diaphragm. Although both mics have detachable capsules, they are not interchangeable across brands.

Wes Archer

At this point the KM201 and MC012 are the best damn acoustic guitar and mandolin mics I’ve ever used. The KM201 simply *kills* the KM84/85 on guitar.

Wes Archer

[T]he 201 has more presence and more articulation without losing the silkiness. I also notice that I can mic much much closer with the 201. The MC012 is slightly muddier sounding with less presence and I can mic at about 14-18 inches without getting too bassy. The 201 allows me to get as close as 6 inches without drowning the mix with low frequencies!

So which is better? That’s a tough one to answer! It really depends on the application…

Oh my…I love these damn mics!…I’m keeping both of them… I now have 2 of the best mics I’ve ever owned. I just can’t enough of the Russian sound.

Electronic Musician

The KM201 has a full, rich, balanced sound that was flattering in all our applications. On acoustic guitar, the mic pair captured a tight, natural sound with good dynamic response… The KM201 also won Drescher’s approval on the grand piano (he chose it as his third-favorite). In describing the sound, he cited its “warmth and fullness,” “good bass,” and “smooth highs that were never harsh or tinny.” Nelson, too, chose the KM201 as his third-favorite on the piano. He described the tracks as “accurate sounding” but not particularly “lively or exciting?they could have richer bass for my tastes.”

As drum overheads, the KM201 pair captured a full, round sound with plenty of lows and an overall realistic and complementary tone. Imaging and dynamic response were also exceptional. Weldon picked this mic as his favorite on the drums, describing the sound as the “most all-around balanced and natural, especially on the cymbals…you can hear the body of the rack toms, and the attack is not overemphasized.” Nelson also described the tracks as “realistic, with nicely balanced mids and lows,” but again he thought the overall effect “a bit uninspiring,” noting that “the top end is somewhat dull — the cymbals aren’t as clear and ringing as I like.”

The Elation Mic Lab KM201 is also known as: KM-201.

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Diaphragm size Impedance Max SPL
n/a n/a 140 dB
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
125g (4.41oz) 120mm (4.72'') 24mm (0.94'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires Phantom Power
  • Phantom voltage: 48v

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