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…

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.

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

Specifications

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Capsule Dimensions Impedance SPL/Noise
n/a n/a Max SPL: 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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