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OmnidirectionalCardioidBidirectionalElation Mic Lab KM901

Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

Elation Mic Lab KM901

Description

Elation’s KM901 microphone is a multipattern large-diaphragm condenser mic with an unusual sensitivity selection switch, allowing three output levels:

  • 0 dB (25 mV/Pa)
  • -10dB (8 mV/Pa)
  • +6dB (50 mV/Pa)

…which presumably means the mic can be used without a preamp.

A second switch enables either of two high-pass filters, operating at either 150Hz or 300 Hz. A third switch selects the pickup pattern: cardioid, omnidirectional, or figure-of-8.

The frequency-response graphs for the figure-of-8 mode show identical traces for 0° and 180°, suggesting that this mic would work well as a “middle” channel in a mid-side setup.

The relatively scarce availability of Elation mics in the US is the likeliest explanation for the equal scarcity of reviews; the one we can find dates to 1999:

Bill Roberts, rec.audio.pro

The Elation KM901 slaughtered the TLM193. Dead. Bloodbath.

This was a blind test: all I knew was “red mic cable” or “blue mic cable.” I was surprised that my Neumann (surely the red one had to be the Neumann) was sounding so fine: it sounded very nearly as good as recordings on the VTL label using the Manley Gold Stereo Reference with the all-amplification-in-mic, transformless mod.

I mean, wow.

This review sparked a discussion of its validity — can good mics be tested with low-end pres? Was the Elation simply brighter? What about placement and source material?

The Elation Mic Lab KM901 is also known as: KM-901.

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
  • Omnidirectional (20 - 20,000 Hz)
  • Cardioid (20 - 20,000 Hz)
  • Bidirectional (20 - 20,000 Hz)
  • Filter: HPF @ 150 Hz (Via Switch)
  • Filter: HPF @ 300 Hz (Via Switch)
Diaphragm size Impedance Max SPL
27mm (1.06'') n/a 140 dB
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
610g (21.52oz) 217mm (8.54'') 50mm (1.97'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires Phantom Power

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