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JZ Microphones V16-BB

Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The JZ V16-BB is a medium/large diaphragm studio cardioid condenser microphone, handmade in Latvia. It is a transformerless, class A design coupled to a 24mm center-terminated capsule, also handmade in Latvia.

The mic was designed to have an open top end, as opposed to a midrange presence boost, and this is visible on the frequency plot. For example, where a U87 falls off in response around 13kHz, the V16-BB has a boost in that area that extends to almost 16kHz. JZ Audio claims the mic is best-suited for vocals and acoustic guitar.

Sound On Sound

The V16-BB has a much smoother, more natural-sounding mid-range than most, and the response shaping higher up the audio spectrum adds a sense of air and transparency rather than the more usual ‘presence’.

Like most JZ microphones, the V16-BB is square-bodied and shallow in depth. This means it cannot be used with traditional mic shockmounts. Instead, it has its own mounting system: the V16-BB comes with a stand adapter that is secured into the body of the mic with thumbscrews. These thumbscrews have rubber bushings that effectively create a shock mount, protecting the microphone from stand-transmitted vibrations.

The V16-BB comes with a stand adapter, and is sold in a foam-lined and magnetic-latched wooden box.

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The mic was released in 2017.

Specifications

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
CHART Cardioid (20 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 24mm	150 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 140 dB Self-noise: 9.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
n/a	n/a	n/a	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications

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