recordinghacks

CardioidJosephson Engineering e22S

MSRP: $1,480 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Josephson Engineering e22S

Description

The Josephson e22S cardioid condenser was designed at the request of Steve Albini.

The side-address design facilitates placement; the long body can reach over the rim of a drum, and the capsule can face the head directly.

The 16mm diaphragm in the KA22S capsule is made by Josephson. MIX describes it as a derivation of the company’s Series Six capsules, “with a ⅝-inch diameter, gold-evaporated polyester diaphragm.” Reviewers note its uniform cardioid pattern and good rear rejection.

The FET amplifier circuit, “a C609 Class-A discrete FET cascode front end,” is combined with a custom Lundahl output transformer. The electronics were designed to interface easily with either transformer or direct coupled mic preamps.

The mic has low self-noise, so it delivers low level detail, and handles high sound pressure levels well.

The microphone housing is very rugged, with a precision machined, satin black chrome finish.

Steve Albini

The specific need addressed by the e22S was drum kit recording, and the mics are used in that capacity nearly every day, but once they were in our hands, they quickly became a favorite mic for many instruments, including acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, guitar amplifiers, organ and horns. The e22S is easily the most versatile microphone in our cabinet.

On loud sounds like drums and guitar cabinets, the 609 head amplifier delivers a crisp, clear signal that is free of distortion, at a level that doesn’t require an external pad.

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Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
  • Cardioid (20-20,000 Hz)
Diaphragm size Impedance Max SPL
16mm (0.63'') 200 Ohms (Low (50-1000 Ohms)) 144 dB
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
180g (6.35oz) 190mm (7.48'') 21mm (0.83'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires Phantom Power

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