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OmnidirectionalCardioidBidirectionalKarma Audio K35

Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

The K35 is a multipattern FET condenser with a large diaphragm capsule. Like all Karma mics, the K35 is manufactured in Shanghai, and differentiates itself from competing Chinese-made microphones by its unique appearance and sound.

The large-diaphragm capsule measures 27mm (1.07'') in diameter. The two diaphragms are made of gold-sputtered 3-micron Mylar, and are center-terminated.

The mic is relatively heavy at 720g; with the included shockmount, the total weight climbs to 1085g (2.4lb). The body is brass, covered in a faux lizard skin.

Despite the lizard skin wrap, the mic has a surprising amount of body resonance. Tapping the mic body when the microphone is suspended produces a musical “thonk” sound that resonates at about 120Hz. The impulse reverberates for 0.5 seconds.

Tapping the headbasket yields a more pronounced transient, with an even longer duration of nearly 700ms.

Karma K35 CircuitThree small switches mounted below the headbasket provide control over the pad (-10dB), the polar pattern (figure 8, cardioid, omni), and the high-pass filter (frequency and slope unspecified).

Beneath the brass body tube is a single circuit board marked MIC0840-01 in our sample. Most of the circuit uses surface-mount components.

The mic ships with an elastic shockmount in a large, foam-lined hard-shell case (approx 10'' x 10'' x 16''). Karma provides a 2-year warranty, including shipping of the replacement product.

The Karma Audio K35 is also known as: K-35.

The mic was released in 2006.

Specifications

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Omnidirectional (12.6 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
Cardioid (12.6 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
Bidirectional (12.6 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
  • Pad: -10dB (Via Switch)
  • Filter: HPF (Via Switch)
Capsule Dimensions Impedance SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 27mm
200 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 135 dB
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
720g (25.40oz) n/a n/a
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires phantom power
  • Phantom voltage: 48v

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