recordinghacks

Kel Audio HM-2D

Supercardioid Condenser Microphone

The HM-2D is a large-diaphragm condenser with a transformerless output circuit. The mic is voiced to evoke the sound of classic dynamic mics (think RE-20, SM7) and as a result has found fans in the VO industry.

The mic lacks the exaggerated high end common to inexpensive condensers. A graph of the mic’s frequency response shows a few peaks (on the order of +2dB) at 2500Hz and 4500Hz, and a smooth rolloff beginning just above 10k. The -3dB point is at about 12kHz.

The capsule is an externally-biased large-diaphragm design, based on the Neumann K67 type. The capsule has a clear rear Mylar diaphragm. The front diaphragm is sputtered with gold and center-terminated. Both front and rear are made of 6-micron Mylar.

The voicing of the mic is achieved through diaphragm tensioning and EQ/filtering in the mic’s amplifier circuit, essentially defeating the naturally bright response that is characteristic of K67-type capsules.

The amplifier circuit is transformerless and is implemented primarily with surface-mount components.

Kelly Dueck

The HM-2d sounds a lot more like some of the classic large diaphragm dynamic mics popular in broadcasting, but with far higher output. You can record quiet sources with them and still get that meaty sound. At the same time you don’t have the transformer loading effects common with various moving coil and ribbon mics that can drastically alter the sound from one pre to the next.

Kel Audio positions this mic as a “character” mic, not as an all-purpose studio condenser.

The HM-2D ships in a foam-lined box with an elastic shockmount. Like all Kel Audio mics, it carries a 1-year warranty and a 21-day satisfaction guarantee.

The Kel Audio HM-2D is also known as: HM2D.

The mic was released in 2007.

Specifications

Frequency Response - SupercardioidClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Supercardioid (17.7 mV/Pa; 35 - 12,000 Hz)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 26mm Diaphragm gauge: 6 microns	200 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 135 dB Self-noise: 14.0 dB(A)

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

Power Specifications
Requires phantom power Phantom voltage: 48v

Did we get anything wrong on this page? Please let us know!