recordinghacks

Kel Audio HM1

Wide Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The Kel HM-1 is an inexpensive small-diaphragm FET condenser with a reputation for producing a neutral-to-dark sound. The mic is intended to provide a contrast to the hyped HF commonly found in imported SDCs.

Despite the large body style and vertical capsule mounting, the capsule measures only 1/2'' in diameter. The capsule (diameter 20mm, with ~12.5mm diaphragm) is shockmounted within the mic body.

Each mic includes a frequency graph showing the individual response of the microphone.

No pads or switches are provided.

We believe the HM-1, like all the Kel Audio mics, employs a low-noise, transformerless output circuit.

ProRec.com

a dark sounding microphone, much like a high-frequency-damped version of the Audio Technica 4050, and with a similar output level…

The HM-1 does tom duty very well — plenty of low-end “doooom,” and enough stick attack to give good definition to the drum.

Recording Magazine

[T]he smaller capsule size and sonic characteristics will not make the HM-1 your “go to” mic, especially with quiet sources. The smaller capsule in conjunction with the compact casing is better suited for warming up harsh or bright instruments, or as an alternative to loading up a mix with multiple tracks that all exhibit the same crisp and potentially brittle top end…

[T]he HM-1 doesn’t muddy things up. It captures the source in a very flat and natural way.

The mic ships with a shockmount and a plastic carrying case.

As of 2011, the HM1 has been replaced by the HM-1x, an upgraded version of the same basic microphone.

The Kel Audio HM1 is also known as: HM-1.

The mic was released in 2004.

Specifications

Frequency Response - Wide CardioidClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Wide Cardioid (12.6 mV/Pa; 30 - 20,000 Hz)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 12.5mm Capsule diameter: 20mm Diaphragm gauge: 3 microns	n/a	Max SPL: 134 dB Self-noise: 18.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
n/a	127mm (5.00'')	52mm (2.05'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Requires phantom power Phantom voltage: 48v

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