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Roswell Pro Audio RA-VO

Voiceover Microphone

The RA-VO is a high-sensitivity, low-noise condenser microphone tuned specifically for voiceover and voice acting applications.

It was developed in collaboration with voice actor and producer Jordan Reynolds; the process involved multiple circuit, capsule, and tuning options before the final voicing was determined.

The circuit is based on the Schoeps transformerless design. In the RA-VO, the circuit is implemented with audiophile-quality parts such as 1% tolerance resistors and imported film capacitors.

The circuit contains a hard-wired high-pass filter, to roll off low frequencies below 150Hz. This prevents bass overload due to proximity, thereby allowing the mic to be used close to the sound source, as is typically the case for voice recording.

An internal switch on the circuit board allows the polar pattern to be changed from Cardioid to Omni. The additional capacitance of the rear diaphragm reduces the mic’s output by approximately 4dB, and further reduces proximity effect.

The capsule is a specially tuned K67 type, selected for high sensitivity and smooth frequency response.

The microphone is manufactured in small batches of a few units at a time, and tuned by hand to match a strict frequency response specification. Every batch of completed microphones is within 1dB of each other @ 10kHz (while matched at 1kHz).

The mic has high sensitivity: 40mV/Pa. The self-noise rating is very good, at 10dBA. These characteristics help prevent noise and hiss from being audible in a recorded voice track. The mic’s high output level allows the user to turn down the preamp gain, which further reduces noise in the recorded track.

The RA-VO ships with a Rycote USM-L universal shockmount, a compact swivel mount, and a US-made hard shell SKB carrying case, fitted with custom diecut foam.

The RA-VO was discontinued in 2018, but is still available via special order.

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The mic was released in 2015.

Specifications

Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Omnidirectional (25 mV/Pa; 50 - 15,000 Hz) Cardioid (40 mV/Pa; 50 - 15,000 Hz)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 27mm Capsule diameter: 34mm Diaphragm gauge: 3 microns	112 Ohms (Low)	Self-noise: 10.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
n/a	170mm (6.69'')	47mm (1.85'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Requires phantom power Phantom voltage: 48v

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