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CardioidSanken Microphone Company, Ltd. CU-44X MKII

Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The Sanken CU-44x MKII is a cardioid condenser microphone with a unique dual-capsule transducer design. It is an updated version of Sanken’s CU-44x. The MKII is phantom powered and no longer requires an external 100v power supply like the now-discontinued original model. However, the MKII still runs on 100 volts internally, thereby achieving nearly the same headroom and noise performance as the original. The MKII is part of Sanken’s Chromatic line of studio microphones.

Like its transformer-coupled cousin, the CU-41, the CU-44x MK2 has two phase-aligned titanium capsules. The smaller of the two is situated highest in the headbasket, and is responsible for high frequencies. The bottom capsule, the larger of the two, handles low frequencies. Sanken does not state the crossover point of the two capsules, but due to the similarities between the CU-41 and CU-44x MK2, it is believed to cross over at 1kHz. (The CU-44x MK2 is essentially a transformerless version of the CU-41.)

The titanium composition makes the mic less susceptible to sonic changes due to temperature, humidity, or corrosion over time.

Notably, the CU-44x MK2 boasts a frequency response that extends to 30,000 Hz. The response is within 2db plus or minus up to 10,000 Hz, which can be classified as very flat.

The CU-44x MKII is uniformly cardioid and retains an almost identical frequency response at 90 degrees off-axis to its on-axis response. The response at 135 degrees off axis is also very similar, differing only in the more directional high frequencies. Sanken states that because of this consistency, the CU44x MKII excels in recordings where ambient space is important to the sound, such as churches and halls. This consistency in pattern and response is almost entirely unique to the Sanken microphone line, and it is one reason why Sanken has found favor among engineers who work in orchestral music, jazz, and sound design.

The CU-44x MKII is sold with a vinyl case and the S-44x shock mount. Sanken recommends the AC-44 aluminum case, which is sold separately.

The Sanken Microphone Company, Ltd. CU-44X MKII is also known as: CU44X MKII.

The mic was released in 2008.

Specifications

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Cardioid (20 mV/Pa; 20 - 30,000 Hz)
Capsule Dimensions Impedance SPL/Noise
Diameter n/a
Diaphragm gauge: 1 microns
n/a Max SPL: 140 dB
Self-noise: 15.0 dB(A)
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
430g (15.17oz) 156mm (6.14'') 46mm (1.81'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires phantom power

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