Kel Audio Announces Song Sparrow Microphone
February 15, 2010
Kel Audio has announced the Song Sparrow, a new studio-grade condenser microphone tailored for modern vocal recording.
The Song Sparrow is built with premium electronics and sticks with the Kel philosophy of using simple designs coupled with high quality parts, in order to keep the mic affordable. The mic features a one-inch side-terminated cardioid capsule with an open airy top end response. The circuitry is designed to offer high headroom and good transient response for maximum vocal clarity and presence and avoids the use of inexpensive tubes or transformers which can add edgy distortion.
The Song Sparrow is well suited to pop music recording generally and female vocals, in particular. With the Song Sparrow, tracks sit at the front of the mix with clarity focus and detail. Vowels take on a silky airy quality, consonants are articulate and clean without any harsh grit common in vocal mics in this price range.
The mic is also ideal for recording “jangly” rhythm guitar tracks. Sonically, it is complements the HM-7U which has a chewy mid-range and tighter top end.
Producers can also use the Song Sparrow to record piano, drum overheads, saxes, vocal groups and most stringed instruments.
The mic is finished in an understated matte black in order to minimize distractions in the studio or on stage and ships with a compact aluminum flight case and elastic shock mount.
The mic is expected to ship in early April and retail for $349 USD. Customers may pre-order at www.kelaudio.com and reserve the mic at a $50 discount, which will also be available through Kel dealers.
Specifications:
- Element: 1″ Side-terminated condenser capsule
- Polar Pattern: “Cardioid”
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Sensitivity: -38+/-2dB (0dB=1V/Pa at 1kHz)
- Output Impedance: 55 Ohms +/-30% (at 1kHz)
- Equivalent Noise Level: <14dB A
- S/N Ratio: 80dB
- Max. Input SPL: 132dB(at 1kHz=1% T.H.D)
- Body Dimensions: 48x178mm