Published 8/10/08
Software-controlled microphone
Soundfield have launched the SPS200, a fully equipped surround miking system that is considerably cheaper than the other Soundfield systems (£1733 including VAT). But the new mic is by no means inferior to the other products in the range, it just doesn’t require any expensive processing hardware. Instead, it relies on the user’s existing audio interface and DAW software, and an application called SPS200 Surround Zone, which ships with the mic. This works as a VST or TDM plug-in, so can be inserted on a channel in recording software such as Pro Tools HD, Cubase, Nuendo and Sonar.
The outputs from the microphone’s four capsules (which are of the true condenser type) are fed down individual balanced cables into four mic preamps of the user’s system, then assigned to the plug-in in the software GUI. Here, the user can adjust the settings of the microphone, as is possible with the hardware-based Soundfield systems.
The pickup pattern and its perceived direction can be changed without physically touching the mic, while the material can be decoded from the Soundfield A-format (the raw signal sent from all four capsules) into mono, stereo or surround, at any stage after the audio is captured, allowing for retrospective re-mastering into different formats.
Soundfield say that the mic is ideal for location recording on video shoots, although it could prove to be incredibly versatile when used in a studio. For example, one could be mounted as a semi-permanent ambience mic in a sweet spot in the live room, then angled and formatted using the software if required.
The SPS200 ships in a robust carrying case, complete with clip, a five-metre cable, and an iLok, with which the software is authorised. For more information, check out Soundfield’s web site.
Soundfield +44 (0)1924 201089
www.soundfield.com
The outputs from the microphone’s four capsules (which are of the true condenser type) are fed down individual balanced cables into four mic preamps of the user’s system, then assigned to the plug-in in the software GUI. Here, the user can adjust the settings of the microphone, as is possible with the hardware-based Soundfield systems.
The pickup pattern and its perceived direction can be changed without physically touching the mic, while the material can be decoded from the Soundfield A-format (the raw signal sent from all four capsules) into mono, stereo or surround, at any stage after the audio is captured, allowing for retrospective re-mastering into different formats. Soundfield say that the mic is ideal for location recording on video shoots, although it could prove to be incredibly versatile when used in a studio. For example, one could be mounted as a semi-permanent ambience mic in a sweet spot in the live room, then angled and formatted using the software if required.
The SPS200 ships in a robust carrying case, complete with clip, a five-metre cable, and an iLok, with which the software is authorised. For more information, check out Soundfield’s web site.
Soundfield +44 (0)1924 201089
www.soundfield.com
