Published 30/11/07
Elle C and Perception 150 available now
Since the dawn of time, or so it seems, the design of the vast majority of handheld microphones has been incredibly similar: rugged-looking and usually sporting a chunky basket, typically with a dynamic capsule that is best suited to the call of a man.
You might say that all aspects have been designed for the male of the species. There have, of course been exceptions, most notably during the late-’70s, when someone decided that using elongated stick mics would be a clever idea, but in general, handheld mics have been uniformly utilitarian, not dainty or elegant.
But not any longer. Austrian microphone manufacturers AKG have gone against the grain and produced the Elle C, left, a handheld microphone designed especially for women. According to the company, the frequency response of the Elle C’s condenser capsule and circuitry has been “aimed at complementing the female voice”, while aesthetic features include a “slender and elegant silhouette”, and the option to buy the mic in high-gloss metallic or pearlescent white finishes. AKG’s Elle C costs around £200 and is available now.
Also new from AKG is the Perception 150 (right), a small-diaphragm condenser microphone for studio and live sound use. It has a fixed cardioid pickup pattern and a -10dB pad which, when engaged, allows the microphone to capture sound pressure levels of up to 145dB. It retails for £100 and is also available now.
In the UK/EU edition of SOS December 2007, we incorrectly printed the prices of both these mics. The prices shown in this item are correct. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Harman Pro UK +44 (0)1707 668222
www.harmanprouk.com
www.akg.com
Since the dawn of time, or so it seems, the design of the vast majority of handheld microphones has been incredibly similar: rugged-looking and usually sporting a chunky basket, typically with a dynamic capsule that is best suited to the call of a man. You might say that all aspects have been designed for the male of the species. There have, of course been exceptions, most notably during the late-’70s, when someone decided that using elongated stick mics would be a clever idea, but in general, handheld mics have been uniformly utilitarian, not dainty or elegant.
But not any longer. Austrian microphone manufacturers AKG have gone against the grain and produced the Elle C, left, a handheld microphone designed especially for women. According to the company, the frequency response of the Elle C’s condenser capsule and circuitry has been “aimed at complementing the female voice”, while aesthetic features include a “slender and elegant silhouette”, and the option to buy the mic in high-gloss metallic or pearlescent white finishes. AKG’s Elle C costs around £200 and is available now.
Also new from AKG is the Perception 150 (right), a small-diaphragm condenser microphone for studio and live sound use. It has a fixed cardioid pickup pattern and a -10dB pad which, when engaged, allows the microphone to capture sound pressure levels of up to 145dB. It retails for £100 and is also available now.
In the UK/EU edition of SOS December 2007, we incorrectly printed the prices of both these mics. The prices shown in this item are correct. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Harman Pro UK +44 (0)1707 668222
www.harmanprouk.com
www.akg.com
