Soundfield MKV Microphone System

MKV Microphone System description:

A single SoundField microphone simultaneously captures width, height and depth information at a central point.The result... totally phase accurate stereo or multi-channel audio and a ‘you are there’ spatial image unobtainable by any other method.

The SoundField MKV System consists of a microphone and a 2U processor and offers something fundamentally new in recording technology. Whilst other recording methods use multiple spaced microphones - the SoundField microphone advances realism by employing a unique capsule array which accurately captures a three dimensional ‘audio picture’ of any acoustic event.

SoundField Technology is based on the principle that all acoustic events can be represented by four basic elements. These are ‘X’ which is front/back information (depth), ‘Y’ which is left/right information (width), ‘Z’ which is up/down information (height) and ‘W’ the central point from which the other three elements are referenced. Collectively,W,X,Y and Z are entitled B-Format - SoundField are the only microphones in the world that deliver B-Format which can be stored on four tracks of any recorder. Because the SoundField capsule array captures three dimensional sound at the same ‘central point’ all time - or phase related anomalies created by spaced microphones are eliminated. Once in B-Format the point of acoustic origin is defined and all output variations i.e. mono, stereo, M/S, 5.1,6.1 etc. are derived from this same ‘central point’. Thus, surround recordings made with SoundField microphones can be collapsed to stereo - or stereo to mono - without the phase cancellation and high frequency differences encountered when ‘summing’ multiple spaced microphones. The result - spatial ‘you are there’ imaging and consistent surround recording which are backward/forward compatible. In addition to B-Format the MKV 2U processor will also output stereo,M/S and mono. When combined with the optional SP451 Surround Processor, multi-channel output formats such as 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 are available.

A significant advantage that SoundField offers to engineers is that all microphone parameters are adjustable from the processor’s front panel controls. These include Gain, mono/stereo polar patterns, stereo angle, End-Fire, Invert, Azimuth, Elevation and Dominance. This combination of controls allows the user to generate absolutely any single mono or stereo pair microphone configuration from cardioids through to figure of eights, at any stereo crossed pair angle and pointing in any direction. The processor can be situated in the ‘sweet-spot’ listening position of the studio control room or OB vehicle. Alternatively, the output may be monitored via the front panel headphone socket with the processor situated up to 100 metres away from the microphone. Finally, the most unique advantage or ‘insurance’ that SoundField offers the engineer/producer is a second opportunity to adjust all microphone parameters after the performance has occurred. This is achieved by recording the four B-Format signals and playing them back through the processor’s B-Format inputs at a later date in post production. Once again, the microphone may be re-positioned across three dimensions and new polar patterns and stereo angles experimented with. Recordings can be made less or more ambient by use of the polar Pattern, Elevation, Dominance and End-Fire controls. Previously off-axis sounds can become onaxis by use of the Azimuth and further space and width obtained with the Angle control. Only SoundField offers this level of control both live and in post, affording the mixing engineer the ability to create the ideal sonic perspective under the controlled conditions of the production studio - rather than forcing a decision during the original recording session that may later prove to be less than ideal.

Features:

• Unbeatable for coincident stereo miking techniques. Incredible stereo imaging
• A wonderful natural sounding mic, highly versatile commonly used for recording drums, guitars, percussion, orchestras etc. for 5.1 production
• Spatial ‘you are there’ imaging and consistent surround recording which are backward/forward compatible
• When combined with the optional SP451 Surround Processor, multi-channel output formats such as 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 are available
• The MKV is shipped with - MKV Microphone, MKV Rack Mount Processor - 2U, Leather Microphone Case, Shock Mount Assembly, Foam Windshield, 20 Metre Microphone Cable, Owner’s Manual, Mains Power Lead

Specifications:

• Microphone front sensitivity at 0dB, trim 0: 122dB
• Microphone acoustic line up at 30dB gain, trim 0: 80dB SPL
• Maximum input for less than 0.5% THD: 145dB SPL
• Frequency range: 20Hz - 20kHz, with high-pass filter 40Hz - 20kHz
• Equivalent self noise, IEC 179 (Cardioid): 14dB - A SPL
• Control unit outputs at line-up: 0dBu, XLR balanced
• Maximum output levels (Stereo and B-Format): +22dBu
• B-Format and Stereo outputs minimum load: 600 ohms
• Headphone outputs minimum load: 400 ohms per side
• Left/Right Output connections: Two balanced male XLR panel mount connectors
• B-Format Output connections: Four balanced male XLR panel mount connectors
• XLR Pin configuration: Pin 1 = earth (screen) Pin 2 = pos (+) Pin 3 = neg (-)
• Output impedance: Left/Right: 100 ohms balanced
• Output impedance: B-Format: 100 ohms balanced
• Powering: Mains 100V to 240V
• MKV System shipping weight inc. packaging: 11Kgs