Apex460 Multi-Pattern Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone
Type
Polar Pattern(s)
Frequency Response
Sensitivity
Impedance
S/N Ratio
Max SPL
Equivalent Noise
Power Requirement
Controls
Dimensions
Weight
Distributed in Canada by
Yorkville Sound Ltd., 550 Granite Court, Pickering, Ontario L1W-3Y8
phone : (905) 837-8481 fax : (905) 839-5776
www.apexelectronics.com
Condenser Pressure Gradient Microphone with
1-Inch Dual Diaphragm and Tube Preamp
omni, cardioid, figure-8 with 6 intermediate stages
20 - 20000 Hz
14mv/Pa = -37dB (0dB = 1v/Pa) -10dB
<200 Ohms
76dB
(For 1% THD @ 1000Hz) 125dB
IEC 268 - 4 (A weighted) 20dB - A
Dedicated Power Supply
Pattern Select knob (on power supply)
46mm x 240mm
824g
Apex460 Specifications:
Distributed in U.S.A. by Yorkville Sound Inc., 4625 Witmer Industrial Estate Niagara Falls, New York, 14305
phone : (716) 297-2920 fax : (716) 297-3689
The Microphone
The Apex460 tube condenser microphone is perfect for recording both critical
vocals and instruments. The dual diaphragm multi-pattern design gives you 9
different polar pattern settings to get the perfect microphone sound for every
application.
The Apex460 features dual 1" gold sputtered 5-micron diaphragms in a shockmount capsule. The 12AT7 vacuum tube pre-amp and capsule is suspended in
a solid machined casing to further reduce tube-induced noise.
The included external shock-mount suspension virtually eliminates vibration and
handling noise, while at the same time safely securing the microphone in any
position needed during the recording process.
The Power Supply & Controls
The Apex460 has nine available polar patterns, selectable from the front panel
of the power supply. Rather than limiting the user to only the three most common patterns (omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8 patterns), the Apex460 has
three gradient stages between each of those positions.
This allows the artist and recording engineer far more versatility. In vocal applications where an omnidirectional pattern isn't quite 'fat' enough, but cardioid is
too narrow, you now have three additional steps to find the right subtle mix
between those two standard patterns. With the Apex460 you have the rare
opportunity to use the proximity effect of a cardioid, yet still open up the microphone to hear some of the natural early reflections of a good sounding live
room.
Care and Feeding of your Apex460
All large diaphragm condenser microphones are fragile. They do not like to be
exposed to any sharp impact that may stretch or knock the element out of alignment including being dropped, tapped, or being blown into. This is especially
true of any tube condenser microphone, including the Apex460.
It is always advisable to use a pop filter when recording vocals not only to avoid
sibilance (overly accentuated 'S', ‘P’and ‘B’sounds) but also to keep excessive
moisture off the element.
The outer shell of your mic can be cleaned with a soft damp cloth. Do not use
harsh detergents, solvents, or abrasive materials. Never immerse any microphone in water.
Understanding Multiple Polar Patterns
An omni-directional pattern will give your mic the ability to pickup sound from all
directions. This is ideal for recording sounds that emanate from multiple directions, or picking up the source material as well as the natural ambiance and
reverberation of a room. Omnidirectional patterns also have no proximity effect,
or ‘bottom end enhancement’as the source gets closer to the microphone. This
makes an omnidirectional pattern ideal for use recording choirs, string sections,
background vocals or acoustic instruments where a natural ‘open’ tone quality
is preferred.
The cardioid pattern is ideal for single instrument or solo vocal use. This pattern
picks up only sound directly in front of the microphone, and sounds from back
and sides of the microphone are rejected. The cardioid pattern also has the
most pronounced proximity effect, and best off-axis rejection.
Bi-directional or figure 8 will hear sound from both front and back. This is ideal
for recording a main sound while still picking up room ambience from behind or
duets with two vocalists.
The Apex460 has three gradient patterns between omnidirectional and cardioid,
and an additional three gradient patterns between cardioid and figure-8 making
for a total of nine available polar patterns. These additional polars allow for a
subtle combination of proximity effect, off-axis rejection, overall EQ or tonal
response.
Other Apex460 Features and Accessories:
Apex460 Constant voltage power supply module - 9-position multi-pattern
selection control on power supply module provides omnidirectional, cardioid and
figure-8 patterns with three gradient settings between each position. Constant
voltage ensures quiet operation.
Shockmount Adaptor - Stops noise from transferring through the floor and mic
stand to the sensitive microphone capsule.
7-pin XLR sheilded microphone cable - Provides clean signal from microphone while transferring power to drive capsule and preamp from power supply.
Suggested Accessories
Apex MWS-56 6-inch studio pop filter
Apex MS-700B Large Heavy studio microphone stand