Recording - December 2015 - 16

Audio-Technica BP40 Dynamic Microphone
$349; www.audio-technica.com

Part 1: Hands-on With Hardware

Everything on the input side of the TrimTwo is wired in parallel, which enables you
to use the extra inputs as "Thru" outputs for
your monitoring system. In a setup using a
stereo keyboard and laptop, you can add
monitors by running 1/4" TRS out of the DI
box and into a powered monitoring system.
Note that the volume trim does not affect the
signal being run to the monitors-levels on
the "thru" outputs are only determined by
the level your sound source is sending. If
you are going to use a monitor setup with
this DI, I would suggest getting a good level
for monitors first, then adjusting the volume
to the PA as needed.
The Trim-Two shines when it comes to a
DJ setup. DJ systems can be tricky to dial
in; often the output is too loud, which can
cause distortion and potential harm to the
PA system. Connecting to this DI solves that
issue by allowing you to set a maximum
output level. It is quick and easy to adjust
that level mid-set, should you need to.
Most DJ mixers will connect using the RCA
input, allowing the 1/4" inputs to be used
as "thru" outputs to the monitor system.
If you are a performing musician that uses
keyboards, laptops or DJ mixers in your set,
the Trim-Two may be the workhorse DI you've
been looking for. This DI is packed with versatility that is easy to use, and it's easy to
make adjustments on the fly.-AH
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The BP40 is a brand new large-diaphragm dynamic mic from Audio-Technica...
yes, I said "large-diaphragm dynamic"! It is aimed at broadcast applications and
bears a strong stylistic resemblance to many well-known broadcast mics of the past.
It features a super-tight hypercardioid pattern and a switchable 100 Hz highpass
filter to further clean up the low end when necessary. It also makes use of a humbucking voice coil element. This is similar in concept to a humbucking guitar pickup,
and serves the same purpose: to help guard against electromagnetic interference.
To aid in plosive protection, the capsule is set back inside the microphone grille
with a nice thick internal windscreen. I couldn't get this mic to pop, no matter how
hard I tried; it's pretty well immune to pops and plosives, which is quite impressive.
It has a frequency response of 50 Hz to 16 kHz, a -48 dB (3.9 mV) re: 1V at 1 Pa
sensitivity, and a 450Ω impedance.
Sonically, "forward and focused" best sums up this mic. It is nice and loud in use
while still sporting a very quiet noise floor. It was almost 18 dB louder than my other
well-known broadcast mic-a fact which I found out when I discovered that I didn't
need to engage my usual boost on my Millennia Media HV-3D microphone preamp.

It has a pronounced 4 kHz peak to help pop vocals forward in a clean and punchy
way. While it is intended for use as a broadcast mic, I was surprised that it does not
have as pronounced a proximity effect as much of the competition. Instead of chesty
deep vocal tracks, you get forward, present, and clean recordings.
I used it in the obvious application of voiceovers for podcasting, and it excels in
this area. It's also a great choice for male rock vocals that need to cut through. It has
an almost condenser-like sound without being too bright or hyped. I took the mic out
to my studio for some tracking sessions, and it ended up beating the abovementioned
well-loved broadcast mic for a few tracks on the album I am just finishing up. It's also
well suited to percussion, toms, and guitar cabinets.
The BP40 does ship with its own O-ring style mic mount, but I would recommend
the optional AT8484 shockmount ($99). Audio-Technica makes some of the best
shockmounts in the business, and this one is no exception.
A really good clean large-diaphragm dynamic mic is a really handy tool to have
in almost any studio. That being said, the BP40 truly shines on vocals, whether sung
or spoken. If you do any type of dialogue work in your studio, this may be the best
$349 you will spend this year!-PV

Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter CL-4 Mic Activator
$499; www.cloudmicrophones.com

We have been singing the praises of the mighty Cloudlifter "mic activator" since
Scott Dorsey first brought it to our readers' attention in our June 2010 issue. Then, in
December 2012, I got to test-drive the variable-impedance Cloudlifter CL-Z. This time

http://www.audio-technica.com http://www.cloudmicrophones.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recording - December 2015