This series of microphones and accessories offers a cost-effective and convenient means of using measurement-grade microphones for recording on the studio or on location, positioned close to the sound source or using the classic spaced-omnidirectional configuration. Microphones and a novel preamplifier are offered, as well as dedicated accessories for using the microphones mounted on stands or personnel. An innovative stereo microphone is intended for use with the pre-amplifier and microphone pair mounted on a DSLR camera, for use by videographers. The microphones and accessories are available separately; the Minisonic Mic Kit packages microphones and a selection of accessories.
MM4 Microphone
Intended for use with the MP1 preamplifier, this is an electret design with an omni-directional pick-up pattern, based on the Lindos MM measurement microphone. The 1/4 inch diaphragm is light-weight, improving high frequency performance; the small size avoids the falling frequency response off-axis which is a characteristic of larger diaphragms. All MM4 microphones are calibrated, so are matched in output, facilitating stereo recording when used in a 'spaced omni' configuration. There is an integral captive lead terminated with a 3.5mm, 3-pole jack plug.
Sensitivity: -30dBu +/- 0.5dB output for 100dB SPL, 1kHz; 12mV/Pa. Response: 20Hz-20kHz +/- 2dB; 40Hz-15kHz +/- 1dB. Noise: Equivalent to 36dB SPL, ITU-R 468 weighted; 24dB SPL A-weighted. Clipping level: 130dB SPL, for -32dB distortion, ITU-R 468. Distortion: -46dBu, 100dB SPL; -40dB, 110dB SPL; -37dB, 115dB SPL, all ITU-R 468 weighted. Dimensions: 7 x 25 (diameter x length)mm.
Included accessories: None.
Optional accessories: The MH1 microphone holder adapts MM4, MM5 microphones to fit a conventional stand clip intended for 22mm - 25mm microphones. Constructed from aluminium it is shaped to reduce interference to the microphone pick-up pattern and incorporates foam inserts to reduce vibration. The POP1 is a 90mm, dual-layered pop shield, suitable for vocal recording, which clips to the MH1. The LC1 is a conventional 'crocodile' style lapel clip to take one MM4 or MM5 microphone. The WS1 is a small foam windshield to fit MM4, MM5, VM1 microphones.
MM5 Microphone - High level
This is essentially the same as the MM4 microphone, but with a lower sensitivity, for use in situations of high sound-level such as close to drums and saxophones. All MM5 microphones are calibrated to match each other. Specifications and accessories are the same as the MM4 apart from the following.
Sensitivity: -50dBu +/- 0.5dB output for 100dB SPL, 1kHz; 1.6mV/Pa. Response: 20Hz-20kHz +/- 3dB; 40Hz-10kHz +/- 1dB. Clipping level: 150dB SPL. Distortion: -46dBu, 120dB SPL; -40dB, 130dB SPL; -37dB, 140dB SPL, all ITU-R 468 weighted.
VM1 Microphone - Stereo Video Microphone
This is intended to be mounted on the MP1 preamplifier, by clipping to an attached 'UniSon' connector as fitted to Lindos output cables, with the MP1 attached to the accessory shoe of a DSLR camera. Two telescopic 'stalks' support the microphone capsules, and swivel in the horizontal plane. As a result they are placed to the front and side of the camera, reducing the pick-up of the noise made by the camera motor used for focusing. The microphone capsules are the same as the MM4, short cables connect to the MP1 preamplifier.
Included accessories: HSM1 camera accessory shoe adapter, 2x WS1 small and 2x WS2 large foam windshields.
MP1 Preamplifier
This is a battery powered, dedicated, two channel device, intended for use with the MM4, MM5 and VM1 microphones. The front panel, viewed with the device positioned vertically, has an on/ff switch with three LEDs to indicate battery condition, and two switches to set the gain of the two channels. These are marked 'peak dB SPL', indicating the maximum sound pressure level at an MM4 or VM1 calibrated microphone before clipping occurs. Two LEDs indicate clipping, at which point the gain should be turned down. The upper surface has two 3.5mm 3-pole jack sockets for connection of the microphones and a male 9-pin D-sub 'UniSon' connector for the outputs and powering.
The rear is fitted with a standard 1/4 inch tripod thread for mounting on a tripod or HSM1 camera accessory shoe adapter and two threaded points for fixing a BC1 belt clip. The lower surface has a battery drawer: A single alkaline PP3 battery will provide power for 35 hours; alternatively an external 12V DC source may be connected to the 2.1mm coaxial DC connector on the side, or the device may be powered via the 'UniSon' connector.
The 'UniSon' connector is a standard D-sub type; the term 'UniSon' refers to the proprietary Lindos connection format. In this case the connector carries two, balanced, centre-grounded outputs, a DC power supply input and +/- 5V DC output. An unbalanced -6dB output may be obtained by connecting to one pole of the balanced connection and ground.
Input: Optimised for MM4, MM5, VM1 microphones. Gain: +20/30/40dB, +/- 0.1dB. Response: 20Hz-20kHz +/- 0.1dB, typical. Noise: -72dBu, ITU-R 468 weighted, -84dBu unweighted, +30dB gain. Distortion: -70dBu, ITU-R 468 weighted, -82dBu THD+noise, 1kHz, 22Hz-22kHz. measured on +30dB gain setting (middle position). Output: 0dBu line level, +18dBu maximum, 10 ohms. Power source: Internal battery, external supply 6-14V or via the 9-pin D-Sub connector 6-14V. Dimensions: 116 x 60 x 35mm.
Included accessories: Alkaline PP3 battery .
Required accessories: Microphones, appropriate output and/or adapter cable(s).
Optional accessories: BC1 belt clip, HSM1camera accessory shoe adapter, cables, adapter cables, headphone adapter, carrying case. The Mains1 power adapter is an in-line type, with an IEC-C7 (figure of 8) power inlet, a UK 13A lead is included.
These all have a 9-pin D-sub connector to fit the MP1 adapter, and are available with different connectors to suit the user's equipment. LEAD4 can be used to extend the other cables or adapter cables.
Adapter Cables
Fitted with a 9-min female D-Sub connector to fit the MP1 preamplifier, these have appropriate connectors and are optimised to suit the input circuitry of a variety of cameras and recording accessories. They attenuate the signal from the MP1 optimally, minimising the noise added by the camera's internal preamplifier, and equalise the bass response of the input. Most semi-professional recording and communication devices introduce circuitry to 'enhance' the overall perceived performance. Often this includes filters to remove the effects of unwanted low-frequency energy. Adding the appropriate adapter to a camera improves the overall response. The adapter cables can be used with the MP1 or any line-level, low impedance source.
Headmon1 Adapter - Headphone adapter
This fits to the MP1 Unison output and provides a monitoring output suitable for 50 to 100 ohms headphones. The output cables and adapter cables can be connected in turn to the Headmon1.
Carrying cases (CC4, CC6)
The CC4 is a padded case with shoulder strap, for the MiniSonic Mic Kit and leads. Dimensions: 280mm x 180mm x 95mm. The CC6 is a padded carry case designed to hold the kit and leads as well as two microphone stands. Dimensions: 1050mm x 100mm x 160mm.
MMK1 Minisonic Mic Kit
Housed in a storage case, fitted with foam cut-outs, this contains 1x MP1 preamplifier, 2x MM4 microphones, 2x MH1 microphone holders, 1x POP1 pop shield, 1x BC1 belt clip, 2x CL1 Terry clips, 2x WS1windshields, 2x microphone clips for use with the MH1 holders, with adapters to fit standard microphone stands.
Required accessories: Appropriate output and/or adapter cable(s).
Optional accessories: Mains1 power adapter, Headmon1 adapter, HSM1camera accessory shoe adapter, MM5, VM1 microphones.