KEL Audio Introduces HM-2 Large Diaphragm Instrument Microphone

(Click for a close-up)

KEL Audio has released the HM-2, a large diaphragm "small supercardioid" true condenser instrument microphone for home recording artists and performing musicians.

The mic features a transformerless, symmetrical, balanced amp circuit in a pencil-style body but adds a 1-inch diameter, 3-micron thick, center-terminated diaphragm suspended in an internal shock mount.

The circuit design ensures fast transient response and accurate low-frequency reproduction, while the large diaphragm capsule helps deliver a big, present, sound and lower self-noise than most small diaphragm instrument mics. A low-cut switch minimizes proximity effect when close micing.

Unlike a pure cardioid microphone, the HM-2 has its null at 140-degrees -- rather than 180 -- yet its rear lobe is smaller than usual for a supercardioid. This increases the mic's usefulness in many recording situations.

"The HM-2 sounds really big, clean and clear on acoustic instruments such as piano, percussion, guitars and upright bass," says Kelly Dueck, President of Kel audio. "I'm a bluegrass musician and it does a nice job on stage for that classic single mic setup. And the small supercardioid pattern helps reduce feedback issues around monitors. It also gives you different options for controlling leakage when tracking a band live off the floor."

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The HM-2 is painted charcoal gray and has a flat profile for discrete placement on stage, inside pianos and around drum sets.

The HM-2 is available direct from www.kelaudio.com at an introductory price of $99USD (Reg. $129) including custom-designed shock mount and shipping to U.S. and Canadian addresses.

Technical Specifications:

• Element: 1-inch externally biased condenser
• Polar Pattern: Small Supercardioid
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Sensitivity: -35dB±2dB (0dB=1V/Pa at 1kHz)
• Equivalent Noise Level: ≤14dB A
• Max. Input SPL: 130dB (T.H.D≤1% at 1kHz)
• Output Impedance: 200Ω±30% (at 1kHz)
• Bass Filter: 100Hz 10dB/octave
• Phantom Power Requirements: 48V DC

For more information, visit their web site at www.kelaudio.com.