JZmic – The Black Hole BH-2

by Mark Jensen on January 10, 2012

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast, Podcasting, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here…

An unfamiliar name to many. JZ Microphones pack a smooth punch.

The ‘UNFLASH’ Link, just for our Apple Listeners!

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Speaking of the New Year – I recently found a gem of a microphone from JZ Microphones. Receiving the box straight from Latvia, I found a very unconventional looking mic with a rectangular ‘hole’ in the center! The unconventional bead mount works great and looks …different.

The most important aspect of this microphone is that it’s designed, ground up, as a condenser vocal mic. True to form, the audio was velvet smooth. You can hear the sound and decide for yourself.

Besides that smooth vocal sheen, I thoroughly enjoyed what was not included. The BH-2 has no attenuation switch; no alternative patterns. I enjoy simplicity and the BH-2 just works well, without the need for care or adjustment of any kind. The cardioid pattern allowed for a nice bit of off-axis leniency while drastically tightening up on the back side.

Included is a nice cherry wood finish case and shock mount. There is a custom (and very cool looking) blast filter available as an option. Instead, I utilized the Studio1A-standard Stedman filter. Working the microphone closely slickened (is that a word?) up the sound, while backing off made things more transparent. …just a hint of proximity effect

In the world of boutique microphones, you never know what might come along. I can say that my time with JZ microphones has been time well spent. The BH-2 is well made and, as advertised, offers great vocal performance. But – don’t take my word for it. Listen in and hear the Black Hole 2 for yourself.

At publish date, street prices are hovering at $1099 …subject to change.

Listen in and let me know what you think?

@markjensen

Sig

Happy 2012! Hear the Gear …Here

by Mark Jensen on January 3, 2012

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast, Podcasting, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here…


A great tool from our friends at Aphex. Plug in that vintage ‘consumer’ level device (like a reel-to-reel or …dare I say, cassette) and listen to the levels go-pro!

That certainly was quick. The 2011 Holiday Season passed right by. Now, it’s time to buckle up and ready ourselves for a great 2012.

In the blink of an eye, Studio1A begins its ‘official’ 7th year. Official, based on the emergence of New Media to the World; the year of the Podcast.

An entire new wave of products await as NAMM and CES will very shortly reveal. I’ll be searching out new pro-audio gear as well as voicing some of the classics. The Studio1A Reasonably Priced Microphone stands ready as the ultimate low-price competitor to beat. Of course, the World of pro-audio does not spin around microphones alone. There are amps, compressors, consoles, plug-ins and much more to check out.

This year will be a fun ride. Glad I can share it with you!

@markjensen

Sig

Warm Holiday Wishes and The Very Best for 2012

December 24, 2011

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast, Podcasting, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here… As the year 2011 turns into a fond mix of gratitude and wonderful memories, I am incredibly fortunate to have you as part of our audience. Laura and I wish everyone, both near and far, Merry times until we shortly ring in [...]

Read the full article →

Blue Microphone reactor

December 14, 2011

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast, Podcasting, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here… Blue Microphones – the reactor, shown with Studio1A ‘alternate reality’ gear …not included The ‘UNFLASH’ Link, just for our Apple Listeners! [Audio clip: view full post to listen] The team at Blue Microphone still know how to get a reaction. The ‘reactor’ [...]

Read the full article →

The Code, The Code

December 13, 2011

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast, Podcasting, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here… The ‘UNFLASH’ Link, just for our Apple Listeners! [Audio clip: view full post to listen] You’ve likely noticed that the BSW/NewMediaGear coupon code …and page is missing [gasp!] Not to worry. Our friends at BSW are simply constructing, from the ground up, [...]

Read the full article →

Holiday Product Roundup 2011

November 25, 2011

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast, Podcasting, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here… The NewMediaGear Holiday Product Roundup is Here! The ‘UNFLASH’ Link, just for our Apple Listeners! [Audio clip: view full post to listen] Amazingly small, incredible room filling sound. Jambox rules …and everything is better with BlueTooth! An iPad dock? Inexpensive and sounds [...]

Read the full article →

At NewMediaGear, the Holidays Start Now

November 23, 2011

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast, Podcasting, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here… Stay tuned for the NewMediaGear Holiday Product Roundup!

Read the full article →

Foam Sweet Foam

November 14, 2011

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast, Podcasting, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here… Acoustical treatment DOES make a difference! The ‘UNFLASH’ Link, just for our Apple Listeners! [Audio clip: view full post to listen] As I listened back to the audio from this show, it was very apparent that more work needs to be done. [...]

Read the full article →

Auralex …help!

November 4, 2011

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast, Podcasting, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here… It’s a work-in-progress, but the new broadcast studio is coming together! The ‘UNFLASH’ Link, just for our Apple Listeners! [Audio clip: view full post to listen] Yes – the audio you hear on this podcast is less than stellar. Acoustic treatment should [...]

Read the full article →

State of the Studio

October 24, 2011

Sponsored by BSW. Voiceover, Broadcast, Podcasting, Pro-Audio and New Media Gear is here… Studio1A is back. A new city, same sound and more professional audio gear. So. How was your summer? …or winter for our friends across and around the globe With Lauras help, Studio1A is now nestled in a (not so quiet) bustling suburb. [...]

Read the full article →