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!
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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?
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