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.

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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?

@markjensen

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