Sennheiser and Apogee announced ClipMic digital and MKE 2 digital, two innovative digital clip-on microphones, which record directly to an iOS device. Using an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, ClipMic digital and MKE 2 digital leverage Apogee’s A/D conversion technology with Sennheiser’s microphone design to provide users with a new level of recording quality.
Analog clip-on microphones require a mic pre-amp and audio interface to be able to record the signal. While all iOS devices are equipped with a built-in analog input and mic pre-amp, they are optimized for telephone calls and not for professional quality audio recording. Apogee’s excellent mic pre-amp and A/D conversion circuitry are built into ClipMic digital and MKE 2 digital. This special circuitry gives you maximum gain with minimal noise, and the A/D converter provides up to 24bit/96kHz resolution.
Since the Sennheiser/Apogee digital clip-on microphones plug directly into the Lightning adaptor on the iOS device, the headset socket can be used to monitor the audio that is being recorded. Marry this to Apogee’s new MetaRecorder, the first audio recording app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch to offer multi-take recording, tagging and file organization, and you can see how this will fit into a variety of workflows, from field-recording to audio-for-video.
The concept will come in two flavors, the entry-level ClipMic digital and the more professional MKE 2 digital. The MKE 2 digital was designed with the professional who demands the additional audio performance: a wide, natural frequency response, extended dynamic range and solid transient response. Featuring a high maximum sound pressure level and superior signal-to-noise ratio, this clip-on microphone is fitted with Sennheiser’s Umbrella diaphragm. In this design, an acoustically inactive membrane stretches across the active acoustical diaphragm, impeding moisture ingress into the acoustics of the capsule, thus creating a rugged construction for years of reliable service.
“The Apogee/Sennheiser digital lavaliers cover a wide range of applications,” Wolfgang Fraissinet elaborates. “They can be used for recording audio only, for example for producing audio podcasts, recording seminars and lectures or as a sort of modern dictaphone. They also enhance your videos with great sound, be it for YouTube, or for journalistic or ENG purposes. And last, but not least, the mics can be used for audio for video purposes, by anyone producing a separate audio track for their videos, such as budding film makers or reporters.”
Apogee/Sennheiser ClipMic digital will be available from mid-May for $199, its pro counterpart, the MKE 2 digital will follow in June for $499.
Sennheiser
