Sennheiser and Apogee collaborate on clip-on mics

NAB 2015 saw the launch of new digital clip-on microphones models from Sennheiser and Apogee, the ClipMic digital and its professional counterpart, the MKE 2 digital.

The new range comes just months after both manufacturers announced their new partnership at NAMM 2015.

ClipMic digital and MKE 2 digital promise optimum sound quality for recording, while both microphones feature a Lightning connector for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Apogee’s mic pre-amp and A/D conversion circuitry are built into both models, designed to provide maximum gain with minimal noise, while the A/D converter provides a resolution of up to 24bit/96kHz. The microphones plug directly into the Lightning adaptor on the iOS device, allowing the headset socket to be used to monitor the audio that is being recorded.

The MKE 2 digital is designed to offer a wide, natural frequency response, extended dynamic range and excellent transient response, and provides a high maximum sound pressure level and ‘superior’ signal-to-noise ratio, 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 for a rugged construction.

"The Apogee/Sennheiser digital lavaliers cover a wide range of applications,” Wolfgang Fraissinet, director audio recording at Sennheiser explained. “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’s MetaRecorder audio recording app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch is supported, allowing multi-take recording, tagging and file organisation. MetaRecorder features 24 bit/96kHz recording quality plus software control of the mic input level and recording presets.

Final Cut Pro X features include the application of metadata tags like Keywords, Favourites, Markers and more to audio files while recording in the field, then sharing the recorded audio and Final Cut Pro XML files to Dropbox directly from MetaRecorder. When imported into Final Cut Pro on a Mac, the captured metadata simplifies the process of organising and parsing your media.

Essential features of MetaRecorder can be also be controlled from Apple Watch, including start/stop recording, adding a take to Favourites, adding Markers or setting microphone input level.

ClipMic digital will be available in May and the MKE 2 digital will follow a month later.

www.apogeedigital.com

www.sennheiser.com