Sontronics Launches Apollo Stereo Ribbon Microphone [ Winter NAMM 2007 ]
Since the launch of the SIGMA ribbon microphone at NAMM 2006, Sontronics’ founder Trevor Coley noted that many musicians were using it in stereo pair configuration. “As a result,” he comments, “we have created the APOLLO, a Blumlein X/Y ribbon microphone, with all the silky smooth characteristics of the SIGMA… times two.”
The open basket design allows APOLLO to soak up every nuance of the recording, capturing the whole ambience and resulting in a truly complete sound. The APOLLO can also be used in one-channel mode in mono recordings, making it totally versatile. Its ability to reproduce silky smooth high-frequencies and its accurate low and low-mid response make it ideal for stereo recording of orchestraschoirs or acoustic instruments, as well as miking drums and percussion.
APOLLO uses a unique shockmount, similar to that employed with the SIGMA, and this is extremely effective in providing isolation from noise transmitted through the mic stand. APOLLO along with its shockmount and Y-cable come in a luxury, velvet-lined flightcase.
The APOLLO has been in development for nearly a year, and the results speak for themselves, as Trevor Coley explains: “This new microphone has been a labour of love, creating something that captures the perfect stereo image with all its character and beauty. APOLLO truly is a microphone that hears the way you do!”
APOLLO TECH SPECS
- Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
- Sensitivity: 18mV/Pa -33dB ±1dB (0dB = 1V/Pa 1,000Hz)
- Polar pattern: Blumlein stereo/figure-of-eight
- Impedance: 150 Ohms
- Equivalent noise level: 12dB (A-weighted)
- Power source: Phantom power 48V ±4V (x2)
- Connector: Six-pin connector to 2x three-pin XLR-M (cable supplied)
The APOLLO is available from the end of January, with a suggested retail price of £829. Sontronics microphones are distributed in the UK by Sonic 8.