Violet Premiers The Wedge Condenser Microphone
Violet Designs has premiered The Wedge condenser microphone, for all-around studio recording. Re-engineered from Violet’s original “Dolly” model, The Wedge produces deep, dimensional sound, and boasts a wider range of applications than its predecessor.
Violet claims The Wedge’s multi-layered, wedge-shaped head effectively reduces plosive sounds and other noises such as wind or breath. The Wedge’s capsule is made of high-quality, 6-micron Mylar film, and it’s freestanding design results in a more open and detailed sound. The critical first stage circuit is located close to the capsule to further improve sound quality. The large dual-diaphragm is precisely tensioned, adjusted on back plates, and sputtered with Violet’s exclusive gold alloy mixture. This process allows The Wedge to give a faster impulse transient response without sound coloration or low-frequency reduction, and also makes it capable of handling high sound pressure levels.
The internal solid-state preamplifier of The Wedge is a Class-A fully discrete transformer-less circuit, built using high quality, hand selected components. The circuit is designed to achieve the highest audio standards and provides flat frequency response, high dynamics, low self-noise, and very low audio distortion of all types. The Wedge should be used with high quality, regulated 48V phantom power. Gold-plated pins on the XLR output provide a clean and noise-free connection. The Wedge has a dark red body with black trim and comes in a fine hardwood box.
The fast transient response, crystal clear highs and loud SPL handling make it excellent for recording drums, especially for snare drum, overhead and hi-hat. The recommended placement is 2″ to 4″ from the drum rim, but you may want to experiment with different positions and angles. It is also excellent for piano, electric and acoustic guitars, bowed strings and brass instruments. For the clarinet and soprano saxophone use the microphone 4″ to 12″ above the horn and lowest pads. For other saxophones place the microphone 2″ to 6″ in front of the lip of the bell. For the flute place the microphone above the middle of the instrument. Place within 20″ from the bell of trumpets, trombones, French horns, tubas and other brass instruments. When used as a vocal microphone, position The Wedge 1/2″ to 4″ away to get the best results. There is no need to worry about overload but using a pop-filter in the studio or a foam windscreen in live applications can help reduce plosive sounds and breath, pop or wind noises.
Specifications:
• Transducer Type — Electrostatic Condenser
• Operating Principle — Pressure Gradient
• Diaphragm’s Diameter (inch/mm) — 1″/27 mm
• Frequency Range — 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Polar Pattern — Unidirectional, cardioid
• Output Impedance — 50 ohms
• Rated Load Impedance — 1000 ohms
• Suggested Load Impedance — > 500 ohms
• Sensitivity @ 1000 Hz into 1000 ohms Load — 33 mV/PA
• S/N Ratio CCIR 468-3 Weighted — 76 dB
• S/N Ratio DIN/IEC 651 A-weighted — 87 dB-A
• Equivalent Noise Level DIN/IEC A-weighted — 5.5 dB-A
• Maximum SPL (<0.5% THD @ 1000 ohms) — 133.5 dB
• Dynamic Range of Microphone Preamplifier — 128 db
• Phantom Powering Voltage on XLR Pins 2 & 3 Relatively Pin #1 —+48V (±4 V)
• Phantom Current Consumption — < 2mA
• Output Connector — 3-pin XLR Male, gold plated contacts
• Dimensions (inch/mm) — 8.66 x 1.7"/307 x 68 mm
• Weight (lbs/grams) — 12.6 oz/357.2 g
• Included Accessories — Comes in a solid wooden box, with stand holder & user's manual
No price or availability has been announced for the Violet Design The Wedge.
