Sontronics ARIA Cardioid Valve Condenser Vocal Mic

Full Description

Classic design put through its paces at Abbey Road

Utilising years of expertise in the microphone manufacturing business, Sontronics set out to create one of the best microphones they have ever created and the result the ARIA. Developed and conceived by Sontronics’ founder and designer – Trevor Coley; the ARIA was rigorously tested by award-winning engineers at the iconic Abbey Road Studios. Utilising only the finest components and circuitry design, the ARIA is a culmination of classic British design and modern innovation.

Delivering a rich and silky sound, the ARIA provides exceptional sound reproduction like no other microphone out there. It features a hand-selected 12AX7/ECC83 tube which provides the silky smooth character normally associated with classic vintage microphones. No matter the sound source, the ARIA will capture every nuance including vocals, pianos, acoustic guitars, percussion and even overhead micing of drum kits. The wide frequency response and cardioid polar pattern ensure a clean and focused sound every single time.

External power supply with built-in pad and filter

Complete with the ARIA is an external power supply that optimises the performance of the vacuum tube to deliver exceptional audio fidelity. The power supply features a built-in LED light that indicates when the mic is warmed up and ready to go. It also features an integrated pad and filter controls so you can attenuate your sound for different recording spaces and sound sources. On here you’ll find a two-stage pad switch (0, -10dB) and high-pass filter (linear, 75Hz) which add that extra bit of flexibility to your recording process.

Complete with premium-grade accessory pack

Keep your microphone protected on the go with the included aluminium flight case that provides a snug fit for your microphone, shock mount, power supply and cables. The microphone also comes complete with a metal shock mount, a wooden box and all the necessary cables you will need. Inside of the microphone is an medical-grade filter that ensures the power source is clean and interference-free. Beta-tested by critically-acclaimed and award-winning engineers Paul Epworth and PJ Harvey; its easy to see why the ARIA has been used on countless hit recordings.

Reviews

"ARIA is incredibly smooth with bags of character and it easily competes with any vintage valve microphone!" - Paul Epworth, Producer/Writer (Adele, Plan B, Florence + The Machine, U2)

"ARIA is silky smooth with all the classic characteristics that I'd expect from a vintage valve mic. Yet another well designed and beautiful sounding mic from Sontronics!" - Andrew Dudman, Recording Engineer, Abbey Road Studios (Lord of the Rings, The Golden Compass, Robbie Williams, Elbow)

What's Included

• ARIA microphone
• Wooden box
• SPS-2 power supply
• Flightcase
• Cables
• Ringmount

Features

• Valve/tube condenser microphone
• Designed specifically for sung and spoken vocals
• Beta-tested with Abbey Road engineers and producer Paul Epworth
• Winner of many awards including: Future Music Platinum Award and Gear of the Year Award, Music Tech Choice Award and Gold Award, Pro Tools Expert Editor's Choice award
• Also stunning on piano, lifetime warranty

Specifications

• Mic type: Valve condenser microphone
• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Pad: 0, -10dB
• High-pass filter:
• Linear, 75Hz
• Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
• Sensitivity: 18mV/Pa -33dB ±1.5dB (0dB = 1V/Pa 1,000Hz)
• Impedance: -200 Ohms
• Equivalent noise level (A-weighted): 84dB
• Max. SPL (for 0.5 THD @ 1,000Hz): 125dB
• Power source: Phantom power supplied by included SPS-2 power supply (115/230V)
• Connector: 8-pin connector (mic), 3-pin XLR-M (power supply)
• Dimensions: 230 x 55 x 55mm (mic)
• Weight: 744g (mic), 1155g (mic with shockmount), 1880g (power supply)
• Product code: ST-ARIA