Why pay a significant price premium for a classic microphone when there’s a more cost effective solution available at a fraction of the cost?

JZ Microphones Vintage Series offer a sound profile similar to iconic microphones from AKG and Neumann, with a sound described as ‘Silky- smooth, warm with the right amount of detail,‘ but boast unbeatable advantages in price, durability and versatility.  

They’re ideal for anywhere you want to add extra soul and a little bit of coloration, Andris Zemmers, JZ’s Head of Marketing & Ecommerce, told Audio Media International.

“I think every microphone company must have its own line of unique products. So that’s why we have Black Hole series, it’s our unique sound using the unique Golden Drop Capsule technology.  Vintage series is a different story; if you’re not making mics with that warm vintage sound, you’re robbing yourself and your clients. Everybody is looking for a new, better twist for that classic sound!”

The JZ Microphones Vintage Series comprises the Vintage 12 cardioid condenser mic (V12), which clearly pays homage to the AKG C12, which first saw duty in 1953; the JZ Vintage 47 (V47) which takes inspiration from the Neumann U47, launched back in 1947, and the JZ Vintage 67 (V67), which apes Sixties favourite, the Neumann u67. 

“The V12 is a workhorse on acoustic guitar and  definitely does magic on not-so-bright vocals,” says Zemmers. “Its brightness can help those darker vocals to stand out.

 “The V47 is a true vintage gem. It’s really warm, smooth and not as bright as V67 and V12. V47 will be a top choice if you’re working on brighter vocals or blighter acoustic guitar. It works really well on brass instruments!

“And V67 is a kicker on any vocals, grand piano and drum overheads. It’s a real winner when you’re looking for versatility. You can’t shoot wrong with either v12 or v67. It depends on characteristics. V67 is a bit darker, smoother, V12 is brighter and a bit more airy.”

Of course, while the JZ Vintage Series go a long way to replicating the sound of these classic microphones, they’re built using solid-state transistor technologies and construction techniques.

They also share the same retail price, just 1,299 Euros/$1,199 (hint – make sure to subscribe to their newsletter as they do massive storewide sales a few times per year!). 

This is a huge saving, when compared to the mics they take inspiration from. By way of comparison, a vintage original C12, U47 or U67 can run you the best part of $30,000, while new iterations sell from $8,000.  

Discovering you can achieve similar results with JZ Microphones Vintage Series, at a price that won’t cause bean-counters to hyperventilate, comes as something of a revelation.

“On the availability aspect,” says Zemmers, “not all people are willing to spend five  or six grand per mic;  I also have to mention that the majority of the classic legends are not available anymore, the models available now are modern remakes.”

The JZ Vintage Series also boast another advantage over their iconic predecessors – they’re free of the reliability issues associated with tube technology.

“Some people just don’t want that hassle that comes with a tube mic, its not as durable, you can’t travel with it and it adds extra cost in using the mic (like a car). I don’t say that tube mics are bad, I love how those tubes sound. It’s just – not all engineers are willing to spend 5x more for a mic and trade in that hassle.”

JZ Microphones Vintage Series: their sonic characteristics explained

The JZ V12 emulates the famously flat frequency response and sonic signature of the C12, as favoured by the likes of Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. 

Sonically, it’s neutral but has a rich low end, albeit with more detail. Some might even suggest that it sounds more agreeable to today’s listeners.

Says Zemmers: “I think this trio 12, 47 and 67 covers the whole vintage spectrum without going too much in niches. V12 was the hardest one, it has much more ‘special’ capsule design to match that sound.”

All JZ Mics utilise the Golden Drop Capsule patented by company founder Juris Zarins, so named because they use gold sputtered diaphragms in their capsules. Ingeniously, drops of gold are spaced across the diaphragm to reduce its weight. 

This lighter diaphragm can vibrate faster and therefore capture more detail.  

The V47 and V67 boast similar response curves to the Neumann U47 and U67, but bring their own benefits.

The JZ V47 shares that tubed mic’s neutral smoothness, but adds its own treble brightness, a benefit of its solid-state transistors and electronically balanced outputs. Producers tend to favour the V47’s extra high-end detail.

 Rafa Sardina, recording engineer and record producer, said this of the V47 and its V67 stablemate: “Having worked in so many session over the years I have to say it was really exciting to do some out of the ordinary sessions for Lady Gaga using some of my new toys, the JZ mics V47 and V67 microphones. They excel in so many uses, from acoustic bass, to amplified bass, or vocals, strings, and guitar. I ended up naturally gravitating towards them, even though I had a great vintage microphone selection at my disposal.”

The V67 is designed to be a little brighter than the V47, and works particularly well on electric guitars.   

“A few weeks ago I spoke with our friend, engineer/ producer Romesh Dodangoda (Bring Me The Horizon, Motorhead, Twin Atlantic), he told that he has those classic legends in the locker, but they are eating dust,” recalls Zemmers, “because with our V67 or V47 he can achieve much greater results, he is planning to sell them as they are not in use. I’ve heard it a bunch of times. During the Namm show I had around eight clients coming to our booth telling me that they just sold their original C12 or U67. I think that’s the biggest compliment!”

Adds Zemmers: “Choosing a mic for your locker is not a zero sum game. There is no perfect mic that fits everybody and every application. Engineers are looking for a variety, so when the situation comes, they have the right tools available. JZ Vintage series are not clones, they are fresh versions inspired by these classic legends tuned for the modern day ear.” 

All JZ Microphones Vintage Series are hand-crafted and tested in-house in Latvia, and come with 5-year warranties. 

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AKG has produced an all-one-home kit for content creators and podcasters. The AKG Podcaster Essentials bundle comprises Lyra USB microphone, AKG K371 headphones, requisite audio cables including headphone splitter, and recording software.

Plug-and-play simplicity enables creators to set up and start recording quickly.

“Today’s content creators need versatile, powerful audio solutions that enable them to create the highest quality productions that stand apart from the crowd,” explains Chris Hansen, Director of Recording and Content Creation, Harman Professional Solutions. “The AKG Podcaster Essentials bundle provides everything creators need to transform their computer into a professional-quality podcasting studio.”

The AKG Lyra is a multi-mode USB microphone able to record 24-bit 192 kHz audio. It features AKG’s Adaptive Capsule Array, which provides four optimised capture modes. There’s also an internal self-adjusting shock mount that minimises contact noise, while a built-in sound diffuser and AKG’s proprietary Internal Element Overload Prevention automatically reduces noise, eliminates pops and improves signal levels. 

The K371 headphones feature large 50mm titanium-coated drivers and a closed-back design for improved sound isolation in noisy environments. Niceties include slow-retention foam pads, an adjustable calibrated headband and the earcups swivel 90 degrees for single-ear monitoring.  

The provided software is Ableton Live 10 Lite, a streamlined audio production platform that allows users to quickly and easily record and edit their podcasts. Features include vocal sweetening, sound effects and tools to create custom themes and background music.

A four-part Berklee Online audio production course is thrown in for good measure.

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HARMAN Professional Solutions has announced the availability of the new AKG DMS100 and DMS300 professional digital wireless systems through its UK distributor Sound Technology Ltd.

The DMS100 and DMS300 digital wireless systems use 2.4GHz operation to deliver studio-quality sound with advanced security features, extended battery life and ease of use.

DMS systems feature adaptive channel selection as well as push-button channel pairing and colour-coding for easy identification. Up to four DMS100 and up to eight DMS300 systems can be synced and used simultaneously.

Both are available in two configurations: an AKG handheld microphone or an instrument- or headset-ready body pack. DMS digital wireless systems – designed for singers, instrumentalists and presenters – offer 24-bit/48 kHz uncompressed audio coding, ultra-low latency and signal security provided by AES 256-bit encryption. The body pack is instrument ready or can be used with optional AKG headsets or clip-on mics.

“New AKG DMS professional digital wireless systems leverage more than 70 years of AKG microphone engineering to deliver unrivalled fidelity, security and performance,” said Christopher Palmer, product manager, Microphones, HARMAN Professional Solutions. “Featuring iconic AKG sound and user-friendly controls, DMS digital wireless systems are the ideal solution for performing musicians, small- to medium-sized corporate and government presentations, houses of worship, fitness instructors, educators and anyone who seeks both studio-quality sound and freedom of movement onstage.”

All systems are shipping now in the UK. The DMS100 Wireless Microphone Set and the DMS100 Wireless Instrument Set both have an SRP of £249 inc VAT. The DMS300 Wireless Microphone Set and DMS300 Wireless Instrument Set both have an SRP of £329 inc VAT.

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Sonarworks has just announced the latest additions to its list of supported headphone models for Reference 4, its award-winning sound calibration software.

The new models include offerings from major brands like AKG, Focusrite, Pioneer, and Sennheiser, many of which have been added due to user feedback and bring the total count of supported headphone models to over 200.

“The feedback from our user base is very helpful when deciding what models to include next,” explained Sonarworks co-founder Martins Popelis. “By letting us know what they are actively working with, we can make sure the software supports them.”

The new supported headphone models are:

•   ADAM Audio Studio Pro SP-5
•   AKG K7XX
•   Audeze LCD-4z
•   Audeze LCD-XC
•   Audeze LCD2 Classic
•   Audeze LCD2 Closed-Back
•   Audio-Technica ATH-M60x
•   B&O Play Beoplay H2
•   Beyerdynamic Amiron Home
•   Beyerdynamic Custom Game
•   Beyerdynamic DT 250 250 Ohm
•   Beyerdynamic T 1 (2nd generation)
•   Focusrite HP60 MkII
•   MrSpeakers AEON Flow Closed
•   MrSpeakers AEON Flow Open-Back
•   Neumann NDH 20
•   Pioneer SE-M531
•   PreSonus HD9
•   Sennheiser HD 25-1 II Basic Edition
•   Sennheiser HD 559
•   Sennheiser HD 58X
•   Sony WH-1000XM3
•   Yamaha RH5Ma

In addition to supporting their user community with these updates, Sonarworks is also offering individually calibrated versions of selected new models for sale including the Neumann NDH20. Individual calibration improves the accuracy of supported headphones from +/- 3 dB to +/-0.9 dB.

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Uppercuts DJ Academy recently upgraded their facility with audio gear from Harman Professional Solutions.

Founded in 2014 by DJ Mos, the music school in Moscow, Russia offers aspiring DJs and producers a thorough education in turntable performance and electronic music production, preparing graduates for success in clubs, contests and festivals.

In order to ensure a comprehensive educational experience with professional sound monitoring for its students, the academy recently invested in a total Harman audio solution comprised of JBL EON speakers, AKG headphones and microphones and Soundcraft mixers.

“The new HARMAN equipment has made a huge difference in our classrooms,” said Tony Starr, director, Uppercuts DJ Academy. “When we first opened, instructors and students brought their own headphones to class and everyone used different models from various manufacturers — there was no consistency. The AKG headphones ensure that we’re all hearing the same thing when we listen together, which is critical for providing accurate feedback and helping our students develop as artists.”

Throughout the facility, students use individual turntable stations to practice their mixing and scratching skills, with JBL EON610 speakers now being used at each station. AKG K181 DJ headphones allow the students to practice privately and listen critically to the subtle details of their mixes. In the electronic music lab, JBL LSR308 studio monitors and Soundcraft Signature 22 MTK mixing consoles are helping students create their first compositions.

Uppercuts DJ Academy also selected two JBL EON ONE PA systems to use for events and competitions throughout the facility, including a variety of DJ battles and beat-making collaborations. AKG D5 microphones are used to deliver clear vocal intelligibility when the MC addresses the audience and participants at such events.

“The Harman system enables us to provide professional sound quality for spectators and performers alike,” said DJ Sibir, senior lecturer at Uppercuts DJ Academy. “The JBL EON ONE system is incredibly intuitive and takes no time to set up. Thankfully, you don’t have to be a sound engineer to achieve professional results with JBL EON ONE.

“We recently hosted a unique event in which two DJs collaborated with three or more beat makers at a time. This required a complex routing situation, and the Soundcraft Signature 22MTK console handled the configuration with ease. It may have been the best sounding scratch competition I’ve ever witnessed.” 

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Allied Esports, a leading network of dedicated esports properties and content production facilities, will use a number of Harman Professional’s audio, video, lighting and control systems to equip Esports Arena Las Vegas, The Strip’s first dedicated eSports arena.

Harman Pro has created a uniquely designed solution for the 30,000-square foot arena and production studio, including AVLC products from JBL Professional, Martin Professional, AKG Acoustics, AMX, Crown International, BSS, and dbx Professional.

Allied Esports and Esports Arena have partnered with Luxor to transform the former nightclub space into a multi-level arena with a competition stage, LED video wall, telescopic seating, daily gaming stations, and state-of-the-art streaming and television-quality production studios. The venue will officially open its doors at Luxor Hotel and Casino on Thursday, 22 March with a series of events, including an invitation-only, multi-day, live-streamed tournament.

Allied Esports and Esports Arena has also introduced its latest mobile solution, Esports Arena Drive, North America’s first mobile esports touring arena (pictured above). The 80-foot, 18-wheel, 35-ton semi-trailer unfolds to reveal a self-contained mobile arena featuring a competition stage with full production facilities, a caster studio, social media centre and VIP lounge.

“We are proud to be chosen by and aligned with Allied Esports whose development of the Esports Arena Las Vegas further solidifies their leadership position in the massively growing competitive gaming space,” said Mark Aichele, director of hospitality & broadcast business development for Harman Pro.

“By exclusively bringing a Harman audio, video, lighting and controller solution to the Esports Arena, we will deliver a completely immersive experience to powerfully connect the fans to the games.” 

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Harman Professional Solutions has expanded its worldwide network of Experience Centres with the opening of a new facility in Los Angeles.

The Experience Centres, like the ones in Singapore, China and soon in London, are designed to demonstrate how Harman solutions address customer needs across multiple vertical markets.

The new 15,000-square-foot, multi-functional facility showcases Harman product solutions in a variety of entertainment and enterprise market applications. The Experience Centre demonstrates the integration of brands including JBL Professional, AKG Acoustics, AMX, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx Professional, DigiTech, Lexicon Pro, Martin, Soundcraft and Studer.

The Experience Centre is comprised of several dedicated spaces, including a product showroom filled with Harman solutions including Harman’s Connected Retail Experience, Connected Huddle Space, Voice Enabled Cognitive Hotel Room, Home Recording, Networked AVoIP, and more.

The 6,000-square-foot Soundstage delivers Live Entertainment audio, video and lighting demonstrations for house of worship, nightclub, performing arts, and touring. The café, boardroom and training centre are not only practical-use spaces, but also areas that demonstrate Harman solutions in restaurant, corporate and education settings.

“With the Experience Centre, we can now take conversations with our customers off tradeshow floors and into our facility to give customers and influencers a deeper and more meaningful experience all day, any day of the year,” said Erik Tarkiainen, vice president of global marketing at Harman Professional. “This opening is an important milestone, and it marks a new and exciting beginning for Harman Professional Solutions. We are excited for our customers to join us as we continue to move the industry forward together.”

The Experience Centre is open by appointment only to Harman and Samsung customers, employees, distributors, sales representatives, dealers, artists and other industry professionals for meetings, performances, productions, hospitality events and more.

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Harman has announced that its AKG 600MHz Wireless Trade-In Program is now live.

The special promotion offers customers the opportunity to trade in any qualifying, complete and working 600MHz wireless system – from AKG or a variety of other brands – to receive a rebate of up to $350 per channel towards a new AKG wireless microphone system.

Due to the recent frequency auction in the United States, portions of the 600MHz band are being reallocated to mobile broadband systems. The AKG Wireless Trade-In Program is designed to help wireless microphone users prepare for this transition, offering customers the opportunity to step up to AKG wireless with significant cost savings.

Customers can save on the following AKG wireless systems:

•$350/channel mail-in rebate on the AKG DMS800

•$250/channel mail-in rebate on the AKG WMS4500

•$250/channel mail-in rebate on the AKG IVM4500

•$100/channel mail-in rebate on the AKG WMS470

•$50/channel instant rebate on the AKG WMS420

Offer requires a one-to-one trade of one complete working channel of eligible product for rebate on one new channel of eligible AKG product. A complete working channel is defined as at least one wireless transmitter and at least one wireless receiver of the same brand, model, and frequency band.

For multichannel systems, rebate eligibility is calculated on total number of complete working channels submitted by rebate claimant. For example, a four-channel receiver and two transmitters are considered two complete channels and would be eligible for rebate against the purchase of two new eligible complete AKG wireless channels.

For terms and conditions, and to learn more about the promotion, visit http://pro.harman.com/lp/akg-600-mhz-rebate. For questions about the promotion, customers can contact rebate600@akg.com.

http://www.akg.com/

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Harman UK distributor Sound Technology will demonstrate new products from JBL Professional, Crown and Soundcraft – plus Harman’s Connected PA system – on its stand N-A11 at PLASA Focus Leeds, which opens tomorrow.

The company’s Connected PA concept, which was first announced at the NAMM Show in January and received its European debut at ISE, will be shown to UK customers for the first time at the Royal Armouries Museum.

The recently-released Soundcraft Ui24 forms the heart of the Connected PA ecosystem, together with JBL PRX800 loudspeakers, microphones & mic adaptors from AKG and dbx’s Di1 direct box. The Connected PA App then brings the system together.

Soundcraft has recently released v6.3 software for the Vi Series which adds Harman’s vMix automated microphone mixing, and the ability to control input channel processing from the master Vistonics screen. Visitors to the show will be able to try v6.3 on the Vi2000 console (pictured, above).

Soundcraft has also announced a firmware update which doubles the processing capability of the Si Impact console from 40 to 80 channels. The update is being released alongside two new Mini Stageboxes, the 32i and 16i, which provide 32 and 16 remote Studer mic preamps respectively.

Crown’s CDi DriveCore installation amplifiers (pictured, below) – which use Harman’s DriveCore technology – will also be on display at the show. The multichannel amplifiers include DSP, low and high impedance outputs and the option of BLU link digital inputs, providing simplified wiring when used with BSS Soundweb and other BLU link-enabled devices.

Announced at Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt last month, the JBL EON ONE Pro is a portable personal linear-array PA system that features Bluetooth audio, an eight-channel mixer and a rechargeable lithium battery that lasts six hours. The system is designed for gigging musicians and DJs, educators, fitness studios, corporate environments and more.

http://pro.harman.com/

https://www.soundtech.co.uk/

http://leeds.plasafocus.com/

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Harman brand AKG has revealed its new foldable studio headphones line at Prolight + Sound 2017, designed for content creators ‘who need superb accuracy at an accessible price point.’

The K275, K245 and K175 headphones combine AKG audio performance with robust build quality and superior comfort for long listening sessions.

The K275 and K245 models feature 50mm transducers that provide greater low-frequency extension and detailed bass reproduction. K175 utilises an on-ear design with 40mm transducers. With what the company describes as ‘best-in-class’ sensitivity and low impedance, the headphones deliver maximum output before distortion, even when playing music from lower-powered mobile devices.

K275, K245 and K175 are the first headphones to offer a foldable design with a three-axis hinge and self-adjusting headband, allowing them to fit into tight spaces such as travel bags, while also protecting the structural parts from damage. Slow retention foam ear pads provide a comfortable, secure fit that ensures optimal bass extension and prevents sound leakage.

The K275 and K175 models feature a closed-back design for live recording and monitoring, while K245 features a semi-open design that is well-suited for editing and mixing.

The AKG foldable studio headphones line is expected to be available in July 2017, with pricing as follows:

•K275 closed-back over-ear headphones: $211 (MSRP)

•K245 semi-open over-ear headphones: $186 (MSRP)

•K175 closed-back on-ear headphones: $161 (MSRP)

https://uk.akg.com/

http://pls.messefrankfurt.com/

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