CAD VSM1 V-Series Single Valve Servo Microphone

Manufacturer's Description for CAD VSM1 V-Series Single Valve Servo Microphone

The VSM1, large-diaphragm, single-pattern tube condenser microphone couples CAD's capsule-building technology with servo-valve topology. Servo technology is the solid state circuitry found in the Equitek Series, which contributes to extended low-end response and less colorization due to the reduction of phase anomalies and of bandwidth limiting often associated with capacitors (frequency roll-off). The high-speed, low-noise, low-distortion electronics, coupled with the valve topology originally developed for the VX2 twin tube microphone, provides artists and engineers alike with a profound blend of ballistic integrity and warm, rich, yet transparent sound and a low noise floor. The capsule is CAD's proprietary Optema OS110.

The OS110, 1.1 in. inside diameter, features a hand-tensioned, 3-micron, 24 karat gold sputtered, high-strength polymer film diaphragm. In addition, the use of machined brass and stainless steel along with hand-adjusted "dampening" for consistent frequency response makes this a state-of-the-art transducer. The sound is warm, yet transparent with a slight lift in the high end - ideal for the most demanding vocal and instrument applications. The VSM1 has extremely wide frequency response and dynamic range with a slight rising response characteristic at 15kHz. The VSM1 is ideal for both vocal and instrument recording applications. If you're looking for absolute articulation wrapped in harmonic warmth with astounding clarity, the VSM1 stands alone.

Features
Single tube cardioid, true condenser microphone

Large capsule with 1.10 in. diameter, 3 micron thick gold sputtered diaphragms (Exclusive CAD Optema Series)

Bridging VX2 valve and Equitek servo condenser technology

Heavy-duty analog power supply

Extraordinary bandwidth

Low noise/Low distortion

Transparent yet warm tube sound

About CAD
CAD Professional Microphones, a division of CTI Audio, designs and manufacturers professional microphones in its state-of-the-art USA facility, located in Conneaut, Ohio. An influence in the development of microphone technology over the last decade, the company made its mark bringing distinction to reasonably priced mics, revolutionizing the studio mic market. As the word got around, other manufactures began to follow suit and new competitors entered the marketplace. This is most obvious in the studio condenser arena, where dozens of models have been introduced over the last 2 years. While promising the sound of the revered "vintage" mics, most of these new "classics" are made in the Far East, many in the same factory.

CAD designers have remained focused on the factors that make a great mic sound great: High sensitivity, transparency, precise transient, phase response, wide frequency response, and extremely low self-noise. The microphone's capsule must capture the impact, tone, ambience, and nuances of an instrument or voice. CAD's renowned Optema capsules are 24K gold sputtered and hand dampened in CTI's clean room facility. Like only a handful of true microphone manufacturers, CAD maintains it own manufacturing facility in the USA. This gives CAD designers control over every aspect of the mics design, performance, and quality.

CTI Audio's roots go back to the 1930's, when they developed many innovative mic designs, including the T2, possibly the world's first dual tube condenser mic. CAD's celebrated Equitek studio condensers became associated with the explosive project studio market, and a requisite for the sound of the urban music styles of the nineties. When conservative engineers and producers began to discover and demand CAD, the brand became established as a standard. Today, CAD is looked to for their first class design, and for microphones unparalleled in their ability to memorialize the recordings they're used on. zZounds is an authorized dealer of CAD products.

Type: Side address, true condenser

Frequency Response: 10Hz-20 kHz

Polar Pattern: Cardiod

Impedence: Low (200 Ohms nominal)

Output Level At 1 kHz: Open Circuit Voltage: -55 dB (0 dB = 1 volt per microbar) 22.4 mV/Pascal

Dynamic Range: 118 dB (Noise floor to max SPL, @ less than 0.5% THD) 119.5 dB (Noise floor to max SPL, @ less than 5.0% THD)

Equivalent Noise Level: 15 dB Equivalent SPL, A-weighted, cardiod

Maximum SPL: 149 dB SPL (with 16 dB psd, less than 0.5% THD) 150.5dB SPL (with 16 dB psd, less than 5.0% THD)

Total Harmonic Distortion: Less than 0.5% @ 133dB SPL, without pad Less than 5.0% @ 134.5dB SPL, without pad

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 79 dB (at 94 dB SPL)

Capsule Capacitance: 60 pF

Powering: Included VSM 1ps analog power supply

Connector: 7 pin XLR, microphone; 3 pin XLR, audio out from power supply

Cable: Professional-quality 7 conductor, 30 ft. long

Finish: Matte gray housing, nickel-plated screen assembly with black accents