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APEX 205 Description
The microphone is the first, and arguably the most important link the signal
chain. In the world where digital recording is now the most common recording
media, it is more important than ever that you choose a microphone that is able
to capture every subtle nuance of your source material.
The compact
Apex205 has been designed with todays direct to drive digital recording systems
in mind. Its classic ribbon element delivers a warm tone and the most natural
sound reproduction available from virtually any style of studio microphone.
The active element of a ribbon microphone is a very thin corrugated aluminum
ribbon mounted under low tension between the poles of a strong magnet. The
low-tension 2-inch long, 2-micron thick aluminum ribbon used in the Apex205 offers
audio reproduction with smooth, natural extended low and high frequency
response, yet handles extremely fast transients accurately. Although ribbon
microphones are by their nature extremely fragile, the Apex205 can handle high
sound pressure levels approaching 165dB range.
The asymmetrical figure-8 pickup pattern has an extended sweet spot on the rear
face of the microphone allowing the recording to accurately reproduce the
natural space and ambient reverberation of a good sounding live room.
The integrated yoke mic stand mount and internal shock mount assembly protects
the fragile ribbon element during use.
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APEX 205 Review /
See
All ZenPro Audio Reviews Here: Review Page
I’ve always found the APEX 205 to be
the perfect ribbon microphone for those that don’t have any more money but want
to experience a ribbon mic for themselves. It does not excel beyond major brand
designs in quality nor in sound, however it excels in its price range. The 205
is the smaller brother of the APEX 210 ribbon, it is more lightweight and
easier to handle, and also does not have a hard wired cable like the 210. The
blue paint job is definitely different looking from most mics, in that the
paint used almost looks
like
what you might use on an engine block!
The 205 is, for lack of a better
word, a little smaller sounding than the 210 as well. It has a deep low end
response, smooth midrange, and is not as dark as you’d expect up top. It
certainly is accented in the extreme low end, so close mic’ing of guitar cabs
may get woofy and if so, you’ll need to back it off to maybe 10” or 12” to find
balance.
Conclusion: At this price there is
no complaining. If you cannot afford a ShinyBox (heavily modified version of
this mic with Lundahl and Cinemag options) the 205 is certainly a strong entry
level performer.
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