New Toys
D Gear Lust Web Site DGo To The Music Connection "New Toys" Directory

Soundelux Bock U195 Condenser Microphone

Soundelux Bock U195 Condenser Microphone
 Soundelux Bock U195 Condenser Microphone 
Soundelux USA has released the U195 cardioid (only) FET P48 microphone; it is based on the original Soundelux U195 produced from 1996-2006 and the Bock 195 offered from 2007-2014. The latest Soundelux USA U195 features a new improved 1-inch dual backplate K67 capsule in a fixed cardioid polar pattern.

For protecting the capsule, the U195 uses a large mesh screening similar looking to the original Neumann U67 mics. There is also a secondary, internal fine mesh inside to further protect the capsule. Personally I like this look, and if the way old vintage U67 screens have survived so well over the years compared to an old Neumann U87 is any indication, it is a more rugged design too.

The new U195 features a gigantic Cinemag CM-96322A output transformer that dominates the interior of this microphone. Exclusive to Soundelux, this custom transformer was designed by David Bock with Reichenbach engineering staff in 1996. Designer Bock comments: "I found one of the disturbing shortfalls of the U87 to be it's transformer, and this is my response--this transformer will never run out of low frequency headroom."

The U195 maintains the popular and unique FAT switch that changes the value of a capacitor so there is no negative feedback in the low frequencies but retains 10dB of negative feedback in the mid-range and high frequencies. Clever!

 Inside and Outside The Soundelux USA Bock U195 
Mouse Over To Pause 
Handmade in California, the 48-volt phantom powered U195 uses a Class-A FET (Field Effect Transistor) head amp circuit driving the transformer for a 200-ohm balanced output. The rated frequency response is 20Hz to 16kHz +/- 2dB, 111dB dynamic range, a sensitivity of 8mv/PA, and signal-to-noise ratio of 72dB un-weighted. (81dB A-weighted)

The -10dB pad, Fat/Norm, and Low frequency roll-off switches are recessed toggles located on the back of the mic. It takes a small tweaker tool or a jeweler's screwdriver to switch them and I like that because they can't get accidently changed during handling, setup or placing the mic.

In The Studio

I was pretty excited to give this new mic a shot at lead vocals. We had been using a Neumann U87 and were fairly happy with the sound of it but at times the U87 sounded slightly compressed in my singer's upper range--especially when he sang loudly.

Using the U195 in Fat mode worked perfectly for thickening up certain high notes that "thinned out" on the U87. I even showed my singer how to turn on the Fat switch while in front of the mic. It doesn't make a loud electrical "pop" so there are no worries if the mic isn't muted. The vocal sound immediately gained a "chesty" thickness we all just loved.

In Normal mode, the new U195 sounds something like the U87 but better--more open and full sounding. I noticed this every time I've used it as I would the Neumann such as for: vocals, floor tom, guitar cabinets, room mic, or an occasional drum overhead. It does require more mic gain on the API console to achieve similar recording levels but that's not a big deal.

For a mono drum overhead mic about three feet above the toms, the difference is very noticeable. I tried it with/without the pad--using the mic's -10dB attenuator really depends on your pre-amp choice. The mic's increased headroom would overload the API 1608 Console pre-amp so use the pad. But on a pre-amp that goes down to 0db of gain like a Manley's EQ500 (tube), no pad and no problem for a big and fat sound!

I found between the Fat/Normal switch and the low frequency roll-off, you have four different choices when recording any source. It is definitely worth cataloging these choices for future uses of the Soundelux U195.

For a utilitarian microphone (as most think of Neumann U87), the Soundelux U195 is a better choice because the new design has a flatter frequency response, the increased transformer size allows for more low frequency headroom and the Fat/Normal switch offers two distinctly different sounds. Fantastic!

With the included SDX metal threaded stand mount, the Soundelux USA U195 sells for $1,249 MSRP. The optional shock mount is available for $79.00. For more check out: www.bockaudio.com.



Back To Home! Back To Home Page
Up Button Top



Web Page design is copyright © 2017 by Barry Rudolph