TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik needs a name for its newest large diaphragm condenser microphone, which will be introduced at AES 2010 in San Francisco. Whoever comes up with the name that the company eventually use will win a matched pair of large diaphragm mics with vintage tubes. Here's all the details from the press release...
In development for 18 months, the newest mic in the company's acclaimed R-F-T line was designed by the company's in-house engineering team, with outside consultation from some of the world's top amplifier designers.
The microphone will be based around a unique circuit that features a New Old Stock (NOS) TELEFUNKEN vacuum tube, custom audio transformer and a fixed cardioid large diaphragm capsule. Sonically, the microphone carries similar characteristics found in its R-F-T line counterparts, the AR-51 and the AK-47 MkII.
"We always like to be responsive to our friends and supporters," explained company founder Toni Fishman. "So for this very cool new mic design, we thought we'd reach out to our fans and have a contest to name the new microphone."
Traditionally, the microphones in TELEFUNKEN's R-F-T line have been based on famous powerful munitions, such as the AK-47 and the M16. "But we're not limited in that respect," added Fishman. "I thought of the 'Bolt,' which refers to the company's lightning bolt logo. Let's see what the public comes up with."
Featuring a custom antique copper finish, the new microphone has a silky, open top end, smooth midrange, and a detailed low end. The amplifier design and frequency response are tailored for vocals, however the microphone works exceptionally well on many signal sources including acoustic guitars, amps and percussion.
The street price of the new R-F-T mic will be $1295, making it the first large diaphragm tube microphone offered from TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik to break below the $1500 price range. Each microphone system comes complete with power supply, 20' mic-to-power supply cable, shockmount and wooden box. New custom flight cases are available for an additional $99.
Starting September 23, participants will be able to submit suggested names for the new microphone via the TELEFUNKEN website. Then, on October 11th the top ten names will be chosen and posted on an online voting pole. The contest ends at 18:00 (EDT) October 21. The winning name will be announced at Noon (EDT) on October 22nd. The person who suggested the winning name will be rewarded with a pair of the R-F-T mics in a custom flight case. The 2nd and 3rd place names will win an M80 Dynamic microphone.
To enter the contest, go to:

• http://www.telefunken-elektroakustik.com/products/mics/name-the-mic.php

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