A231
Large Diaphragm Condenser Vocal Microphone
The A231 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone built for the most discerning studio user. With its externally-biased “true condenser” capsule and low-noise circuitry, the A231 is able to capture the nuances of the human voice as well as the rich overtones of acoustic instruments with natural warmth and in stunning detail. An exceptionally consistent cardioid polar pattern focuses on the performance while offering smooth off-axis rejection.
- 33 mm externally-biased condenser capsule
- 25% greater effective diaphragm area
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Proprietary internal shock mount
- Low noise preamp circuitry
- Machined aluminum body with gold-plated brass band
Transducer / Capsule Technology | 33 mm externally-biased condenser capsule / 29 mm 3.4 micron gold-sputtered diaphragm |
---|---|
Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
Output Impedance | 150 ohms |
Sensitivity | 16 mV / Pa @ 1 kHz |
Signal to Noise Ratio | 82 dB |
Maximum SPL | 140 dB |
Dynamic Range | 128 dB |
Equivalent Noise Level | 12 dBA |
Operating Voltage | 48 V (± 4 V) Phantom |
Connector | 3-pin XLR m |
Materials / Finish | Body: Machined aluminum and gold-plated brass band Grille: Steel alloy |
Weight | 330 g / 11.6 oz |
DESCRIPTION
The A231 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone built for the most discerning studio user. With its externally-biased “true condenser” capsule and low-noise circuitry, the A231 is able to capture the nuances of the human voice as well as the rich overtones of acoustic instruments with natural warmth and in stunning detail. An exceptionally consistent cardioid polar pattern focuses on the performance while offering smooth off-axis rejection.
The 33 mm condenser capsule of the A231 features a precision-tensioned diaphragm made from a specially formulated, heat-treated film with gold deposition distributed evenly to the far edges of the diaphragm. The result is a 25% greater effective diaphragm area when compared to the capsule of a typical large diaphragm microphone.
Behind the double-woven steel mesh grille of the A231, acoustic reflections and diffractions are minimized for transparent sound capture. The internal shock mount isolates the capsule from mechanical vibrations, eliminating the need for a bulky external shock mount. Proprietary impedance control between the capsule and circuitry ensures consistent and reliable performance across a wide range of environments.
Designed, machined, assembled, and tested by Audix in Wilsonville, Oregon.
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
- DCLIP – Heavy-duty nylon molded snap-on clip
- POUCHAXSM – Protective zippered carrying case
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
- APS2 – Two-channel 48 V phantom power supply with 110 V switchable to 240 V and detachable power cord
- TRIPOD – Metal tripod desktop mic stand
- STANDKD – Short pedestal stand with telescoping boom arm
- DFLEX – Dual pivot rim mounted clip with extra-wide butterfly jaws
- CBL20 – 20’ premium XLR-XLR balanced mic cable. Quad conductor, twisted-pair with a braided shield for conductivity. 6 mm PVC-jacketed
- CBLDR25 – 25′ premium right angle XLR balanced mic cable. Quad conductor, twisted pair with braided shield for conductivity. 6 mm PVC jacketed
- PD133 – Pop diffuser to control plosives
1x A231 Microphone
1x Protective zippered carrying case
1x DCLIP Heavy-duty nylon molded snap-on clip
“They’ve struck gold with the A231. It does not possess the stereotypical LDC sound. It’s smooth, and it captures its sources with rich harmonics, especially when paired with a tube preamp or compressor. It’ll easily record thick guitars or provide any low-end weight you need for stringed bass instruments. I personally love the balance Audix has created with the A231. If anyone is looking for a high-end all-rounder to add to their locker, I highly recommend it for all types of studio work, with vocals as the prime point of interest.”
Alex Hawley | RECORDING
“What a beautifully rich-sounding microphone. The A231 sounds like it is voiced more like great FET mics of the past with a rich neutral totality and a gentle, firm upper-mid presence. There is absolutely zero bite, sibilance or sizzle on the top end, and my favorite part of the A231 is its extended, full proximity effect. The A231 is a mic that begs to be close to a source and would do well on upright bass and cello, and could be a great choice on a bass cabinet, outside, yet close up on a kick drum, and a pair would be nice for classic drum tones in a Glynn Johns overhead set up.
Where this mic really shines is on vocals and spoken word. In both cases, it has a low-end fullness that a good singer and speaker could really work to their advantage.”
Paul Vnuk Jr | RECORDING
“On vocal, the A231 really got to shine. Because this mic is not overly hyped, it showed off just the right stuff on vocals. I tried it on male vocals and the nice proximity effect gave me warmth and low end in a controlled and musical way. Meanwhile, the mids were pronounced and cutting through the track without sounding harsh. To top it off, the highs were present in a natural way, rounding out a wonderful vocal sound. I love how this mic feels. It delivers a robust and quality sound.“
Reto Peter | Mixer / Engineer (Green Day, The Counting Crows & Modest Mouse)
“The Audix A231 has a very smooth response and very clear but not clinical dynamic resonance.“
Adam Lee | Staff Engineer at Jackpot Recording PDX