Recording - October 2011 - 58

B Y PA U L V N U K J R .

Audix CX212B
Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
An update to a classic American design brings significant sonic improvements
Audix has a long history in large-diaphragm condenser mics, a fact that might sometimes be overshadowed by the popularity of Audix’s dynamic D-Series microphones for drum miking setups, and its small-diaphragm condensers like the Micro Series (we reviewed the new M1280B in our September 2011 issue). Back in the early ’90s Audix was among the first handful of companies to offer affordable alternatives to the ultra-expensive studio mics of the time, when “affordable” meant “under $1000”. I soon acquired and came to rely upon a pair of the Audix CX-111 mics that went for $600 each. Audix is still offering affordable alternatives to big-buck studio mics, and in some surprising ways. Meet the new kid The new CX-212B is a multi-pattern solid-state condenser mic that includes a choice of cardioid, omni and figure-8 patterns, with a bass roll-off switch that gently attenuates frequencies of 300 Hz and below. Like most modern large-diaphragm condensers, the CX-212B has a 20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency response. In cardioid mode this is fairly even across the spectrum, with a 60 Hz low-end rolloff and a 12 kHz peak. This high-end peak is even more enhanced in Omni mode, while Fig-8 is quite the opposite and actually dips down at around 10kHz. Further specs include: Output Impedance 120 Ohms; Sensitivity 10 mV / Pa @ 1kHz; Equivalent Noise Floor 19 dBA; Signal to Noise Ratio 75 dB; Maximum SPL ≥133 dB; and Dynamic Range 114 dB. Build, fit and finish The CX-212B is 2” in diameter and 61/2" long, made of aluminum and zinc alloy and finished in black satin. It is well put together and the switches feel tight and solid. The most striking thing as you hold the microphone in your hand is how amazingly light it is, at a mere 12.9 oz. It uses a 1.37" center-terminated capsule with a 1.08" gold-vapor dual diaphragm that is wrapped in a large double-mesh head basket. The mic is a transformerless design and according to Audix makes use of low-noise electronics. The CX212B comes standard in an aluminum carrying case, with a basket-style screw-in shockmount. I was surprised at the omission of a hard mount, although one
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is available for an extra $10. While a basket shockmount is going to be the obvious choice for most applications, I took note of the mic’s light weight and feel a hard mount could be a truly useful accessory when positioning the mic into tight spaces. Sound The CX-212B definitely fits into the utility category and is a good choice on a wide range of sources. Does it “have a sound”? Not really—it captures a source in a very open, natural way. Due to its 12 kHz peak, it does not shy away from or mask high frequencies either, and some sources such as brass or cymbals may need a touch of equalization—not a problem with this mic. The CX-212B has nice detail and depth of field, and as such it’s great on acoustic instruments including strings and orchestral groups. It also makes a great mic for vocal ensembles and choirs. As drum overheads, I found it better suited to jazz and acoustic pop than for hard-rock cymbal-heavy styles. However, in a rock situation the CX-212B made a very nice room mic. One surprising use that my studio pal J. Christopher Hughes and I stumbled upon: If you roll off the top end drastically with eq, the CX212B actually makes for a really nice solid and poppy front-of-kick-drum mic, especially for the rough-and-ragged Americana music J. Christopher often records professionally. Although we tend to want all of our gear to drip with vibe or some vintage illusion, it’s equally nice to have a microphone that is content to capture a source faithfully and stay out of the way. The CX-212B is such a mic. Conclusions Bottom line, the CX-212B has no gimmicks and doesn’t sound “like anything famous”, but everyone needs to have one or two mics like this in their cabinet. The CX-212B’s detailed non-imposing sound, as well as its multiple pattern choices, offers users a great deal of flexibility. While we’re discussing new Audix mics, I should mention that Audix also sells the CX-112B, a cardioidonly version of this mic that includes the pad and filter switches and comes in a wooden carrying case with a hard mount clip for a street price of $299. I didn’t get to test it, but would expect similar performance to the CX-212B with the cardioid pattern selected.

Recording - October 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recording - October 2011