New! DFS2 and SPS200 have arrived!
The SoundField range of microphones is designed to capture the most realistic and technically correct acoustical “picture” of an acoustical event and assemble it in a way that can be heard over any playback system, past, present or future. A SoundField is unsurpassed at capturing the real sound you experience in person. It is especially exciting when the acoustical event has motion (sports), a very powerful image (a high performance recital hall) or when background sound is critical to the overall experience (ambient sound like the ocean). It’s best feature is that it is both backward and forward compatible (mono to stereo to 5.1 to 10.1 and back again) without phase error. The technology is so fantastic you can change the location of the microphone AFTER you have recorded the event!
The SoundField technology is based on a microphone with a patented four capsule tetrahedral array and a matching SoundField preamp/processor unit. The preamp/processor assembles and coordinates the raw mic signals into a three dimensional acoustical “model” of the real acoustical event. The result is a stunning image, conveying everything you hear when you are there.
There are three SoundField Microphone Systems all using the same technology: one for high end studios, the Mark V; a smaller unit for studios or portable use when AC power is available, the SPS422B; and one for portable DC power applications, the ST350.
All SoundField recordings require a “decode” process to retrieve the three dimensional information for the recorded signal called B format. This process is done within the preamp/processor for mono, M/S and stereo. It is done outside the preamp/processor if you want 5.1 or beyond, or if you need to modify any SoundField recording or may move back and forth between delivery mediums regularly. You can do this manipulation in two ways: in analog hardware with the SP451, or in digital software with SurroundZone.
Soundfield SurroundZone Software updates: Please visit the factory site www.Soundfield.com to see if there is an update for your software.Soundfield Products:
Microphone Systems for Studios
Microphone Systems for Broadcast
Surround Processing
"B" Format Explained:
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SoundField Technology is based on the principle that all acoustic events can be represented by four basic elements. These are 'X' which is front/back information (depth), 'Y' which is left/right information (width), 'Z' which is up/down information (height) and 'W' the central point from which the other three elements are referenced. Collectively, W, X, Y and Z are entitled B-Format - SoundField are the only microphones in the world that deliver B-Format which can be stored on four tracks of any recorder. Because the SoundField capsule array captures three dimensional sound at the same 'central point' all time - or phase related anomalies created by spaced microphones are eliminated. Once in B-Format the point of acoustic origin is defined and all output variations i.e. mono, stereo, M/S, 5.1, 6.1 etc. are derived from this same 'central point'. Thus, surround recordings made with SoundField microphones can be collapsed to stereo - or stereo to mono - without the phase cancellation and high frequency differences encountered when 'summing' multiple spaced microphones. The result - spatial 'you are there' imaging and consistent surround recordings which are backward/forward compatible. Why does that make it sound so good? SPS422 Review Quotes:"Having
experienced the luxury of the SPS422's sound and its controllability,
working with conventional mics is always going to seem just a touch
primative.... The only con I can think of is that life will never
be the same when the review period is up." "The
voice sound of the SPS422 is really very attractive. It is bright
and well balanced , and although I couldn't more fully define it,
it sounds warm.... The control panel has been designed by someone
familar with the pressures of studio working; nothing has been left
to chance... The SPS422 is totally unique in its abilities, and
all this is available at a price that is directly comparable to
standard studio condensor microphones." "The
resulting image is a convincing as any you are likely to hear, with
extraordinary precise localisation and breathtaking depth" "Throughout
my tests , I had the sensation that an engineer far more experienced
than I live within the control unit , making me look better than
I deserved... "The
size of the SPS422 capsules made dramatic improvements in the sound
qualitiy on this Steinway piano. Each note was clearly defined and
uncoloured. Notes below middle 'C' benefited especially. It was
a beautiful , rich sound that allowed one to ponder the harmonics
and overtones missed by lesser microphones." "You'd
need to buy at least a dozen different microphones to get all the
features this one has got... One day all microphones may be like
the SPS422 - unitl that day comes , I know which microphone I'll
pick" Click here to Contact TransAmerica Audio Group.
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