Manufacturers have
introduced different options for miking a variety
of instruments without a microphone stand. This
frees the musician from focusing on the
traditional mic in a stand and allows both
freedom of movement and a constant sound level.
From clip-on microphones for drums and horns to
headset microphones, these options not only
provide a clean look, but have improved sonically
and now compete with larger conventional
elements that have been used in the past.
Founded in 1981 and based in Amsterdam, SD
Systems manufactures microphones for orchestral
and band instruments. The mics are distributed
exclusively by Advanced Sonic Concepts,
Chatsworth, NJ.
Features
SD Systems LCM series
of mics are instrument-specific and include mics
for: soprano LCM 80 ($869), alto, tenor and
baritone sax LCM 89 ($495), flute LCM 70 ($489),
trumpet LCM 77 ($469), trombone, tuba LCM 85
($395) clarinet LCM 82 ($879), bassoon LCM 83
($1,089), violin LCM 110 ($419), cello and bass
LCM100HL ($329). For each
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application, special high-quality condenser
elements are used with characteristics tailored
to the instrument's specific sound. Each mic
comes with a standard LP preamp. This preamp
power supply has a 1/4" input connector for
the mic and a balanced XLR output.
...
All preamps operate with phantom power +48 VDC or
a 9 V battery. Due to low current electronic
circuits, the company estimates a battery life at
I to 2 years. The standard LP preamp has a tone
control and volume control located on the top of
the box as rotary controls.
Optional prearnps are available. The LP Pro
preamp ($195) has an extra-shielded heavy-duty,
stainless steel housing.
The L preamp
($109) does not have any volume or tone knobs, |
which eliminates the potential of erroneous
adjustment before or during the show a preferred
preamp for a pro touring situation.
SD Systems patented shock mount reduces handling
and instrument noise. All clamps are made of
lightweight stainless steel. All of the elements
of the SD Systems microphone line are handmade.
The lathe work (element housings) are done on
nonautomatic lathes.In
use
I used some of the LCM series of microphones at a
show I did with the Count Basie Orchestra at Westbury Music Fair in
New York. The LCM 77, which was designed in
cooperation with the sound engineers of Miles
Davis, was used on the trumpets. I was impressed
with the design of the mic system. The microphone
is not attached to the rim or bell. It is clamped
near the valves of the trumpet.
Silicone is used with the clamping system and the
lightweight system is extremely well shockmounted
and produces virtually no handling noise. The mic
element is mounted on a clear bent acrylic tube,
and its distance from the horn is somewhat
adjustable between 5" to 10" from the
bell. This allows
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