.Clip on, Clamp down, Turn on

..Chris Martin enjoys a bit of sax in the company of a quartet of laquered professional mics from
..Dutch maker, SD Systems.
FROM SD SYSTEMS,
the self-professed 'masters in miking', comes a quartet of clip-on saxophone and woodwind mics.

...This Dutch company's user list reads like a who's who of players, and these include Kenny Garrett, Steve Coleman, Ernie Watts and Marcus Miller.
...On trial is a selection of four models from the line.. the SX I Mk2 and LCM 89 sax mics; the LCM 85LP, intended to suit brass and woodwind; and the SDS modular system for sax and trombone. A whole range of accessories is also available, spanning preamps, capsules and wireless transmitters.

 SX-1 Mk 2
This sax mic is SD's entry-level model, but still boasts a condenser capsule ingeniously mounted on a circular gold lacquered spring clip. Rubber sleeves on each side of the capsule act as a shock mount, and allow tonal changes to be made by changing the positioning of the mic.
...Approximately one metre of narrow gauge cable connects this mic to a battery-powered preamp, housed in a light- weight plastic box and sporting just a volume control.This in turn provides a 1/4in jack- equipped line level feed to an amp or DI box.The frequency response makes no pretence at
flatness, rising 15dB from the bottom to top of its range.

SDS MODULAR SYSTEM
...This system has a newly designed mini-gooseneck mount. This clips onto the bell, and the length and positioning adjusted to alter tonal balance. The mic capsule is shock-mounted by rubber bands in a semi-circular cradle, and the fixed lead of the LDM 94 dynamic capsule supplied terminates in an XLR.

"The SDS Modular System delivers real rock 'n' roll --- and at high levels."

The rubber-coated bell clamp possesses a wide mouth and firm action, hopefully en suring it won't fly off during energetic on-stage gyrations.
...The LDM 94 mic element is flat within a few dB from 200Hz to 12kHz and capable of withstandi ng levels from a healthy sets of lungs - up to 155dB in fact !

LCM 85LP
...This condenser shares the same mount, but its captive lead ends in a stereo 1/4in jack plug which utilises a preamp. This incorporates a

 9V battery, but phantom powering can also be employed.
Output is via an XLR, and the preamp also sports a volume and tone control, plus an on/off switch, while a sprung metal belt loop is mounted on the back.

LCM 89
...At the top of the price ladder is the impressively gold lacquered LCM 89, shock-mounted in the centre of a three-legged sprung spider which clamps onto the bell, positioning the mic element dead centre.
...The condenser capsule was apparently designed to deliver a natural sound and frequency response is virtualy flat from 20Hz to 2OkHz.
...A preamp is again required for powering purposes and this is the LP Standard - as supplied with the LCM 85LP.
...However, a professional version is also available, which boasts a stainless steel enclosure for extra durability and shielding.
...A slip-on foam windshield is also included and peace of mind is provided by a four year guarantee. This also applies to the SDS Modular System and both models come in a plastic carrying case which also accommodates the necessary preamp.
...All the mics are lightweight, as indeed they need to be for mounting on an instrument, but build standards are sturdy.
...I must admit to not being a

Http://www.musicmart-mag.co.uk Music Mart........ August 2000 119

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