Aim Audio are a new company who are bringing mic production back to Berlin with two new large diaphragm condenser mics with some original features.
The multipattern Inspire and the cardioid only Essence have hand-built 1” Gold Sputtered Mylar true condenser capsules, a patent-pending switchable Transformer/Electronic Output stage allowing the choice between transformer or electronic output stage from a single mic, backlit controls (which can be switched off), a well designed shockmount and pop shield system, and some keen pricing.
Inspire Features
All-metal housing with unique oval design
Class-Leading Audio Performance (>140 dBA internal headroom*)
Switchable between Electronic or Transformer Balanced Output stages
Custom-wound Toroidal Audio Transformer with VITROPERM core
Dual 1” Large Diaphragm True Condenser (Gold Sputtered Mylar)
5 Switchable Polar Patterns, with voltage reached indication
-10 and -20 dB Pad options
80 Hz Low Cut or 110 Hz Roll Off switches
Integrated Peak-Level Metering
Backlit Controls (dimmable and lockable)
Built-in direct-to-stand mounting
Powered by regular 48 V Phantom Power
Included Custom ORBIT Shock Mount, with adjustable clamp angle
Included SENTRY Magnetic Reversible Pop Filter
Inspire Specifications
Transducer Type: True Condenser
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kΩ: 23.7 mV/Pa
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 86 dBA (rel. 94 dB SPL)
LF Cut-Off Filter: 80 Hz
Switchable Polar Patterns: Cardioid, Wide Cardioid, Super Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8
Equivalent Noise Level: 8 dBA
Maximum SPL: 140 dB (at 0.05% THD) – no pad
Pad Switches: -10 and -20 dB
LF Roll-Off Filter: 115 Hz
Essence Features
All-metal housing with unique oval design
Class-Leading Audio Performance (>140 dBA internal headroom*)
Switchable between Electronic or Transformer Balanced Output stages
Custom-wound Toroidal Audio Transformer with VITROPERM core
1” Large Diaphragm True Condenser (Gold Sputtered Mylar)
-10 Pad option
80 Hz Low Cut switches
Integrated Peak-Level Metering
Backlit Controls (dimmable and lockable)
Built-in direct-to-stand mounting
Powered by regular 48 V Phantom Power
Optional Custom ORBIT Shock Mount, with adjustable clamp angle and more
Essence Specifications
Transducer Type: True Condenser
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kΩ: 20.7 mV/Pa
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 86 dBA (rel. 94 dB SPL)
Pad Switch: -10 dB
LF Cut-Off Filter: 80 Hz
Equivalent Noise Level: 8 dBA
Maximum SPL: 140 dB (at 0.05% THD) – no pad
Pricing and Availbility
Estimated Shipping – April 2024
INSPIRE (includes Orbit Shockmount during launch period)
$699 US MAP (excl. local sales Tax)
799 € Euro ERP
£679 GBP ERP
ESSENCE
$499 US MAP (excl. local sales Tax)
549 € Euro ERP
£469 GBP ERP
Optional ORBIT/SENTRY Package
$129 US MAP (excl. local sales Tax)
149 € Euro ERP
£129 GBP ERP