PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
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The R-F-T M216 MATRIX is an advanced stereo version of our popular M-16 mkII tube condenser microphone. It features a matched pair of 1" dual sided capsules (the same capsules found in the M-16 mkII), a New Old Stock ECC81 vacuum tube (the same tube found in the M-16 mkII), and a matched pair of custom wound BV314 output transformers (the same transformers found in the M-16 mkII) all in a single, easy to setup system.
However, the R-F-T M216 MATRIX is more than just two of our M-16 mkII microphones stacked together. The system includes a custom designed power supply, the 916 MATRIX, which includes 3 distinct settings: Left/Right, MATRIX, and Z40. These settings allow the end user to utilize a mixture of microphone techniques and polar patterns.
* L-R mode allows both the UPPER and LOWER capsules to be independently controlled from remote polar pattern selectors on the power supply. The LOWER capsule is fixed in position while the upper capsule is capable of rotating up to 90 degrees. This gives engineers the ability to make use of XY, Mid/Side, and Blumlein recording techniques. The ability to polarize both the UPPER and LOWER capsule in virtually any pick-up patterns allows for an infinite amount of choices.
* MATRIX mode is identical to L-R mode, with the addition of two more outputs reversed in phase. This mode allows the same options for remote polar pattern selection (cardioid, omni, figure 8, and everything in between); resulting in an UPPER capsule XLR outputs (in phase & out of phase) as well as the LOWER capsule XLR outputs (in phase & out of phase). Skilled recording engineers can then exploit this multiple output format for the ability to change polar patterns AFTER they have been recorded! For engineers and studios working in the analog domain (no DAWs), this is an incredible feature, making this microphone of on the most versatile stereo tube microphones ever created. This could also be considered a "live" Blumlein output mode. Also, it is to be noted that MATRIX mode puts out a signal -6dB lower than standard L-R mode.
* Z40 mode is what makes the M216 MATRIX so unique. Specialized custom transformers take the fixed LOWER capsule and blend it with an encoded UPPER capsule resulting in a true encoded Mid/Side image output. While this mode could be used with any polar pattern pick up configuration, it is best used with the LOWER capsule in cardioid and the UPPER capsule in Figure 8 with the headgrille turned to the 90 degree mark. The custom transformers then duplicate the UPPER figure 8 signal, resulting in one IN phase sent signal to the UPPER XLR OUT (LEFT), and another OUT of phase signal sent to the LOWER XLR OUT (RIGHT). Both of these are then blended evenly with the fixed LOWER capsule aimed at 0 degree to the signal source, then evenly sent to both LEFT (UPPER) and RIGHT (LOWER) outputs. The resulting MS image can then be taken out of the 916 MATRIX psu with the two in phase XLRs, perfectly encoded. There is now no need for post MS encoding in you DAW or Multi-track recorder, the 916 MATRIX power supply did the work for you!
One of the most unique ways to use the R-F-T M216 MATRIX is in "dual mono" mode, which can lead to all kinds of interesting textures for vocals. By running the outputs into two different microphone pre-amplifiers, the user can now have one capsule set up to sound its best on quiet passages in a vocal and the other for louder passages.
If the user runs about 10db more gain on the microphone pre-amplifier for the capsule that is set up to record quiet passages, then both outputs can be recorded separately and blended later; or a compression device can be used on the pre-amplifier that is set up for the quieter passages which will net about 12-15db of gain reduction as the singer gets louder. These two outputs can be summed and the resulting signal will maintain a relatively constant level while being automatically combined for optimal capture the performance.
Each R-F-T M216 MATRIX microphone is supplied with a custom Gotham Audio Cable, wooden mic box, 916 MATRIX Power Supply with remote polar pattern selector, MATRIX and Z40 Encoder, and when registered, a 4-Year fully transferable Limited Warranty.
Type Condenser Pressure Gradient
Capsule two TK67 dual sided gold sputtered
Frequency Range 20Hz / 20kHz
Polar Pattern Omni, Cardioid, Figure 8 with 6 intermediate stages
Sensitivity 14MV/Pa = -37dB (0dB = 1v/Pa) -10bD
Impedance 200 ohms stock
SPL 125 dB
Non Linear Distortion (for 1% THD @ 1KHz) 125dB
Equivalent Noise 20dB (A-weighted)
Tube Type 6072a General Electric JAN twin triode
Power Dedicated Power Supply
Weight 32oz (906g)
Size 11 3/4" (298mm) length x 1 3/4" (44.45mm) diameter
Extras MATRIX Power Supply, Shock Mount, Wooden Box
