Carbonphone
$500.00
FEATURES
- Military grade carbon granule capsule
- Fully balanced output
- Quality Hammond output transformer
- Rugged copper housing and components
- Powered 5 position variable filter Tone Box
- Tone Box doubles as a phantom power source
- Tone Box can be used with other microphones
- 9 volt power supply for Tone Box
- High quality Nuetrik 3 pin XLR connectors
- Handcrafted in the U.S.A
- Lifetime operational warranty
- Adjustable aircraft aluminum mounting bracket to fit North American style stands (will fit European style stands with common threaded adapter)
SPECS
- Type: Carbon
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 100Hz - 10kHz
- Impedance: 600 ohms
- Output: 120 +/ 2dB SPL @ 1 kHz
- Mic Dimensions: 1.75 x 5.5 inches
- Tone Box Dimensions: 5.25 x 4.25 x 2.25 inches
- Mic Weight: 1 lbs.
- Tone Box Weight 0.70 lbs.
SOUND SAMPLES
All samples have been recorded with a Shure sm58 for A/B comparisons. Samples with the sm58 always appear first in the sequence, followed by the same performance through the Carbonphone with each of the 5 filter settings on the Tone Box.
FAQ
I JUST ORDERED A CARBONPHONE. HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WAIT BEFORE I RECEIVE IT?
If you ordered a Carbonphone it should be delivered to you in 2 to 4 weeks from the time of your order. International orders will take an additional 2 weeks to allow for shipping time.
WHAT DOES THE CARBONPHONE SOUND LIKE AND WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT FROM ANY OTHER MICROPHONE?
The Carbonphone, unlike full range dynamic, condenser or ribbon mics, features a military grade carbon granule element to capture sound. Due to the unique and unpredictable response of the carbon capsule, the resulting sound is naturally distorted, band passed and very ‘lofi’. Some might compare the character of the Carbonphone to that of a scratchy vinyl record or a military radio / public address transmission. The sound is achieved by passing current through tiny carbon granules within the capsule. When sound waves agitate the granules, the electrical resistance of the capsule modulates and the variations in resistance can then be converted into sound just like any other microphone. More information and history regarding carbon mic technology can be found
here.
THE CARBONPHONE REQUIRES CURRENT, SO HOW DO I POWER THE CARBONPHONE?
Current for the Carbonphone is provided via a powered ‘Tone Box’ which is included with the mic (
see here). The Tone Box can be powered by any standard 9 volt ‘wall wart’ power supply. In addition to providing current to the Carbonpohne, the Tone Box can also shape the sound through a variable five position filter circuit. Each selection on the control knob offers a different frequency response, allowing the Carbonphone to be used on a broad range instruments and for various applications.
CAN THE INCLUDED TONE BOX BE USED WITH OTHER MICROPHONES?
Although the filters in the Tone Box are voiced specifically for the Carbonphone, the Tone Box can be used with other microphones which can bring new sonic possibilities to the microphones you may already have. Also, the Tone Box acts as a phantom power source for any microphones that require phantom power, such as condenser mics.
DOES THE CARBONPHONE REALLY HAVE BALANCED OUTPUT?
Yes, the Carbonphone features a quality Hammond output transformer which properly balances the signal for optimal performance when using the mic with very long cable runs. The signal is even balanced through the Tone Box.
WHAT SORT OF CONNECTIONS DO THE CARBONPHONE AND TONE BOX REQUIRE?
Both the Carbonphone and Tone Box come with high quality Neutrik 3 pin XLR input and output connectors. However you will need at least two 3 pin XLR cables to use the Tone Box with the Carbonphone. The output of the Carbonphone is connected to the input of the Tone Box and the output of the Tone Box then gets connected to the input of your mixer, audio interface or recording console. Finally the Tone Box requires power via a 9 volt ‘wall wart’ power supply which is included.
DOES THE CARBONPHONE COME WITH A MOUNTING SYSTEM AND HOW DO I ATTACH IT TO A MIC STAND?
Yes the Carbonphone comes with a rugged adjustable aircraft aluminum mounting bracket that can be attached to any standard North American mic stand (5/8 inch). If you have a European style mic stand (3/8 inch), the Carbonphone can be attached with a threaded adapter insert (
see here) This type of insert is not provided with the Carbonphone but can be easily obtained at your local music store for a nominal cost. Installation is done by simply screwing the Carbonphone and its bracket onto the mic stand. A few words of caution – do not over tighten the bracket on the stand as damage to the mounting bracket can result.
CAN THE CARBONPHONE BE USED IN THE STUDIO?
Certainly. Because the sound of Carbonphone has a character unlike many other traditional mics, it makes a great addition to any recording enthusiast’s arsenal of microphones. It can be used as an all out obvious ‘effect’ on it’s own or it can be paired with other traditional microphones for infinite blending possibilities.
CAN THE CARBONPHONE BE USED LIVE? WHAT ABOUT FEEDBACK?
Yes it can be used live and many vocal performers use the Carbonphone as a specialty effects mic in conjunction with their regular microphone. As with any microphone, feedback can be an issue. Results will vary depending on the application, the overall volume of your band, the quality of the sound system and the experience of the engineer running the sound system. However very careful adjustment and equalization of the Carbonphone in the monitors can yield acceptable results. If you use an in ear monitor system, potential feedback problems are usually not an issue.
IS THE CARBONPHONE OR ITS DIAPHRAGM FRAGILE? WILL IT STOP WORKING IF IT IS DROPPED OR MISHANDLED?
It should not. The Carbonphone is constructed from quality rugged materials and is likely to withstand a high degree of shock or other physical impacts. The Carbonphone can also withstand extremely high sound pressure levels without damage to the diaphragm. However, sensitivity of the carbon capsule drops off dramatically with low sound pressure levels or from being too far way from the sound source which will result in an intermittent, ‘sputtery’ response.
DOES THE CARBONPHONE AND TONE BOX REALLY COME WITH A LIFETIME OPERATIONAL WARRANTY?
Yes and the warranty covers any part of the operational performance of both the Carbonphone or the Tone Box. The warranty does not cover general wear and tear on the cosmetics of the microphone or the Tone Box. If for any reason your Carbonphone or Tone Box stops working or seems to be working improperly please
contact us and let us know the problem. If a repair is required please ship your mic to us and we will fix it free of charge.
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Yes. Please
contact us and let us know what products you wish to order and what form of alternative payment you wish to make. We will get right back to with details on where to send your payment.
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