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Beyer
Microphones |
The Beyer microphone company began 75 years ago and was founded by Eugene Beyer who set about providing quality microphones and headphones for the expanding recording and communications industry. Beyer microphones have been the choice of many famous performers since the music revolution of the 60’s. These microphones needed to deal with high sound levels, feedback and capture the singer’s dynamics and performance. The result was the M88, a microphone that was an instant success and is regarded as a classic in the industry to this day. Classics are created by reputation and the M69 and M88 have rightfully secured their place in Rock’n’Roll history. In 1989 the TG-X range was introduced and provides the foundation for the new Opus range of mics of which we’ll take a look at a couple of models in this issue’s review. The new Opus range is designed for the budget-conscience without skimping on quality. Classic technology and new materials combine to create a contemporary range of microphones for the musician on stage or in the studio.
The Opus 69…
The first thing you notice about the Opus range is the build quality. The Opus 69 dynamic microphone is a live performance microphone that is ruggedly constructed for years of road use. It has the ability to give a wide, transparent frequency response and is suitable for a variety of applications giving excellent reproduction. The Opus 69 compares favorably to its competitors and it’s not surprising considering the name and that famous German technology. It is excellent in the top-end and you can really crank the gain before feedback problems arise. The microphone comes with is own clip and pouch and ready to serve for many years. Stylish and functional!
Opus 69 Specifications
Transducer type – Dynamic
Frequency response – close miking – 35 – 16,000Hz
Distant miking – 95 – 14,000 Hz
(Distance -1 metre)
Polar pattern – hypercardioid
Open circuit voltage @ 1 kHz (0dB = 1 V/Pa) 2.5mV/Pa ±1.5dB = -52dBV
The Opus 81…
The Opus 81 is a little more expensive than the 69 because it is a condenser microphone, which gives a wider and more linear frequency response. The Opus 81 is again suited for vocals or instruments both in live applications or in the studio and will handle SPL (sound pressure levels), of up to 138dB with faithful response. Again all the characteristics of the 69 are in the 81 like great top-end and the ability to crank the gain without too much feedback problems. The Opus 81 sounded great even when using it to mic an acoustic guitar, making it extremely versatile. The 81 has superb suppression popping and handling noise and has an integrated filter to compensate interference below 100Hz. The Opus 81 is again supplied with pouch and clip and is a serious choice if you’re in the hunt for a quality condenser microphone without breaking the budget.
OPUS 81 Specifications
Transducer Type – condenser (black electret)
Frequency response – 50 – 18,000Hz
Polar Pattern – Cardioid
Open circuit voltage @ 1kHz (0dB = 1 V/Pa) 3.2mV/Pa
Max SPL @ 1kHz – 138dB
The Classics series…
The "Classics" series of Beyer microphones are still hand-built in Germany to demanding standards using the finest materials and the TG-X 58 is no exception. In this range you’ll find a microphone to suit just about any application. The TG-X 58 is built to stand the more serious abuses energetic live performances can only be guilty of. This hypercardioid dynamic microphone is soft-lacquered for comfort and grip and features a lockable on/off switch giving best of both worlds. The microphone has the ability to deliver high volume before feedback occurs and has excellent handling. Again, all the mics come with pouches and clips and the TG-X 58 should be considered if you’re in the hunt for a good value everyday microphone.
TGX-58 Specifications
Transducer type – Dynamic
Frequency response – 50 – 15,000 Hz
Polar pattern – Supercardioid
Open circuit voltage – approx. 2 mV/Pa = -54dBvOverall I must say that I was quite surprised by the performance of these microphones. Beyer has remained in the tradition of providing excellent products that we come to expect from German engineering and designs. Once you compare these mics to what’s out there, you will see that Beyer is a serious choice when it comes to microphones. For a full product listing you can visit the website at www.beyerdynamic.com or at your local music shop. Whatever the outcome, it’s good to know that a company like Beyer has made available a wide variety of products to suit just about any musician’s needs.
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