Kel Audio, a new microphone company based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, has introduced the HM-1, a side-address small-diaphragm condenser microphone designed for home studio and stage recording.

The HM-1 retails for $99 including shipping. The compact cardioid-only mic combines a half-inch externally biased capsule with modern surface mount electronics to produce a simple microphone free of the sharp presence peaks that characterize many popular entry-level imports.

"We had several non-negotiable design criteria in mind when we specified the HM-1," states Kelly Dueck, President of Kel Audio. "Firstly, we wanted to bring out a microphone that sounded distinctly different than the current crop of affordable large-diaphragm condenser mics. Most of those mics exhibit a 10 to 12 kHz resonance peak that's inherent in the capsule design, so the first thing we did was eliminate the large diaphragm capsule. But unlike a lot of small diaphragm cardioids the HM-1 features full mids. It's not a bright mic and it's not supposed to be."

According to Kel Audio, the goal is to offer a sonic contrast to home recordists looking to round out their creative palette.

"Track everything with a bright mic, and soon your mixes sound harsh and thin," cautions Dueck.

The following design criteria were also applied to the HM-1:

* Compact size (fits anywhere)
* Rugged body, with an internal shock mount (use on stage as well as in the studio)
* Simple operation (one pattern, no switches)
* Relatively tight polar pattern (picks up less poor quality home studio ambience)
* Low cost (anyone can afford it).

The HM-1 is available exclusively online at http://www.kelaudio.com.

From the website....

Price (Incl. Shipping): $69 until Jan. 1/05 (Reg. $99).

They're currently out of mics, but will notify anyone wishing to purchace the HM-1.

Sounds interesting. Think I'll give them a try.

Later,

Joel

Ordered one of these today. I figured at that price point it was no big deal. If nothing else, it'll be an alternative to when I'd use a 57.

Cheaper than a SP B-1, Hey!

-Stixxs