Grammy Nominated Engineer/Producer Hal Winer Selects AKG’s New Perception 820 Tube To Add Warmth To New Recording Artists’ Tracks

With more artists swapping time in the studio for time spent on the computer, recording studios need to differentiate themselves now more than ever in order to survive and thrive. Keeping that in mind, GRAMMY-nominated engineer/producer Hal Winer makes certain that his facility, BiCoastal Music, offers something that computer programs can not: a warm, smooth and rich vintage sound provided by his new AKG Perception 820 Tube mic.

Winer has been using the Perception 820 Tube in every recording since he first acquired it, applying it to both lead and backing vocals as well as guitar, bass and various other feature instruments. As the flagship for AKG’s Perception series of microphones, the Perception 820 Tube was specifically designed and perfectly suited for use in studios like BiCoastal, where clarity and precision is key.

It has a dual 1-inch true condenser large diaphragm that leaves it perfectly suited for lead vocals, brass instruments, overhead miking and many other applications, and the ECC 83 dual-triode tube circuitry and output transformer emphasize even-order harmonics for rich, smooth and 3-dimensional sound. The elegant remote control unit allows selection of nine different pickup patterns and provides a switchable second-order bass-cut filter.

“I’ve been using my Perception 820 Tube microphone for every conceivable application; it really is one of the best all-around microphones I have,” Winer said. “It delivers a smooth, rich sound and it certainly adds some harmonics and warmth to every voice or instrument.  It sounds like it’s already appropriately eq’d to everything I put it on, plus It’s got that tube mic character everyone is looking for.”

For Winer, the Perception 820 Tube is just the latest addition to what has been a 20-year development of his BiCoastal Music Studio facility. What started with a mixing board in his bedroom and some microphones in the living room has progressively grown into a spacious, acoustically correct recording studio that rivals even the most noteworthy world-class recording facilities.

After being nominated for a GRAMMY for his work with Jack Wilkins in 2002, Winer began hosting Jazz and rock artists at his studio in Ossining, New York. Today, he sees a wide variety of musical styles; from indie-rockers to hip-hop artists. Winer has worked with some of the most popular artists in the industry, including Rob Thomas, Tony Levin, Mike Stern, Art Garfunkel, Björk, Joe Lynn Turner, and more. Regardless of the musical style, he says that the he can turn to the Perception 820 Tube for all of his recording needs.

“After I first got the microphone, I hooked it up alongside of some much more expensive mics and recorded some male vocals through each mic to test them out,” Winer explained. “We compared the various microphones and the Perception 820 Tube was the clear winner every time.”

Latin Superstar Alejandro Sanz Broadcasts His GRAMMY Winning Music To The World With A Complete AKG Package

As one of the most successful musicians in Latin America, Alejandro Sanz has built a name for himself as a dynamic and exciting performer; selling over 25 million albums worldwide and winning 17 total GRAMMYs; two of which are attributed to the U.S. Grammy’s and the other 15 at the Latin Grammys. With his new project Paraiso Express on the verge of release, Sanz recently embarked on his worldwide “Paradise” tour, showcasing the anticipated album with a set of AKG equipment that included the DMS 700, an IVM 4 in-ear system and a variety of D7 and D5 microphones.

With such a wide variety of styles influencing his music, Sanz requires an audio system that is both versatile and dependable, which is why Spanish distributor Neotecnica supplied the tour with the AKG equipment. Each and every concert will be using 24 different DMS 700 channels for voices and instruments and will also use 16 channels of the IVM4 in ear-system. For vocals, the DMT 700 will be equipped with D7 and D5 handheld capsules that prove to be the best solution for adapting to Sanz’ vocal style.

“After speaking with Alejandro’s tour manager and getting the details of the music and the type of venues he would be playing, we knew that AKG would be the best solution,” said Perdo Medina, Neotecnica, Spain. “The DMS 700 is flexible enough to handle a wide array of channels, the IVM 4 is one of the most secure in-ear systems on the market, and the D7 and D5 are advanced enough to handle even the most complex audio transmissions.”

Sanz will begin this extensive 2010 world tour in the most important locations of Latin America, Spain and the U.S., presenting his new album Paraíso Express and also showcasing some of his most important and emblematic songs.

AKG Microphones Rock The Music World In 2009

From California to Japan, artists around the world used AKG to drive live and recorded performances in 2009; delivering uninterrupted sound with a variety of AKG microphones and wireless microphone systems. With rap legends like Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Missy Elliot, country superstars Brooks & Dunn, and acapella rockers Rockapella turning to AKG for all their live performances, AKG was able to demonstrate the sonic integrity it’s known for to the world.

With the WMS 4500 wireless microphone system, Jay-Z performed in a variety of different venues; from small house of blues venues to heavily populated frequency areas for television events seen by millions. Using a handheld C 5900, he was able to keep a full mix without sacrificing any of the clarity necessary for his speedy rap style.

Missy Elliot selected the D 5 handheld microphone for many of the same reasons when she performed live on David Letterman’s Late Show. The laminated Varimotion diaphragm that comes standard on all D 5 microphones gave her the most sensitive transmission available and allowed her to concentrate on her raps without worrying about unanticipated feedback. 

“This has been a great year for AKG,” said Alfred Reinprecht, AKG’s Vice President of Marketing and Product Management. “We have worked closely with artists and audio engineers to ensure that our products meet and exceed expectations for everyone who uses them. From artists performing in front of millions of people to local theaters putting on recitals and plays, AKG has been able to deliver every time.”

Another artist to adopt AKG for his international “Glow In The Dark” tour was Kanye West. Starting at the beginning of the year, West used the WMS 4500 wireless system and IVM 4 in-ear monitoring system in 40 cities and six continents around the world. Darcy Khan, audio engineer for West’s tour, selected the WMS 4500 for the clean RF transmission and ease-of-use; saving the presets for each city in separate folders on his computer to open upon arrival.

“This feature was a tremendous time saver on the road as it allows me to easily access the file and have all of the saved settings at my fingertips,” Khan said.

The global endorsement of AKG came in response to a series of groundbreaking introductions that included the DMS 700 Digital Wireless system, the C 414 XLS, and the C 414 XL II. Also introduced in the second half of 2009 was AKG’s Perception 120 USB: a microphone that can be easily used to record audio from the desktop and plugged into the computer.

 “AKG re-established itself as the leader in live and studio microphone engineering this year,” Reinprecht continued. “We were used by some of the biggest artists in the business, we introduced some of the best products on the market, and we even joined the METAlliance Pro Partners. With the year coming to an end, we have started to look forward to 2010 as we prepare to carry the momentum from 2009 into the New Year”

The Perception 820 Tube Microphone Establishes Itself As The Flagship Of AKG’s Legendary Perception Series

As the flagship for AKG’s Perception Series of microphones, the P820 Tube mic has been making good sound around the world since it was first introduced at Musikmesse in Germany last spring. Designed in Austria, the P820 Tube is AKG’s most affordable and versatile tube microphone to date, offering users nine pick-up patterns and a 20 dB attenuation pad that leave it perfectly suited for any professional recording studio.

The Perception 820 Tube microphone is specifically designed to allow the most precise recordings of lead vocals, lead instruments, and all guitar or bass amplifiers. It features two back-to-back one-inch large diaphragms and a switchable bass cut filter that reduces unwanted rumble or footfall noise, and it has a ground lift switch that prevents unwanted humming noise. The brush-finished, anodized aluminum front plate and all-metal-housing provide maximum shielding, and with a new remote control unit, users have the ability to change the pickup patterns from omnidirectional to cardiod to figure 8 without having to interrupt ongoing use of the mic.

“The P820 Tube is the most complete, valuable tube microphone in its price category,” said Thomas Stubics, Product Marketing Manager for Recording and Broadcast at AKG. “It delivers unmatched performance value with a wide dynamic range and comprehensive features. In contrast to many other affordable tube microphones, the Perception 820 Tube delivers real tube sound quality thanks to the dual one-inch large diaphragm capsule and the sophisticated ECC 83 dual-triode circuitry.”

In addition to its sleek design and great sound, the Perception 820 Tube comes complete with a robust metal carrying case, a spider-type shock mount and a microphone cable. The ECC 83 dual-triode tube circuitry and the output transformer emphasize even-order harmonics for rich, smooth and three-dimensional sound, establishing the P820 Tube as the true flagship of the Perception Series.

Designed and engineered in Vienna, Austria, the entire Perception line offers AKG’s signature sound quality captured in a rugged precision-tooled zinc/aluminum alloy body with a dent-resistant, stainless steel grille screen.

AKG Microphones Rock The Music World In 2009

From California to Japan, artists around the world used AKG to drive live and recorded performances in 2009; delivering uninterrupted sound with a variety of AKG microphones and wireless microphone systems. With rap legends like Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Missy Elliot, country superstars Brooks & Dunn, and acapella rockers Rockapella turning to AKG for all their live performances, AKG was able to demonstrate the sonic integrity it’s known for to the world.

With the WMS 4500 wireless microphone system, Jay-Z performed in a variety of different venues; from small house of blues venues to heavily populated frequency areas for television events seen by millions. Using a handheld C 5900, he was able to keep a full mix without sacrificing any of the clarity necessary for his speedy rap style.

Missy Elliot selected the D 5 handheld microphone for many of the same reasons when she performed live on David Letterman’s Late Show. The laminated Varimotion diaphragm that comes standard on all D 5 microphones gave her the most sensitive transmission available and allowed her to concentrate on her raps without worrying about unanticipated feedback.

“This has been a great year for AKG,” said Alfred Reinprecht, AKG’s Vice President of Marketing and Product Management. “We have worked closely with artists and audio engineers to ensure that our products meet and exceed expectations for everyone who uses them. From artists performing in front of millions of people to local theaters putting on recitals and plays, AKG has been able to deliver every time.”

Another artist to adopt AKG for his international “Glow In The Dark” tour was Kanye West. Starting at the beginning of the year, West used the WMS 4500 wireless system and IVM 4 in-ear monitoring system in 40 cities and six continents around the world. Darcy Khan, audio engineer for West’s tour, selected the WMS 4500 for the clean RF transmission and ease-of-use; saving the presets for each city in separate folders on his computer to open upon arrival.

“This feature was a tremendous time saver on the road as it allows me to easily access the file and have all of the saved settings at my fingertips,” Khan said.

The global endorsement of AKG came in response to a series of groundbreaking introductions that included the DMS 700 Digital Wireless system, the C 414 XLS, and the C 414 XL II. Also introduced in the second half of 2009 was AKG’s Perception 120 USB: a microphone that can be easily used to record audio from the desktop and plugged into the computer.

“AKG re-established itself as the leader in live and studio microphone engineering this year,” Reinprecht continued. “We were used by some of the biggest artists in the business, we introduced some of the best products on the market, and we even joined the METAlliance Pro Partners. With the year coming to an end, we have started to look forward to 2010 as we prepare to carry the momentum from 2009 into the New Year”

Musical Prodigy Pravin Godkhindi Reaches The Apex Of India’s Music Elite With AKG’s WMS 450 Wireless System and IVM 4 In Ear Monitoring System

Pravin Godkhindi has been performing in front of live audiences since he was six years old, honing his skills with the bamboo flute as he steadily rose to the top of India’s musical elite. Now, with his own band and a steady line up of live appearances on some of India’s most popular television shows, he uses the AKG WMS 450 wireless microphone system and IVM 4 in ear monitoring system to reliably deliver his award-winning brand of music.

Godkhindi was first introduced to the bamboo flute when his father, Venkatesh Godkhindi, began teaching how to play the Bansuri. Since that point, he has been working to create his own unique style of music, blending India’s Hindustani, Caratic, and various types of western music with his fusion band, Krishna. He has been using various AKG microphones and headphones for years - including the WMS 450, the C 520L headset, and the IVM 4 in ear monitoring system- in every live and televised performance. Godkhindi has performed with AKG on various Indian shows airing on ETV kannada channel, including his most recent concert with the legendary singer of South India Dr. S P Balasubrahmanyam.  

“AKG has allowed me to excel as a performer throughout my entire career,” said Godkhindi. “Their dedication to quality is reflected in every product they make, which is why I have used AKG in every single one of my live and televised performances.”

As one of the first Indian bamboo flute players to consistently turn to AKG for his performing needs, Godkhindi has emerged as AKG’s brand ambassador to India. His loyalty to AKG’s brand of products underscores the reliability and dependability that AKG is famous for, and his dedication to their microphones is one of the reasons he has been able to deliver flawless performances time and again for so many years.

“We are proud to call Pravin Godkhindi a partner of AKG,” said Walter Ruhrig, AKG’s head of Artist & Key Customer Relations. “As one of India’s top performers, his endorsement of our products signifies AKG’s ability to deliver on any stage, no matter how complex the requirement.”
 

AKG Powers Sonic Beats At India’s Rock Festival PULSE

As 50,000 students from across Southeast Asia flooded into the AIIMS campus for the PULSE festival in September, Asian rock bands Sonu Nigam, Euphoria, and Motherjane were preparing to rock the crowd with AKG’s DMS 700 series digital microphone. Over the next seven days the three bands performed with other Asian superstars using an array of Harman products that included Soundcraft mixers, Crown amplifiers and AKG microphones, provided by Audio Design.

The festival, which was co-sponsored by Harman International’s, professional division’s India distributor Hi-Tech Audio Systems Pvt. Ltd., went from September 16th – September 22nd and featured a variety of events that included a fashion show, various dance and singing competitions, a fine arts competition, and multiple concerts. Harman Professional played a central role at each event; whether they were mixing the sound with the Soundcraft MH4 or delivering uninterrupted vocal tones with the AKG’s DMS 700 series digital microphone. AKG was used every day and drew praise from many of the bands who used them, including Sonu Nigam & Palash Sen.

“We selected AKG for its warmth, versatility and reliability,” said Mr. Navneet Wadhwa, Director, Audio Design. “As one of the largest professional rental companies in India, we are very familiar with the sonic integrity and pristine audio quality that AKG is known for, and we knew that it would exceed expectations for both the crowds and the performers. We selected the DMS 700 Digital Wireless Microphone Series with the D5 head. The D5 head has a fantastic gain structure, which in turn gives us a lot of headroom at the mix console and its output is indeed the most natural sounding”.

Students from countries all across Southeast Asia came to the show, hailing from countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and more. There were events held day and night throughout the week, with various food and games continuing everywhere in addition to the shows. Gifts and prizes were handed out to the participants and winners of various events.

“We are very excited to see our products used in such a grand and exciting event,” said Sushil S. John, Regional Sales Director for Harman Professional in Central Asia. “Audio Design’s decision to use Harman Professional for such a versatile application underscores all of our products ability to handle even the most complex events with ease.”

AKG Showcases Revolutionary DMS 700 Digital Wireless System At NAB 2009

AKG is showcasing the DMS 700 digital wireless microphone system at NAB, offering users a state of the art feature set including digital audio encryption, ultra wide tuning range and high channel count in a simple to use 19” chassis. Ideal for live sound reinforcement, conference facilities, courtrooms and houses of worship, the DMS 700 is a revolutionary wireless solution designed for the future as it operates with two frequency bands with each band providing a tuning range of up to 155 MHz of receivers and transmitters giving the user extended flexibility in today’s crowded RF environment.

The clean digital audio transmission eliminates the distortion and significant noise levels at the higher audio frequencies that is typically produced by analog systems. The DMS 700 offers 155 MHz of bandwidth, which provides a robust and versatile operation. The encrypted digital audio transmission enables users to broadcast sensitive audio information and each channel can be secured with its own encryption key to keep the information absolutely confidential.

Featuring the ability to operate up to 100 channels simultaneously, the digital audio transmission system provides a better resistance to interference from other transmissions and an infrared link between receiver and transmitter offers a quick system setup for easy and user-friendly operation.

DSR 700 Digital Stationary Receiver

The 1U 19” rack mountable DSR 700 digital receiver features encryption and 155 MHz tuning range ensuring future operation. The internal digital signal processor provides an array of audio features such as a low cut, 3-Band Equalizer, dbx® compressor and dbx limiter. The built in spectrum analyzer displays the frequency range to enhance the operation and control of the radio spectrum. The DSR 700 features Harman HiQnet™ allowing it to be networked with Crown® amps and JBL® speakers and other Harman Products which also allows for easy software updates of all system components.

DHT 700 Digital Handheld Transmitter

The DHT700 Transmitter has a rugged metal housing, a built-in helical antenna and 50mW RF output power that provides for optimal and reliable transmission. The DHT 700 features AKG’s Top Selling D5 dynamic microphone capsule for lead and backing vocals. The patented Laminate Varimotion™ diaphragm accompanies the supercardiod polar pattern to provide users with higher gain before feedback than typical hand held vocal mics. AKG’s C5 condenser microphone capsule with a cardioid polar pattern is also available.

DPT 700 Digital Bodypack Transmitter

The DPT 700 Bodypack transmitter accepts both microphone and line-level input signals with no need to adjust the input sensitivity. This unique feature guarantees a failure-proof operation and the professional TB3M audio input supports a broad range of headsets, lavalieres and instrument microphones. AKG’s legendary battery life of eight hours of operation from two regular AA size batteries remains consistent in the DPT700 as with other AKG wireless systems.

CU 700 Charging Unit

AKG’s CU 700 is a fast charger that rapidly charges the rechargeable batteries inside the transmitter without damaging the cells' elements. The microprocessor-controlled charger determines the optimum charge current and has a cooling fan to help keep the temperature of the cells in a controlled environment. Charging is terminated when both batteries are fully charged. The CU 700 charger uses the DC Pulse Technology in which a pulse is fed to the battery with a strictly controlled rise time, pulse width, pulse repetition rate and amplitude. With pulse charging, high instantaneous voltages can be applied without overheating the battery.