Description
The Saramonic SR-BV1 is a professional-grade dynamic microphone specifically designed for podcasting, broadcasting, streaming, and studio recording applications. It aims to deliver a warm, clear, and focused vocal sound, often compared to the popular “broadcast” dynamic microphones found in radio stations and professional studios.
Key Features and Specifications:
- Microphone Type: Dynamic (moving coil). Like all dynamic microphones, the SR-BV1 is known for its robustness, ability to handle high sound pressure levels (SPLs) without distortion, and excellent rejection of ambient noise. Crucially, it does not require phantom power (+48V), simplifying setup as it can be plugged directly into any audio interface or mixer with an XLR input.
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid. This unidirectional pickup pattern is designed to capture sound primarily from the front of the microphone, while significantly reducing sound pickup from the sides and rear. This is highly beneficial for:
- Voice Isolation: It helps to focus on the speaker’s voice, minimizing background noise and room reflections, making it well-suited for use in untreated home studios or noisy environments.
- Reduced Feedback: On a live stage or with monitor speakers, a cardioid pattern helps reduce the likelihood of feedback.
- Capsule: Features a large 30mm dynamic capsule. This size contributes to its ability to deliver a full, rich sound with excellent low-frequency response and detailed midrange.
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz. This wide frequency range is designed to capture the full spectrum of the human voice and various instruments, providing “silky smooth high frequencies, detailed midrange response, and warm, round, bass reproduction.”
- Integrated Swivel Shockmount: A key feature, the SR-BV1 has an integrated shockmount built into its design. This helps to isolate the microphone from vibrations and handling noise that can be transmitted through a desk or mic stand, leading to cleaner recordings.
- Internal Pop Filter and Included Foam Windscreen: The microphone features a multi-layered internal pop filter to minimize plosive sounds (harsh “p” and “b” sounds) and breath noises. It also comes with a removable foam windscreen for additional pop protection, especially useful for close-up vocal work.
- Rugged, All-Metal Construction: The SR-BV1 boasts a solid, all-brass and metal construction, ensuring durability and reliability for demanding broadcast and recording applications. It’s built to withstand regular use.
- Connectivity: Standard 3-pin XLR male output with a gold-plated connector for signal integrity. It connects to any standard audio interface, mixer, or preamp with an XLR input.
- Mounting: Comes with an adjustable mounting bracket and features a standard 5/8″ thread, making it compatible with most industry-standard microphone stands and boom arms.
- Sensitivity: -57dB ± 3dB (0dB=1V/Pa at 1kHz). Dynamic microphones typically have lower output than condensers, so a good quality audio interface with sufficient gain is recommended.
- Output Impedance: 120 Ohms.
Performance & Output:
- Broadcast-Quality Sound: The SR-BV1 aims for a warm, full-bodied, and articulate vocal sound that is characteristic of professional broadcast microphones. It’s tailored to make voices sound rich and present.
- Excellent for Speech: Its design specifically focuses on capturing speech with clarity and depth, making it ideal for podcasts, voice-overs, and streaming.
- Background Noise Rejection: The cardioid pattern, combined with the dynamic capsule, is effective at minimizing ambient room noise, making it a good choice for recording in less acoustically treated environments.
- Handles High SPLs: While specific max SPL isn’t always prominently listed in the same way as some other mics, dynamic microphones inherently handle high SPLs well, making it suitable for loud vocalists or close-miking instruments.
- Versatile: While primarily marketed for vocals, its wide frequency response and dynamic nature also make it suitable for close-miking various instruments in a studio setting.
- Broadcast-Quality Vocal Sound: Delivers warm, clear, and focused audio for speech.
- Excellent Background Noise Rejection: Ideal for untreated rooms due to its cardioid pattern and dynamic capsule.
- No Phantom Power Required: Simple to connect to any XLR input.
- Integrated Shockmount: Reduces handling noise and vibrations.
- Internal Pop Filter & Included Windscreen: Helps achieve cleaner vocal recordings.
- Rugged, All-Metal Construction: Built for durability and professional use.
- Wide Frequency Response: Capable of capturing a broad range of sounds.
- Good Value: Offers professional features and sound quality at a competitive price point within the broadcast dynamic microphone category.
Weight: At 705g (24.9 oz), it’s a relatively heavy microphone, requiring a sturdy mic stand or boom arm.
Uses Cases:
- Podcasters, Broadcasters, and Streamers: Who prioritize a professional, focused vocal sound and work with an XLR audio interface.
- Voice-Over Artists: Seeking clear and consistent voice recordings.
- Home Studio: Looking for a versatile dynamic microphone for vocals, rap, or close-miking instruments, especially in rooms with less-than-ideal acoustics.
