Countryman Lav Mic is Really, Really Small
Countryman Associates announced the B2D Directional Lavaliere Microphone, which, with a diameter of No. 2 pencil lead, the company calls the world’s smallest directional lavaliere microphone.
Countryman B2D
Countryman Associates announced the B2D Directional Lavaliere Microphone, which, with a diameter of No. 2 pencil lead, the company calls the world’s smallest directional lavaliere microphone. Company officials said it’s well suited theatrical or musical sound reinforcement applications, as well as broadcast, presentation, worship, and public speaking applications.
“With first-rate audio performance, robust build quality designed to last, and painstaking attention to every last detail, I’m confident the new B2D will find its place in a broad range of applications,” said company president Chris Countryman, in a statement. “This microphone can be hidden very easily while delivering full-range sound quality. I believe many audio professionals will find it to be a compelling choice.”
At less than half the size of competing products, according to Countryman, the B2D offers a tight, hypercardioid polar pattern for secure isolation from ambient noise and feedback. Compared to an omnidirectional lavaliere microphone, the B2D achieves, on average, 6dB to 10dB more gain before feedback. The company said this also translates to fewer issues with phase interference when multiple microphones are used simultaneously and fewer challenges with room noise.
The Countryman B2D has a frequency response of 50Hz to 18kHz, with a 4dB presence boost at 6 kHz for increased intelligibility without being harsh or brittle. It is available in three versions to accommodate a range of applications. The corresponding overload levels (at 1% THD) are: 120 dB SPL, 130 dB SPL, and 140 dB SPL.
Countryman officials said the B2D’s off-axis response is extremely natural, meaning the sound quality should remain consistent when the user turns his head to the side while speaking. It is resistant to moisture, such as perspiration, and is available in five colors to match varying skin tones or clothing. Moreover, the B2D is compatible with many different wireless systems and its detachable wireless connector facilitates easy changes from one wireless system to another.
The B2D’s shock-mount clip significantly reduces cable- and clothing-induced vibration noise at the microphone, according to the company. A double-mic clip is also available, enabling redundant miking in broadcast and other applications where it is essential to have two independent microphones and transmitters on the presenter.
The new Countryman B2D Directional Lavaliere Microphone carries a MSRP of $650 and is slated to be available in early June.
