iCon Pro Audio 'Cocoon' and 'Martian': Large-Diaphragm Space Series of Professional Studio Condenser Microphones
High-quality, professional-grade musical equipments provider iCON Pro Audio released 'Cocoon' and 'Martian' — making for an eye- and ear-opening fusion of vintage-sounding clarity with bold, intergalactic design as the two large-diaphragm condenser microphone launches with which it is inaugurating its Space series.
Cocoon could conceivably conjure up images of the namesake 1985 American science-fiction comedy-drama film directed by Ron Howard about a group of elderly people rejuvenated by aliens — at least to those of a certain age, yet there is no denying the aptness of the name iCON Pro Audio applied to the cocoon-shaped intergalactic design of the first of two large-diaphragm professional studio microphone models making up its newly-launched Space series. Clearly, Cocoon is as eye opening in looks as it is ear opening in delivery, thanks to incorporating a true electrostatic Golden Drop™ transducer within its space-age capsule architecture. A sputtering technique where a precisely engineered pattern of golden dots is distributed, this innovative technology allows Cocoon’s 33 mm (active) diameter diaphragm to move with laser-sharp precision for increased intelligibility while simultaneously reducing any coloration or distortion, which proves particularly effective given that the transducer is the part of the microphone that actually detects and converts the sound waves. With the thin, ultralight membrane being fabricated with pure 999 gold — considered the best purity of gold readily available since this refers to purity in parts per 1,000, meaning 999 parts are gold, Cocoon’s resultant extended upper clarity with smooth midrange suits any voice or instrument application.
Although on paper perhaps sounding out of this world, the ultra-rugged-constructed Cocoon’s Class-A discrete electronics housed within its metal die-cast body are built by hand in Latvia using only the highest-quality components for peak performance, superlative durability, and extremely low self noise. Outside of the microphone itself, iCON Pro Audio’s advanced shock-mount technology neutralizes unwanted vibrations to preserve the integrity of the signal, aided still further by the inclusion of a durable metal pop-filter, thereby ensuring an optimum recording experience borne out by Cocoon’s professional performance specifications, including: 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range; unidirectional, cardioid polar pattern; 21 mV/Pa sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1000 Ω load; 50 Ω output impedance; 1000 Ω rated load impedance; 138 dB maximum SPL for 0,5% THD at 1000 Ω load; 85 dB-A S/N Ratio DIN/IEC 651 (A-weighted); 8dB-A equivalent noise level DIN/IEC (A-weighted); and 130 dB microphone preamplifier dynamic range.
Meanwhile, Martian sounds as warm and friendly as he looks — iCON Pro Audio refers to the second entrant in its Space series of large-diaphragm condenser microphones as a ‘he’. Though the family resemblance to his cocoon-shaped sibling might not necessarily be physically obvious at first glance, enclosed inside the rotating head is a space-age shock-mounted capsule with an electrostatic Golden Drop™ transducer made of pure 999 gold, allowing the 26mm (active) diameter diaphragm to move more quickly for rich detail and transparency. But below the shock-mounted capsule residing in his head, Martian rides in an advanced full-body shock-mount, complete with face shield pop filter, which neutralizes unnecessary vibrations and minimises plosives, thereby ensuring the best recording experience possible. Perfect placement of his pop filter is perfectly possible, thanks to being able to rotate Martian’s head to just the right angle. And, no, he is not an extraterrestrial, but rather his Class-A discrete electronics housed within his durable metal die-cast body are also built by hand in Latvia using only the highest-quality components for peak performance, superlative durability, and extremely low self noise.
As a perfect microphone for voice and instrument applications, features well worth highlighting include Martian’s warm and classic sonic character; unidirectional, cardioid pickup pattern for outstanding sound source separation and feedback; professional hand-built large-diaphragm capsule for full, open-sound and unsurpassed audio quality; and pressure-gradient transducer with shock-mounted capsule, to name but a notable few. And a few performance specifications should be more than enough to seal the deal, as follows: 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range; 33 mV/Pa sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1000 Ω load; 50 Ω output impedance; 1000 Ω rated load impedance; 134 dB maximum SPL for 0,5% THD at 1000 Ω load; 83.2 dB-A S/N Ratio DIN/IEC 651 (A-weighted); 10.5 dB-A equivalent noise level DIN/IEC (A-weighted); and 123.5 dB microphone preamplifier dynamic range.
Price
Cocoon: $499 USD
Martian: $699 USD
(You can purchase via iCON Pro Audio’s growing global network of dealers/distributors)
iCON Pro Audio’s products power creative projects in studios all over the world. With operations in the United States, Europe, China, and Hong Kong, its goal is to provide high-quality, professional-grade musical equipment at affordable prices. Presently manufacturing over 150 products that are sold in over 60 countries, professionals worldwide trust those products’ proven build quality and innovative design day in, day out. Originally founded as iCON Digital Limited in 1997 by a group of music technology veterans from the US, Hong Kong, and Germany, their mission was to create a company that would manufacture quality gear at an economical cost for all musicians. Mission accomplished, today iCON Pro Audio owns and operates development, manufacturing, and administrative facilities in Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China, while the US location in Nashville, Tennessee, manages international marketing, customer support, and development teams. The future looks bright, thanks to a unique international development team and an industry-leading product portfolio ranging from MIDI control surfaces and keyboard controllers, audio interfaces, studio monitors, and microphones through to a myriad of accessories, all catering to performance and studio setups of all shapes and sizes. Stimulated by musicians, engineers, and enthusiasts, product ideas are brought to reality through a unique R&D effort involving in-house engineers in the US, Europe, and Asia. Aligned with an unwavering commitment to customer service and support, the company collectively strives to provide an unmatched customer service experience for musicians and media professionals everywhere.
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