Variable Pattern Condenser
Variable Pattern Condenser
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Rode Microphones Nt2000 Variable Pattern Condenser Microphone $599 The RDE NT2000 is a condenser micophone that offers you total control and superlative audio characteristics. In fact, the RDE NT2000 is one of the most versatile condenser mics you'll ever encounter. Continuously variable controls on the microphone body let you dial in virtually any polar pattern, totally variable high-pass filtering, and pad values. 20Hz-20kHz frequency response. Includes plastic molded travel case and SM2 shock mount.Requires phantom power.Continuously variable controls on the mic body Dial in virtually any polar patternTotally variable high-pass filteringVariable pad valuesIncludes plastic molded travel case and SM2 shockmount20Hz-20kHz frequency responseIncludes plastic molded travel case and SM2 shockmount |
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Rode Microphones NT2000 Variable Pattern Condenser Microphone $599 The RØDE NT2000 is a condenser micophone that offers you total control and superlative audio characteristics. In fact, the RØDE NT2000 is one of the most versatile condenser mics you'll ever encounter. Continuously variable controls on the microphone body let you dial in virtually any polar pattern, totally variable high-pass filtering, and pad values. 20Hz-20kHz frequency response. Includes plastic molded travel case and SM2 shock mount.Requires phantom power. |
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Used Rode Microphones Nt2000 Variable Pattern Condenser Microphone $509.15 The RDE NT2000 is a condenser micophone that offers you total control and superlative audio characteristics. In fact, the RDE NT2000 is one of the most versatile condenser mics you'll ever encounter. Continuously variable controls on the microphone body let you dial in virtually any polar pattern, totally variable high-pass filtering, and pad values. 20Hz-20kHz frequency response. Includes plastic molded travel case and SM2 shock mount.Requires phantom power.Continuously variable controls on the mic body Dial in virtually any polar patternTotally variable high-pass filteringVariable pad valuesIncludes plastic molded travel case and SM2 shockmount20Hz-20kHz frequency responseIncludes plastic molded travel case and SM2 shockmount |
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Rode Microphones NT2000 Variable Pattern Condenser Microphone 886830096099 $509.15 The RØDE NT2000 is a condenser micophone that offers you total control and superlative audio characteristics. In fact, the RØDE NT2000 is one of the most versatile condenser mics you'll ever encounter. Continuously variable controls on the microphone body let you dial in virtually any polar pattern, totally variable high-pass filtering, and pad values. 20Hz-20kHz frequency response. Includes plastic molded travel case and SM2 shock mount.Requires phantom power. |
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Mojave Audio Ma-300 Large-Diaphragm Multi-Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone $1295 The MA-300 is a multi-pattern large diaphragm, vacuum tube condenser microphone. Based upon the widely accepted MA-200 designed by David Royer, the MA-300 adds a continuously variable pickup pattern selector, 15dB pad and a switchable bass roll-off. The MA-300 gives warm, full-bodied reproductions of vocals and instruments, with none of the shrillness and high frequency distortion artifacts that are often encountered with modern condenser microphones. Utilizing hand-selected, double diaphragm 3-micron capsules, high-quality Jensen audio transformers and military-grade JAN 5840 vacuum tubes, the MA-300 performs at a level reminiscent of some of the best loved classic condenser microphones. The MA-300 power supply can be set for 115V and 230V, 50 or 60 Hz, through an internal switch (100V is also available). Each MA-300 microphone, power supply and cable set is burned in for 24 hours, carefully tested and evaluated, then packaged in its protective case-within-a-case.Remotely controlled, continuously variable polar pattern selectorSwitchable 15dB padSwitchable Bass Roll-offHand-selected 3-micron double diaphragm capsuleJensen audio transformerMilitary grade JAN 5840 vacuum tubeInternal switchable power supply voltageUltra clean signal pathIncludes an aluminum case, AC power supply and cable, 16-foot microphone cable with 5-pin male and female connectors, and shock mountRecommended applications: Use anywhere you would use an expensive, large diaphragm tube microphone.VocalsVoice Over and BroadcastAcoustic InstrumentsPianoDrum Overheads, Drum RoomsOrchestral RecordingChoral Recording |
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MXL Revelation Tube Condenser Microphone $1178.45 The extraordinary MXL Revelation studio microphone delivers the warmth and intimacy of a quality tube microphone with extended clarity and punch for balanced recording. The MXL Revelation mic's dual gold-sputtered, 6-micron diaphragm and hand-selected EF86 pentode tube deliver warm, rich, and transparent sound, and polar pattern selection is virtually limitless thanks to the continuously variable knob. Record vocals, instruments, percussion, or use it as a room micthe MXL Revelation can handle any recording task.Bass Roll-off SwitchThe Revelation power supply features a bass roll-off switch to help reduce proximity effect. Proximity effect is distortion that often occurs when a sound source is too close to the mic. Some microphone patterns boost bass as you get closer to the microphone; cardioid mics, for instance, tend to boost bass. The bass roll-off switch reduces the low frequencies for a more full range sound.Phase SwitchThe Revelation also includes a phase switch that allows you to reverse the polarity of the microphone signal by 180 degrees. This can help minimize phase issues when recording with multiple microphones.Variable Pattern Control KnobThe Revelation features a continuously variable pattern selector located on the Revelation power supply. This knob allows you to alter the polar pickup pattern of the microphone from omni-directional to figure 8, and everything in-between. This can be done with the microphone turned on without causing any damage to the unit; however, it is recommended that you mute your speakers when changing to a new pattern. To change the polar pattern, simply rotate the knob to customize the microphone's pickup pattern for your specific recording application. After rotating the knob to a new polar pattern, it will take a few seconds for the capsule to charge back up. During these few seconds, we recommend muting your speakers because you will hear static. Keep in mind that there is no single right way to finding the perfect sound. Experimentation with different patterns in different recording situations will be the key.Ground Lift Switch A ground loop is unwanted interference that can be created when multiple electronic devices improperly share a common ground. The Revelation includes a Ground Lift switch to help prevent such occurrences. If a ground loop is audible (usually a 50-60Hz humming noise), the ground lift switch on the front of the power supply should be set to the 'lift' position.-10dB Pad The Revelation can be used in very loud sonic environments without significant distortion. If you hear distortion from the microphone, engage the -10dB pad on the rear of the microphone to the -10dB position. You may also move the microphone farther away from the sound source. |
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Mxl Revelation Tube Condenser Microphone $1295 The extraordinary MXL Revelation studio microphone delivers the warmth and intimacy of a quality tube microphone with extended clarity and punch for balanced recording. The MXL Revelation mic's dual gold-sputtered, 6-micron diaphragm and hand-selected EF86 pentode tube deliver warm, rich, and transparent sound, and polar pattern selection is virtually limitless thanks to the continuously variable knob. Record vocals, instruments, percussion, or use it as a room micthe MXL Revelation can handle any recording task.Bass Roll-off SwitchThe Revelation power supply features a bass roll-off switch to help reduce proximity effect. Proximity effect is distortion that often occurs when a sound source is too close to the mic. Some microphone patterns boost bass as you get closer to the microphone; cardioid mics, for instance, tend to boost bass. The bass roll-off switch reduces the low frequencies for a more full range sound.Phase SwitchThe Revelation also includes a phase switch that allows you to reverse the polarity of the microphone signal by 180 degrees. This can help minimize phase issues when recording with multiple microphones.Variable Pattern Control KnobThe Revelation features a continuously variable pattern selector located on the Revelation power supply. This knob allows you to alter the polar pickup pattern of the microphone from omni-directional to figure 8, and everything in-between. This can be done with the microphone turned on without causing any damage to the unit; however, it is recommended that you mute your speakers when changing to a new pattern. To change the polar pattern, simply rotate the knob to customize the microphone's pickup pattern for your specific recording application. After rotating the knob to a new polar pattern, it will take a few seconds for the capsule to charge back up. During these few seconds, we recommend muting your speakers because you will hear static. Keep in mind that there is no single right way to finding the perfect sound. Experimentation with different patterns in different recording situations will be the key.Ground Lift Switch A ground loop is unwanted interference that can be created when multiple electronic devices improperly share a common ground. The Revelation includes a Ground Lift switch to help prevent such occurrences. If a ground loop is audible (usually a 50-60Hz humming noise), the ground lift switch on the front of the power supply should be set to the 'lift' position.-10dB Pad The Revelation can be used in very loud sonic environments without significant distortion. If you hear distortion from the microphone, engage the -10dB pad on the rear of the microphone to the -10dB position. You may also move the microphone farther away from the sound source.Variable polar pattern control: Omni, Cardioid, Figure 8Hand-selected EF86 pentode tubeCustom body design minimizes resonanceIncluded accessories:7-pin Mogami cableXLR Mogami mIc cableAluminum flight caseMXL Micro-fiber cleaning clothRevelatio |
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Rode Microphones Nt2-A Studio Condenser Microphone Bundle $399 The NT2-A carries on the tradition forged by the now legendary RDE NT2. A professional large capsule (1") studio microphone incorporating three-position pick-up patterns, PAD and high pass filter switches conveniently located on the mic body.At the heart of the NT2-A is the Australian designed and manufactured HF1 dual diaphragm capsule. The frequency and transient response of this transducer has been voiced to complement today's modern recording techniques, and yet still evoke the silky smooth character of the legendary microphones of the 50's and 60's. These features provide the flexibility and superlative audio characteristics that make the NT2-A one of the most versatile condenser mics available.This Bundle version also includes the SM6 Shockmount with detachable pop filter - a high-quality suspension shockmount. It provides isolation from external physical factors that may cause unwanted rumble and vibrations in the microphone. It also includes a removable pop shield with two axis of adjustment and a telescopic arm for ultimate application versatility, 6m of XLR cable, and a dust cover.Large 1 gold sputtered capsuleOn-body control of polar pattern, HPF and PADThree position variable polar pattern - Omni, Cardioid or Figure 8Three position variable High-Pass Filter - Flat, 40Hz or 80HzThree position PAD - 0dB, -5dB or -10dBUltra low noise, transformerless surface mount circuitryWide, dynamic rangeInternal capsule shock mountingMade in AustraliaFull 10-year warrantyIncludes SM6 Shockmount with detachable pop filter, 6m of XLR cable, and a dust cover |
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Blue Reactor Multi Pattern Condenser Microphone $499 The Blue multi-pattern Reactor pushes the envelope of modern microphone design and performance while making multiple mic setups more accessible. Reactor fuses an innovative pattern selection method with a swiveling capsule head for perfect positioning, and features Blue's premium condenser capsule, fully discreet Class A solid state components, and proprietary preamp for simple live switching between patterns (Cardioid, Omni or Figure-8). To facilitate use in multiple mic setups (like Mid/Side, X-Y), Reactor's capsule head rotates a range of 90 degrees for perfect positioning in tight spaces and easy pattern adjustability. Reactor's recording pattern selection is both intuitive and stylish, featuring LED backlighting on the pattern indicators and a magnifying element that compliments its forward-looking design.Large-diaphragm premium condenser capsuleThree recording patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional (figure-8)Swivel head allows flexible placement and multi-mic positioning (like mid/side, X-Y)Unique selection method with magnifier for easy toggleFully discreet, Class A solid stste componentsLED backlit pattern selectionSimple pop filter selectionIncludes: custom metal case, shockmount, and pop filter |
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Used Blue Reactor Multi Pattern Condenser Microphone $454.09 The Blue multi-pattern Reactor pushes the envelope of modern microphone design and performance while making multiple mic setups more accessible. Reactor fuses an innovative pattern selection method with a swiveling capsule head for perfect positioning, and features Blue's premium condenser capsule, fully discreet Class A solid state components, and proprietary preamp for simple live switching between patterns (Cardioid, Omni or Figure-8). To facilitate use in multiple mic setups (like Mid/Side, X-Y), Reactor's capsule head rotates a range of 90 degrees for perfect positioning in tight spaces and easy pattern adjustability. Reactor's recording pattern selection is both intuitive and stylish, featuring LED backlighting on the pattern indicators and a magnifying element that compliments its forward-looking design.Large-diaphragm premium condenser capsuleThree recording patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional (figure-8)Swivel head allows flexible placement and multi-mic positioning (like mid/side, X-Y)Unique selection method with magnifier for easy toggleFully discreet, Class A solid stste componentsLED backlit pattern selectionSimple pop filter selectionIncludes: custom metal case, shockmount, and pop filter |
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Cad E300 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone $299.99 The CAD e300 is a Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone that captures transparent, airy uppers and mids, coupled with a rich, silky smooth low end. Combining lightning-fast transient response and pinpoint precision with an enormous upfront presence, the e300 offers uparalleled performance from critical studio tracking scenarios to live reinforcement. The 1.1" 24K gold-sputtered dual-diaphragm condenser capsule is hand dampened for consistent frequency response. A hi-pass filter features 6dB octave @ 80Hz, and a 20dB non-capacitive pad. The stainless/brass triple stage pop/EMI filter delivers unmatched ballistic stability, with high SPL characteristics and plosives control. Sophisticated laser trimmed op-amp circuitry provides increased management of fast transient response. Frequency response of 10Hz-20 kHz. Requires phantom power.Multi-pattern condenser microphone 1.1" 24K gold-sputtered dual-diaphragm capsule Selectable patterns include cardioid, omni, and figure 8 Hi-pass filter features 6dB octave @ 80Hz 20dB non-capacitive pad Transparent, airy uppers and mids Rich, smooth low end |
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Blue Reactor Multi Pattern Condenser Mic $499 The Blue multi-pattern Reactor pushes the envelope of modern microphone design and performance while making multiple mic setups more accessible. Reactor fuses an innovative pattern selection method with a swiveling capsule head for perfect positioning, and features Blue's premium condenser capsule, fully discreet Class A solid state components, and proprietary preamp for simple live switching between patterns (Cardioid, Omni or Figure-8). To facilitate use in multiple mic setups (like Mid/Side, X-Y), Reactor's capsule head rotates a range of 90 degrees for perfect positioning in tight spaces and easy pattern adjustability. Reactor's recording pattern selection is both intuitive and stylish, featuring LED backlighting on the pattern indicators and a magnifying element that compliments its forward-looking design. |
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CAD e300 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone $224.99 The CAD e300 is a Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone that captures transparent, airy uppers and mids, coupled with a rich, silky smooth low end. Combining lightning-fast transient response and pinpoint precision with an enormous upfront presence, the e300 offers uparalleled performance from critical studio tracking scenarios to live reinforcement. The 1.1" 24K gold-sputtered dual-diaphragm condenser capsule is hand dampened for consistent frequency response. A hi-pass filter features 6dB octave @ 80Hz, and a 20dB non-capacitive pad. The stainless/brass triple stage pop/EMI filter delivers unmatched ballistic stability, with high SPL characteristics and plosives control. Sophisticated laser trimmed op-amp circuitry provides increased management of fast transient response. Frequency response of 10Hz-20 kHz. Requires phantom power. |
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Rode Microphones K2 Variable-Pattern Tube Microphone $699 The RDE K2 Variable-Pattern Tube Mic delivers richly detailed tube sound with super-low 10dBA self-noise, huge 162dBA SPL, and a mega-wide dynamic range of 150dB. Totally variable polar pattern control makes it flexible enough for just about any studio task. Coupled with RDE's high-output tube circuitry, the K2 brings out every nuance while handling the loudest sources from cranked-up stacks to screaming vocals. Includes plastic molded travel case, power supply with 30' cable, and SM2 shockmount.It requires phantom power.Richly detailed tube soundSuper-low 10dBA self-noiseHuge 162dBA SPLMega-wide dynamic range of 150dBTotally variable polar pattern control |
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 CAD GXL3000 Variable Pattern Condenser Studio Mic Set with Cable JamStand $119.99 Time Remaining: 21d 5h Buy It Now for only: $119.99 |
 CAD M179 Variable Pattern Condenser Mic Drum 2 Pack $269.99 Time Remaining: 25d 4h 25m Buy It Now for only: $269.99 |
 CAD M179 Variable Pattern Condenser Microphone $149.00 Time Remaining: 28d 11h 52m Buy It Now for only: $149.00 |
 CAD M179 Variable Pattern Condenser Microphone Professional Bundle $229.99 Time Remaining: 24d 17h 39m Buy It Now for only: $229.99 |
 Rode K2 Variable Pattern Studio Tube Condenser Microphone $699.00 Time Remaining: 16d 7h 18m Buy It Now for only: $699.00 |
 CAD E300S Condenser Variable Pattern Microphone CAD AS32 Stedman Proscreen XL $399.99 Time Remaining: 28d 22h 22m Buy It Now for only: $399.99 |
 CAD M179 Variable Pattern Condenser Microphone $199.99 Time Remaining: 18d 15h 54m Buy It Now for only: $199.99 |
 CAD M179 Variable Pattern Condenser Mic Drum 3 Pack $399.99 Time Remaining: 27d 1h 14m Buy It Now for only: $399.99 |
 CAD Trion 8000 Variable Pattern Condenser Mic JamStand Blue Cable Filter MH310 $399.99 Time Remaining: 26d 6h 8m Buy It Now for only: $399.99 |
 CAD Trion 6000 Variable Pattern Condenser Mic Cable Filter PRO T F Stand $219.99 Time Remaining: 26d 6h 8m Buy It Now for only: $219.99 |
 CAD Trion 6000 Variable Pattern Condenser Mic Shockmount Case MH310 Cable Filter $224.99 Time Remaining: 6d 11h 19m Buy It Now for only: $224.99 |
 CAD M179 Variable Pattern Condenser Microphone Bundle $199.99 Time Remaining: 23d 6h 9m Buy It Now for only: $199.99 |
 CAD M179 Variable Pattern Condenser Mic Drums Vocals $199.99 Time Remaining: 25d 4h 25m Buy It Now for only: $199.99 |
 CAD M179 Variable Pattern Condenser Microphone Deluxe Bundle $209.99 Time Remaining: 23d 6h 49m Buy It Now for only: $209.99 |
 MXL Revelation Variable Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone $1,295.00 Time Remaining: 27d 14h 19m Buy It Now for only: $1,295.00 |
 Rode K2 Variable Pattern Studio Condenser Tube Microphone Mic Extended Warranty $699.00 Time Remaining: 22d 10h 17m Buy It Now for only: $699.00 |
 New MXL Revelation Variable Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone Lets Deal $1,295.00 Time Remaining: 1d 3h 54m Buy It Now for only: $1,295.00 |
 CAD 2700VP 56 Mini Choir Boom Variable Polar Pattern Condenser Microphone NEW $549.99 Time Remaining: 23d 3h 47m Buy It Now for only: $549.99 |
 CAD 1700VP Overhead Condenser Microphone Variable Polar Pattern NEW $599.99 Time Remaining: 3d 13h 38m Buy It Now for only: $599.99 |
 CAD M179 Variable pattern Condenser Microphone Home Recording Studio M 179 Mic $179.99 Time Remaining: 4h 28m Buy It Now for only: $179.99 |
 SONTRONICS HELIOS VARIABLE PATTERN VALVE CONDENSER MIC $819.00 Time Remaining: 18d 12h 52m Buy It Now for only: $819.00 |
 Rode K2 Precision Variable Pattern Dual 1 Condenser Valve Microphone $699.00 Time Remaining: 27d 11h 40m Buy It Now for only: $699.00 |
 Rode Microphones NT2000 Variable Pattern Condenser Microphone 886830096099 $509.15 Time Remaining: 8d 12h 8m Buy It Now for only: $509.15 |
 CAD GN20VPD 20 Gooseneck Microphone Condenser Variable Polar Pattern NEW $349.99 Time Remaining: 18d 1h 50m Buy It Now for only: $349.99 |
 CAD Large Diaphragm Variable Polar Pattern Condenser Microphone $199.99 Time Remaining: 7d 9h 53m Buy It Now for only: $199.99 |
 NEW Rode K2 Variable Polar Pattern Studio Tube Condenser Microphone $699.00 Time Remaining: 22d 7h 40m Buy It Now for only: $699.00 |
 Astatic 10 Variable Polar Pattern Gooseneck Condenser w LED $199.00 Time Remaining: 7d 9h 38m Buy It Now for only: $199.00 |
 Astatic 15 Variable Polar Pattern Gooseneck Condenser $349.00 Time Remaining: 7d 6h 23m Buy It Now for only: $349.00 |
 Astatic 20 Variable Polar Pattern Gooseneck Condenser $349.00 Time Remaining: 7d 9h 38m Buy It Now for only: $349.00 |
 RODE K2 Variable Pattern Dual 1 Condenser Valve Mic EXTREMEPROSOUND MIAMI $699.99 Time Remaining: 8h 20m Buy It Now for only: $699.99 |
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CAD M179 Variable-Pattern Condenser Microphone List Price: $299.00 Sale Price: Too low to display  |
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Travel the space-tone continuum with the touch of a dial. The figure-of-eight is rich and intimate. The omni is spacious and articulate. Experience all the variations in between. We combine the large-diaphragm capsule with algebraic phasing and high-power transformerless drive to create an indispensable acoustical window... |
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CAD M179 Variable-Pattern Condenser Microphone Bundle with 20-Foot XLR Cable, Windscreen, and Polishing Cloth List Price: $319.00 Sale Price: $199.99 |
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Bundle includes CAD M179 Variable-Pattern Condenser Microphone, 20-Foot XLR Cable, Windscreen, and Polishing Cloth.Travel the space-tone continuum with the touch of a dial. The figure-of-eight is rich and intimate... |
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Sontronics HELIOS variable-pattern valve condenser microphone Sale Price: $819.00 |
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Sontronics HELIOS variable-pattern valve condenser microphone. With a complete low-end response and a smooth, beautifully detailed high-end presence, Sontronics HELIOS is designed to give perfectly accurate results but with the classic characteristic warmth of valve circuitry, thanks to its 12AX7/ECC83 vacuum tube... |
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CAD M179 Variable-pattern Condenser Microphone Set Sale Price: $199.99 |
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Travel the space-tone continuum with the touch of a dial. The figure-of-eight is rich and intimate. The omni is spacious and articulate. Experience all the variations in between. We combine the large-diaphragm capsule with algebraic phasing and high-power transformerless drive to create an indispensable acoustical window... |
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CAD M179 Variable-Pattern Condenser Microphone Bundle with Gator GM-4 Padded Mic Bag, Headphones, Velcro Cable Ties, 20-Foot XLR Cable, Windscreen, and Polishing Cloth List Price: $359.00 Sale Price: $229.99 |
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Bundle includes CAD M179 Variable-Pattern Condenser Microphone, Gator GM-4 Padded Mic Bag, Headphones, Velcro Cable Ties, 20-Foot XLR Cable, Windscreen, and Polishing Cloth.Travel the space-tone continuum with the touch of a dial... |
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CAD M179 Variable-Pattern Condenser Microphone Bundle with Headphones, Velcro Cable Ties, 20-Foot XLR Cable, Windscreen, and Polishing Cloth List Price: $339.00 Sale Price: $209.99 |
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Bundle includes CAD M179 Variable-Pattern Condenser Microphone, Headphones, Velcro Cable Ties, 20-Foot XLR Cable, Windscreen, and Polishing Cloth.Travel the space-tone continuum with the touch of a dial... |
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C03U Recording/ Podcasting Pak List Price: $471.99 Sale Price: $169.98 Used From: $120.00 |
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Samson changed the way the world records audio with the C01U and C03U USB Studio Condenser microphones - the first studio quality condenser microphones equipped with a USB interface. The C03U Recording / Podcasting Pak includes everything needed to record digital audio on a PC or Mac with an eye on maximum portability... |
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CAD Audio 2700VP-DSP Variable Polar Pattern 56-Inch Miniature Choir Boom Microphone DSP Compatible - Black List Price: $649.00 Sale Price: $549.99 |
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The CAD Audio 2700VP is a continuously-variable Pattern Condenser 56" Boom Microphone System with Remote Polar Control through Digital Signal Processor |
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CAD Audio 1800 VP Variable Polar Pattern 18-Inch Podium Microphone - Black List Price: $649.00 Sale Price: $579.99 |
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The CAD Audio 1800 VP is a continuously-variable Pattern Condenser 18" Gooseneck Microphone System with Remote polar Control |
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CAD Audio Variable Polar Pattern 56-Inch Miniature Choir Boom Microphone - Black List Price: $700.00 Sale Price: $599.99 |
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The CAD Audio 1700VP is a Continuously-variable Pattern Condenser Overhead Microphone System with Remote polar Control and Miniature Carbon Fiber Boom. Perfect for choir applications and any other application where variable pattern control is called for. |
Choosing a Rifle Scope
With there being literally thousands of rifle scopes on the market today, choosing the one that's right for you can sometimes be a confusing task. The best scope for deer hunting will not necessarily be the best scope for competition target shooting. Once you understand the various terms that manufacturers use, and understand the basics about scopes, you'll be in a better position to choose the scope that's right for you.
The Basics
The first consideration should be the quality of the glass. Unfortunately, while optical quality can be measured, there's no specifications published that will tell you which scope lenses are of better quality than others. You'll need to compare one scope to another by looking through them to judge the sharpness and contrast of the lenses. In general, you should buy the best quality scope that you can afford.
The quality of the lenses isn't entirely due to the glass itself, though. Lens coatings aid in contrast, light transmission and glare reduction, and there are terms that describe the type of coatings on a scope. A "coated" lens has a coating on the exterior surface of the lens. A "fully coated" lens has a coating on all lens surfaces exposed to the air, both front and rear. "Multi-coated" lenses have multiple layers of coatings on at least one surface of the lens. "Fully-multicoated" lenses have multiple coatings on all front and rear lens surfaces. The quality of the lens coatings can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, or even from one model to another by the same manufacturer, so you'll want to compare the image quality of various scopes.
Another initial consideration when selecting a scope is its construction. If you anticipate using your scope in inclement weather, you'll want to make sure that the interior of the scope is filled with a substance such as nitrogen, which keeps air from getting into the scope and causing moisture condensation on the interior surfaces of the lenses. You'll also want to make sure that the scope body is weatherproof or at least weather-resistant.
Yet another factor in your selection process is the magnification of the scope. There are variable magnification scopes and fixed power scopes. A scope that's marked 3x30 will have a fixed magnification of 3 (the 30 is the lens diameter, which we'll get to shortly). A scope that's marked 3-9x30 is a variable power scope, with the magnification adjustable from 3 power to 9 power. The magnification of a scope is usually referred to with an X, as in 3X. A 3X scope will make the target appear 3 times larger than it would be with the naked eye.
How much magnification do you need? That depends upon your intended use for the scope. Those who hunt at relatively short ranges, such as deer hunters, usually will want a lower magnification such as 3X. A higher magnification would make it difficult for them to see the entire deer and would also make the field of view too narrow for them to scan the area looking for deer. Whether you need a fixed power scope or a variable power scope is your personal preference. Years ago variable power scopes were slightly inferior to fixed power scopes; that's no longer the case today. Variable power scopes also offer flexibility for different shooting situations.
Varmint hunters, benchrest shooters and other long-range shooters will often want the highest magnification they can afford. For these users, a 20, 30 or even 40X magnification isn't unusual.
There's also the light-gathering ability of the scope to consider. Generally speaking, the larger the diameter of the front ("objective") lens, the more light it gathers, which means that your target is visible at lower light levels. A 30 millimeter objective lens is fine for shooting during the daytime, but if you're planning on shooting at the break of dawn or the last light of the day, a larger objective lens will be a significant help. 40 or 50 millimeter objective lenses are the most common large objective lens sizes.
The Options
Scope manufacturers are providing a wide variety of options for specific needs. Included in these are turrets, reticle patterns, adjustable objectives, and more. Again, what you need depends upon your specific use for the scope.
The turrets are the adjustment knobs, usually located on the top and right side of the scope, that allow you to adjust the point of impact of your shot up or down and left or right. The most basic turrets are almost flush with the scope tube, and allow you to make adjustments using a screwdriver or a dime. Some of these flush turrets will have click adjustments. The flush-mounted turrets are probably the most commonly used for hunting, since most hunters don't make adjustments to their scopes once the rifle/scope combination is set for a particular distance.
Target turrets protrude from the scope body, sometimes significantly, and allow the user to make quick adjustments for windage or elevation. These are popular with benchrest shooters, varmint hunters, snipers and other long-range shooters for whom a small adjustment will make a big difference in the point of impact downrange. Target turrets usually have click adjustments in either 1/4 or 1/8 Minute of Angle (MOA). Minute of angle is an expression of the number of degrees in an arc. For example, a 1/4 minute of angle adjustment will result in a point of impact change of 1/4" at 100 yards, 1/2" at 200 yards, 1" at 400 yards, and so on.
Your choice of reticles, or "crosshairs," is now so great that it would be impossible in this article to describe all of the options. They range from fine crosshairs to thick crosshairs to illuminated reticles, and more. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. For hunting, the combination of thick crosshairs on the outside edge of the reticle and thin crosshairs in the middle seems to be the most popular. Mil-dot reticles have become increasingly popular. These have dots regularly spaced along the reticle lines, and allow the user to gauge the distance to the target. Other scopes offer even more advanced rangefinding options than mil-dot reticles.
A popular option for precision shooting is the adjustable objective lens. Scopes without adjustable objective lenses are affected by what is called parallax. Parallax is the apparent difference in position of the target relative to the reticle at different distances. With a fixed-objective scope, if you move your eye left or right the barrel is no longer pointing to the same spot on the target as the reticle. You can see this if you mount your rifle solidly and look through the scope; move your eye slightly to the left and right, and you'll see that the reticle isn't in the same position on the target. While the parallax shift may be subtle, at longer distances it can make a significant difference in the point of impact. An adjustable objective scope allows you to correct for parallax for a particular distance by either turning a ring on the front of the scope or by a turret on the side of the scope. Fixed-objective scopes are generally set to be parallax-free at 100 yards; the adjustable objective allows for more fine-tuning.
The Technicals
When you're shopping for a scope, you'll encounter all sorts of technical specifications, some more important than others.
Eye relief is an important technical consideration. This is the distance from your eye to the rear ("ocular") lens at which you can see the full target picture. The eye relief measurement will determine where on your rifle you'll be mounting your scope. If the amount of eye relief is too short or too long, you won't be able to properly position your cheek on the stock.
Field of view is another important factor. Field of view is the amount of area you're able to view at a particular distance, usually measured in feet at 100 yards. For example, with a 3 power scope you would be able to view roughly 30 feet of terrain from left to right at 100 yards. The field of view becomes smaller as the magnification of the scope increases. Hunters typically prefer a wide field of view, while precision shooters usually want to narrow in on the target.
You'll often see "Exit Pupil" as one of the technical specifications on a scope. This is the size of the circle of light on the rear ("ocular") lens that is visible to you from arms length, and is usually expressed in millimeters. The size of the exit pupil is a factor of the magnification of the scope and the size of the objective lens. On high magnification scopes the exit pupil size can become so small that your eye must be directly in line with the scope in order to see the entire circle of view.
Technical specifications will often include the adjustment range of the scope, usually measured at 100 yards. Adjustment ranges vary from as little as 25 inches to as much as 150 inches or more. If you use your scope at moderate distances, and your scope has been properly mounted so that it's on target at the middle of the adjustment range, a smaller adjustment range isn't generally a concern. However, for long-distance shooters a wide adjustment range is a necessity, as bullet drops begin to be measured in feet rather than inches.
An often-overlooked technical specification is the mounting length. If the mounting length of the scope is too long or too short, you may not be able to put the mounting rings in the proper spots on your rifle, or you may wind up having to get a special scope mount.
With advances in technology, there's almost no such thing as a bad scope today. Even the least expensive models give better performance than scopes made decades ago. But, when you consider that you may be using the scope you buy for years to come, it's a good idea to get the best model you can afford that suits your particular needs.
About the Author
Richard A. Baker is the owner of
GunShopFinder.com
. Further information about sports optics can be found at
Bushnell Scopes
and
Bushnell Rangefinders.
Copyright 2008, Richard A. Baker. Reproduction of this article without inclusion of the above links is expressly prohibited.