Blurring the lines between the high headroom / broad response of a large-diaphragm condenser mic and the more focused and idiosyncratic response of a dynamic mic is Kel Audio's new HM-2d. The design is a step forward in inexpensive condensers that brings with it heightened quality for lower cost. From Kel Audio:

The HM-2d features a specially tuned capsule and circuit to produce a frequency response that varies only about 2 dB over most of its range, producing a tight, full, sonic profile free of the peaks and thin sound associated with many budget condenser mics and popular dynamic sound reinforcement mics.

"The HM-2d sounds a lot more like some of the classic large diaphragm dynamic mics popular in broadcasting, but with far higher output," says Kelly Dueck of Kel Audio. "You can record quiet sources with them and still get that meaty sound. At the same time you don't have the transformer loading effects common with various moving coil and ribbon mics that can drastically alter the sound from one pre to the next."

The HM-2d is recommended for rock and roots vocals, guitar amps, piano, outside kick drums, harmonica, horns and more.

The HM-2d will ship early September and will be available direct from www.kelaudio.com for $149 USD including shipping. A pre-order price of $129 will be offered until September 30th.