MKV Microphone System
The SoundField MKV is a fascinating "single point source" studio microphone
system. The SoundField System is designed to capture all three dimensions of
an acoustical event, based on a virtual "single point" of acoustic origin. To
accomplish this requires a special capsule array and electronic processing working
together. Sharing design principles with the entire 3 model SoundField family,
the MKV has special features necessary for modifying microphone location in
the post environment. The MKV is also the ultimate way within the SoundField
product line to achieve a simultaneous B-Format and stereo XLR output, as the
most complete expression of the SoundField concept.
MKV Overview
The MKV consists of two basic parts that work only together, a
microphone and a SoundField Processor/Preamp. The microphonete consisting of a tetrahedral capsule array,
combined with the SoundField Processor/Preamp, delivers a three dimensional
representation of acoustical events with all 3 dimensions originating from the
same central point. This is the core difference between SoundField and other
stereo or multi-mike set-ups, in that all other microphone set-ups (other than
a single mono mike) capture audio from different points in space. The 3 dimensional
representation delivered by a SoundField is defined by X (front to back), Y (left to right),
Z (up and down) and W (absolute pressure, like an omni). Collectively these four
components are called "B-Format" and are delivered across four audio channels.
While B-Format may be new to you, it is extremely important to the SoundField process,
because B-Format requires that W/X/Y/Z all must begin from a central point in
space to be phase accurate. Once in B-Format, the central point is defined, and
all output variations (mono, stereo, Mid/Side) are derived using the same central
point. Past problems such as stereo to mono summing revealing high frequency
differences due to phase cancellation are gone.
Multi-channel
When used in conjunction with the Surround Zone software or SP451 Surround Processor, the
MKV System becomes a powerful self-contained Surround Sound recording package.
How does it sound?
While SoundField specializes in imaging, it is no less effective
in the studio or the field for faithfully recording the sound exactly as it is
without additional bass or high frequency. The MKV is a true "flat" performance
microphone system free of sharp peaks or dips, bumps in response that change the
tone of the real event. It is designed to be flat in distant miking situations,
and sounds "warm" in close miking. It will compare favourably to the very best
microphones in the world.
