Capturing clear sound in the noisiest environments is difficult. For that reason, sound engineers commonly possess a multitude of microphones catered toward specific requirements. Dotterel Technologies sought to challenge this with a vision to provide an adjustable directivity microphone, able to efficiently capture audio sources from any direction with the flick of a switch.
With this motivation Dotterel designed a directional microphone array using multiple MEMS microphones positioned on four faces, with a multichannel output that can be externally controlled and processed, offering an original solution to the challenge. The Konos array generates three pickup patterns for adjustable directivity, that can be combined with a rear channel and real-time noise filtering. Dotterel calls "Variable Cone Technology" to this ability to adjust directivity and switch between extremely narrow or wide pickup angles .
The array combines a total of 80 MEMS microphones directed to three XLR-M balanced outputs. By adjusting the directivity from a narrow 60 degrees to a wide 180 degrees, users can respond to all types of field capture requirements, including in events and outside locations normally considered too noisy, windy, or simply difficult.
Dotterel approached Blender, a product design and development firm also from Auckland to assist in delivering their vision for the Konos. From the proof of concept and electromechanical assembly, Blender's task was to deliver the industrial design, mechanical engineering, prototyping, and manufacturing support. The project explored how the configuration of the microphone could seamlessly work for the varying contexts, ensuring the design was suitable for scalable batch production methods and in-house assembly.
Concepts quickly became refined towards an extrusion-based control box and microphone which not only gave the components a simple and sleek aesthetic but provided a feasible manufacturing method. Prior to investing in tooling, an initial prototype round was completed using off-the-shelf alternatives to validate the design. Once testing was complete, Blender and Dotterel worked closely to ensure assembly was as simple as possible and mitigated foreseeable issues down the line.
Blender was also able to design the packaging for Konos, using a 100% cardboard packaging solution to eliminate foam usage typically used for electronics and provide sustainable protection for the product. By minimizing printed areas, the packaging preserves more material value during recycling, offering an environmentally conscious solution.
The Konos MEMS Microphone Array
The new class of microphone was introduced originally at the NAB Show 2023 in Las Vegas, where it was awarded Product of the Year in the audio category. The versatile Konos microphone is connected to a control box which seamlessly connects to third-party recording devices. By having this separate box, the microphone itself is lighter, reducing weight on booms or mounts. The control box also serves as the central processing unit, featuring upward-facing controls and connectors for effortless configuration in studios or fieldwork.
The system's noise filtering technology eliminates off-axis noise in real-time, with low impact on fidelity. Konos Select noise filtering technology and adjustable directivity is combined with the multiple outputs to enable more creative and technical possibilities by capturing both target and ambient audio simultaneously as distinct channels.
According to Dotterel, in comparison with other high-end directional shotgun microphones, Konos maintains negligible side and rear lobes through a very wide range of frequencies, over long distances, inside and outside, and with impressive noise-handling tolerance.
The control and processing unit also features a built-in 10,000mAh battery that ensures up to 3.5 hours of use, with USB-C charging and 12V power. All Konos microphones ship with a shock mount, foam windsock, external power supply, and Cat5 cable - which is how the microphone array is connected to the processor box. In addition, Dotterel offers lyres for the windshield and a foam cut rugged travel case as optional accessories.
www.blender.nz
www.konos-sound.com
