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 33mm (active) diameter diaphragm to move with laser-sharp precision for increased intelligibility while simultaneously reducing any colouration 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 unidirectional, cardioid polar pattern results in 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: 21mV/Pa sensitivity at 1kHz into 1000Ω load; 50Ω output impedance; 1000Ω rated load impedance; 138dB maximum SPL for 0,5%THD at 1000Ω load; 85dB-A S/N Ratio DIN/IEC 651 (A-weighted); 8dB-A equivalent noise level DIN/IEC (A-weighted); and 130dB microphone preamplifier dynamic range.
Meanwhile, Martian sounds as warm and friendly as it looks — yes, 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 neutralises 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: 33 mV/Pa sensitivity at 1kHz into 1000Ω load; 50Ω output impedance; 1000Ω rated load impedance; 134dB maximum SPL for 0,5% THD at 1000Ω load; 83.2dB-A S/N Ratio DIN/IEC 651 (A-weighted); 10.5dB-A equivalent noise level DIN/IEC (A-weighted); and 123.5dB microphone preamplifier dynamic range.
Any serious recordists looking to make a bold statement in their studio spaces should surely consider making some space for the phantom-powered — +48V (+/-4V) — Cocoon and Martian microphones. These will begin shipping through iCON Pro Audio’s global network of dealers/distributors in Q2 2021 with a Minimum Advertised Price of $499.00 and $699.00 USD, respectively.
iCON Pro Audio is a professional-grade musical equipment manufacturer, currently with a catalog of over 150 affordably priced products that are sold in over 60 countries. Originally founded as iCON Digital Limited in 1997 by a group of music technology veterans from the US, Hong Kong, and Germany, iCON Pro Audio today 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 current product portfolio includes MIDI control surfaces and keyboard controllers, audio interfaces, studio monitors, and microphones, together with a myriad of accessories, catering to performance and studio setups of all shapes and sizes.
www.iconproaudio.com
