The new Earthworks ETHOS is a supercardioid 14 millimeter condenser microphone with an extended frequency response that covers from 20Hz to 30kHz. It is able to handle extreme SPL levels up to 145dB, enabling even the most extreme of sports commentators to scream their hearts out. But its capsule was also designed to handle "the sound of relaxed confidence," as Earthworks describes the ETHOS. "It is sophisticated but uncomplicated, impactful without being hyped. And like all Earthworks microphones, ETHOS is built for speed and designed to capture every transient. That's the reason Earthworks microphones have been used during the Superbowl, at Mecca and Medina, and with the Pope," the company states.
"The perception of what feels real and natural is incredibly sensitive to resolution in the time domain. Our sense of content and meaning is embedded in the initial sonic wave front. The speed and accuracy of the impulse response defines a great deal of what we term timbre, texture, and air. This is why ETHOS works on every voice, every time," Earthworks adds to characterize its new microphone. "Matching a microphone to suit a particular voice is a process that's no longer necessary. ETHOS simply sounds like the source."
The new microphone is obviously not targeted only at traditional radio or TV applications but will appeal in general to all voice and spoken word applications looking for a microphone that naturally enhances voice qualities. That includes a growing number of professionally produced podcasts and streaming media formats, where broadcast standards will remain a reference. "Broadcast has moved beyond just radio," says Gareth Krausser, CEO of Earthworks Audio. "ETHOS is the sound of now."
"This is the new standard for broadcast. Once you hear ETHOS, you will never go back to whatever you've used before," says Jason Batuyong, monitor mixer for America’s Got Talent and head of audio for the iHeartRadio Theater Los Angeles.
Once again for this project, and like the other microphones in the ICON streaming family line, Earthworks partnered with Triad-Orbit to design a microphone adapter, able to hold and balance the stainless-steel microphone body. ETHOS ships with an included Triad-Orbit M2-R ball joint mic adapter allowing users to make precise placement adjustments. For maximum flexibility, the integrated M2-R swivel ball joint can be disconnected and re-mounted on any studio mic stand or boom arm.
An innovative windscreen stack with user-replaceable foam also allows the ETHOS to raise the bar for plosive and wind noise protection without impacting fidelity or transparency. If an additional shock mount is desired, ETHOS can be used with the USM universal shock mount from Rycote; however, ETHOS is naturally resistant to handling noise and thumps thanks to internal dampening and the robust stainless-steel construction.
Because Earthworks fabricates as many components as possible for all of their microphones in house, and since they are a US-based manufacturer turning raw stainless steel into microphones, the company was not impacted significantly by the global supply chain challenges facing most manufacturers.
Earthworks confirms that ETHOS will be ready for purchase and delivery now, available in stainless steel and a matte black low-profile finish. The new foam windscreen will also be available separately as an accessory for ICON and ICON PRO.
www.earthworksaudio.com
