Peter Bartók Interview

Originally published in audioXpress June 2006, this interview by Paul Stamler is a unique document detailing the work of Peter Bartók (Budapest, July 31, 1924 – Florida, December 7, 2020) as a pioneering recording engineer and one of the best of the early LP-era engineers, involved in remarkable recordings with his New York City label Bartók Records, and working with Moses Asch’s Folkways Records. He also worked with Caedmon Records, a pioneer in recorded poetry, as well as disk-cutting for early-era Elektra Records and other small NYC area labels.

Nomono is a Norwegian startup working in the field of audio recording and collaboration tools, with a mission to make audio wireless and immersive. For now, Nomono elected to help podcasters and journalists use their tools to tell audio stories using its integrated hardware and software solutions that are designed to simplify field recording, file management, collaboration and production, while paving the way for a spatial audio future.

Sony Electronics has announced an expansion to its UWP-D Digital Wireless Microphone systems with the new URX-P41D two-channel portable receiver, supporting a MI (Multi Interface) shoe connector with Digital Audio Interface in a more compact design. The URX-P41D boasts all the key features included in the 4th Generation UWP-D Series, such as improved high sound quality, NFC Sync for quick and easy set-up from Receiver to Transmitter, and functions such as Auto Gain mode and Output level control, making the job of recording sound even easier.

Chinese company DJI is globally recognized as a leading manufacturer of consumer and professional drones as well as content production solutions, from action cameras to stabilization systems, always leveraging robotics and fully automated solutions. Now, the company introduced DJI Mic, a dual channel wireless microphone system that is also its first dedicated audio recording product. It looks extremely professional, it's portable and compact, and offers robust transmission at large distances with backup built-in recording.

Røde Microphones released AI-Micro, a new ultra-compact dual-channel interface for recording high-quality audio to a mobile device or computer. A great design for journalists, reporters, content creators, and anyone who needs to combine two microphones in a single recording device. In typical Røde fashion of launching products that not only solve practical problems, but do it in a way that make technology seem simple, the AI-Micro is another valuable product in the Australian brand's hardware and software portfolio.

The increasing focus on home use is inspiring audio manufacturers to transition to more advanced USB-C designs. PreSonus is now shipping the new Revelator io24 USB-C audio interface, which integrates high-headroom mic preamps, a two-channel loopback mixer, and extensive processing to deliver polished, professional-sounding results for streaming, podcasting, and music production.

Following the introduction of the MKE 200, an affordable directional on-camera microphone, Sennheiser now announced the MKE 400, a compact shotgun mic. Those directional microphones are complemented with the new XS Lav omnidirectional clip-on lavalier microphone and a 2.4GHz wireless transmission system. And to be able to offer a complete set of solutions for today's bloggers and creatives that capture video and audio with smartphones and DSLR cameras, Sennheiser teamed up with Italian brand Manfrotto to create a series of new Mobile Kits.

Hooke Audio, the company that previously developed the Hooke Verse binaural recording headset, is now launching a new KickStarter campaign to promote its latest development, the Hooke Lav. While there are many affordable lavalier microphones that connect to wireless transmitters and even Bluetooth, the Hooke Lav gets a few things right. First its design is "lapel" friendly and will look nice on-camera. Secondly, the updated Bluetooth technology means it might actually work better.

DPA Microphones introduced the latest addition to its microphone lineup, the 4097 CORE Micro Shotgun Microphone. Featuring the same sonic qualities as the brand’s supercardioid Choir Microphone, the 4097 CORE Micro Shotgun has been optimized to pick up speech from a distance. Incorporated into the company’s new 4097 CORE Interview Kit, the mic has been designed for use with a lightweight boom and windjammer. This kit is particularly useful for journalists in today’s socially distanced world as it allows users to conduct interviews from up to two meters (6.5 feet) away. It is a plug and play solution that allows users to get started quickly and employ their existing workflows.

JLab Audio is now getting into the USB-microphone space. With three stunning USB-C designs, the new JLab Talk line of microphones is ideal for everything from streaming and web-based calls, to podcasting and eventually professional-level recording. The company was clearly thinking ahead and created the Talk Series with plug & play compatibility, 24-bit output, 3.5mm headphone jack for zero latency monitoring, quick-mute button, 5/8" mount foldable stands, and on-mic controls.