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Mass-Kobo (マス工房, “Mass Workshop” in Japanese) is best identified amongst audiophiles for its high-end headphone amplifiers and different audio gear. The Mannequin 359 (and its variant 359 II / MKII) is among the comparatively few microphones the corporate has produced. These are handmade in Japan, uncommon, and have a tendency to fly underneath the radar in comparison with extra mainstream giant diaphragm condensers.
The 359 is a cardioid condenser mic with a 1-inch gold evaporated Mylar diaphragm. It seems Mass-Kobo has aimed for a pure, easy, “ethereal” tonal high quality — avoiding harsh peaks or aggressive coloration.
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Technical Specs & What They Suggest
Listed here are the important thing specs (from listings / documentation) and what they imply in observe:
SpecValuePractical ImplicationFrequency Response~ 20 Hz – 16 kHz The mic covers sub-bass to higher mids and a few excessive finish “air,” however it might begin to roll off close to excessive highs above 16 kHz. Good for a lot of studio / vocal / instrument duties.Sensitivity−61 dB ± 3 dB @ 1kHz Not particularly “scorching” – you’ll want a preamp with good acquire. Noise and preamp high quality will matter extra.Max SPL144 dB SPL Can deal with very loud sources with out distortion. Helpful in case you plan to seize loud drums, guitar amps, or brass with out threat.Polar PatternCardioid. Good for rejecting off-axis sound; typical for studio use, vocals, room suppression, and so on.Power48 V phantom Normal for contemporary condenser mics. Guarantee your interface or preamp provides clear phantom energy.
Moreover, based on listings, the frequency response is “fairly flat from 100 Hz to three kHz,” with slight bumps round 4 kHz and 7 kHz, and an increase at 9 kHz.
These bumps are vital: they’ll have an effect on presence, readability, and “air” (the higher-frequency sparkle).
Sound Character & Use Circumstances
From the accessible info, plus listening samples Mass-Kobo shares, right here’s how the 359 tends to carry out (and what conditions swimsuit it finest):
Execs / Strengths:
- Very easy and pure tonality. It doesn’t appear to over-accent any harsh frequencies. Voices and acoustic devices profit.
- Loads of “air” (particularly in higher frequencies) — the bump round 9 kHz helps with that sense of openness with out being overly sibilant.
- Wonderful SPL dealing with means versatility: you need to use it for louder sources with out concern of overload.
- Handmade craftsmanship yields consistency and a level of uniqueness in comparison with mass-produced mics. Additionally provides to its collectible / boutique attraction.
Potential Limitations / Issues to Thoughts:
- Sensitivity is average, so that you’ll desire a clear preamp with good acquire. For quieter sources, noise might turn out to be an element.
- Roll-off (or much less response) past 16 kHz may make the very high “air” (say, cymbal shimmer or excessive overtones) much less pronounced than “super-bright” condenser mics.
- The bumps at 4 kHz and seven kHz, whereas refined, can emphasize sure harmonics (good for presence or readability on vocals/devices) however may be barely too ahead in some contexts if you need an ultra-flat or studio “reference” mic.
- As a result of they’re uncommon, elements, servicing, or precise matching between models could also be more durable to return by. Resale worth or availability is restricted.
Comparisons & Context
It helps to contemplate the place the 359 sits relative to different well-known giant diaphragm condensers:
- It in all probability received’t be as vibrant or “etched” as, say, some mics with boosted high finish (e.g. vibrant neutrons, some switched-mode condensers). It leans extra towards a musical, pure presentation.
- It competes properly in character with mics that favour readability and heat (e.g. some Neumann / AKG / Japanese boutique mics) however could not have the large model recognition, which impacts availability and used market worth.
- Given its handmade pedigree and SPL headroom, it may be most well-liked in boutique / acoustic / classical / jazz recording settings, studio voice-over, or wherever you need nuance and pure element slightly than aggressive presence.
Actual-World Examples & Listening
- Mass-Kobo’s personal website hosts pattern recordings made with the mannequin 359 II (MK II) in piano, vocal, ensemble settings. These present the mic in additional pure, much less handled areas, giving a style of the way it handles reverb, room reflections, and dynamics.
- “Superb Grace” with mannequin 359 II, and periods with upright bass, piano and so on., can be found as sound-samples. These have a tendency to point out good steadiness between the supply and ambient/reflection, with readability within the mids.
Proudly owning One: What To Know & Ideas
In case you are pondering of buying a MASS-Kobo 359 (or 359 MKII / II), listed here are some ideas:
- Preamp issues. Due to average sensitivity, you’ll desire a good low-noise preamp to maximise SNR (signal-to-noise ratio).
- Phantom energy reliability. Guarantee your rack/interface supplies clear phantom energy (48V) — no sag or hiss.
- Mic positioning. The bumps in 4-7 kHz imply that in vocal work, slight angle or off-axis placement might help if the sibilance or “ess” sounds are too ahead.
- Use pop filters / windscreen the place wanted. Particularly on vocals, to protect in opposition to plosive power.
- Care in storage & care. Being uncommon and handmade, bodily situation, diaphragm safety, dry storage and so on. are extra important.
Why It’s Particular
What makes the Mannequin 359 extra than simply “one other condenser mic”:
- The boutique, small-batch, handmade nature provides it character, each sonically and as gear. For individuals who care about craftsmanship and refined tonality, that counts.
- The SPL headroom paired with comparatively flat mid-band response provides flexibility: vocals, devices, and louder sources could be captured with out sacrificing heat or introducing distortion.
- The frequency response form (flat 100-3 kHz, bumps later) positions it as a mic suited to readability and presence with out overbright harshness, that means in lots of studio environments it wants little correction.
Verdict
If you would like a condenser mic that delivers easy, pure, musical element, with sufficient presence to make vocals and acoustic devices shine, whereas additionally being strong sufficient for loud sources, the MASS-Kobo 359 / 359 MKII is a robust candidate. It’s particularly engaging in case you respect Japanese craftsmanship and are OK searching uncommon gear.
It will not be for all: in case you want excessive top-end sparkle, or choose a extremely formed/colored mic, or want extremely harsh-bright top-end, there are extra overtly “shiny” mics. However for a lot of recording eventualities — acoustic guitar, vocals, room, classical devices, small ensembles — the 359 appears to ship one thing very musical and satisfying.
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Verify Out Mass Kobo Right here: https://www.masskobo.com/index-e.htm
The publish Introducing the MASS-Kobo Mannequin 359 appeared first on Produce Like A Professional.
