SoundField MKV-SYSTEM

The SoundField MKV is a "single point source" studio microphone system designed to capture all three dimensions of an acoustical event, based on a virtual single point of acoustic origin. The MKV consists of two basic parts, a microphone and a processor/preamp. It is a powerful self-contained surround sound recording package occupying just 3U of rack space. The SP451 surround processor houses up to three 'slot-in' MAP (Mic Array Pattern) cards which convert the B-Format information into 5.1 microphone arrays. A cardioid L/C/R, SL/SR card is provided as standard. Two further card slots can accommodate MAP cards to provide alternative current or future mic arrays. Front panel buttons enable the user to select and audition each array.

The tetrahedral capsule array, combined with the SoundField Processor/Preamp, delivers a three dimensional representation of acoustical events with all 3 dimensions originating from the same central point. This is the core difference between SoundField and other stereo or multi-mike set-ups, in that all other microphone set-ups (other than a single mono mike) capture audio from different points in space. The 3 dimensional representation delivered by a SoundField is defined by X (front to back), Y (left to right), Z (up and down) and W (absolute pressure, like an omni). Collectively these four components are called "B-Format" and are delivered across four audio channels. While B-Format may be new to you, it is extremely important to the SoundField process, because B-Format requires that W/X/Y/Z all must begin from a central point in space to be phase accurate. Once in B-Format, the central point is defined, and all output variations (mono, stereo, Mid/Side) are derived using the same central point. Past problems such as stereo to mono summing revealing high frequency differences due to phase cancellation are gone.

Includes:

• The MKV Microphone head is larger than normal (to hold the 4 capsule array), with a narrow handle and special 12 pin output connector (to use with the supplied SoundField cable). The capsules are all hand made and fitted in the UK at the SoundField factory. The microphone body has no switches or controls on it, as all operational parameters are located on the SoundField MKV Processor.
• A studio grade Shock Mount, holds the microphone body to a conventional mic stand or studio boom. This effectively isolates the microphone from externally induced vibration.
• A 20 Metre SoundField Cable is included (about 55 feet long) to connect the microphone to its 1U processor. It is a flexible 6 pair cable, which is a similar diameter to standard mic cable and manufactured for SoundField by the Belden Cable Co.
• A MKV Processor/Preamp accomplishes all the mathematic and matrix operations to deliver simultaneous balanced B-Format and balanced Stereo across 6 XLR's on the back panel.

The MKV Processor/Preamp performs double duty, in that it is a B-Format re-mixer, and previous B-Format recordings can be replayed through the Processor. This purpose of this is that the raw data (B-Format) is collected in the initial 4 track recording, but the exact mix of information can be determined later (in post) to yield a stereo output. In ordinary English, this B-Format remix function enables the engineer to change the microphone position after the recording is made or in essence, "steer" the microphone. This is so important in recording live "one shot" events that may be critical in nature, yet in post you realize some changes need to be made relative to mic position or ambient vs. direct information.