SoundField MKV Studio Microphone System

What comes with a MKV System?

1) 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.

2) 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.

3) 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.

4) 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. While the control set may be a little intimidating at first, the operation is not so difficult. The key is understanding B-Format and how to manipulate it. If B-Format represents W, X, Y and Z of acoustical information [see B-Format page for more information] then the controls on the MKV enable you to control all these parameters for obtaining precisely the output and mix you seek. 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. The control set is described below.