Japanese microphone manufacturer Sanken has unveiled the CU-55 studio cardioid mic – a modern, compact design claiming ‘a rich vintage sound’ in a lightweight package.
The CU-55 houses a 16mm side-firing capsule with a resonant chamber similar to that of the top-of-the-line Sanken CU-44x, which has been tuned to a cardioid pattern and is omnidirectional below 50kHz. This new generation microphone is flat at 90° and on axis, with very little proximity effect.
The CU-55 is intended for acoustic instruments – guitars, cello, harp and piano – and can also handle the explosive levels of brass and percussion.
‘Sanken’s CU-55 is right up there in quality with their entire family of top studio mics,’ says Nashville producer/engineer Chuck Ainlay. ‘It’s very warm and natural, and very musical. I’ve found lots of applications, from the high SPLs of a high-hat to the nuances of acoustic guitar. It also serves as a compact side-address mic, and is and easy to maneuver into tight spaces. Not everyone is aware of the Sanken legacy of outstanding studio mics, and this affordable addition is a great place to start.’
The CU-55 will join the Sanken line at US$1,195.
More: www.sanken-mic.com/en
