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Premium electret condenser for vocals and acoustic instruments.
Smooth accurate frequency response.
Switches for -10 dB pad and bass roll-off.
Pre-Polarized Condenser.
40 Hz - 16.5 kHz.
Supercardioid.
≥140 dB (w/-10 pad).
9-52 V.
Back plate pre-polarized condenser with supercardioid polar pattern.
Operates on 9-52 Volts phantom power, 150 ohms output impedance at 1 kHz.
Sensitivity of 5 mV/Pa at 1 kHz, max SPL ≥140 dB (with pad) at 0.5% THD.
Plug into 'mic level' input. Requires phantom power; mute channel or lower volume when connecting/disconnecting.
The Audix VX5 is a professional condenser vocal microphone engineered for a diverse range of live, studio, and broadcast applications. It is designed to deliver studio-quality sound on stage, characterized by a smooth and accurate frequency response, excellent resistance to feedback, and the ability to handle very high sound pressure levels without distortion.
The VX5 is a versatile microphone capable of capturing both vocals and acoustic instruments with high fidelity. Its core function is to convert sound waves into electrical signals with exceptional clarity and detail. The microphone features a tight and uniformly controlled supercardioid polar pattern, which is crucial for isolating the desired sound source, such as a vocalist, from other instruments on stage. This pattern minimizes the "bleeding" of unwanted sounds into the microphone, ensuring a cleaner mix.
With a wide frequency range of 40 Hz to 16.5 kHz, the VX5 produces a very clean and natural sound, making it suitable for a variety of audio sources. Its exceptional transient response allows it to accurately capture the subtle nuances and quick attacks of both voices and instruments. The microphone requires 9-52 volts phantom power to operate, a common feature in professional audio setups.
Beyond its primary vocal application, the VX5 is ideally suited for capturing a wide array of acoustic instruments. This includes guitars, woodwinds, brass instruments, percussion toys, drum overheads, hi-hats, and pianos. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool for home studio recording, offering professional-grade results in a compact and user-friendly format.
The VX5 incorporates several key features to enhance its performance. It includes a 14 mm gold vapor diaphragm, which contributes to its sensitive and accurate sound capture. An acoustically ported steel mesh grill, combined with a multi-stage pop filter, effectively reduces plosive sounds and breath noise, ensuring clear vocal reproduction. For managing varying sound levels, the microphone is equipped with a -10 dB pad, which allows it to handle sound pressure levels in excess of 140 dB without distortion when engaged. Additionally, a bass roll-off filter helps to reduce unwanted low-frequency rumble and proximity effect, further refining the sound. These features enable the VX5 to provide over 20 dB of ambient noise rejection on live stages, making it highly effective in busy performance environments.
The VX5 is designed for ease of use in professional audio environments. As a low impedance microphone, it should be connected to a "mic level" input on a console, mixer, or recording device. It is essential to remember that the VX5 requires phantom power to operate. Most professional mic preamps and mixing devices provide this voltage, but if not, an external phantom power supply like the Audix APS2 would be necessary. Without phantom power, the microphone will not function.
When connecting or disconnecting the microphone from a PA system, it is crucial to mute the channel or turn down the system's volume. Failure to do so can result in a loud "popping" noise, which could potentially damage the speakers in the PA system. This simple precaution helps protect valuable audio equipment.
For vocal applications, the VX5 is an excellent choice for both lead and background vocals. Its supercardioid pick-up pattern helps to minimize sound from other instruments on stage from "bleeding" into the microphone, ensuring a focused vocal sound. The microphone is highly sensitive and can accommodate working distances of 1-12 inches from the performer's mouth. Depending on the instrumentation and volume on stage, vocalists may need to experiment to find the optimal working range for their specific performance.
When using stage monitors, proper microphone placement is important to avoid feedback. It is recommended to avoid pointing the back of the microphone directly into the stage monitor. Instead, position the microphone at an angle parallel to the floor, ensuring the mic's angle is on a different plane than the monitor's angle. This technique helps to prevent feedback and maintain clear audio. Additionally, maintaining a distance of 2-3 feet between microphones can help avoid phase cancellation issues, which can degrade sound quality.
The VX5 is also highly versatile for capturing acoustic instruments. Its clean and natural sound makes it suitable for recording guitars, woodwinds, brass, percussion, drum overheads, hi-hats, and pianos. This makes it a valuable tool for home studio recording, offering professional-grade results in a user-friendly format.
The Audix VX5 is manufactured to exacting specifications with roadworthy construction, ensuring its durability and reliability in demanding live and studio environments. The microphone features a precision die-cast zinc alloy body with a durable black E-coat finish, providing robust protection against wear and tear. A gold-plated XLR connector ensures reliable signal transfer and resistance to corrosion.
Despite its robust construction, the microphone's capsule is highly sensitive and should be handled with care. To maintain optimal performance and longevity, it is important to avoid extreme temperatures. When not in use, the microphone should be stored in the provided carrying pouch (P1). This protects it from dust, physical damage, and environmental factors.
Moisture of any kind can adversely affect the sound and performance of the microphone. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the VX5 dry and store it in a moisture-free environment. Regular cleaning of the exterior with a soft, dry cloth can help maintain its appearance and prevent the accumulation of dirt.
The VX5 comes with a heavy-duty nylon molded clip with a brass insert (MC1), which securely holds the microphone in place on a stand. Optional accessories are available to further enhance its maintenance and performance. The WS357 is an optional high-quality external foam windscreen designed to reduce wind, sibilance, and pop noise, which can be particularly useful in outdoor settings or for close-up vocal work. The SMT25 is an optional low-profile shock mount system with a nylon cable and thumbscrew for positioning, which helps to isolate the microphone from vibrations and handling noise, ensuring cleaner recordings.
The VX5 is designed, assembled, and tested in the USA, and comes with a 3-year warranty, reflecting Audix's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. In the event of a product failure due to materials or workmanship, Audix will repair or replace the product at no charge, provided proof of purchase. However, the warranty excludes damage from normal wear, abuse, environmental damage, shipping damage, or failure to use or maintain the product according to the supplied instructions. For any service needs, users should contact the Audix Service department to obtain a Return Authorization before returning any product.
General| Type | Dynamic |
|---|---|
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz - 16 kHz |
| Max SPL | 140 dB |
| Connector | XLR |
| Power Requirements | Passive |
| Weight | 0.16 kg |
