Apex Electronics

The Apex 415 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that was manufacture in China if I am not mistaken. It has a switch on the it that can access the pickup patterns ( cardioid, omnidirectional and figure of 8) also a high pass switch to roll off the low frequencies. The microphone seemed to be pretty well built and made of a heavy material. We used this microphone for a few applications back in 2006 or so, but the microphone came out years before that. It is a nice looking microphone and will spice up your set up when people see this microphone because of its shiny appeal. Never seen it used in a live situation though, only in studio recordings which is where it excels at . OVERALL OPINION For the price, you get a good quality microphone and you couldn’t expect much more out of it. All of the recordings with the Apex 415 seemed to be full of life and warm. I have heard a lot of rumors regarding the life span of these microphones not being very long. Ours was fine, but others have told me that these microphones and start to go out on your after the first year you purchase it which is more of a reason to buy a warranty on it. But I didn’t feel the need for a warrant on a microphone that was this inexpensive. Plus I never had a issue with it while I was using it. I was happy with this microphone while I was using it, if I could make the choice all over again I would choose the same mic. I have tried a few other Apex microphones before and during the same time as this one. But the 415 could be my favorite one in this price range by far. This microphone was a must try back in 2006, and I still suggest trying it out now.

The Apex 185 is a very slim condensor mic that has 2 switches that are actually on the mic itself. One of the switches is a - 10 decibel switch for recording some instruments that pack a sharp punch like some brass instruments and for like a snare drum. Because of these instruments immediate punch can cause mics to record well over 0 decibels which is a big no no. So with the -10 switch it will make a big difference for when you are recording these instruments. I have used several Apex 185 mics at the same time and have nothing negative to say about them. They have worked great for recording some of the groups and bands that come through my studio. OVERALL OPINION This mic is worth the money that it cost. It doesn’t even really cost that much so you can actually afford to get more than one which is well worth the investment to record. it’s a high quality instrument mic that is perfect for those brass and woodwinds and drum sounds. I don’t use it for anything else but instruments like those. Mainly instruments that can have a lot of accent points meaning start with a loud sound and then go down to low tones. Mainly for the instruments that are really dynamic as far as the loudness of them. This mic has worked so well for myself and my team we will continue to use it for many years to come. I think they have actually upgraded the mic now to a different more advanced version that can handle a little more and is more multi purpose , but since we have these there really is no reason for use to upgrade. The Apex 185 is one of the best instrument mics to have in your set up and we will keep using it.

(Originally written by didzedid/translated from Audiofanzine FR) Tube condenser mic for studio applications. Exact copy of a Telefunken mic (except for the tube; see http://www.studioreviews.com/m16-460.htm). I use it for vocals and acoustic instruments (guitar, percussions) and the sound is wonderful. I recorded with a Projectmix without preamp into Digital Performer. I recommend it to everyone, especially to people on a small budget because it's unbeatable in its price range. OVERALL OPINION - I've been using it fore one and a half years - I like the polar pattern switch - No cons. - I also tested a Rode NT1 and an AudioTeknica. - Incredible value for money - I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again.

I have owned two pair of the Apex HP30’s for over five years. They are in constant use. There have been times when I left the headphone monitor way up (where I could even hear the headphones from the control room- in the mic booth late at night) and have never damaged these things. The only downside is they're a bit 'bright' compared to the monitors. However, it gives one an accurate appraisal of the mix- if you compare to the monitors. These headphones are great for live sound. Of course, in FOH or Monitor World, you're not usually mixing with cans, so it's not expected that these will do for studio mixing - that's why there are such things as studio monitors. my ear pads are starting to peel - big deal, I'll just buy some new pads. I primarily use them for line checks or level-setting at mix position. I have driven them as hot as I could get and they never clipped! I can't comment on the exaggerations others talk about (high-end versus low-end). Leave the studio monitoring to the gear that's meant for that task and let these cans handle the rest. These were my FOH headphones and I always relied on them because they were always accurate. As well, I'm not what one would call delicate with things, so the fact that these headphones could take a beating is a great plus in my book. The fake leather starts to wear off, but they are still very comfortable and they give you a guide on how to replace the materials when that time comes. The bass response is excellent, however not at all overwhelming, and the high end is crystal clear. While listening to my favorite recordings I have noticed slight nuances I never knew existed in the song... totally amazing. I highly recommend these headphone, and I definitely plan on purchasing more of them in the future.

I've been playing since 1986. Started with bass guitar, then acoustic and now electric, as well as vocals. I rented an AKG 3000B condenser mic from Long & McQuade for a short recording project, and I loved the acoustic guitar sound. Before my rental month was up, I picked up the Apex 430 for $130 Cdn. (The AKG was about $700 at the time, out of budget). I compared them side by side for a couple of nights. The Apex had a bit more bass, and a bit shallower sound up top. Far and away superior to a dynamic mic for vocal or acoustic, however. For the money, it is a really good mic for about $100 US right now. Comes with a good quality shock mount and a small bag to keep the mic in. Great for learning condenser mic singing technique...I have to sing off-axis just a bit to avoid blowing into the diaphram. Try setting it about 3 feet away directly out from the 12th fret on your acoustic...but don't tap your feet too loud...this condenser mic records it all. No attenuation pad for louder sources. When you mic a guitar amp, go easy on the volume. Also add a pop filter for signing, and watch your breathing because this mic will pick it up! And remember, you'll need a +48V phantom power supply to run it. Solid for 3 years now. I lend it out on occasion, and everyone enjoys using it. It was the best mic I had for 2 years of home recording. If music is about experimentation, then you can learn alot from playing around with this affordable mic. Plus you can spend the money you save on more stuff, increasing your experience. If this is your first condenser mic, you will not be dissappointed with the results. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I was ready to pickup a good mic for vocals and acoustic guitar. I went in today at lunch yesterday and the sales guy specifically showed me the Apex 435. I got the unit ar Long & McQuade for $70 CDN. It has a low pass taper off, so it cuts out a good deal of background rumble and vibrations. It also, being a cardioid condenser mic picks up literally everything in the room, beautiful. There is nothing to complain about, with the exception of the cardiod aspect (it is not interchangeable like the 420). Tough, and made of metal. The cradle is rather well constructed as well, a little flimsy, but good quality nonetheless. It is a well designed 48V condenser mic. Overall, for the price, not regretting it one bit. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I bought this microphone off of Ebay for $90. I've seen some of them sell for quite a bit more. This microphone is great. It is well constructed, very sturdy, and comes with a nice shock mount. It is competitively priced, but there is no aspect of cheapness about it. It does a very good job of recording guitars, bass, vocals, and cello. It has a very nice low end, and would be comparable to other high-end mics with 1" diaphragms. You have to get your own case, since it only comes with a zippered pouch. The mic appears to be of superior construction and is very sturdy. I would compare it to an AKG mic. In no way does it feel cheap. This is a much better mic than any Shure mic that I have used. It is a really good deal if you can find it under $130. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

This ribbon mic is made exclusively for studio use due to its incredible clarity and depth as well as its extreme fragility. Arguably the most unique feature of this mic is its reliance on phantom power, which normally destroys ribbon mics but is necessary to power this one. It pays off with a really nice, rich tone that is very useful. OVERALL OPINION Apex has done a great job here. This mic is one of my favorites. If you like the sound of a particular room and want it to be part of your recording, these need to be a part of your arsenal. I've been using mine for over six months at the studio I work at, and we can't get enough of them over here! I think it's pretty amazing how well they pick everything up. The tone is generally rich and colorful, if not the most accurate representation of the sound. However, that's not really what they are used for (at least not for me personally). I've used them as room mics on drums, pianos, and amps (guitar and bass), and they work wonders to the overall sound. I've also set one up on a piano with two 210‘s, and I really enjoyed the sound that the combination achieved. One thing that sets them apart from other ribbon mics is that you don't have to be careful about signals being too loud. With most ribbon mics its easy to destroy the ribbon if the signal is too loud. You probably still wouldn't want to put it too close to a snare or an amp just to be safe (and because it isn't really made for that kind of recording anyway.) Also, know that if the mic is dropped or mishandled the ribbon has a very good chance of breaking so extreme caution must be taken. I haven't really had the opportunity to try many other ribbon mics, but the few that I did try didn't come close to this one. They are really expensive but if you're ready to use them they are totally worth it. I would recommend them to any studio owner, or anyone who wants to capture the sound of the room that they are recording in.

(Originally written by tontonseb/translated from Audiofanzine FR) Apex 940 "economic dynamic cardioid" You don't need to be an expert to understand it's an affordable cardioid mic for live vocals and speech. The look reminds me of old Sennheiser models. On/off switch. Too much plastic. Provided with a mic clip and an XLR-jack cable. OVERALL OPINION I bought it and tested it yesterday because I wanted to replace a low-quality Behringer. It was very cheap (same price range as the Behringer). The shop assistant told me it sounded much better. After trying it out I can say that the sound is clearer than the Behringer (mids and highs are not so damped) but the dynamic response is not so good (it requires higher gain settings). Good feedback rejection like the Behringer. The product seems to be sturdy. Time will tell... Compared with a Shure PG58 it has a much lower sound quality and dynamic response Compared with a Shure Beta58: there is simply no comparison! Conclusion: I'm not sure if it's better than the Behringer. Good mic for punk rehearsals and gigs where the gear gets some serious abuse. I give it 7/10 because of its very good value for money.