Apex Electronics 185

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.

The Apex 185 is a uniquely designed condenser microphone that has an omni polar pick up pattern. This is not only a unique microphone in terms of look and shape, but unique in that it will pick up signals up to 30 KHz and as low as 9 Hz. Most microphones will pick up sound between 20 Hz and 20 KHz because that is the range of human hearing, but the Apex 185 is kind of a high definition microphones because of the wide range of frequencies that it picks up. The slender look of the Apex 185 is extremely unique and it makes it possible to really 'zoom in' on the sweet spots of certain instruments.


OVERALL OPINION

I've been using the Apex 185 condenser mic and I have found it to be a great all purpose mic. This microphone is great for applications of all kinds, but I mostly use it to recording acoustic guitar, acoustic piano, and other acoustic stringed instruments like violin, mandolin, banjo, and cello. I find that since the frequency response on this microphone is so wide, it really picks up all the subtle sounds from these instruments. Everything comes in crisp and clean, and they also are great for picking up drum overheads. The price of these microphones isn't cheap, but if you are a professional looking for an all around great condenser microphone like this, it is probably worth the price. Earthworks has a unique line of microphones, and the Apex 185 is one of their most popular models. I find myself using these microphones a good deal when I want to pick up the most subtle sounds in acoustic instruments. While the price may make it a bit hard for the home studio owner to get, for professionals the Apex 185 is truly a great all purpose condenser mic. Great sound, great looking mic!

Condenser microphone for instruments, sold a couple in a nice box with 2 cell interchangeable cardioid and two Omni, 2 clamps and 2 wind suspension.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 7 years, I have not tried other models as they were in the cheapest of their time, the price had decided.

Which is very pleasant in the microwave (which is also a major fault) is the small bump in the lower medium that allows for a microphone for this award, to have a real warmth to the sound of 'acoustic instruments (guitar, violin, brass ...), but the bump is very embarrassing for the sound of cymbals.
To overcome this defect, I use my couple XY above by putting the battery in addition to a Rode NT3, which allows for the precision of the stereo, and accuracy of a micro Rode, the couple give her a really nice and very realistic.

To summarize, the quality of its microphone is directly related to their prices, but pleasant surprises can seduce you if they are not using it in an overhead or on Hit-Hat.