AKG Acoustics introduced the C542BL Boundary-Layer microphone, said to be one of the world’s easiest-to-use recording microphones! Why? To start with, the new C 542BL is very small and inconspicuous (only 0.2 inches high and 3.1 inches wide). Plus, it is designed to be placed on any acoustically-reflective surface, such as on the floors, walls or ceilings of a studio, or on the lid of a grand piano. For this purpose, it has three screw holes for permanent-mounting and can also be temporarily affixed to a surface using a small dab of non-marring adhesive compound that is supplied with the microphone. Since the C 542BL is basically a heavy-duty metal plate, it is extremely rugged and can easily handle abuse, such as being stepped on. No microphone stand is required, so studio clutter is reduced. Once it’s mounted, it shouldn’t ever need tweaking again.
The C 542BL’s pickup pattern is hemispherical, which aids its easy placement. The microphone has a switchable12-dB-per-octave bass roll-off filter at 150 Hz to help minimize surface-borne noise. The mic’s output cable is 10-ft (3 m) long, terminating in a 3-pin XLR-type connector. It must be powered by phantom voltage or can be used with the AKG B 18 battery supply.
AKG is recommending the C 542BL for recording pianos, drum kits or other large instruments that benefit from the “room sound.” It is also likely to be great for recording musical ensembles, or live theater events.
