Aztec Cream
The Roswell Aztec is a boutique multipattern tube microphone built without compromise.
The Aztec results from several years' worth of R&D and component testing, during which every piece of the microphone and power supply was reviewed, revised, and improved. The result is a stunning microphone: intimate and rich, never harsh or brittle.
It's not a clone... it's better
The Aztec does not pretend to be a copy of anyone else's microphone. Roswell borrows liberally from proven designs, and relentlessly upgrades everything they possibly can.
The Aztec uses a single triode circuit topology, with a selected 6072 tube. Noise filtering components within the mic are upgraded, using higher quality and higher value parts to reduce noise. Input and output capacitors, which pass the mic's audio signal, are ultra-premium parts selected by ear.
The original European power supplies were typically unregulated, which means tube voltage will drift as the mains AC voltage changes. Rather than subject your recordings to unexpected sonic changes just because the HVAC or refrigerator cycles on or off, Roswell provides a fully regulated power supply that delivers precisely the correct filament and plate voltages, regardless of mains AC changes.
Versatility, by design
The Aztec provides nine discrete polar patterns, each of which can be precisely recalled via the rotary potentiometer on the power supply.
A switch on the microphone engages a 10dB attenuation control, which allows the mic to be used for louder sources without internal clipping.
A second switch on the mic engages a high-pass filter, which rolls off the mic's low frequencies (-3dB @ 140 Hz); use this to control proximity effect with close mic placements.
The Aztec microphone system is built by hand in Roswells California workshop.
Included
- Roswell Aztec microphone
- Roswell Aztec power supply
- Gotham GAC7/Neutrik cable
- AudioQuest IEC power cord (available for IEC type B, E, and G plugs for US/CA/JP, UK, and much of the EU)
- Shockmount
- Flight case
Cosmetic Options
The Aztec microphone has a satin black body, or in a color called "Vintage Cream." The VC mic bodies tend to have minor imperfections, such as a dot or a bump in the finish. The grille is chrome.
The power supply for black microphones is silver. For cream-colored microphones, the power supply matches the microphone color.
Features & Benefits
- The RK-251 capsule, single-triode circuit, and custom European-made transformer capture a timeless sound: full low end, honest midrange, and airy, intimate highs.
- Independent pad and filter switches, and polar pattern control provide comprehensive versatility.
- The 9-position pattern control, located on the power supply, provides repeatable, discrete selection of polar pattern.
- Both the Aztec microphone and its power supply incorporate premium, rare, and "unobtanium" components. These parts elevate the mic's sound, drawing comparisons to well-preserved, revered vintage microphones.
- The included Gotham GAC7/Neutrik XLR cable ensures maximum signal fidelity and minimum voltage loss. The included AudioQuest IEC power cord ensures a robust connection to mains AC supplies.
- The Aztec power supply is fully regulated, ensuring consistent sound even when subjected to varying AC supply levels.
Tech-Specs (Jargon for mic nerds)
- The pattern control is a Swiss-made precision potentiometer, which Roswell hand-wires (point to point) using 1% tolerance, audio-grade resistors.
- The input capacitor is a relic from the aerospace industry; it is a high-voltage part designed to be extraordinarily stable and reliable even when subjected to extreme temperatures and forces (and as such is arguably over-spec'd for use in a microphone -- although we love it for its transparent sound).
- The Aztec power supply is fully regulated, both plate and filament, to ensure rock-solid power rails for the tube, capsule, and circuitry. Each one is manually adjusted at our shop to 0.1VDC tolerance.
- The B+ supply runs at a higher voltage than standard; Roswell has optimized the circuit for this.
- The included XLR7 cable uses genuine Gotham GAC7 and Neutrik connectors. Roswell hand-terminates these in-house, then "burn in" each cable on a proprietary conditioning rig for 72 hours. The heavier conductors in the GAC7 are used for the tube heater circuit, to minimize cable losses.
- The lid of the power supply is vented to reduce component heat exposure. Power resistors are over-spec'd to ensure long life. Regulators have oversized heat sinks. The circuit board is vented to enable convection cooling of any component that consumes more than 0.1W.
- All electrolytic capacitors (microphone and PSU) are selected audio grade parts. Most are our own proprietary recipe, Roswell branded parts.
- Internal wiring in the PSU is Kimber brand OFC, solid core, with Teflon insulation; it's difficult to use, but is the best-sounding wire we've ever tested.
Product safety information
Manufacturer information:
Roswell Pro Audio
, ,
https://www.roswellproaudio.com
Responsible person:
MeinMic e.K.
Wächtersbacher Str. 84
Hessen
Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland, 60386
store@meinmic.com
https://www.meinmic.com
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