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Microtech Gefell M 1030

Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The M 1030 is a large-diaphragm FET condenser microphone with a fixed cardioid pattern. It is similar in components and design to the M 930, but offers a different sonic color.

As with the M 930, the M 1030 has a single-diaphragm capsule. It is similar to the M930 capsule, but is said by Gefell to deliver a more neutral sound.

The published on-axis frequency-response graphs of the two mics are identical below 5000Hz. Between 7-15kHz, the M930 provides a smoother presence peak.

Note the off-axis response; the M930 provides up to 8dB more attenuation at 180° between 2–5kHz.

Microtech-Gefell

The advanced circuit design includes optical isolation of phantom power to deliver an ultra-clean target voltage to the capsule that gives an extremely low noise floor and high dynamic range.

The M 1030 capsule is shockmounted within the headbasket via an elastic suspension, providing isolation from structure-borne noise.

A green LED inside the headbasket indicates the microphone’s front, and lights to indicate that the amplifier and capsule polarization voltage are ready for use.

Microtech-Gefell

In comparison to the M930 it sounds more present in the mid range.

The mic ships with a mic clip (MTG p/n MH 93.1) in a wooden box. An elastic shockmount (p/n EA 92 with adapter A 93) is available separately.

Sound On Sound, 2011

I compared the M1030 against a Neumann TLM103 and… found it extremely hard to separate the two for on-axis sources…

When tried on a variety of instruments the M1030 performed extremely well, always delivering a very usable and detailed sound. It could not be described as a clinical microphone, and it has a nicely full-bodied and slightly warm sound quality, but this doesn’t overwhelm the source character at all — and it’s beautifully balanced with the ‘bite’ of the presence peak.

The Microtech Gefell M 1030 is also known as: M1030.

The mic was released in 2010.

Specifications

Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Cardioid (21 mV/Pa; 40 - 20,000 Hz)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 25mm Capsule diameter: 31mm	100 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 142 dB Self-noise: 7.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
355g (12.52oz)	145mm (5.71'')	n/a	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Requires phantom power

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