The AL-2 Stereo Microphone System

The AL-2 has been gaining a lot of ground amongst top producers internationally, who are seeking that sense of boundless ambiance and dimension in their recordings.

Not to confused with an omni, Curtis has designed a sort of elongation into the pattern that enables the engineer to employ the microphones in a type of unidirectional approach. Sort of the best of both worlds: the spaciousness of an omni, the focus of a uni.

What mixing boards have you tested the mics on?

The mics work naturally well with just about everything - tubes or solid state.

How long has Curtis been designing?

Since 1983.

Where are the Mics manufactured?

Rockford, IL a Midwestern machine tool capitol. This enables Curtis Technology to manufacture microphones that would sell for a lot more, if manufactured elsewhere.

What is the burn-in time for the Mics?

Fully burned in at the factory prior to shipment. To refresh, the microphones and your entire recording system, Curtis strongly recommends one full hour of warm-up time prior to any serious recording session.

What size is the Diaphragm?

2.2 cm - exposed
3.2 cm - overall assembly

What material is the diaphragm made out of?

Gold free.

What tubes come with the mics?

Hand picked audiophile grade matched 12AU7s.

Why did you use a 12AU7 instead of a 12AX7?

In our circuit, the 12AU7 is substantially more immediate and neutral.

What kind of mic cable do you use?

Canare. It outperforms a dozen other cables that we tested. Even the super premium stuff.

What is the impedance of the AL-2?

Nominal 600 ohms

What kind of resistors do you use?

Close tolerance metal film matched resistors.

What kind of capacitors do you use?

Special stuff

What is the pattern?

In practice a single AL-2 mic functions like an elongated cardioid. Beyond that, in the hard panned stereo configuration provides a virtual infinitude of composite acoustical pattern.

What is the frequency response?

As with any mic, the frequency response varies with sound pressure level. As a general rule, they are flat from 20hz - 30khz. Much more relevant to the issue of music reproduction, however, is the issue of speed - slow rate. AL-2 is preserve transient speed and intensity like nothing else, and that's what you need when you are trying to capture real music.

What is the maximum SPL?

125dB

What is the price for an AL-2 Stereo System?

$3495

What instruments does the AL-2 work best with?

It's non instrument restrictive. On such instruments as drums, acoustic pianos, acoustic guitars, saxophones, and cellos the microphone are world class. More importantly, however, AL-2s are unprecedented in their ability to sort out and translate the super complex harmonic interation that occurs during events of symphonic proportions. That's what makes an AL-2 an AL-2. That is the magic of the microphone.

Is your mic output a balanced or unbalanced signal?

Balanced. (For those who don't mind making ground wire hookups, Curtis makes available a transformerless, unbalanced version of the AL-2.)

Why do you use front microphone inputs on the power supply box?

Because of the growing trend of rack mount equip, in the performance room and to accommodate home and project studios.