Apex Apex 445B

A large diaphragm microphone designed to cover a wide range of situations

The APEX 415B belongs to the category of large diaphragm condenser microphones designed to offer an excellent balance between capture finesse, placement flexibility, and ease of use. Its "all-terrain" approach is based on a clear foundation: a large diaphragm capsule, an extended frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and, above all, three selectable polar patterns. This positioning makes it a relevant choice when looking for a single microphone capable of fulfilling multiple roles in the studio, from vocals to ambient recording, including acoustic guitars and string instruments.

Rather than locking you into a single polar pattern, the 415B allows you to adjust how the microphone "listens" to the sound scene. This is a tangible advantage for optimizing the relationship between the source and the room, and for varying the tonal colors of the recording without changing microphones.

For whom and for what uses with vocals and acoustic instruments

This microphone is aimed at demanding home studio users, audio content creators, and project studios seeking a versatile main microphone. For vocals, it enables precise and articulate recording, using the cardioid pattern to prioritize the direct signal and limit room sound. For acoustic guitar, piano, strings, or wind instruments, the large diaphragm delivers a detailed sound with a good sense of depth.

The omnidirectional pattern is interesting when the room sounds good (more natural capture, fuller bass depending on distance), while the figure-8 opens the door to useful stereo and production techniques: face-to-face duo recording, lateral rejection to isolate elements, or Mid/Side configurations when using a second microphone.

Polar patterns, pad, and low-cut: controls that save time

In daily use, the best recordings often come from a good combination of source + placement and a clean input level. The 415B integrates two essential controls to secure the recording even before opening a plugin.

-10 dB Attenuator (Pad): more headroom on powerful sources

The -10 dB Pad reduces the microphone's output level to avoid saturating the input stage of your preamp or audio interface, especially on close and energetic sources. Combined with a maximum SPL rating of 130 dB (for 0.5 percent THD at 1000 Hz), it provides appreciable headroom for stress-free recording while maintaining usable dynamics.

Low-cut switch: less rumble, more clarity

The low-cut helps clean up unnecessary low frequencies: microphone stand vibrations, handling noise, ventilation hum, or proximity effect that is too pronounced in cardioid mode. It's a simple reflex that facilitates mixing, especially on vocals and close instrument recordings.

Technical specifications

Frequency response - start	20 Hz	Capsule	Large Diaphragm
Frequency response - end	20 kHz	Connection	XLR
Category	studio microphone	Color	Black
Directivity	omnidirectional, cardioid, bidirectional

Type	condenser microphone	Signal-to-noise ratio	greater than 76 dB
Diaphragm	large diaphragm	Maximum SPL	130 dB (for 0.5 percent THD at 1000 Hz)
Application	studio / home studio, ideal for vocals and acoustic instruments	Power supply	48 V phantom power
Polar patterns	omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-8	Impedance	less than 200 ohms
Controls	-10 dB attenuator (Pad), low-cut switch	Included	PVC fly-case, windscreen, shock mount
Frequency response	20 Hz to 20 kHz	Dimensions	50 x 165 mm
Sensitivity	15 mV/Pa (equivalent to -36 dB, 0 dB = 1 V/Pa), with -10 dB Pad	Weight	470 g