What is the Audix OM11?

The Audix OM11 is a professional dynamic vocal microphone that acts as a faithful recreation of the 1985 Audix OM1, the company's first dynamic microphone model.

What polar pattern does the OM11 use?

The OM11 features a hypercardioid polar pattern, which provides tight directional pickup and excellent rejection of sound from the sides and rear.

What are the primary applications for this microphone?

It is designed primarily for live vocal performances across various genres including Rock, Pop, Soul, and Folk, where high clarity and feedback rejection are required.

How does the OM11 handle high volume levels?

The microphone is designed to handle high Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) without introducing distortion, allowing it to capture powerful singers accurately.

What is included with the Audix OM11?

The microphone typically comes complete with a dedicated carrying pouch and a microphone clip for stand mounting.

How does the OM11 differ from the original OM1?

The OM11 is a 'legend reborn' re-issue that maintains the original 1985 sonic characteristics and design while benefiting from modern manufacturing standards.

Does the OM11 require phantom power?

No, as a dynamic microphone, the Audix OM11 does not require phantom power to operate.

Is the OM11 suitable for studio recording?

While designed for live use, its ability to faithfully reproduce voices and handle high SPL makes it a viable choice for studio vocal tracking in specific environments.

How does the OM11 help with stage monitors?

Due to its hypercardioid pattern and off-axis rejection, the OM11 is highly resistant to feedback, allowing for higher monitor levels on stage.

What is the typical price for the Audix OM11?

The Audix OM11 is typically priced around £237.00 in the UK market.

How does it compare to the Shure SM58?

The OM11 offers a tighter hypercardioid pattern compared to the SM58's cardioid pattern, providing better isolation in noisy stage environments.

Can the OM11 be used for instruments?

While optimized for vocals, its high SPL handling and dynamic design mean it could be used for loud instruments, though models like the SM57 are more common for that purpose.

Gear article

Audix OM11 Dynamic Vocal Microphone

The Audix OM11 is a professional hypercardioid dynamic vocal microphone designed as a faithful re-issue of the original 1985 Audix OM1. It is engineered for live performance applications, offering high sound pressure level handling and superior off-axis rejection to ensure vocal clarity in loud environments.

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History and Background

The Audix OM11 serves as a tribute to the company's heritage, being a precise recreation of the OM1, which was the first dynamic microphone produced by Audix in 1985. The OM1 was significant for establishing the brand's reputation in the live sound industry for producing microphones that could compete with industry standards while offering distinct sonic signatures and improved gain-before-feedback. This re-issue maintains the original design philosophy while utilising modern manufacturing tolerances to ensure consistency.

Design and Key Features

The OM11 is built with a rugged, all-metal chassis designed to withstand the rigours of professional touring. Its primary functional feature is a tight hypercardioid polar pattern. This design focus is intended to minimise 'bleed'—the pickup of unwanted stage noise from nearby instruments or monitors. Furthermore, the microphone is engineered to handle exceptionally high Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) without audible distortion, making it suitable for powerful vocalists and high-volume stage environments.

Sound Character

Described as providing 'larger than life' results, the OM11 is tuned to allow a voice to cut through complex musical arrangements. Unlike standard cardioid microphones that may pick up a broader range of ambient sound, the OM11 focuses on the direct source, resulting in a clean and present vocal tone. It is versatile enough to handle various genres, including Rock, Pop, Soul, and Folk, faithfully reproducing different vocal styles and timbres.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the professional dynamic microphone market, the Audix OM11 competes with established models such as the Shure SM58 and Beta 58A. While the SM58 is a standard cardioid, the OM11's hypercardioid pattern offers tighter rejection. Compared to the Sennheiser e945, another prominent hypercardioid vocal mic, the OM11 carries the specific heritage of the 1985 OM1 design. While it is more expensive than entry-level dynamic microphones, its build quality and feedback rejection place it alongside high-end alternatives like the Sennheiser MD 441-U or the Electro-Voice RE20 in professional utility, though it is specifically form-factored for hand-held vocal use.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Audix OM11?: The Audix OM11 is a professional dynamic vocal microphone that acts as a faithful recreation of the 1985 Audix OM1, the company's first dynamic microphone model.
What polar pattern does the OM11 use?: The OM11 features a hypercardioid polar pattern, which provides tight directional pickup and excellent rejection of sound from the sides and rear.
What are the primary applications for this microphone?: It is designed primarily for live vocal performances across various genres including Rock, Pop, Soul, and Folk, where high clarity and feedback rejection are required.
How does the OM11 handle high volume levels?: The microphone is designed to handle high Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) without introducing distortion, allowing it to capture powerful singers accurately.
What is included with the Audix OM11?: The microphone typically comes complete with a dedicated carrying pouch and a microphone clip for stand mounting.
How does the OM11 differ from the original OM1?: The OM11 is a 'legend reborn' re-issue that maintains the original 1985 sonic characteristics and design while benefiting from modern manufacturing standards.
Does the OM11 require phantom power?: No, as a dynamic microphone, the Audix OM11 does not require phantom power to operate.
Is the OM11 suitable for studio recording?: While designed for live use, its ability to faithfully reproduce voices and handle high SPL makes it a viable choice for studio vocal tracking in specific environments.
How does the OM11 help with stage monitors?: Due to its hypercardioid pattern and off-axis rejection, the OM11 is highly resistant to feedback, allowing for higher monitor levels on stage.
What is the typical price for the Audix OM11?: The Audix OM11 is typically priced around £237.00 in the UK market.
How does it compare to the Shure SM58?: The OM11 offers a tighter hypercardioid pattern compared to the SM58's cardioid pattern, providing better isolation in noisy stage environments.
Can the OM11 be used for instruments?: While optimized for vocals, its high SPL handling and dynamic design mean it could be used for loud instruments, though models like the SM57 are more common for that purpose.