What is the primary polar pattern of the Audix PDX720?

The PDX720 features a hypercardioid polar pattern. This provides a very narrow, focused pickup area in front of the microphone while rejecting sound from the sides and rear.

Does the Audix PDX720 require an external preamp booster?

No, the PDX720 is designed with an optimised gain level and low-noise internal circuitry. This eliminates the need for external inline preamps often used with other low-output dynamic microphones.

Is the Audix PDX720 suitable for gaming?

Yes, it is marketed for online gaming due to its focused hypercardioid pattern. This helps pick up the player's voice clearly while rejecting noise from peripherals like mechanical keyboards.

What kind of sound profile does the PDX720 have?

The microphone is known for a natural and smooth sound character. It specifically features a pronounced and silky low-end, making it flattering for vocal applications.

What is the typical price range for this microphone?

The Audix PDX720 typically retails for approximately £449. This positions it as a premium professional-grade dynamic microphone.

Can the PDX720 be used for recording instruments?

While primarily designed for vocals and broadcasting, its high-end analog circuitry and smooth response make it versatile enough for various studio applications. However, its voicing is specifically optimised for the human voice.

How does the PDX720 compare to the Shure SM7B?

While both are high-end studio dynamics, the PDX720 features a tighter hypercardioid pattern compared to the SM7B's cardioid pattern. Additionally, the PDX720's circuitry is designed to work without needing a high-gain preamp booster.

What are the key design elements of the PDX720?

The microphone features a sleek, stylish chassis with a distinctive gold-plated grille. This aesthetic is designed to look professional in broadcast and video environments.

Is this microphone suitable for live stage use?

Although it is a dynamic microphone, it is primarily designed for studio, podcasting, and broadcast applications. Its high-end circuitry and aesthetics are best suited for controlled environments.

What technology is inside the PDX720 to improve sound quality?

It contains high-end analog circuitry and a low-noise preamp. These components work together to ensure optimal sound reproduction and a clean signal path.

Does the PDX720 require phantom power?

While it is a dynamic microphone, the manufacturer notes it features internal analog circuitry and a preamp. Users should check the specific manual for voltage requirements related to its active circuitry.

How does the off-axis rejection benefit the user?

The exceptional off-axis rejection provided by the hypercardioid pattern ensures that room reflections and distant noises are not captured. This results in a much 'drier' and more professional vocal sound in untreated rooms.

Gear article

Audix PDX720 Dynamic Microphone

The Audix PDX720 is a high-end dynamic vocal microphone engineered for professional studio recording, podcasting, and broadcasting applications. It features a hypercardioid polar pattern and integrated low-noise preamplification, designed to deliver a natural, smooth frequency response with a distinctive silky low-end.

See live prices

Overview

The Audix PDX720 is a versatile dynamic microphone positioned for the professional studio and high-end content creation market. While dynamic microphones are traditionally associated with high-pressure live stage use, the PDX720 incorporates high-end analogue circuitry and an optimised gain level typically associated with condenser-style performance. Its physical design is defined by a sleek aesthetic, highlighted by a gold-plated grille that serves both functional and cosmetic purposes.

Technical Design and Features

A defining feature of the PDX720 is its hypercardioid polar pattern. This directional characteristic provides a hyper-focused pickup area directly in front of the capsule, which ensures exceptional off-axis rejection of ambient room noise or keyboard clicking.

Internally, the microphone is equipped with a low-noise preamp and specialised circuitry. This design choice is intended to provide an optimised output level, which effectively eliminates the requirement for external inline preamps or 'boosters' often needed for sensitive dynamic microphones. The construction ensures that the signal remains clean and robust for direct connection to audio interfaces or mixing consoles.

Shure SM58 Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphone

Sonic Character

The PDX720 is voiced to provide a natural and smooth sound reproduction rather than a heavily coloured frequency response. It is particularly noted for its 'silky' low-end, providing a pronounced warmth that benefits vocalists looking for a broadcast-style 'radio voice'. The high-end analog circuitry ensures that the clarity of the source is maintained without the harshness sometimes found in entry-level dynamic capsules.

Applications

While suitable for traditional studio vocal recording, the PDX720 is highly adapted for modern media formats:

Podcasting and Broadcasting: The hypercardioid pattern and smooth low-end make it ideal for spoken word in untreated rooms.
Online Gaming: Its focused pickup helps isolate the user's voice from background noise like mechanical keyboards.
Professional Studio Vocals: The high-fidelity circuitry allows it to compete with large-diaphragm condensers in controlled environments.

Market Comparison

The PDX720 sits in a premium category of dynamic microphones. When compared to industry standards like the Shure SM7B or the Electro-Voice RE20, the PDX720 distinguishes itself with its integrated gain optimisation and hypercardioid rejection. While stage-oriented mics like the Sennheiser e945 or Shure Beta 58A focus on durability for touring, the PDX720 is refined specifically for the nuances of studio-grade signal paths and aesthetic appeal.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary polar pattern of the Audix PDX720?: The PDX720 features a hypercardioid polar pattern. This provides a very narrow, focused pickup area in front of the microphone while rejecting sound from the sides and rear.
Does the Audix PDX720 require an external preamp booster?: No, the PDX720 is designed with an optimised gain level and low-noise internal circuitry. This eliminates the need for external inline preamps often used with other low-output dynamic microphones.
Is the Audix PDX720 suitable for gaming?: Yes, it is marketed for online gaming due to its focused hypercardioid pattern. This helps pick up the player's voice clearly while rejecting noise from peripherals like mechanical keyboards.
What kind of sound profile does the PDX720 have?: The microphone is known for a natural and smooth sound character. It specifically features a pronounced and silky low-end, making it flattering for vocal applications.
What is the typical price range for this microphone?: The Audix PDX720 typically retails for approximately £449. This positions it as a premium professional-grade dynamic microphone.
Can the PDX720 be used for recording instruments?: While primarily designed for vocals and broadcasting, its high-end analog circuitry and smooth response make it versatile enough for various studio applications. However, its voicing is specifically optimised for the human voice.
How does the PDX720 compare to the Shure SM7B?: While both are high-end studio dynamics, the PDX720 features a tighter hypercardioid pattern compared to the SM7B's cardioid pattern. Additionally, the PDX720's circuitry is designed to work without needing a high-gain preamp booster.
What are the key design elements of the PDX720?: The microphone features a sleek, stylish chassis with a distinctive gold-plated grille. This aesthetic is designed to look professional in broadcast and video environments.
Is this microphone suitable for live stage use?: Although it is a dynamic microphone, it is primarily designed for studio, podcasting, and broadcast applications. Its high-end circuitry and aesthetics are best suited for controlled environments.
What technology is inside the PDX720 to improve sound quality?: It contains high-end analog circuitry and a low-noise preamp. These components work together to ensure optimal sound reproduction and a clean signal path.
Does the PDX720 require phantom power?: While it is a dynamic microphone, the manufacturer notes it features internal analog circuitry and a preamp. Users should check the specific manual for voltage requirements related to its active circuitry.
How does the off-axis rejection benefit the user?: The exceptional off-axis rejection provided by the hypercardioid pattern ensures that room reflections and distant noises are not captured. This results in a much 'drier' and more professional vocal sound in untreated rooms.