What is the main purpose of the Omnitronic AS-04?

The main purpose is to reduce unwanted room reflections and ambient noise when recording vocals or instruments. It creates a more controlled, 'dry' sound environment by absorbing sound waves before they bounce back into the microphone.

Is a stand included with the AS-04?

Yes, the Omnitronic AS-04 comes with an integrated tripod stand. This allows the system to be placed directly on a desk or flat surface without the need for additional mounting hardware.

Can the AS-04 be folded for transport?

Yes, the system features a folding design. The side panels can be collapsed inward, making it lightweight and highly portable for artists on the go.

What environments is this absorber best suited for?

It is ideal for untreated rooms, home studios, and reflective venues. It helps manage acoustic issues in spaces that lack professional soundproofing or acoustic panels.

Is the AS-04 suitable for live sound?

While primarily used for recording, it can be used in live settings to help focus the sound and reduce bleed from other instruments. Its portable design makes it convenient for touring applications.

How does this differ from a standard microphone stand like the Trojan Pro?

A standard stand like the Trojan Pro only provides physical support for the microphone. The AS-04 provides both support and acoustic treatment via its absorbent panels.

Can I use the AS-04 with a Shure SM58?

Yes, the AS-04 can be used with standard microphones like the Shure SM58. Using it with a dynamic mic can help further isolate the voice from background room noise.

What is the typical price for the AS-04?

The Omnitronic AS-04 typically retails for approximately £44.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current availability.

Does this product require permanent installation?

No, it is a desktop-based system that requires no permanent installation. It can be set up or packed away in seconds, making it non-invasive for home offices.

No, it is described as a lightweight system. It is specifically designed for producers and artists who need to maintain portability without sacrificing sound quality.

Can it be used for podcasting?

Yes, it is perfect for focusing vocal sound for podcasts. It helps ensure that the speaker's voice is clear and free from distracting room echoes.

How does the folding mechanism work?

The absorber consists of panels that hinge together. Users can adjust the angle of these panels to wrap around the microphone to varying degrees, or fold them flat for storage.

Gear article

Omnitronic AS-04 Foldable Microphone Absorber System

The Omnitronic AS-04 is a portable desktop microphone absorber designed to reduce unwanted room reflections and ambient noise during recording. It features a folding design and includes an integrated tripod stand, providing a compact acoustic treatment solution for producers and performers in untreated environments.

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Overview

The Omnitronic AS-04 is a specialised desktop isolation tool designed to manage acoustic challenges in non-professional recording spaces. By surrounding a microphone with sound-absorbent material, the AS-04 helps to isolate the sound source from the surrounding environment. This is particularly useful in untreated rooms where 'flutter echo' or excessive reverberation can degrade the quality of vocal and instrument recordings.

The system is notable for its all-in-one approach, providing both the acoustic shield and a dedicated tripod mounting system. This allows the user to set up a controlled recording environment on any flat surface, such as a studio desk or a table in a touring environment.

Design and Portability

A core feature of the AS-04 is its foldable construction. The absorber panels can be adjusted to vary the degree of isolation or folded inward for transport. This makes the unit highly suitable for mobile producers, podcasters, and touring artists who require a consistent recording sound while travelling between different venues or temporary studios.

The lightweight nature of the materials ensures that the device does not add significant bulk to a travel rig, while the included tripod ensures the microphone remains stable during operation. Its compact footprint is ideal for home studios where space is at a premium.

Shure SM58 Dynamic Vocal Mic with Stand and Cable

Acoustic Performance

The primary function of the AS-04 is to control unwanted acoustic issues by focusing the vocal sound. In reflective venues or rooms with hard surfaces, sound waves bounce off walls and return to the microphone, causing a 'boxy' or 'thin' sound. The AS-04 works by:

Absorbing rear and side-entry sound reflections before they reach the microphone capsule.
Reducing the amount of room ambience captured, resulting in a 'dry' signal.
Enhancing the clarity of the primary sound source by minimizing phase issues caused by short-delay reflections.

Target Audience

The Omnitronic AS-04 is specifically targeted at creators who do not have access to a professionally treated vocal booth. This includes:

Podcasters and Streamers: To ensure voice clarity in home offices.
Touring Musicians: To maintain recording quality in hotel rooms or backstage areas.
Home Producers: To improve vocal takes in bedrooms or living areas where permanent acoustic treatment is not feasible.

Comparison and Market Context

While professional studio stands like the Trojan Pro Mic Stand with Telescopic Boom offer height and reach, the AS-04 focuses on acoustic isolation in a desktop format. Unlike standard hardware like the K&M 214/6 speaker stand or Hercules DS504B, which are designed solely for structural support, the AS-04 serves as a hybrid between a stand and an acoustic treatment device. For those using standard vocal mics like the Shure SM58, the AS-04 provides the necessary environmental control to make a dynamic microphone perform better in difficult acoustic spaces.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the main purpose of the Omnitronic AS-04?: The main purpose is to reduce unwanted room reflections and ambient noise when recording vocals or instruments. It creates a more controlled, 'dry' sound environment by absorbing sound waves before they bounce back into the microphone.
Is a stand included with the AS-04?: Yes, the Omnitronic AS-04 comes with an integrated tripod stand. This allows the system to be placed directly on a desk or flat surface without the need for additional mounting hardware.
Can the AS-04 be folded for transport?: Yes, the system features a folding design. The side panels can be collapsed inward, making it lightweight and highly portable for artists on the go.
What environments is this absorber best suited for?: It is ideal for untreated rooms, home studios, and reflective venues. It helps manage acoustic issues in spaces that lack professional soundproofing or acoustic panels.
Is the AS-04 suitable for live sound?: While primarily used for recording, it can be used in live settings to help focus the sound and reduce bleed from other instruments. Its portable design makes it convenient for touring applications.
How does this differ from a standard microphone stand like the Trojan Pro?: A standard stand like the Trojan Pro only provides physical support for the microphone. The AS-04 provides both support and acoustic treatment via its absorbent panels.
Can I use the AS-04 with a Shure SM58?: Yes, the AS-04 can be used with standard microphones like the Shure SM58. Using it with a dynamic mic can help further isolate the voice from background room noise.
What is the typical price for the AS-04?: The Omnitronic AS-04 typically retails for approximately £44.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current availability.
Does this product require permanent installation?: No, it is a desktop-based system that requires no permanent installation. It can be set up or packed away in seconds, making it non-invasive for home offices.
Is the AS-04 heavy?: No, it is described as a lightweight system. It is specifically designed for producers and artists who need to maintain portability without sacrificing sound quality.
Can it be used for podcasting?: Yes, it is perfect for focusing vocal sound for podcasts. It helps ensure that the speaker's voice is clear and free from distracting room echoes.
How does the folding mechanism work?: The absorber consists of panels that hinge together. Users can adjust the angle of these panels to wrap around the microphone to varying degrees, or fold them flat for storage.