BCD Audio Launches New Mic Amps

BCD Audio has launched its new microphone amplifiers, the BCD ALT-2R and the BCD ALT-2S.

Replacing the series of ALT-1 amps dating from 1993, the ALT-2R is intended for use in voice-over booths, unattended studios, direct to camera installations, emergency studio microphone points, and talkback, while the ALT-2S is intended to be used in journalist news rooms.

The original BCD ALT-1 was designed when the BBC was looking for a simple mic amp for radio journalism. Over time, variants were introduced and more than 4,000 units have now been sold, many of which are still in use.

The ALT-1 and ALT-1R are replaced by the BCD-ALT-2R. The new unit retains the balanced XLR input and outputs, and has a similar front panel. A 9way D connector provides the remote TAKE and COUGH, unbalanced output and power outlet. Two pins can be customised at the factory, so user requirements can be accommodated.

The new ALT-2S uses the same case design as the ALT-1 and adds the stereo balanced XLR input to mini-jack for PC type loudspeakers.

Mike Law, Managing Director and Designer, BCD Audio, said: "This has been a great and popular product for us, but there comes a time when there has to be a total re-design to take into account new components and improved technologies. Advances in micro-controllers with built in converters meant that most of the metering and the compressor limiter could be achieved in software, but the output side VCA was retained. Care was taken to ensure that the operation and 'feel' of the unit was similar to the original units, and to incorporate most of the custom variants that had been requested over the 20 years of manufacture."

The new mic amps can be ordered and purchased, along with BCD Audio's other products, at the company's website.

www.bcd-audio.co.uk

Image: BCD Audio's new ALT-2 mic amps.

(JP/LM)