Audix

Description

The all-purpose Audix f5 Fusion Series dynamic instrument microphone is designed to mic a wide variety of musical instruments, including snare, toms, percussion, guitar and bass cabinets, brass, flute, and woodwinds, as well as vocals and speech. Assembled and tested by Audix in the USA, the f5 is an ideal mic for both stage and studio applications.

With a wide frequency response of 55Hz-15kHz, the versatile Audix f5 mic provides clear, accurate, natural sound reproduction without having to rely on EQ. The f5 mic handles sound pressure levels in excess of 137dB without distortion, which lets you mic anything from guitar and bass cabinets to heavy brass with supreme confidence.

Sturdy, compact, and easy to position, the f5's roadworthy construction includes a precision-cast zinc-alloy body, black finish, laser-etched model number, steel mesh grille, gold XLR connector, and a tension-fit, heavy-duty-nylon mic clip.

Using in Audix f5:
The f5 has a tight (hypercardioid) pick-up pattern in order to help eliminate sound from other instruments on stage from bleeding into the microphone. For this reason, the f5 is exceptionally effective for drums and percussion in be able to capture the sound of each component of the kit.

Snare:
Start with the f5 about 2 inches above the head and aimed towards the center of the drum. For more "rim" effect, the f5 can be aimed less towards the center and more towards the rim. It is not uncommon for engineers to place the mic practically right on the drumhead to achieve a very tight, cracking sensation.

Toms, congas:
Similar to snare. For tighter sound and more attack place, the mic closer to the head. For more decay and overtones pull the mic further away from the head.

Guitar cabs:

The f5 can be placed within 1-2 inches of the grill cover at a 90 angle pointing directly into the speaker. If the mic is placed closer to the edge of the speaker, you will minimize the higher frequencies and get a warmer, fatter tone. To capture more highs, move the mic closer towards the center of the speaker, but avoid the middle of the speaker.

Horns:
Place the mic within 1 - 2 inches of the bell, especially when on a stage with drums, bass, guitar, etc. For jazz, classical, and music where the stage volume is lower, the mic can be placed further away for a richer, fuller, sound.

Operation:
The f5 is a low impedance microphone and should be plugged into a mic-level input on your console, mixer, or recording device. Please note that your microphone does not require phantom power and will not be effected in any way by phantom power should it be running simultaneously when the microphone is in operation. Avoid plugging or unplugging the microphone from the PA system unless the channel is muted or the volume of the system turned down. Failure to do so may result in a loud popping noise, which could seriously damage the speakers in the PA system.


Open Box Audix F5 Instrument Microphone Level 1

Features

  • Hypercardioid pickup pattern for isolation and feedback control
  • Low-mass diaphragm for clear, natural, accurate sound reproduction without having to rely on EQ
  • Handles high SPL (?137dB) without distortion

  • Applications for stage and studio:
  • Snare
  • Toms
  • Percussion
  • Guitar and bass cabinets
  • Electric instruments
  • Brass
  • Flute
  • Woodwinds
  • Acoustic instruments
  • Vocals and speech

Specs

  • Type: Dynamic
  • Polar Pattern: Hypercardioid
  • Frequency Response: 55Hz-15kHz
  • Impedence: 580 ohms
  • Sensitivity: 2.2mv/Pa@1k
  • Off-axis rejection: > 20dB
  • Maximum SPL: ? 137dB
  • Power requirements: None
  • Connector: 3-pin gold-plated male XLR connector
  • Polarity: Positive voltage on pin
  • 2 relative to pin 3 of output XLR connector
  • Housing: Cast zinc alloy
  • Finish: Black coat
  • Weight 10oz. (283g)
  • Length 5.7" (145mm)

Featured Articles

Reviews

5

4 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Performances2
  2. Mic'ing up close1
  3. Outdoor Events / Games1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced1
  2. Professional Musician1
Pros
  1. Good Audio2
  2. Durable1
  3. For close mic'ing only1
  4. Lightweight1
  5. Tight Pickup Pattern1
  • Great mic w/ a tight pickup pattern!

    5

    submitted8 years ago

    byVince

    fromWashington, DC

    Testing this mic out at home there are major "pros" for this mic. The pickup pattern is super tight (hypercardiod), and I find that really, anything more than 3 inches away starts to fade away FAST. Great for mic'ing drums, cabs, and other things you want to mic up close to reduce feedback and isolate. The polar patterns that Audix publishes about this mic worried me at first, because the back tail (due to the hypercardiod pattern) looked pretty far out, but after testing it out, it's really a small tail. It essentially picks up nothing behind the mic, and anything more than 30 degrees off-axis is completely eliminated. This only really mics whatever is directly up front and fairly close to it, on axis. Just what I needed! The mic is clear, takes the high-gain loud signal from my cab (and me yelling into it) without distortion. It's fairly flatly eq'ed (of course more bass the closer you are to the mic). I really like how it's a shorter mic too...about 1-2 inches shorter than most dynamic mics. So it takes up less space when mic'ing in tight places. It seems durable too. I bought this mic "open box" from Guitar Center online, so the price was reduced maybe 40%. Not sure I would have bought it if it was full price, but glad I did!

  • Perfect for my needs

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted10 years ago

    byJim P.

    fromNew York

    Just what I needed great sound quality

  • Audix f5 is just GREAT!!

    5

    submitted16 years ago

    byIgor

    fromSao Paulo, Brazil

    At first I tried the Audix f5 Fusion to record the electric guitar - a Fender SRV on a vintage Marshall valve amp, at one of our gigs. WOW, what a great recording, it could capture the guitar sounds with high fidelity and a crisp and balanced sound, and its hypercardioid pattern greatly rejected sounds from the stage. I used it to record the guitar amp at another gig and it worked great too! A couple days ago I recorded my grand piano using an SM57 close to the low-mid/bass strings and the Audix f5 pointing at the high-mid/treble strings, plus an AKG Perception 220 about 4 feet away to capture the ambience. WOW again, the Audix f5 greatly captured the piano action and dynamics, with even a little more gain than the SM57. I was not expecting such a rich sound being captured by the f5. On my next trip to USA I'll definitely get another Audix f5. As I read in another review, even though we rely on reknown brands, give Audix a try, make a comparison at the store. I am sure you'll be amazed.

  • Plug n Play

    5

    submitted16 years ago

    byDoc Cooper

    fromHarahan, LA

    This mic is truely plug n play. You take it out the package, plug it in and here it thru the system. Very nice replication of the tube amp I use it on.

  • Previous
  • 1
  • Next

Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

No results but…

You can be the first to ask a new question.

It may be Answered within 48 hours.