Microvox is a British name associated with specialist microphone systems designed for acoustic musical instruments. The company was established in 1987 with a focus on designing and manufacturing microphones that could capture the natural sound of acoustic instruments while remaining practical for musicians. Its products have been associated with instruments such as accordions, melodeons, concertinas, guitars, mandolins, banjos, violins, flutes, harmonicas, brass instruments, saxophones, and percussion.
The History of Microvox
Microvox was established in 1987 in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire. The original concept was to develop microphone systems specifically for acoustic instruments. The company worked with professional musicians during its development process to create systems intended to provide natural acoustic sound while remaining straightforward for performers to use.
Unlike general-purpose microphones, instrument-specific microphone systems can be designed around the physical characteristics of individual instruments. This is particularly useful for musicians who perform live and need reliable amplification without significantly changing the natural character of their instruments.
Focus on Natural Acoustic Sound
One of the main ideas behind Microvox products is the reproduction of natural acoustic sound. Traditional pickups and transducers detect vibrations from particular areas of an instrument, while microphones capture sound through the air.
For acoustic musicians, this distinction can be important. The sound produced by an instrument depends on many elements, including the vibration of its body, strings, reeds, soundboard, and other components. A microphone positioned appropriately can capture a broader representation of that acoustic character.
Microvox therefore developed microphone systems intended to provide musicians with a practical way to amplify acoustic instruments while maintaining their natural sound.
Microphones for Different Instruments
Microvox has produced a variety of microphone systems for different types of acoustic instruments. Its product range has included solutions for accordion and melodeon, concertina, guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, brass instruments, bodhran, violin, banjo, saxophone, flute, and harmonica.
This broad range reflects the company’s specialist approach. Different instruments have different sound-producing characteristics, so microphone placement and design can have a significant effect on the final amplified sound.
Accordion and melodeon microphones have been an especially notable part of the Microvox range. Systems have been designed to capture sound from different sections of these instruments, including the treble and bass sides.
Accordion and Melodeon Microphones
Accordion and melodeon players can face particular challenges when amplifying their instruments. These instruments produce sound across multiple areas, and a suitable microphone system needs to capture those sounds effectively.
Microvox has developed several microphone systems for accordion and melodeon players. Some designs use multiple microphone elements to capture different areas of the instrument. Certain systems also include controls for volume and balance, allowing musicians to adjust the sound according to their performance requirements.
The microphones are designed to attach to the instrument without requiring permanent physical modifications. This can be useful for musicians who want to protect their instruments while still having access to an amplification system.
Easy Installation
A notable feature of Microvox microphone systems is their method of attachment. The company’s microphones have traditionally used hook-and-loop fastening pads to secure the microphone to an instrument. This approach avoids the need to make permanent alterations to the instrument.
For musicians who own valuable or carefully maintained instruments, avoiding permanent modifications can be an important consideration. A removable microphone system can also make it easier to transfer equipment between instruments where appropriate.
The fastening method is also intended to help isolate the microphone from unwanted mechanical noise while maintaining a consistent distance from the instrument.
Professional and Live Performance Use
Microvox products have been associated with working musicians and live performance applications. Acoustic musicians often need amplification when performing in larger rooms, at concerts, festivals, clubs, or other venues where the natural sound of an instrument may not be loud enough.
A dedicated instrument microphone can provide a practical solution by allowing the instrument to connect to an amplification system while preserving much of its natural acoustic character.
Microvox systems have therefore attracted interest from musicians who require portable amplification for their instruments without relying solely on conventional microphones positioned away from the instrument.
Power Supply Systems
Some Microvox microphone systems require an external power supply, while certain accordion and melodeon models have built-in power arrangements. The company has offered standard and mini power supply options for compatible microphones.
Power supplies can be an important part of an instrument microphone system because they provide the electrical requirements needed by the microphone elements. Microvox’s systems were designed around their own compatible power arrangements rather than relying on standard phantom power for every model.
This approach allows musicians to use microphone and power-supply combinations designed to work together.
Design for Musicians
Ease of use has been an important consideration in the development of Microvox products. Musicians performing live generally need equipment that can be installed, adjusted, and transported without creating unnecessary complications.
The company’s historical information emphasizes user friendliness as part of its product development philosophy. Its systems were designed with input from professional musicians, helping address practical requirements encountered during real performances.
This musician-focused approach is particularly useful for performers who regularly travel with their instruments and equipment.
A Specialist Audio Brand
Microvox occupies a specialized area within the audio equipment market. Rather than concentrating on general studio microphones, its products have focused heavily on microphones for acoustic instruments.
This specialization allows the brand to address specific challenges faced by acoustic musicians. Instrument amplification can require careful attention to microphone placement, feedback, balance, portability, and sound quality.
By focusing on these requirements, Microvox developed a recognizable identity within the acoustic music equipment community.
Microvox Today
The historical Microvox company information should be distinguished from the current status of the business. The UK company MICROVOX LIMITED was incorporated in 2004 and was officially dissolved on June 15, 2021.
However, Microvox product information remains available through specialist music resources, and Microvox microphones continue to be referenced in connection with acoustic instrument amplification. This means that information about the brand and its products can still be relevant to musicians researching microphone solutions for acoustic instruments.
Conclusion
Microvox is a British audio brand with a history dating back to 1987 and a particular focus on microphones for acoustic musical instruments. Its product range has covered many instruments, including accordions, melodeons, concertinas, guitars, mandolins, violins, banjos, flutes, harmonicas, and various brass and woodwind instruments.
The brand’s approach has centered on capturing natural acoustic sound while providing musicians with practical amplification solutions. Features such as removable mounting systems, instrument-specific microphone designs, multiple microphone elements, and dedicated power supplies have helped distinguish Microvox from more general microphone products.
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