Sontronics Halo Dynamic Microphone

The Sontronics Halo is a dynamic microphone designed specifically for use on guitar combo amps and cabinets. Its distinctive design features a dynamic capsule suspended within a circular frame using four spring mounts, reminiscent of vintage broadcast microphones from the 1950s. The microphone is intended to capture the full range of guitar tones with clarity, presence, and without requiring EQ adjustments.

Key features and points about the Sontronics Halo dynamic microphone:

Design and Purpose:

The Sontronics Halo is created with a retro-inspired circular frame to give it a unique and appealing look. It’s designed to be placed in front of guitar amps and cabinets to capture the raw tone and character of the instrument without the need for excessive equalization.

Designed by a Guitarist:

The microphone was designed by Trevor Coley, the founder of Sontronics and a guitarist himself. This design consideration aimed to provide a microphone that not only sounded excellent but also had an exciting and fitting appearance for use in front of guitar cabs.

Suspended Dynamic Capsule:

The microphone features a dynamic capsule suspended on four spring mounts within the circular frame. This suspension helps isolate the microphone from low-frequency rumble and vibrations, making it easier to position in front of the amp grille cloth.

Enhanced Frequency Response:

The capsule’s circuitry was tailored to accurately capture the frequencies produced by guitar amps. This design allows the microphone to capture the bite, crunch, and presence of guitar sounds without requiring additional EQ adjustments.

Versatility:

While designed for guitar amps, the Sontronics Halo has been reported to yield great results on a variety of instruments beyond guitars. Plucked instruments like banjo, mandolin, and bouzouki, as well as harmonica, have been mentioned as suitable candidates for the microphone. Additionally, it has been used effectively for live vocals and even found its way into professional performances.

Placement:

When using the Sontronics Halo, it is recommended to place it about 1 to 2 inches (3 to 5 cm) from the grille of the guitar amp or cabinet. Positioning it at the edge of the speaker cone, near the dust cover attachment point, is advised. A technique involving a mini Maglite flashlight can be employed to ensure precise placement.

Recording Techniques:

The microphone is known to capture the amp’s tone and character even at low gain settings. Its ability to handle high sound pressure levels makes it suitable for capturing the intense sounds of guitar amplifiers without overloading the dynamic element.

Applications:

The primary application of the Sontronics Halo is for capturing the tones of guitar amps and cabinets. It has found success in recording plucked instruments, harmonica, and vocals as well. Its versatile nature makes it a valuable tool for recording studios and live performances.

Notable Users:

The microphone has been used by various artists, including the French jazz/techno band Caravan Palace for live vocals and Robbie Williams for a vintage-themed swing performance.

Warranty:

The Sontronics Halo comes with a lifetime warranty, indicating the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s quality and durability.

In summary, the Sontronics Halo dynamic microphone is a visually appealing and functionally designed microphone primarily intended for capturing guitar amp and cabinet tones with clarity and presence. Its unique suspension system and tailored frequency response contribute to its ability to capture a range of instruments and even vocals effectively.