INTRODUCTION:
There are microphones of distinction and "you call that a microphone?" microphones ... comparing this microphone to a typical Shure is like saying Apples and Pears are the same thing!
It really isn't so much about the audio quality but the build and acoustic isolation of the element that makes all the difference between different microphones (and the price)
At times our sound engineer would grab all sorts of mics to "let's have a play with this one" especially vintage (he loved those old crystal mics! or elcheapo European mics - it's a fun thing that sound engineers like to do in their spare time!)
This HUXLEY (an ALDI special buy none-the-less) is one of those "fun mics" and after having a play with it for a while he decided that it would be ok in an "emergency" or general non-demanding use (Hey Mr DJ) but thats about all.
The sound quality is "OK" but it can be a bit noisy when handled and Oh dear, that plastic switch on the side is not going to last when used often.
So, assez de l'introduction ...
HUXLEY - Dynamic Handheld Microphone
Most likely Made In China
ALDI Stock Number: 52454
Special product release about 6 years ago - flash in the pan special offer, never seen them offered since!
We (the business) purchased this microphone since new for experimentation in our voice over studio
Frequency response is 60 - 14,000 Hz
Cardioid polar pattern
Sensitivity: -57dB*(0.18mV)*0dB=1V/μbar
600 Ohm Z
Solid metal (feels like Aluminium) body
Hardened steel head grille
Screw on head
Industry standard XLR male output socket
MICROPHONE DIMENSIONS:
165mm long x 52mm diameter (head)
160g weight (not tiresome to hold for long periods)
"KIT" INCLUDES:
HUXLEY microphone as detailed above
4.5 metre "non-descript" audio lead (XLR female plug to TS 1/4" jack plug)
TRS 1/4" jack socket ~ XLR 3 pin male adapter
Black unbranded hard plastic carry "microphone case" with snap locks
KIT COSMETIC CONDITION:
USED
CLEAN
Microphone body & head are unmarked, unscratched and certainly not dented! (It happens, ever seen a vocalist get a bit carried away on stage?)
Microphone lead has no sheath damage and both connectors are securely fitted
Adapter is a single piece diecast solid body and undamaged
Microphone case is undamaged and unscratched - both snap locks work fine
Head unscrews without too much effort and the internal foam "spit" shield is clean and not degraded
TESTING:
Ok so our sound guy has been gropping over this microphone (quite a long time ago now) and then, once he had finished torturing it, off it went into the back office storeroom - waiting for a purpose in life ...
Today I took out this kit and the first thing I noticed is that one half of the internal carry case padding is missing - no biggie, I have replaced that with a custom made pad to suit so that the contents don't rattle around inside.
Plugged into one of the mixing desks I still have operational here - direct using the TS jack. All is fine with the audio and the ON-OFF switch (which is not even labelled!) works fine too. When the switch is OFF (downwards position) it dumps a pad across the audio, killing all sound from the microphone.
I moved the lead around and didn't hear any nasty "cable noises"
Next I checked that little adapter, and yes it is indeed a true TRS to XLR adapter - I suspected it was on TS at the jack but not so ... great and useable for other audio work not related to this microphone.
I did not 'dig' inside the microphone body (it does appear to be readily accessible inside) although I was curious if a transformer was being used but didn't think it was really worth all the trouble - so the "insides" are unknown.
Here is a video that I found online which may help you decide if this type of microphone suits your purposes
Happy that all is well with the microphone and it's accessories, I packed everything into nice sealed clear plastic packets and now everything is back in the microphone case, waiting for a new owner who can actually make use of this kit.
