As mastering and mixing engineers, we are always on the lookout for tools that bring exceptional depth, transient accuracy, and organic warmth to our audio chain. The recent industry buzz around the namm 2018: sontronics update sigma & delta mics news has captured the attention of high-end studios worldwide. Sontronics, the esteemed British microphone manufacturer, has officially revamped their iconic active ribbon microphones, the Sigma and Delta, marking a massive milestone after eleven years of successful production.
Technical Breakdown of the NAMM 2018: Sontronics Update Sigma & Delta Mics
When analyzing the namm 2018: sontronics update sigma & delta mics announcement, the most significant technical upgrade lies in the active circuitry design and the quality of internal components. Sontronics founder Trevor Coley has completely overhauled the internal electronics, integrating custom-wound, UK-made transformers, premium-grade circuitry, and improved shielding. These improvements put Sontronics in direct competition with legacy ribbon designs from brands like Neumann and Royer, bringing boutique British engineering to a more accessible price point.
The new Sigma 2 and Delta 2 models maintain their beloved physical profiles but boast drastically improved sensitivity, lower self-noise, and a more robust construction. The Sigma 2 is optimized for studio vocals, acoustic instruments, and woodwinds, offering a velvety high-end roll-off that ribbon microphones are famous for. On the other hand, the Delta 2 is specifically engineered to handle high sound pressure levels (SPL), making it the perfect choice for placing directly in front of screaming guitar cabs, heavy brass sections, and drum overheads.
Specifications and Comparison
| Model | Primary Use Cases | Estimated Price | SM Mastering Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sontronics Sigma 2 | Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Woodwinds, Strings | £650 / $799 | 9.2 / 10 |
| Sontronics Delta 2 | Electric Guitar Cabs, Brass, High-SPL Sources | £699 / $849 | 9.5 / 10 |
Practical Studio Workflow Tips for Active Ribbon Mics
Implementing these revamped microphones based on the namm 2018: sontronics update sigma & delta mics release requires an understanding of how active ribbon electronics interact with modern preamps. Unlike passive ribbon mics that require massive amounts of ultra-clean gain, active ribbons utilize 48V phantom power to drive their internal preamps, presenting a stable impedance to your console or audio interface.
- Optimal Positioning: Because both microphones feature a classic figure-of-eight polar pattern, pay close attention to the rear lobe of the mic. Use acoustic treatment behind the microphone to prevent unwanted room reflections from coloring your signal.
- Pairing with Preamps: While you do not need a specialized high-gain preamp, pairing the Sigma 2 with a warm tube preamp can yield astonishingly lush results for vintage-style vocals.
- Mastering Preparation: Dynamic and ribbon mics capture transients in a highly musical, non-fatiguing way. For more deep dives into optimizing your tracking chain before sending tracks to our stereophonic mastering house, explore our curated SM Mastering Audio Articles.
Ultimately, the namm 2018: sontronics update sigma & delta mics development proves that ribbon technology is continuously evolving to meet the demands of modern digital audio workstations. By lowering the noise floor and polishing the frequency response, Sontronics has delivered two future classics that simplify the mixing and mastering stage by capturing balanced, mix-ready audio right at the source.
Conclusion
The update of the Sigma and Delta microphones marks a stellar achievement for Sontronics. By keeping the soul of their original ribbon designs while dramatically upgrading the internal components, they have set a new benchmark for what active ribbon microphones can achieve in both project and professional studios alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Sontronics Sigma 2 and Delta 2?
The Sigma 2 is designed for delicate, highly detailed studio applications such as vocals, acoustic instruments, and woodwinds, emphasizing a smooth, warm character. The Delta 2 is ruggedly built to handle incredibly high SPL, making it perfect for high-output sources like guitar amplifiers and brass.
Do active ribbon microphones require phantom power?
Yes. Unlike traditional passive ribbon microphones (which can be permanently damaged by 48V phantom power), active ribbon microphones like the Sigma 2 and Delta 2 require 48V phantom power to operate their internal preamps and impedance-matching circuitry.
How does the noise floor of the updated Sontronics mics compare to the originals?
Thanks to the custom-wound UK transformers and upgraded circuitry announced in the NAMM update, both the Sigma 2 and Delta 2 feature a significantly lower self-noise floor and higher sensitivity compared to their predecessor models.
🛒 Official Product Info & Where to Buy
Check full technical specs, pricing, and purchase options directly from the official manufacturer or authorized dealer for NAMM 2018: Sontronics update Sigma & Delta mics.
Written by SM Mastering
Official content on sound engineering, mixing, mastering, and advanced electronic production by SM Mastering.