Holophone® Introduces H2-5.1 Surround Microphone at IBC 2008

Holophone® is offering its users access to the power and audio quality of the H2-PRO in an affordable 5.1 package with the introduction of the H2-5.1 surround microphone. Ideal for productions solely requiring a superior discrete 5.1 surround recording, the H2-5.1 is making its industry debut at IBC 2008 (Booth 8.C10).

Based on the company's flagship model, the H2-PRO, the H2-5.1 features six DPA microphones arranged to correspond with the typical 5.1 speaker setup found in a studio or home theater. This configuration allows the H2-5.1 to easily and effortlessly capture, from a single point, an extremely accurate 5.1 surround recording with no signal manipulation required. The mic's six channels of audio are output to six separate XLR connectors. With the H2-5.1 retailing for $5,400 ($600 less than the H2-PRO) it is an affordable way to add a first-class 5.1 surround recording to a variety of broadcast projects such as sporting events, concerts, and ENG.

"The vast majority of surround out there is 5.1 channels. So in response to that, we wanted to give our users an option that could capture 5.1 high-quality discrete channels at a reduced cost and minimum setup time," says Michael Godfrey, CEO of Holophone. "The H2-5.1 does not look to replace the H2-PRO, but provide users access to the audio quality of the DPA elements found in our H2-PRO in a 5.1 format, which can be seamlessly incorporated in their surround projects."

For productions that require a more detailed 7.1 or 6.1 format, the company will continue to offer the H2-PRO, with such enhanced features as eight XLR microphone connectors, which are entirely compatible with all multi-channel I/O devices. It is also compatible with all surround-sound encoding/playback formats (Dolby, DTS, Circle Surround, IMAX, etc.).