A brief look at three new microphones from the Toa stable.

Toa are not yet a household name in this country, but the company can draw on almost fifty years of experience and takes its work very seriously. These microphones are part of a comprehensive range which caters for the budget user at one end and the discerning professional at the other. The first model we examine is the K4: a true condenser mic featuring interchangeable capsules for different applications.

Toa K4

It's the most expensive of the three, and takes the form of a phantom powered condenser. The power supply voltage is internally stabilised so that any phantom supply between 9v and 52v will provide the optimum performance. As supplied, the mic was fitted with the standard KMM capsule which is intended for general purpose instrument use. This has a cardioid response and there's no bass roll off, unlike the other optional vocal capsules KFV and KMV. The response extends from 30Hz to over 20kHz and is basically flat except for a slight hump of around 5dB in the 7kHz region.

Constructionally the mic is very slim but nevertheless solid and the lockable switch is incorporated into the handle. Next to this a small red LED which lights up when the mic is live and the cable connects via the usual XLR connector. The finish is an attractive satin grey enamel and the mic comes complete with its own hi-tech look windshield, stand clip and carrying bag.

In common with many good condenser mics, the K4 exhibits outstanding transparency of sound when compared against even an expensive moving coil mic. Though this is strictly speaking an instrument capsule, it worked more than adequately with vocals provided care was taken to prevent wind noise and popping. This susceptibility is due to the extended bass response; the vocal capsules start to roll off below 200kHz. I used my favourite vegetable strainer as an additional windshield but an old pair of soprano's tights stretched over a coathanger does the job just as well. The resulting combination of mic and improvised windshield worked so well that my resident engineer virtually refused to give me the mic back at the end of the review. For those who must hold a mic, the handling noise is reasonable but I would use a stand if at all possible.

The maximum sound pressure level is 130dB at 1 kHz which means that most instruments can be successfully recorded and the good low end response makes it eminently suitable for drums where the SPL is not too high. Another useful application is the acoustic guitar where the transparency really shows through; this is really a first rate all-rounder, especially if you can afford one or both of the optional vocal capsules.

Toa K1

The Toa K1 is virtually identical in appearance to the K4 but it is in fact a cardioid electret and is much cheaper. A useful inclusion is a three position switch which tailors the low end response for Vocals, Music; position three is Off. The vocal position switches in a low frequently roll off which comes in at around 100Hz though the response starts to fall gently at around 200Hz anyway.

Power is supplied by an internal battery, though phantom power can be used if available. Like the K4, the phantom supply may be up to 52v and the battery is automatically switched out of circuit when the phantom power is connected. Accessories provided with the K1 are the same as those for the K4.

Like the K4, this is a good all-rounder, though it doesn't have quite the same smoothness, bottom end or transparency; at around one third of the price of the K4 that comes as no surprise. It is better than most inexpensive electret mics in this respect though and is equally at home recording vocals or instruments. Handling noise is acceptably low but again an extra windshield is an advantage when working with troublesome vocalists.

Toa J3

The J3 is a dynamic vocal mic and comes with clip, windshield and carrying bag. As on the K models, the on/off switch is lockable, but the body diameter is much greater. Again the pick-up pattern is cardioid and there is a presence peak at around 5kHz to improve articulation. A 9 micron, lightweight diaphragm gives a good transient response and the J1 variation of this model are useful drum mics.

This is a useful dynamic vocal mic though it doesn't have the refinement of the K4 condenser mic. Once you've used that you are spoiled for anything else. Other than vocals, which it handles well, the J3 acquits itself best on electric guitar and other instruments that do not produce extremes of bass or treble and it would make a worthwhile addition to any studio's mic locker. The tough construction makes it suitable for live or studio use and an internal shockmount minimises handling noise.

Conclusions

These are the first Toa mics that I have encountered, but they're good and are sensibly priced to boot. It's only when you try a good mic like the K4 that you realise just what difference the choice of mic can make to your work. Like the Toa monitors we looked at in the June issue, these mics are serious products for serious users so if you are shopping around for a few new mics to add to your armoury, give the Toa range a try before you make up your mind.

Prices including VAT are as follows: K4 - £333.50, K1 - £111.20 and J3 - £121.90.

Further information can be obtained from: Toa Electronics Ltd, (Contact Details).