Description
We are sold out for now but will have more Berzerkers in the New Year. You can back order or send a message to reserve one.
The new BerZerker from Extinct Audio is a low noise ribbon microphone aimed at recording voices, but which can be used for pretty much anything. The sound is somewhat vintage in character but with modern output levels and extremely low noise for a passive ribbon microphone. The BerZerker gives voices a larger-than-life sound, perfect for jazz queens and rock gods of all eras.
The BerZerker has a classic ribbon sound with figure-8 pattern and a flattering bass proximity effect. A gentle dip at the top end helps to cut sibilance, making it naturally suited to recording vocals and speech. It has internal windscreens to reduce sibilance and pops and sounds most neutral at around 6 to 12″ (15-30 cm) from the sound source, which makes it perfect for vocals.
This is a truly British built microphone. The BerZerker‘s body and yoke are high quality die cast zinc and are made in Yorkshire in the North of England. The metal components for the transducer are made close to Manchester, and the transformer and ribbons are made and fitted in our own facility in York. Even the boxes are made in Cheshire, from sustainable wood.
About the name
In old Norse legend, Berserkers were fearsome warriors who (maybe) wore bear skins and (allegedly) ate magic mushrooms or other hallucinogenic substances to sustain them in battle. Our Berserker is rather better behaved! The looks of the microphone are inspired by an obscure 1940s ribbon microphone made by Birmingham Sound Reproducers. BSR gave us the name BerSerkeR. The new zinc casting gave us BerZerkeR.
Extinct Audio Warranty
The ribbons and cable carry a 1 year warranty. The body, mechanical parts and transformer are guarantied for life to the original owner. Paint, accessories and cosmetic appearance are not covered by the warranty but the BerZerker will age gracefully.
Technical specifications
- Output impedance = 300 ohms at 1KHz
- Directional Pattern: Figure-8.
- Frequency range*: <30 Hz – 15 kHz @ ±3dB. (excludes proximity effect)
- Sensitivity: -50 dBv/Pa
- Self noise (thermal): -131 dBV at 20ºC (20 kHz bandwidth)
- Signal to noise (1kHz at 1 Pa): 81 dB.
- Proximity effect: Strong
- Electronics: Passive. No power required
- Output configuration: Transformer balanced
- Output Connector: XLR3, Pin 2= +ve, Pin 3 = -ve, Pin 1 = Ground
- Weight: 1200g approx (microphone only). 2000g with box.
- Size: 220 x 90 x 60 mm approx. (microphone). 350 x 110 x 105 mm boxed.
User reviews for our Berserker series
“The Berserker sounds absolutely wonderful on everything I’ve tried it on, male or female, softly spoken or angry screamers! It’s gorgeous, thank you.” Ross Orton
“I love my Berserker, it‘s one of the best sounding and smoothest mics for vocals I‘ve used so far. Congrats on this one!” Christoph Brandner
“The Berserker, needs to be listened to in order to really grasp the beauty of it. So, it looks stunning in photos, it’s even more awesome in person and when you listen to it you feel mesmerised. This is not an ad, this is just the opinion of a very happy customer of this (almost) one of a kind wonder. Thank you!” Simone Coen
“This thing (Berserker) is amazing. “ Flat Black Studios
“Loving ours (Berserker), bit of a modern classic!” Ibibio Sound Machine
