September 2006 47
More features
The Flash Mic is packaged with a Flash Mic Manager CD-ROM
application, which is Windows and Mac compatible. The Flash
Mic Manager is not necessary for standard operation, but it al-
lows for detailed control and customization of the Flash Mic. For
example, Flash Mic Manager allows the user to upload as many
as nine presets to the Flash Mic and it comes with an interface
that imports audio to a PC
or Mac.
With 1GB of fixed in-
ternal memory, the Flash
Mic offers six available
16-bit linear PCM or MPEG
recording formats ranging
from uncompressed 48kHz
WAV (three hours of record-
ing), to compressed 32kHz MP2 (18 hours and 25 minutes of re-
cording). A record lock feature prevents accidental stoppage during
recording and levels are manually or the automatically controlled.
The mic also features a switchable 100Hz high-pass filter and an
internal real-time clock.
The big question concerning the mic dealt with battery life. It takes
two AA alkaline or nickel metal hydride rechargeable batteries. I
conducted a battery life test with fresh alkaline batteries and it re-
corded continuously for seven hours. When the battery life begins to
dwindle,
the LCD display
and backlight begin to
flash. Changing batteries does
not erase recorded material, but the
batteries must be changed within 60 seconds or the internal clock
will reset. The mic does not have an automatic shut-off function.
Having used the latest technology in media storage and transfer,
this product is a considerable milestone for HHB and Sennheiser.
Reporters, public speakers and anyone looking to capture audio
on the fly now have an easy, economical avenue. Not only is the
Flash Mic a great idea, it delivers excellent sounding audio with
no strings (or wires) attached.
Wygal is the programmer, engineer and Web designer for WRVL in Lynch-
burg, VA.
Editor’s note: Field Reports are an exclusive Radio magazine feature for radio broadcasters.
Each report is prepared by well-qualified staff at a radio station, production facility or consulting
company.
These reports are performed by the industry, for the industry. Manufacturer support is limited to
providing loan equipment and to aiding the author if requested.
It is the responsibility of Radio magazine to publish the results of any device tested, positive or
negative. No report should be considered an endorsement or disapproval by Radio magazine.
HHB
PHONE 860-434-9190
WEB www.hhbusa.com
FIELD REPORT
Detail of the operating
controls, display and
connections.
