A Deeper Look at Earthworks Audio
The Genesis of Earthworks
David Blackmer, the original founder of dbx, started Earthworks Audio in 1995 with the goal of translating the intimate experience of live acoustic music to loudspeakers as accurately as possible. After testing a range of tweeters from multiple manufacturers, Blackmer realized he could hear subtle differences that weren’t represented by the published specifications. This prompted him to explore the capabilities of human hearing, ultimately leading him to the realization that accuracy in the time domain is critical for capturing the experience of being in the room. And because the quest for accuracy starts at the source, Earthworks quickly gained a reputation as a manufacturer of ultra high-performance microphones.
Human-Centered Audio
Although Earthworks is known for their meticulous engineering and technical excellence, everything they do is ultimately for people. Driven by the philosophy of “human-centered audio,” Earthworks creates tools to help people achieve their artistic vision—whether that means calibrating a venue to acoustical perfection, recording a piano sonata with pristine fidelity, or creating a professional-sounding podcast.
The Industry Standard in Acoustical Measurement
Earthworks’ flagship M Series measurement microphones are trusted by the world’s top engineers and acousticians to make critical decisions about sound reinforcement systems, room design, monitor calibration, and product development. The M23R is accurate to within 0.5 dB between 3 Hz and 23 kHz, while the M30 and M50 extend this massive range up to 30 kHz and 50 kHz, respectively. Billed as “the world’s fastest microphones,” these instruments capture every nuance of sound with extreme accuracy in the time domain, providing rock-solid data for critical measurement applications.
Earthworks in the Studio
Boasting the same ultra-fast transient response as their measurement mics (with a slightly more musically-tailored frequency response), Earthworks’ studio microphones are the ultimate choice when you need to capture the magic of being in the room. From their QTC Series omnidirectional room mics to specialized products like the PM40 piano mic system and SR Series guitar mics, Earthworks has a solution for every session. Although they’re a natural choice for acoustic music, Earthworks’ studio mics are just as equipped to handle high-SPL sources like thumping kick drums and screaming guitar amps.
Earthworks on Stage
There’s a myth that condenser microphones aren’t suited to live sound reinforcement, but Earthworks has proven that thinking wrong with a superb line of live microphones engineered to deliver studio-quality detail and tone with excellent isolation and feedback rejection. From handheld vocal mics like the classically-styled SR117 and the show-stopping SR314 to the seven-piece, all-condenser DK7 drum mic kit, Earthworks offers a variety of tour-ready live sound solutions. They even make a line of cardioid choir microphones and gooseneck podium microphones for amplifying voices at speaking events and houses of worship.
Broadcast and Streaming
Recognizing the growing popularity of broadcast-style microphones for podcasting, streaming, and vlogging, Earthworks saw the opportunity to provide today’s creators with tools to achieve crystal-clear, professional-quality voice capture. Their streaming and broadcast line started with the ICON PRO, a small-diaphragm condenser with an integrated swivel mount meant for broadcast-style boom arms. The company then introduced the ETHOS, which shares a similar form factor with a slightly larger diaphragm and a removable windscreen. Both mics deliver Earthworks’ signature reference-quality sound and robust build quality with stunning aesthetic design that pops on camera.
Made in the U.S.
To ensure the quality and performance they’re famous for, Earthworks designs, tunes, and assembles every microphone at their headquarters in rural New England. They custom-machine as many parts as possible in their own factory, where most Earthworks microphones start life as a 12-foot bar of stainless steel before being cut, milled, and sculpted into high-performance instruments. This labor of love results in microphones that are as durable as they are beautiful, so you can enjoy their sonic purity for decades.