ALBERT windshield
2008: Release of ALBERT
The side windshield for ORTF pairs (or ORTF + center Mic)
In homage to Albert Laracine, tireless co-founder, craftsman and teacher of the ORTF stereophonic recording technique, here is the side windshield ALBERT.
The most standard versions of ALBERT (2CH) consist of two MINIX suspension modules, either adapted to the Schoeps CCM4 or the Sennheiser MKH 8040. The installation of the microphones is done by simple screwing on the support (plug inserted in the cradle). Alternatively, it is possible to orient and position the microphones using the XY technique (pseudo-coincidence).
Other versions of the ALBERT (2CH) can accommodate pairs of microphones, such as the Schoeps MSTC or CMC1, DPA 4011C, Nevaton MC59, LineAudio CM4…or others to be studied!
The three channel version, only for CCM4/41 or MKH8040/50, allows the addition of a central microphone but is not an academic “LCR”. The additional suspension module is easily mounted and removed from the internal bracket. The microphone cable ends in a detachable Binder plug.
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ALBERT windshield
According to the principle created by CINELA for all its windshields, the ALBERT cage is also suspended independently so as not to degrade the vibration isolation quality of the microphone suspensions.
Unlike using a coupling bar with two separate windshields, ALBERT allows the microphones to be housed in the same volume, which is beneficial to windshields effectiveness and signal coherence in the event of excessive residual wind noise.
VERSIONS and CONFIGURATIONS
The access to the microphones is done by removing the front part of the cage (four push fit fixings).
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- Example of an ORTF pair with two Sennheiser MKH8040
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- Example of an ORTF pair with 2 Schoeps CCM4
The rail-mounted suspensions (in green in the photos below) allow continuous adjustment of the distance and angle between capsules:
Couple AB ORTF: 2 x Cardioids, 17 cm, 110
XY pair: 2 x Cardioids, 90° (pseudo-coincidence)
Special pairs (e.g. Hypercardioid, 20 cm max, 90° or AB omni: 2 x Omnidirectional, 20 cm max)
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- ORTF positioning
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- XY positioning (pseudo coincidence)
THREE CHANNELS VERSION (AL-TRI)
Requested by many users, ALBERT is also available in a three-channels version (CCM or 8000).
In no way to be considered as an academic “LCR” system, the whole is in fact only the co-existance of an ORTF pair and a central channel within the same unit. ORTF or mono can then be chosen in post !
It is quite clear that a 100% level for each channel, feeding three LCR loudspeakers, inevitably causes the appearance of ghost images likely to provoke Albert Laracine’s justified dismay.
Detachable central module allowing XY configuration.
Central microphone often chosen: Hypercardioid.
The convertion of an ALBERT 2CH to 3CH version is possible, but a little complicated (return to the manufacturer, in France). If you had the prospect of a later evolution (future purchase of a third microphone), it is advised, from the beginning, to acquire a three-channel ALBERT version which will be operational at the arrival of the third microphone.
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- Three channel version (ORTF + independent center)
WINDPROOF COVERINGS
The first level of wind protection is provided by a primary fabric with high acoustic transparency (3D fabric: Same as Zephyx, unchanged since 2007). The frontal part is removable, which allows the opening of the cage.
The choice of the Black/Gray color offers a perfect L & R identification and better visual aiming.
The complementary fur (synthetic), to be added over the primary fabric, is offered in black/gray long pile (standard version) to reinforce the insulation of the microphones against more difficult wind conditions.
The arrangement of the two colors, identical to the primary fabric, allows to keep the L & R marking.
All the compromises between acoustic transparency and wind efficiency can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Em4RvvTfOs
DOUBLE AXIS SWIVEL
In order to maintain the correct orientation of the stereo pair in any situation, ALBERT is equipped with a two-axis swivel, with a single clamp (like Zephyx), for rapid adjustment in all angles, whether on a pole or on a stand.
WIRING
ALBERT ORTF : XLRM 5 pinout:
1 : ground
2/3 : +/- left channel
4/5 : +/- right channel
ALBERT TRI : XLRM 7 pinout:
1 : ground
2/3 : +/- left channel
4/5 : +/- center channel
6/7 : +/- right channel
The wiring of a 2CH ALBERT is fixed because it is linked to the suspension modules.
In the case of a 3CH ALBERT, the central module is detachable (independent knob and Binder plug), but the 7-pin wiring (XLR7M) is to be shared in 2CH or 3CH use.
Except in special cases, any servicing/upgrade on the wiring needs a return of the unit to the workshop.
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- ALBERT-TRI-8000 and its detachable central module
ALBERT also hosts the Schoeps MSTC monobloc. Direct XLR5 M/F wiring (ultra shortened female plug)
ALBERT also accepts a number of short body microphones in ORTF or XY stereo configuration such as the Schoeps CMC1U, CMC1L, DPA 4011C,…
Cinéma Electronique Acoustique
19 Bd Jean Jaurès
78800 HOUILLES
FRANCE
+33 134 934 952
contact@cinela.fr
VAT: FR38488147497