Tempest is the new USB condenser microphone from 512 Audio, part of the Warm Audio family. Tempest ... [+] takes its inspiration from Warm Audio’s WA-47jr studio condenser mic.

Austin-based boutique microphone brand 512 Audio has just announced the launch of a brand-new USB studio microphone. Tempest is a large-diaphragm microphone that offers the convenience of USB-C connectivity and studio-quality sound.

Tempest draws its design inspiration from Warm Audio’s WA-47jr studio condenser microphone. The new model is vintage-inspired and features a large-diaphragm condenser capsule along with 24-bit / 48kHz resolution.

The audio engineers at 512 Audio have designed Tempest to capture polished and detailed audio suitable for podcasts, live streams, acoustic instruments and vocal performances. The brand says Tempest is the easiest way to get authentic studio sound directly to a computer.

Tempest has volume and gain controls, plus zero-latency monitoring and a mute button.

“Tempest is not your typical USB microphone,” claims Bryce Young, the founder and CEO of Warm Audio and 512 Audio. “We’re very excited to offer a true, large-diaphragm studio mic that can easily connect to any creator's setup without requiring additional hardware & cables. Tempest bridges our experience in creating high-end studio microphones with the convenience of today’s digital setups.”

At the center of the Tempest’s design is a large-diaphragm and vintage-inspired 34mm gold-plated condenser capsule that shares much of the same design DNA as Warm Audio’s best-selling WA-47jr studio microphone. As a result, Tempest has tight lows, nuanced midrange and a clear high end with a full 20Hz – 20kHz frequency response.

The fixed cardioid pickup pattern of the microphone captures what’s in front of it and rejects surrounding ambient noise, enabling any audio source to cut through loud and clear. Tempest has a suitably wide frequency response to allow it to be used to capture high-fidelity audio for modern hi-res recording.

Tempest is supplied with a mount and a shock-mount for mounting on a boom arm or stand.

Tempest is ideal for creators who need to professionally record and stream to a PC or Mac, thanks to its use of a USB-C port. There’s no need for any additional audio interface or studio hardware. The microphone features controls for gain and zero-latency headphone volume monitoring.

Additionally, there’s a mute button for total control over live sound and no software is required. Tempest also has a desktop stand and low-profile shock-mount to reduce unwanted vibrations and rumble from a microphone stand or boom arm.

Pricing & Availability: 512 Audio’s Tempest USB microphone is available now from Amazon and authorized retailers worldwide and costs $159.99.

More info: www.512audio.com/tempest