Reynolds Atype4S

The Atype4S microphone from Reynolds Microphone is a 1st order ambisonic microphone with 4 Capsules. Owner Jack Reynolds has been building standard and ambisonic studio microphones for several years. My initial attraction was to be able to explore ambisonic recording and see what was available on the market in terms of microphones of this type. When you think of ambisonic microphones the first names that come to mind are the Soundfield microphone, the Rode version or the Sennheiser Ambeo. Although all of these microphones were of very good quality I was interested in exploring lesser known companies and seeing if there were any microphones of this type built by indie companies. Firstly at the spec level the Atype4 (final model) does not have to be hampered by the competition:

• Ambisonic Microphone 1st order Format A

• Maximum SPL of 127 db

• Sensitivity of -21db

• Signal-to-noise ratio 78 db

• 10 dba clean noise

• 4 Electret cardioid capsules

• Microphone weight: 75g

• Each microphone is hand-made by the owner, with the body of the microphone printed via a nylon fiber on a 3D printer.

Having used it in several situations in the last 2 to 3 years, at the sound level, it has a very beautiful ambisonic image, good results in both low and high frequencies, we see that the capsules are very close and have been selected with precision to be as closed as possible.

I was able to use the microphone both on very hot and humid days as well as on very cold days in winter during snowstorms and never had a problem with my recordings with this microphone. We see that it was designed and manufactured for both interior and exterior work.

The owner was very quick to respond to various questions from a potential customers, the answers come directly from the person who makes the microphones. During my research on my purchasing process, given that this microphone is less common than those manufactured by the major brands on the market, I wanted to have access to recordings to give myself an idea of the quality of the capsules and I had access to recordings with current versions or current ones from this microphone. For my part I have the Atype 4s which is the last prototype model just before AType 4 which is the final version currently sold. In terms of differences the specs are the same but the Atype4 comes with more bundle options.

Now the Atype4 comes in 2 purchase versions. The microphone and cable only version, good if you want to do indoor recording, in studios, in concerts or for choirs for example. And the complete kit, perfect for field recording, comes with the microphone, the Rycote suspension, BBG Rycote, the Windjammer for the BBG, the gotham Lemo a 4 XLR cable and a carrying case to put the microphone.

Also don't forget that now you will also have access to a VST Atype4/8 plugin developed by Atmoky specifically made for the Atype 4 and 8 microphone (Reynolds 2nd order Ambi model) which will allow you to convert Format A to B with some filtering options.

As the first Ambisonic microphone I have purchased with my own money, I am not disappointed with it's performance. Whether on a technical or qualitative level, this microphone deserves to be known and recognized. Having been able to make recordings with the ST450 soundfield in the past and having heard comparative recordings made with the Sennheiser Ambeo, I recommend that you explore this microphone if you feel like investing in an ambisonic microphone.

Here is an example of a recording of group of goose made with the Atype4S done in St-Jean-Sur-Richelieu.

Disclaimer: All equipment reviewed on this site was purchased with my own money, no product was loaned or given to me.