Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.
As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.
The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.
Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.
The new Gator studio microphone universal shockmount for large-diaphragm condenser mics improves clarity in recordings by isolating the mic from intrusive vibrations. Features a sturdy spring clip that opens up the inner diameter for inserting the microphone, EVA foam interior lining that keeps the mic safely mounted and protects against scratches, and heavy-duty steel construction.
The Aston Stealth is a broadcast quality microphone for studio and stage. It offers four switchable voices, active and passive modes, a built-in Class A mic preamp with autodetect 48V Phantom power, and a unique Sorbothane internal shock mount system. Stealth was developed in partnership with 92 top engineers, producers, and artists who participated in a series of blind listening tests designed to create the best possible sound.
The Artist Elite AE2300 cardioid instrument microphone features Audio-Technica’s proprietary double-dome diaphragm construction, giving it high-frequency and transient response that far exceeds typical dynamic microphones. With a rugged, low-profile design and the ability to handle high SPLs, the AE2300 is a versatile performer, able to capture sound from guitar amps, brass and woodwinds, drums, and percussion instruments with equal clarity and precision.
Streamlined design and powerful CORE technology let DPA’s d:vote 4099 microphone brings clarity and details to music, across the entire dynamic range. From the piano to guitar; strings to woodwinds; brass to percussion, the d:vote series sounds equally impressive. This one microphone model and wide range of available clips can beautifully reinforce an entire orchestra.
The ZVEX TB-1 Tea Ball Microphone is actually built inside a stainless steel tea ball. It is designed for specialty use and will reject sounds from sources further than an inch away from its grill. On stage, in a loud environment, it can be plugged directly into a guitar amp that’s turned up to a level that would normally cause the mic to squeal. In a studio, when live recording a vocal track, it will reject the amplifiers and drums. The soft tea ball mesh protects your teeth and can be disassembled and washed in soapy water.
The Sennheiser Digital 6000 microphone system was designed to address the challenges of the shrinking UHF spectrum in live performance settings. The two-channel system incorporates Sennheiser’s Long Range transmission mode. The receiver is available in two versions, a bodypack and handheld transmitter, and a 19-inch rack-mount charging unit. Up to eight receiver units can be daisy-chained without the need for an additional antenna splitter.
Lewitt LCT 640 TS revolutionizes the recording process by allowing you to change your recording setup after the fact. When the large diaphragm condenser microphone is set to Dual Output Mode, its front and rear diaphragms use two independent circuits. Any desired polar pattern such as omni, wide cardioid, cardioid, supercardioid, figure-eight, or anything in between, can be created before and after recording. You can even rotate the microphone’s directivity by 180° after recording. Plus, Dual Output Mode allows recording in stereo with just one LCT 640 TS.
Soundelux USA U195 cardioid FET P48 microphone, featuring a
one-inch dual symmetrical backplate K67 capsule, is capable of
handling a wide range of studio chores. It provides fullness, presence, and low background noise for everything from acoustic instruments to guitar cabinets and drums. It features a pad switch, lo-cut switch, and “fat” switch low-frequency control and comes with a metal threaded stand mount.
Pearl Microphones’ PML Clarity small membrane condenser mic produces excellent results for both live and studio recording. It’s flexible enough for orchestras, choirs, all kinds of instruments, even as an overhead on a drum kit. Clarity has a low noise transformerless preamplifier that can be used with two different capsule heads—cardioid and omni. Both heads will fit in its shock-proof carbon tube. PML Clarity can be ordered with either head or both. It comes with an 1820-T clip, plus a windscreen and shock mount are available.
Rediscover your mic locker! Cloudlifter unleashes your microphone’s true potential by adding up to +25dB of ultra-clean gain, loading the mic with the proper impedance, and improving the overall sound quality with an elegant gain stage prior to the preamp, while drastically reducing noise. The Cloudlifter’s patented circuit is ideal for dynamic, tube, wireless, headset, and ribbon mics. Powered by phantom power from your microphone input device, the Cloudlifter does not pass phantom to the mic, making it a great solution for passive ribbons. Cloudlifters are available in one-, two-, and four-channel configurations. Additionally, the pictured the CL-Z adds continuously variable input impedance (150-15kohm), and a variable HPF, giving you total control over the microphone’s tone and character.
