Pearl's unique and legendary rectangular capsule has been refined and updated over the years, and many customers consider it to be the best condenser capsule around. The capsule was designed by Pearl's founder Rune Rosander in the sixties and has been refined contiously by current Pearl owner Bernt Malmqvist.

The technical reason for using a rectangular shape becomes evident when you consider the reduction of unwanted resonances in the membrane. In a rectangular geometry, there are several smaller resonances in comparison to a circular membrane. The proportion of length to width in the diaphragm avoids harmonically-related resonances in the two dimensions, further smoothing the response beyond the conventional audio band. Also, the polar pattern will allow the user to optimize the room acoustics' impact on a recording.

Here's the short version: All circular capsules have a pronounced resonance, usually in the 2-10 kHz area, usually referred to as "presence". Pearl's rectangular capsule has several but much less prominent resonances, giving a much flatter frequency response.

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In the 22 series, the Pearl CC 22 with its cardioid pattern is the most popular model. It has a particularly smooth sound, with surprising warmth in its midrange, complemented by an extended but not over-forward top end. Noise levels are very low and the low end of the audio spectrum is every bit as complete and real as the high. The CC 22 model is a truly multi-purpose microphone, suitable for many sources, including vocals, brass, strings and acoustic guitar.

The double length capsule

The inspiration for the Pearl ELM double length capsule model actually came from a user. Producer/engineer Kavi Alexander wanted to improve the S/N ratio in his custom made tube microphones and turned to Pearl for help. Two years later, Bernt had constructed the new ELM series and sent two prototypes to Kavi, who used them to record the Saint Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra. He was so excited about the ELMs that he later sold his custom tube microphones. Kavi still uses his long capsule Pearl ELM microphones today.

The ELM is a microphone totally unlike anything else in the world, with its long, rectangular capsule. The long membrane enables the user to "cut out" a slice of horizontal or vertical audio space. Depending on how the microphone is positioned, it will pick up less audio in one axis than the other. Imagine recording a musician. With the microphone hanging horizontally, you'll be able to record one instrumentalist while rejecting the sounds from other musicians located beside the main source. Or place the microphone vertically, and your polar pattern will be wider but unwanted reflections from the ceiling and the floor will be rejected.

This particular property was one of the reasons why the Stockholm Opera House invested in ELM-C microphones. They allow the audio engineer to acoustically separate the sounds from the stage and the orchestra pit. The new Opera House in Copenhagen also bought ELMs. They simply love the sound and functionality. Other favourite applications of the ELM-C are for drum overheads, acoustic guitar and grand piano.