Zoom ZPC-1 – Matched Pencil Condenser Pair for Stereo & Overheads
The Zoom ZPC-1 is a matched stereo pair of pencil-style small diaphragm condenser microphones designed for capturing natural acoustic detail. Perfect for drum overheads, acoustic instruments, or ambient stereo setups, these mics offer clarity, durability and a neutral sound that lets the source speak—Soundium gives you tools made for real sonic truth.
Key Features
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Matched pair at 100 Hz & 1 kHz: Ensures consistent stereo imaging whether used in X/Y or spaced pair (A/B) configurations.
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Cardioid polar pattern: Focuses on sound fronts, reducing bleed from back or sides—great for drum overheads or ensemble recording.
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Wide frequency range 40 Hz-20 000 Hz: Covers everything from low-end rumble in instruments to crisp highs in cymbals and strings.
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High SPL capability (134 dB): Handles loud sources without distortion, giving headroom on drums, brass, or guitar cabs.
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Solid metal body and outdoor ready accessories: Includes foam windshields, sturdy mic clips, thread adapters, and carrying pouches—built to travel and endure.
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Requires +48 V phantom power via XLR: Standard powering makes them compatible with most interfaces, mixers, and field recorders.
Customer Benefits
With the ZPC-1 pair, you get reliable stereo capture with minimal fuss. Whether you’re mic’ing overheads, acoustic guitar, ambient room or orchestral setups, these will give you transparent detail and punch without coloration. The matched capsules ensure stereo balance, and the rugged accessories and build mean less downtime and more good takes. Soundium equips you with gear built to perform, session after session.
Quick Specs
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Type: Back electret condenser (small diaphragm)
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Polar pattern: Cardioid
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Frequency response: 40 Hz – 20 000 Hz
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Sensitivity: -38 ± 2 dBV/Pa
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Maximum SPL: 134 dB (THD ≤ 1% at 1 kHz)
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Equivalent input noise (EIN): < 12 dB SPL (A-weighted)
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Signal-to-noise ratio: ~ 82 dB
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Output impedance: 200 Ω
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Connector: 3-pin XLR
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Power requirement: +48 V phantom, ~ 3.5 mA each mic
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Dimensions (each): Ø 20 mm × 12.7 cm
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Weight (pair): ~ 109 g × 2
What’s in the Box
- 2 × Zoom ZPC-1 pencil condenser mics
- 2 × Foam windshields
- 2 × Mic clips
- 2 × 5/8" → 3/8" thread adapters
- 2 × Carrying pouches
Use Cases / Ideal For
Excellent for drum overheads, acoustic guitar, piano stereo recording, ambient room tone, field recording with matched stereo, or live ensemble capture. Also ideal when you want versatile stereo mic pairs without breaking the bank.
Compatibility
Requires any preamp, interface, or recorder that provides +48 V phantom power and has XLR inputs. Use balanced cabling for best noise performance. Windshields help outdoors, but quieter environments will reveal its full low-noise character.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Great value matched stereo pair with high SPL handling.
- Transparent, neutral sound good for many sources.
- Solid build and useful accessories included.
- Compact size makes placement easier and less obtrusive.
⚠️ Cons:
- Windshields provide some protection, but performance outdoors in strong wind is limited.
- Small diaphragms tend to reveal handling noise and ambient noise more than large diaphragm mics.
- Requires phantom power and good preamps to keep noise floor low.
The Zoom ZPC-1 matched pair is an excellent choice when you want reliable stereo mics that don’t colour the source. For transparent sound, rugged build, and stereo flexibility, this pair delivers—Soundium supports your journey to better recordings.
