CANOGA PARK, California - June 2009 -- Pete&apos;s Place Audio proudly announces the official introduction of its latest tool, the Blast Pad. Developed and handcrafted by Pan60 for Pete&apos;s Place, the product is a unique filter designed to protect microphones used in high-SPL applications.
"Considering how sensitive and expensive vintage tube and ribbon mics can be, it&apos;s a wonder that many engineers don&apos;t think twice about putting up a cheap pop filter in front of them," says Pete&apos;s Place Audio President Lisa Montessi. "The downtime and cost to re-ribbon a mic can be substantial, making the Blast Pad a wise investment. So far, the response that we&apos;ve gotten back from professional recording engineers testing the Blast Pad on all different types of instruments and vocals is that this is an absolutely indispensable tool for preserving mics, stopping &apos;pops&apos;, and capturing every detail in even the loudest of settings."
Over time, high sound pressure levels -- from kick drums, amp stacks, horns, harmonicas, powerful vocalists, and the like -- can ultimately distort and/or damage ribbon and large diaphragm condenser microphones. The Blast Pad very effectively minimizes the air movement received by the mic, protecting a valuable investment while transparently taming plosives that can ruin an otherwise great "take."
The Blast Pad is a chambered dual-screen filter with six ports around the outer edge of its circumference. The main body structure is made of corrosion-resistant aluminum, which is anodized for added protection, while the filter mesh consists of two different-sized corrosion-resistant stainless steel screens. Easily cleaned with soap and water, the highly durable Blast Pad is built to last a lifetime.
Weighing slightly over five ounces, the product features a five-inch diameter with a four-inch opening, plus a mount for a standard microphone stand or gooseneck.
Retail pricing for the Blast Pad is set at $297.00 (USD).
Pete&apos;s Place Audio was founded to bring a wide variety of handcrafted, innovative, boutique recording and live audio products to market. Under the leadership of President Lisa Montessi and backed by the manufacturing expertise of A-Designs Audio, Pete&apos;s Place collaborates with some of today&apos;s most talented recording artists and engineers to help determine what products, regardless of how esoteric, they feel are missing in the studio and live performance environments.