With systems in applications ranging from children’s safe houses through police and military forces, to hospitals, audit firms and the United Nations, Norweigan company Indico Systems is a leading player in the provision of digital evidence recordings.
To ensure high-quality audio capture, the company pairs MXL Microphones’ AC-404 USB-powered mics with its Recorder software running on a laptop, which is packed into a portable case along with USB cameras for a plug-and-play solution.
‘When looking for camera and microphone solutions to integrate with our software, we knew USB-powered devices were the way to go – this way there are no additional power sources needed,’ says Indio Systems CEO, Stig Knutsen. ‘You simply plug your camera and microphone into the laptop, which has the ‘Recorder’ software previously installed, and you’re ready to go.’
Knutsen selected the for its high voice intelligibility: ‘When recording audio files such as interrogations and interviews to be used as evidence in court rooms, it is extremely important to capture crystal-clear, unfiltered sound,’ he says. ‘We tested out several USB microphones, but other manufacturer’s solutions could not compare to the high-quality audio of the MXL AC-404. Other mics’ recordings were much lower, and a lot more muffled. Once we heard the MXL mic, we immediately knew that was the mic for us.’
Another benefit of the-404 is its audio pickup: ‘Our customers are often surprised that they only need one microphone to capture the interview recording,’ says Knutsen. ‘The AC-404 does an amazing job of capturing multiple sources of audio without an issue. Even if the interviewee gets up and starts walking around while talking, we can rely on the AC-404 to pick up an even and clear sound throughout the process. Whether the person is speaking right next to the microphone or on the other side of the room, the recordings always sound great.
‘We have over 2,000 MXL AC-404 mics, and we are constantly packing, unpacking, and shipping them around the globe, so rigidity was also super important to us when choosing a microphone,’ he adds. ‘The durable all-metal construction of the AC-404 has helped to ensure that when our customers unpack their kit, they are receiving a microphone in perfect condition. The MXL AC-404 is a solid microphone, and it always works. We are looking forward to trying out other solutions that MXL has to offer.’
The AC-404 uses three microphone capsules in a surface-mount boundary to give a 180° pickup with a 25’ range, suiting it to conference rooms, courtrooms, connected classrooms and their like. Designed to rest on any flat surface, the AC-404 is available in white and black.
