Why natural felt?
After extensive research and experiments with various materials — synthetic fur,
foam, and plastic — we came to a clear conclusion: only high-density sheep’s wool
felt provides the ideal result.
– High‑density fibers smoothly absorb high frequencies without introducing resonance peaks or phase distortions typical of synthetic materials.
– Different felt thicknesses (3 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm) allow precise tuning of the frequency balance to match the individual resonance characteristics of the guitar body and the size of the room or stage.
– Natural felt preserves the instrument’s true character while gently shaping the tone right at the sound source.
This principle, widely used in studio acoustic design and instrument building, is now implemented directly inside the microphone.
How the Tone Shaping Inserts system works
The system is based on modular, interchangeable inserts made of natural sheep’s wool felt, placed inside the microphone windscreen. The musician can choose one of three thicknesses:
– BRIGHT — thin felt (3 mm)
Preserves clarity and a pronounced attack, while gently softening the very top end.
Ideal for transparent and detailed sound.
– BALANCED — medium felt (5 mm)
Smooths out the highs, adding natural body and richness.
A universal choice for both studio and stage.
– WARM — dense felt (6 mm)
More strongly attenuates high frequencies, creating a warm, soft sound.
Perfect for bright guitars and aggressive playing styles.
This system allows you to control high frequencies mechanically, before the signal even reaches EQs, pedals, or software processing. It’s pure analog tone shaping right at the source.
Scientific foundation and engineering precision
In developing the system, we relied on acoustic principles well known in engineering and physics:
– A Faraday cage and properly designed microphone body protect against electromagnetic interference, preserving signal purity.
– Calculating fiber density and its specific impact on high frequencies allowed us to achieve optimal filtering without losing brightness and attack.
– Thanks to careful selection of material and felt thickness, the microphone withstands any playing intensity — from gentle picking to aggressive strumming — while preserving the instrument’s lively sound.
All experiments were conducted in an acoustically neutral environment with detailed frequency spectrum analysis, which made it possible to create a system for highly effective and natural high‑frequency control.
Benefits for the musician
Ideal high‑frequency control for any guitar and any room acoustics. Reduced feedback from condenser microphones on stage.
Insert changes in seconds — quickly adapt the microphone for studio or live performance. Natural sound and analog warmth thanks to genuine sheep’s wool felt.
NV TONE Tone Shaping Inserts are a new level of musical control, allowing the guitarist to hear and shape the sound exactly as intended by nature and the instrument, even before the signal reaches any processing.
