Multi Pattern Condenser Microphones

 

Neumann U87 Condenser, multi-pattern.

 

Description:

One of the most recognizable microphones, the Neumann U87 was first introduced in 1987. It is a large diaphragm solid state/FET microphone with three different directional patterns, a bass roll-off filter and a 10 dB pad. It has a transformer based output.

 

Applications:

The U87 can be a great vocal microphone, but it is not ideal for every voice. The U87 is well-suited for use as a room microphone when used with a close mic guitar cabinets. This is another great all round microphone and performs well in any situation. It is a good choice for most general purpose applications in studios, for broadcasting, film and television. The U 87 Ai is used as a main microphone for orchestra recordings, as a spot microphone for single instruments, and extensively as a vocal microphone for all types of music and speech.

Neumann U67

Valve condenser, multi pattern.

 

Description:

One of the most popular valve microphones, the Neumann U67 was first introduced in 1967. It is a large diaphragm valve microphone with three different directional patterns, a bass roll-off filter and a 10 dB pad. It has a transformer output.

 

Applications:

The U67 is a great classic sounding vocal microphone, favoured by many engineers for voice. The U67 is well-suited for use as a close mocrophone on guitar cabinets. Much used as a room mic.

Neumann TLM170R Condenser, multi-pattern.

 

Description:

The TLM 170 R was the first microphone to use the successful fet 100 technology. Along with a balanced, transformerless output stage it features extremely low self-noise and an impressive dynamic range. Five directional characteristics are selectable by means of a rotary switch. In the sixth position, marked "R", the directional patterns can be controlled remotely with the N 48 R-2 power supply.

 

Applications:

Crisp vocals, suitable for almost any application.

Neumann SM69

 

Description:

Great vintage stereo microphone. Brilliant at capturing room sound, especially orchestras. It is essentially two U87's in one unit.

 

Applications:

Overhead, stereo room, guitars, piano, ect.
 

 

Brauner VM1

 

The Brauner VM1 is the ultimate solution for detailed orchestra and strings, neutral vocal (usually female) and acoustic instruments such as guitar, violin and cello. Designed as a high resolution "general purpose" (meaning low color) mic for the high end German recording market, the VM1 was conceived as a mic that records with a minimum of coloration to get the total sound on track, for coloring later in post production. Many engineers consider this to be the finest acoustic guitar mic of all time. Hundreds of movies have been scored with the Vm1 on the decca tree including The Pianist, Lion King, Pirates of the Caribbean, Armegeddon and many more. If high resolution is the goal, the VM1 is the answer.

The VM1 is unique amongst peers in that inside, there are no semi-conductors in the signal path. There are no connectors between the capsule and the control grid of the tube, avoiding parasitic capacitance in the high impedance area. No switches or filters are used for the same reason, avoiding audible phase shift and transient distortion. The mic amplifier is a pure Class A, and a Brauner designed, hand wound, twin core transformer with specifically chosen core material assure the user of the highest possible performance. A heavy machined frame holds the VM1 workings solidly inside the heavy anodized case. Even the popscreen is a work of art. Designed to be acoustically transparent, it has a specific design that does not shift phase of the incoming acoustical signal, so it is completely neutral - unlike the popper stopper screens. The pattern control which is infinitely variable from figure eight to omni, is located on the power supply so you don't have to get up and disturb the artist or climb a ladder to change pattern. The Shock Mount is very heavy duty, with fail safes built in to prevent accidental dropping of the mic during set-up. There's a even a little spring loaded wrench built-in to adjust the shock mount angle too.

Features:

  • Continuously variable pattern from Omni to Figure 8
  • Variable pattern pot, -10dB pad and Phase Invert located remotely on the Brauner "PS1" power supply
  • Hard, soft or ground lift located on the Brauner PS1 Back Panel
  • Very unique Brauner "SM" Shock Mount with built-in spring loaded torque wrench
  • Brauner SM shock mount grip design prevents accidental drops of the mic
  • Custom designed, acoustically transparent Brauner "WS1" 360 degree Superscreen
  • Hand Built to order
  • Designed for close work as well as distant miking

Specifications:

  • Type - Pressure Gradient Transducer
  • Equivalent Noise - 9 dB A (IEC651)
  • Signal to Noise - 85 dB (1Pa/ 1KHz-cardioid)
  • Sensitivity - 28mV/ Pa- cardioid
  • Pattern - all, infinitely variable
  • Frequency Range - 18 Hz-24 KHz
  • Type of Amplifier - Ultrawide, Ultralinear, Class A
  • Tube Type - EF 732
  • Maximum SPL - 142 dB SPL @ 0,3 % THD
  • Supply - 115V or 230 V
  • Accessories - Suspension, aluminium case, power supply, windscreen, cable, manual

AKG C414 B-ULS Condenser, multi-pattern.

Description:

The AKG 414 B-ULS is a large diaphragm, transformerless condenser with four directional patterns and a two position bass roll-off filter.

Applications:

This microphone has quite a large presence peak so it's not the best choice for already bright or edgy sounds. I've had very good results on both male and female vocalists, guitar cabinets, and drum overheads. This microphone is an all round good performer, producing good results on almost any source.

AKG C414 EB Condenser, multi-pattern.

Description:

The AKG 414 B-ULS is a large diaphragm, transformerless condenser with four directional patterns and a two position bass roll-off filter.

Applications:

This microphone has quite a large presence peak so it's not the best choice for already bright or edgy sounds. I've had very good results on both male and female vocalists, guitar cabinets, and drum overheads. This microphone is an all round good performer, producing good results on almost any source.

Sony C48P Condenser, multi-pattern.

 

Description:

One of the more under-rated microphones, the Sony C-48P is a large diaphragm solid state FET microphone with three different directional patterns, a bass roll-off filter and a 10 dB pad. It has a transformer output. This is one of Sony's top microphones and is serious competition for the Neumann U87 and TLM170R. It has a smoother response, without the same midrange accentuation as the Neumann.

Applications:

The C-48P is a great vocal microphone, and many people prefer it to the Neumanns, especially for female vocal. The C-48P is well-suited for use as a room microphone and when used with a close microphone on guitar cabinets. This is another great all round microphone and performs well in any situation.

Sony C37A Valve condenser, multi-pattern


Description:

Classic valve mic. Sony’s answer to the Neumann U-47. Has a 6AU6 valve in the body. Bass roloff filter switch on the power supply. The rear of the grille has a polar response adjustment screw.

Applications:

Vocals, guitar amplifiers.

 

Gefell UM75 Multi-pattern Condenser

 

Description:

In recognition of the 75th anniversary of Georg Neumann, Microtech Gefell has launched the UM75 Vintage, a very special limited edition tube microphone to celebrate the 75-year history of Gefell and honor our founding father and the inventor behind the condenser microphone and the famous Gefell M7 capsule, Mr. Georg Neumann.

 

To commemorate this amazing history, Gefell produced limited numbers of the Gefell UM75 Tube microphone, a remake of the legendary Neumann-Gefell UM57. The Gefell UM75 follows this same tradition in that it is a large diaphragm tube microphone that combines the ubiquitous M7 capsule and the same EF86 tube that was used in the U67. This is combined with the UM92.1S electronics and a custom, digitally controlled Swiss wound, high-output transformer. The combination is a microphone that captures the true essence of the original vintage Neumann-Gefell microphones in a quieter more consistent offering.

 

The multi-pattern switch on the power supply offers choice between omni-directional, cardioid, and figure-8 operation. The UM75 is be of particular interest to engineers and artists that prefer the rich and distinct sound of vintage microphones while benefiting in the assurance that the microphone will perform to the very highest specifications for today’s demanding recording environment. The Gefell UM75 comes complete with power supply, multi-conductor Tuchel cable, full basket elastic suspension, wind screen and storage case and is finished in a beautiful antique hammer-tone finish with nickel grill and base.

 

Applications: Anything that benefits a classic sounding condenser mic. Vocals are special with this mic.

Oktava MKL2500

 

Description:

This remarkable microphone combines the warmth and clarity associated with tube technology and the presence of the capsule design for which Oktava is famous.
The MKL2500 is for those that need one all round, multi purpose microphone, and suits digital recording perfectly by adding the character that can often be missing in digital recordings , while maintaining a very low noise floor. It is a very valuable addition to the microphone cupboards of larger studios having its own unique character which could be that elusive something extra during recording.
 

Features:

  • Cardioid pattern
  • 6C31A-P tube and special powerblock design gives enough third-harmonic distortion to brighten and add warmth to any sound source
  • Gold-sputtered 33mm diaphragm adds the extra presence vocalists adore
  • A great mic for adding character to digital recordings

 

Applications:

Vocals, Flute, Strings (Cello and Viola are especially good with this mic), Piano, Acoustic Guitar... generally excellent at picking up low-level instruments with impressive detail.

Beyer MCE740 Condenser, multi-pattern.

Description:

Large diaphragm, gold vaporized double membrane with Five selectable polar patterns and Elastic transducer suspension system. Switchable 10 dB attenuator pad and three position low frequency roll-off.

Due to 5 switchable polar patterns the MC 740 is a universal studio microphone. It has been designed without compromise to be able to capture every sound detail with absolute clarity and purity.

Applications:

Applications for the MC 740 include recording orchestras as a main microphone resulting in a superb transparent sound. Due to a switchable 2 position roll-off filter and a switchable pre-attenuation the MC 740 is also suitable for close miking of instruments.