Microphones

Vocal Microphones

Neumann TLM 102 Condenser Microphone

The Neumann TLM 102 is a compact, large diaphragm condenser microphone designed for high-quality audio recording. It features a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, with a slight boost around 10 kHz for enhanced vocal clarity. It has a dynamic range of 132 dB, allowing for a wide range of sound capture, and only 12 dB-A of self noise, making it suitable for the most subtle dynamic changes. With a tight cardioid pickup pattern and high SPL handling capacity of 144 dB without distortion, it can also be used for acoustic instruments and drums.

Rode NTK Valve Condenser Microphone

The Rode NTK is a premium replication of the Neumann U47, John Lennon’s favorite vocal microphone, known for its rich, warm sound. Like a tube amplifier, the NTK has two vacuum tubes that produce comparable warmth and a full sound, which combined with its ultra-low noise operation and wide dynamic range, make it ideal for vocals. It features a cardioid pick up pattern, a frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz, -38dB sensitivity, a self noise level of 12dBA, and a maximum SPL of 158dB. As a vocal microphone, it works best for those wishing to produce a controlled, warm, and lush sound.

Rode NT1 Condenser Microphone

The Rode NT1 is a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone that features rich bass, detailed midrange and sparkling highs, along with smooth frequency response and high sensitivity to produce a warm, vintage sound. Its extremely low self noise (4dBA), combined with its wide frequency range from 20Hz to 20kHz captures the most sensitive vocal expression from a low frequency growl to the highest notes of soprano’s aria and from a whisper to an ear-piercing scream. While many large-diaphragm capacitor mics have fairly dramatic presence peaks, the NT1 has only the barest hint of a broad hump centered at around 7kHz that brings clarity to the mid-range, helping vocals sit with confidence at the front of the mix, while the top end exudes a hint of air but stops well short of sounding gritty or harsh.

Instrument Microphones

In addition to the mics shown below, we use all of our vocal mics as instrument mics when they are most appropriate. The Rode NT1’s warmth and clarity carries over to acoustic guitars, giving an artistically pleasing blend of weight, density and detail. Likewise, the TLM 102’s crisp, bright sound, combined with its dynamic range makes it a suitable mic for drums and and a wide variety of acoustic instruments. And the Rode NTK’s warmth can sweeten the sound of drums, acoustic instruments, and guitar amps, alike.