All the World's Tube Microphones PART TWO

Bambi Busboom

New member
Mates,

SEE PART ONE > Continuing the list of as many current tube microphones as possible:

MXL MARSHALL V77S $379.00
The V77S features a 3-micron diaphragm, transformer balanced output, and a 6072 vacuum tube
* Superior sonic characteristics
* Renowned 6072 Vacuum Tube
* 27mm (1.06") diaphragm, 3-micron
* Silver finished with etched engraving
* Durable brass enclosure
http://www.jrrshop.com/product_info.php?cPath=25_69&products_id=689

NADY TCM-1150 Tube Condenser Mic $279.95
* Gold-sputtered, ultra-thin (1" diameter) mylar dual diaphragm
* Tube preamplifier circuitry with 6072 vacuum tube (a classic 12AT7 specially selected for low distortion, superior signal-to-noise ratio and minimum sensitivity to mechanical vibrations)
* Special output transformer designed for ultra transparency
* Almost all brass parts for years of studio workhorse reliability
* Power provided by a dedicated AC power supply with a balanced XLR output for connection to any mixing console, with no phantom power requiredNine different polar patterns remotely selectable on power supply for ultimate versatility in use and ease of operation: omnidirectional, cardioid, figure 8, and six intermediate stages

MANLEY Reference Cardioid Microphone $2,700.00
center-fixed cardioid-only capsule with a thicker gauge (6 micron) gold sputtered diaphragm

MANLEY Gold Reference Stereo Microphone $7,200.00
Sovtek 12AX7LPS vacuum tube The capsules (1.25 inch overall, 1 inch diaphragm diameter) are Manley's own design; the capsule rings and back-plates are milled from solid brass and are mounted on Teflon insulator rings. The 3 micron gold diaphragm film is tensioned using proprietary techniques which ensures capsule-to-capsule consistency, The polar pattern control is continuously variable between omni, cardioid and figure 8 positions http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/RefMicGoldS/

MANLEY Gold Reference Mic $4,950.00
dual-triode USA military 6072A tube The capsules (1.25 inch overall, 1 inch diaphragm diameter) are Manley's own design; the capsule rings and back-plates are milled from solid brass and are mounted on Teflon insulator rings. The polar pattern control is continuously variable between the Omni, Cardioid and Figure 8 positons.

NEUMANN M 147 $2,150
A vacuum tube condenser microphone with cardioid characteristic. At the heart of this microphone is the K 47 dual diaphragm capsule, inherited from this model's now legendary predecessors, the U 47 and the M 49. transformerless output circuit Included with the microphone are a microphone cable, a metal swivel mount for a mic stand, and a compact universal power supply for standard mains sockets.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/M147

NEUMANN M 149 $3,999
Tube is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone head grill is instantly recognizable to vintage Neumann afficionados as that of the classic M 49/M 50. world's first transformerless tube microphone. The capsule (K 49), also from the M 49, is a select version of the K 47 capsule from the famous U 47. The M 149 Tube has the lowest self-noise of any tube microphone on the market and features 9 polar patterns switchable on the microphone body. There is also a 7 position high-pass filter on the rear of the microphone body. The circuitry of the M 149 Tube includes a tube amplifier coupled with the FET 100 transformerless circuitry
* Directional patterns: Nine different patterns with Omni, Cardioid, Wide-Angle Cardioid, Hypercardioid, and Figure 8
* Acoustic operating principle: Pressure Gradient Transducer (K49 Capsule)
* Frequency Range: 20 to 20 kHz
* Sensitivity: 30/44/55 mV/Pa
* Rated Impedance: 50 ohms
* Equivalent loudness level due to inherent noise: (DIN 45 405 CCIR 468-3) 28/25/23 dB (DIN/IEC 651) 16/13/11 dB-A
* S/N ratio related at 1 Pa at 1 kHz: (CCIR) 66/69/71 dB (A-weighted) 78/81/83 dB-A
* Typical SPL (tube characteristic) for less than 0.5% THD: 114 dB
* Typical SPL (tube characteristic) for less than 5.0% THD: 134 dB
* Total dynamic range of the microphone amplifier (cardioid) with max. output: 101/121 dB (16 dB re. 0.775 V [4.9 Vrms])
* Power Supply: N149
* Weight: 560g
* Dimensions: length 201 mm; diameter 70 mm
* Connector (microphone): 8-pole (DIN 45 326)
* Connector (power supply): 3-pole XLR http://www.neumannusa.com/pages/products/micProduct.asp?microphone=M149

NEUMANN M 150
Tube takes many of the features from the original M 50 Titanium membrane 12 mm in diameter and capsule, transformerless tube amplifier low self noise of 15 dB-A
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=m149

NEUMANN SM23 $2200.
Stereo tube microphone

OKTAVA VM100
Cardioid, Large diaphragm
Review: http://audiomedia.com/archive/reviews/uk-0199/uk-0199-oktava/uk-0199-oktava.htm

OKTAVA MKL2500
" The 6C315-P tube inside the mic teamed with a specially designed power block gives enough third harmonic distortion to brighten and add warmth to almost any sound source, and the gold sputtered 33mm cardioid capsule adds that extra presence so enamoured of vocalists."
6C315-P tube
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Frequency response 20hz to 20kHz
Sensitivity 13mV/Pa
Power Power block supplied
Output Impedance 200 Ohm nominal
Minimum load impedance 1 k Ohm Max SPL @ 1kHz > 135dB
Max output voltage 1.2V
Current Consumption 8mA
Temp. Range -35degrees C to +45 degrees C
Relative Humidity 85% (+25 degrees C)

OKTAVA MKL5000 £699 (inc VAT)
"Oktava's newest and largest valve microphone. Multi polar pattern - cardioid, omni, figure of eight. Set to give the classics a run for their money, the MKL5000 is big, warm, clear, and quiet, - addictive sound quality - lovely engineering - incredible for the price. Comes with PSU."
NOTE: The design with cylindrical body and "head"resembles the BLUE Bottle
http://www.kmraudio.com/OLI/1/oktava.html
http://www.oktava.net

RED AUDIO RV15 about $300
"A large vapour deposited gold diaphragm accurately reproduces even the subtlest performance, from soaring high frequencies to deep sub-bass."
- Cardioid polar pattern allows for detailed capture of a specific source, while rejecting noise from surrounding sources.
- Extremely low self-noise matched with high output meets the needs of even the most demanding studio musicians.
- 12AX7 (7025) valve.
sound pressure levels up to 128dB SPL
http://www.red5audio.com/RV15SPEC.htm.

RODE K2 Tube Microphone $700
Continuously variable polar pattern
Class A valve circuitry
Dedicated power supply
Superlative class condenser microphone
Acoustic Principle: Externally polarized 25 mm (1 in.) condenser
Active Electronics: Thermionic impedance converter with bipolar output buffer
Pickup Pattern: Multi-pattern
Frequency Response: 20 Hz ~ 20 kHz
Output Impedance: 200 ohms
Sensitivity: -36 dB re 1 Volt/Pascal (16 mV @ 94dB SPL) +/- 2 dB
Equivalent Noise: 10 dBA SPL (per IEC651, IEC268-15)
Maximum Output: > + 30 dBu (@ 1% THD into 1kOhms)
Dynamic Range: 150dB (per IEC651, IEC268-15)
Maximum SPL: 162 dB (@ 1% THD into 1kOhms)
Includes shockmount, case, power supply and 30 ft. cable.
http://www.samedaymusic.com/product--RODK2

RODE NTK 01 $499.99
* Large diaphragm studio condenser microphone
* Cardioid polar pattern
* Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
* Dynamic range of 47dB
* Ultra low noise of only 12dB
* Internal capsule shock mounting
* Capsule: Externally polarized 1´´ pressure-gradient condenser
* Active electronics: Unity-gain closed-loop impedance converter; vacuum-tube input with bipolar buffering
* Output impedance: 200 ohms (100 ohms per leg)
* Sensitivity: -38dB re 1V/Pa (12mV @ 94dB SPL) ±1dB
* Equivalent Noise: 12dB SPL (A-weighted per IEC268-15) ±2dB
* Maximum Output: > +29dBu (@ 1kHz, 5% THD into 1k (load)
* Dynamic Range: > 147dB (A-weighted, per IEC268-15)
* Maximum SPL: > 158dB SPL (@ 1kHz, 5% THD into 1k (load)
* Signal/Noise Ratio: > 82dB
* Includes power supply, 30 FT cable and stand adapter
http://www.pssl.com/bitemdetail.tpl?eqint_KeyIDdata=7325

RTT MKL 101B "BOTTLE" $1599.
The MKL-101 «Bottle» is a high quality condenser microphone with a valve (tube) amplifier. Newly manufactured, using a "retro" style
Mic Type: Large diaphragm condenser
Russian EF12 tube
(Valve-type power supply)
Polar Pattern.................................... Uni (Cardioid)
Frequency range............................... 40Hz - 16kHz
Variation in the frequency range..........10db max.
Sensitivity (at 1000Hz)........................12mV/Pa
Maximum SPL within
250 - 8000 Hz range).........................140db
Self-noise (no more than) dbA.............18db.

RTT MKL102 $749.
Developed by Alexey Chaidze of Astor*-AEG*,the MKL-102 is a condenser valve microphone, a younger brother of the MKL-101 (Bottle) and the MKL-100 (Lensa). The large diaphragm (d=33mm) cardioid capsules for this M-5 head are specially handcrafted at the well-known Oktava factory (in Tula, Russia), using the old LOMO technological spec. sheets. miniature 6C6B military triode Mic Type: Large diaphragm condenser
(Valve-type power supply)
Polar Pattern: ................. (Uni) cardioid
Freq. range: .................... 30 - 18K Hz
Sensitivity at 1 kHz: .......... 20 mV/Pa
Weighted noise level: ......... less than 17dB
Output impendance: ............ Max 200 Ohm
Max.SPL @ 1KHz: ............... 126 dB
http://www.oktava.com/mofcart/mkl102.html
http://sound-room.com/customer/product.php?productid=106&cat=2&page=2
CD sample download site: http://www.microphones.ru/downloads.htm

SCHOEPS M222 $1975.
Telefunken AC 701k tube
The dimensions of the SCHOEPS CMC series have been utilized (diameter 20 mm, length 116 mm without capsule). The model number M 222 is based on the name of the legendary SCHOEPS tube microphone M 221 B Any capsules of the Colette Series be used and all the active accessories such as the CUT1, KC, RC, GVC and the BLM 03 C. Depending on the powering unit you can switch on a preampilfier in five steps from microphone level up to line level (with NT 222 DC) or a line driver that allows cable runs up to 300 m to the mixing console's microphone input (with NT 222 AC).
Important for purists: The power supply offers a «TUBE DIRECT» switch setting with which there are no semiconductors in the signal path whatsoever.A «HARMONICS» switch alters the Q-point of the tube, causing the gradual increase of harmonics to set in earlier, to emphasize the typical «tube sound». The M 222 is available in two versions, using the identical microphone itself but two different powering units: The M 222 with Powering Unit NT 222 AC (versatile use with professional equipment and mains connection 90 ... 240 V AC) The M 222 with Powering Unit NT 222 DC (portable use with 12V DC or mains and preamplification up to line level for DAT or HD recordings)
http://www.sonicsense.com/schm222.htm
http://www.posthorn.com/S_m222.html

SE ELECTRONICS GEMINI $1,199.00
Dual-Tube Mic: "TWO vacuum tubes in a large diaphragm transformerless condenser microphone. SE's engineers have created a one-of-a-kind masterpiece."
* Type: Dualtube 12AX7 (input) 12AU7 (output) Transformerless
* Capsule: 1.07"
* Frequency Response: 20 to 20kHz
* Polar Pattern: Cardioid
* Sensitivity: 20mV/Pa (-11dB)
* Output Impedance: 200 ohms
* Equivalent Noise Level: 16dB, (A weighted)
* Max SPL: <0.5% THD at 1KhZ 130 dB
* Power: 110/220VAC remote p.s. w/cable
NOTE: SE Electronics is a new brand name from the Shanghai factory that produces rebranded microphones for other several other companies
http://www.seelectronics.com/web/tube_gemini_pack.htm

SE ELECTRONICS ICIS $799.00
Large Cardioid Mic
* Type: Solotube Condenser
* 12AX7 tube
* Capsule: 1.07" gold diaphragm Edge Mount
* Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz
* Polar Pattern: Cardioid
* Sensitivity: 20mV/Pa (-34dB)
* Output Impedance: <200 ohms
* Max SPL: <0.5% THD at 1000 Hz 130dB
* Power: 110/220VAC remote p.s. w/ cable
NOTE: SE Electronics is a new brand name from the Shanghai factory that produces rebranded microphones for other several other companies

SE Z5600A
Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omni, Figure 8, and 6 intremediate stages, all selectable on AC powering unit
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz
Sensitivity: 14.1mV/Pa - 37± 1dB(0dB=1V/Pa 1000Hz)
Impedance: ? 200? Ohms
Equivalent Noise Level: 16dB(A weighted)
Max SPL for 0.5% THD@1000Hz: 130dB
Power Requirement: external PSU included
Connector: 8-pin army connector
XLR Size: ? 60mm×192mm
NOTE: SE Electronics is a new brand name from the Shanghai factory that produces rebranded microphones for other several other companies

SE ICIC
Frequency Response:20Hz-20KHz
Sensitivity: 14.1mV/Pa - 37± 1dB(0dB=1V/Pa 1000Hz)
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Impedance: ? 200 Ohms
Equivalent Noise Level: 16dB(A weighted)
Max SPL for 0.5% THD@1000Hz: 130dB
Power Requirement: external PSU included
Connector: 8-pin army connector
XLR Size: ? 60mm×205mm
12AX7
http://www.seelectronics.com/web/tube_icis_pack.htm
history of SE Electronics: http://www.seelectronics.com/web/notes3.htm
NOTE: SE Electronics is a new brand name from the Shanghai factory that produces rebranded microphones for other several other companies

SM ProAudio SM-03 $379.00
* Tube Condenser Mic
Powered by a dedicated AC power supply
* Nine different selectable polar patterns
* Rugged Shock Mount included
* Aluminium road case included
* Special multi-pin valve mic cable included
* Valve Model: 12AX7
* Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz
* Sensitivity: 12mV/Pa OR -38.5±2dB (0 dB=1V/Pa 1000Hz)
* Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional, cardioid, figure 8, and 6 intermediate stages, all selectable on AC powering unit.
* Impedance: = 200 ohms
* Equivalent Noise Level: 18dB (A weighted )
* Max SPL for 0.5% THD@1000Hz: 130dB
* Size: F71mm×183mm
http://www.smproaudio.com/mc03.htm

SOUNDELUX E250 $2,700.
Large Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone
" Classic tube condenser microphones were never meant to be placed within six-inches of loud vocalists, yet producers and engineers love the presence, size and low-frequency boost this adds to their artist's sound. However the proximity effect's low-frequency build up and the upper mid-range/treble tilt of many popular old classic cardioid microphones can also work counter-productively, causing problems requiring extensive outboard signal processing. The Soundelux E250 was created to address these issues."
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/E250

SOUNDELUX E47 $4,050.
Variable Pattern Large Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone
"The Soundelux E47 recreates the extraordinary sound of the best original Tube 47 versions while maintaining the features and the mechanical and electrical topology of the original.
The E47 is a variable pattern microphone to be prized for vocal and instrument applications. "
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/E47

SOUNDELUX E49 $3,375.
Variable Pattern Large Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone The E49 is based on a vintage 1952 German IRT design
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/E49/

SOUNDELUX ELUX 251 $4,500.
Large Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone with Spider Shockmount "a stunningly accurate reproduction of the ELAM 251, one of the most sought after microphones of all time! "
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ELUX251/

SOUNDELUX U99 $2,925.
Large Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone with Shockmount
1" diameter dual backplate, dual membrane capsule. Each hand-tuned capsule uses 6 micron Mylar™ specially selected for consistent thickness and is sputtered with a unique blend of gold and aluminum for excellent transient response and long life. The backplate design is from the KK67 family. The electronics feature an EF86 tube run as a triode. No internal connectors (direct soldering only), switches or screws on the massive body of nickel, chrome and brass alloy.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/U99

SONY C800GPAC Tube Mic $6,500.00
Dual large diaphragm for true reproduction of vocal qualities, vacuum tube warm sound quality through a 6AU6 vacuum tube electronically selectable pick-up pattern (Omni/Uni) power supply (AC-MC800G)

STEDMAN 1100B Tube Condenser Microphone $4500.
Large diameter dual capsule 11 selectable patterns range from omni, figure-eight to cardioid and are selectable from the included power supply 12AY7 twin triode tube with large high voltage metal film capacitors and 1% precision film resistors
Frequency response: 40 -18kHz
Output level: -42 dB
Max output level: +2dBM
Impedance: 150 ohms
Power requirements: 115VAC / 7 Watts
Fuse: 550ma @115VAC
Output connector: 3 pin XLR
Polar patterns: 11 switchable from omni to figure 8
Capsule: Dual membrane sputtered gold (3 to 4 micron)
Body material: Nickel plated brass
Dimensions: Microphone - 9.25"(23.4cm) x 2.125"(54mm)
Power Supply: 8"(20.3cm) x 6"(15.2cm) x 5" (12.7cm)
Wooden plush lined case, adjustable nickel-plated shockmount and 25' Mogami cable. Two year warranty on parts and labor.

STUDIO PROJECTS T3 $500.
Bbased on classic 1950's era design 12AY7 (6072) triode * Pressure-Gradient Transducer, Dual 1.35" (34.5mm) capsule
* Selectable patterns (omni, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid and figure of eight)
* Low noise vacuum tube circuitry
* Transformer balanced Output
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/T3Mic

STUDIO PROJECTS TB1 $279.99
• Pressure-Gradient Transducer, 1" 3 um mylar capsule
• Cardioid Pattern
* • Transformer Output
* • Hand Selected 6072 Dual Triode Tube for consistency
Includes:
* • Power supply
* • Gold-plated 7-pin cable
* • Aluminum carrying case
* • Foam windscreen
* • Mic Stand Clip
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TB1Mic
2002 review: http://soundwave.com/2002/10_oct/reviews/tb1_review.htm

So, (if the BBS accepts this very long post) and you have additions and/or comments, I will try to refine this list to a useful guide to this very welcome trend towards variety and quality of available tube microphones.

<<END PART TWO OF TWO > Bambi Busboom 8.15.04
 
Yes, I've got some additions. I've heard of these tube microphones and I couldn't find them on your list. I have no idea of the quality of these microphones, I've been trying to find more information about them on the internet, but I couldn't find any. I believe they are manufactured in Germany and mostly sold to EU region. If anyone can find any reviews about any of these microphones, please post links!

---

the t.bone SCT800
Price: 298 Euro

Link: http://www.netzmarkt.de/thomann/thoiw2_artikel-152309.html

THE T.BONE SCT-800 studio large diaphragm tube microphone,cardioid, max. SPL 120dB, frequency response 20Hz - 18KHz,including case, shockmount and power supply, made by SE

---

the t.bone SCT2000
Price: 399 Euro

Link: http://www.netzmarkt.de/thomann/thoiw2_artikel-152308.html

THE T.BONE SCT-2000 studio large diaphragm tube microphone,frequency response: 20-20.000Hz, omnidirectional,cardioid, figure-8 and 6 intermediate stages selectablefrom the power supply unit, max. SPL 130 dB, includingcase, shock mount, power supply, very warm and open sound,convincing look, made by SE

---

the t.bone Retro Tube
Price: 349 Euro

Link: http://www.netzmarkt.de/thomann/thoiw2_artikel-167154.html

the t.bone Retro Tube Professional large diaphragm-tubecondenser mikrophone in a Retro-Design enclosure, 1,07"cartridge, cardioid pattern, low-cut and -10dBAtt.-switch, incl. case

---

the t.bone SCT700
Price: 169 Euro

Link: http://www.netzmarkt.de/thomann/thoiw2_artikel-163580.html

THE T.BONE SCT-700 studio large diaphragm tube microphone,1,07" gold membrane, warm tube sound, incl. transportcase, wind screen, external power supply, cable betweenmicrophon and external power supply, shockmount

---
 
Tube Mics

Drucer said:
Yes, I've got some additions. I've heard of these tube microphones and I couldn't find them on your list. I have no idea of the quality of these microphones, I've been trying to find more information about them on the internet, but I couldn't find any. I believe they are manufactured in Germany and mostly sold to EU region. If anyone can find any reviews about any of these microphones, please post links!

---

the t.bone SCT800
Price: 298 Euro

Link: http://www.netzmarkt.de/thomann/thoiw2_artikel-152309.html

THE T.BONE SCT-800 studio large diaphragm tube microphone,cardioid, max. SPL 120dB, frequency response 20Hz - 18KHz,including case, shockmount and power supply, made by SE

---

the t.bone SCT2000
Price: 399 Euro

Link: http://www.netzmarkt.de/thomann/thoiw2_artikel-152308.html

THE T.BONE SCT-2000 studio large diaphragm tube microphone,frequency response: 20-20.000Hz, omnidirectional,cardioid, figure-8 and 6 intermediate stages selectablefrom the power supply unit, max. SPL 130 dB, includingcase, shock mount, power supply, very warm and open sound,convincing look, made by SE

---

the t.bone Retro Tube
Price: 349 Euro

Link: http://www.netzmarkt.de/thomann/thoiw2_artikel-167154.html

the t.bone Retro Tube Professional large diaphragm-tubecondenser mikrophone in a Retro-Design enclosure, 1,07"cartridge, cardioid pattern, low-cut and -10dBAtt.-switch, incl. case

---

the t.bone SCT700
Price: 169 Euro

Link: http://www.netzmarkt.de/thomann/thoiw2_artikel-163580.html

THE T.BONE SCT-700 studio large diaphragm tube microphone,1,07" gold membrane, warm tube sound, incl. transportcase, wind screen, external power supply, cable betweenmicrophon and external power supply, shockmount

---

I own both the T-Bone SCT 800 aka Studio Electronics SE 5500 aka Feilo z5500 aka NETC 5500. I changed the stock 12AX7B for an EI 12AT7 and it is outstanding. I also have the T-Bone SC 1100 aka SE z3300 aka Feilo z3300 and it is an incredibly versitile and warm microphone.
 
Also, sE Electronics no longer rebrands OEM mics but own their own factory in China (and don't build OEM for anyone else).

War
 
Hi Everyone,

I own a Lawson MP47, and am considering purchasing another Lawson, an Elam 251. Does anyone own both of these? If so, ;Is there much of a difference between both? Is it worth shelling out the extra bucks for the Elam 251? I have to say I really love my MP-47, it's absolutely gorgeous on almost everything , especially vocal tracks.
 
Back
Top