Neumann U67 (1962 & 1964)
The Neumann U67, a classic studio large diaphragm valve microphone, has been used to record legends like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Frank Sinatra. Developed in the early 1960s, it became the go-to mic for its warm, versatile sound and ability to handle a variety of applications. Whether for vocals, drums, or orchestral recordings, it captured every nuance, making it a staple in iconic studios around the world.
Neumann U87 ai
The Neumann U87, introduced in 1967, is the industry standard for studio mics. Used by icons like Michael Jackson and Adele, it’s prized for its clarity and warmth. With three polar patterns, it’s perfect for any recording situation, from vocals to instruments. A staple in legendary studios, the U87 continues to capture exceptional detail and sound after more than five decades.
Neumann U48 With VF14 Tube (1960)
The Neumann U48, featuring the rare VF14 tube, was a favorite of major artists and producers throughout the 1960s. Known for its smooth, warm sound, it became a mainstay for high-end vocal and instrument recordings. It has been used on recordings by artists such asThe Rolling Stones and The Beatlesand was used extensively in classic studio settings like those at Capitol Records. Like its counterpart, the U47, it is considered one of the most iconic and sought after microphones of all time.
Neumann M269 (1960)
The Neumann M269 was based on the legendary U67, but with a unique tonal signature that made it particularly beloved for vocals. With its flatter frequency response and slight high-mid lift, it captured the essence of voices like no other. Many top engineers during the 1960s used it for everything from Beatles sessions to orchestral recordings, making it a rare gem in studio collections worldwide.
Neumann M49B With AC701 Tube (1960)
The M49B, featuring the renowned AC701 tube, was used on countless classic recordings by Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Barbara Streisand, Tony Bennett, Bob Dylan, Norah Jones and countless others. . With its lush, warm tone and ability to capture incredible detail, it became a favorite of engineers like George Martin. The M49B’s unique blend of clarity and character made it a must-have for capturing the finest performances of the era.
Neumann KM54a (1958/1960)
The Neumann KM54a is revered for its small diaphragm condenser design, offering a detailed, yet smooth response. Used in the early '60s by top recording engineers for everything from orchestral miking to precise instrument capture, it was favored in the studios of greats like The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, as well as current recording artists like Alison Krauss. It was a staple on many classic jazz recordings by renowned engineer Rudy van Gelder. It’s one of the first examples of Neumann’s commitment to detail and precision.
Sony C37a (Original Cases & PS)
The Sony C37a is a rare, vintage mic beloved for its smooth, warm character and became a studio favorite in the 1960s. Used by iconic figures such as Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole, it was renowned for capturing the lush, rich tones of vocals and string instruments. A staple microphone of famed producer Daniel Lanois. Sony’s high-level craftsmanship made the C37a a secret weapon in top-tier studios like Columbia and Capitol Records.
AKG 451 With CK1 & CK2 Capsules and -10 & -20 dB Pads
The AKG 451, designed in the 1960s, quickly became a go-to mic for capturing everything from drums to acoustic guitar, to vocals. A classic small diaphragm condenser microphone, it earned its place in the studios of legendary engineers like George Martin, who used it on Beatles recordings, due to its transparent, accurate sound. Its versatility and clarity with both omni and cardioid capsules made it an essential tool for recording a range of instruments.
RCA 77 Ribbon Mic (New Ribbons)
The RCA 77 is one of the most iconic ribbon microphones ever made, with its lush, vintage sound gracing the studios of icons like Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington in the '40s and '50s. Known for its versatility, it was used on everything from brass to vocal recordings. Its smooth, figure-8 design was crucial in early stereo recordings and became an essential in many legendary sound setups.
Schoeps CMC5 With MK4 Capsules
The Schoeps CMC5, paired with the MK4 capsules, is a precision tool that’s been at the heart of professional recording since the 1960s. It’s renowned for its natural, transparent sound, making it the mic of choice for orchestral recordings and acoustic and classical music. Engineers around the world love the CMC5 for its detail, and it remains a favorite for high-end recording today.
Shure SM7 (Original)
The Shure SM7 is a workhorse mic that’s been used by legends like Michael Jackson on his Thriller album and countless broadcasters as a vocal nd voice-over microphone. Initially developed in the 1970s for radio, its clear, neutral sound has made it a staple in recording studios worldwide. The original FETHead adaptor further enhances the microphone’s versatility by adding 27dB of clean gain , making it a favorite for both vocals and instruments.
AKG D19c
The AKG D19c, an omnidirectional dynamic mic, was beloved for its crisp, clear sound in broadcasting and studio applications. It became a favorite for vocalists in the 1960s and '70s, with its smooth, accurate response. Engineers used it on everything from speech recordings to jazz vocals, its durability and precision earning it a spot in many legendary studios.
Sennheiser MD409
The Sennheiser MD409 was a favorite for its crisp, detailed sound, used by the likes of David Bowie in his early recordings. Its tight cardioid pattern made it perfect for everything from vocals to drums, and is one of the finest guitar amplifier microphones ever produced.Developed in the late '60s and early '70s, it became a mainstay in rock and roll studios, known for its versatility and durability.
Beyer Dynamic M160 Cardioid Ribbon
The Beyer Dynamic M160 is a double ribbon microphone revered for its detailed midrange and unique sound. Introduced in the 1960s, it was favored by engineers like Phil Spector, who used it on his legendary "Wall of Sound" recordings. Its cardioid pattern and smooth tone made it perfect for capturing brass and strings, as well as acoustic guitar with a natural, rich and warm quality.
Beyer Dynamic M130 Figure-8 Ribbon
The Beyer Dynamic M130, known for its figure-8 pattern, was another key tool in the creation of "stereo" recording in the 1960s. It was used in iconic studios alongside its M160 sibling to capture wide, natural soundscapes in M/S stereo recording. Its rich low end and detailed midrange made it popular with engineers working on jazz and orchestral recordings.
Beyer Dynamic M88 (Original)
Released in the 1960s, is a dynamic mic celebrated for its clean, punchy sound and versatility. Artists like Bob Dylan and many jazz musicians trusted its ability to capture vocals and instruments with accuracy. The original M88 became a staple in studios thanks to its durability and its ability to handle high SPLs while delivering a detailed, natural sound. A classic for kick drum and electric guitar.
EV 635a
The Electro-Voice 635a, introduced in the late 1950s, is known for its durable, omnidirectional design and was used extensively in broadcast applications. Popular with figures like Walter Cronkite and in field recordings, its rugged construction made it a favorite in live settings and on the road. Its smooth response ensured it remained a key tool for professional sound engineers.
AKG D112
The AKG D112 has been a staple for capturing powerful low-end sounds since the 1970s. Often used by legends like Led Zeppelin and AC/DC for their booming kick drums, its ability to handle high-pressure levels and deliver punchy low frequencies made it a must-have for rock and metal. The D112's design allows it to thrive in loud, aggressive recordings while retaining clarity.
AKG C414 EB
The AKG C414 EB is one of the most versatile condenser mics ever made. Known for its pristine sound and ability to capture everything from delicate strings to loud, brash brass, it was used by artists like Bob Marley and Michael Jackson. Its wide range of patterns made it a staple for everything from classical music to pop, and it remains one of the most trusted mics in high-end studios worldwide.
AKG Beta 52a
The AKG Beta 52a is a dynamic mic that has become the go-to choice for kick drum and bass-heavy instruments. Used in live and studio settings by bands like Metallica and Foo Fighters, it excels at capturing punchy, low-frequency sounds. Its ability to cut through the mix with clarity and power has made it a must-have for engineers recording everything from rock to electronic music.
Shure SM56
The Shure SM56 is a dynamic mic known for its tight, focused sound, favored by artists like Elvis Presley during his later years. Developed in the 1960s, it was popular in live sound applications, where its rugged build and clear tone made it a go-to for vocal and instrumental performances. One of the finest snare drum microphones, and perfect for electric guitar.
Shure SM57 Vintage
The Shure SM57 is one of the most iconic dynamic microphones of all time, used by countless musicians, from Jimi Hendrix to U2. Its ability to capture midrange frequencies with clarity made it essential for instruments like guitar amps and snare drums. The vintage model carries the same timeless sound that’s made it a staple in both live and studio environments since the 1960s.
Shure SM58
The Shure SM58 is a global icon, loved by vocalists from Frank Sinatra to Bono. Introduced in the 1960s, its durability, feedback rejection, and smooth sound made it the industry standard for live sound. Whether on stage or in the studio, the SM58 continues to be a workhorse for clear, consistent vocal performance.
Shure 59
The Shure 59 is a vintage dynamic mic that became a popular choice for clear, reliable vocal reproduction. Its robust build and smooth sound were favored in both live and studio settings by singers like Buddy Holly. With a midrange-forward design, it has a signature tone perfect for a variety of applications. Paired with a second microphone, it is perfect for recording detail in electric bass guitar.
Shure 546
The Shure 546, known for its detailed, focused sound, was used by many engineers for both speech and vocal recordings in the 1970s. Its clear, crisp tone made it an ideal choice for radio and TV broadcasters, and it was often featured in the recording studios of prominent engineers working in rock and folk.
Sennheiser 416
The Sennheiser 416 shotgun mic has been the go-to tool for film, television, and location sound since the 1970s. Used by sound engineers like Walter Murch on film sets, it’s prized for its supercardioid pickup pattern and ability to isolate distant sounds with precision, becoming the standard in field and film audio capture.
Sennheiser MD421
The Sennheiser MD421, known for its full, clear sound, became a favorite in studios like those of David Bowie and The Rolling Stones. Its versatility for miking everything from drums to vocals made it an essential tool in the 1960s and beyond, and its rugged build has made it a favorite for both studio and live environments.
Sennheiser MD 421-U-5
The Sennheiser MD 421-U-5 is the updated version of the classic MD421, retaining its ability to handle high SPLs while offering improved clarity and response. Used by artists like Queen and Led Zeppelin, this mic’s deep, rich sound and ability to capture a range of instruments made it a trusted tool in iconic studios around the world.
Shure SM59
The Shure SM59, a dynamic mic from the 1970s, quickly became known for its clear, detailed vocal reproduction. Its smooth frequency response and rugged construction made it a go-to for professional sound engineers working with both live bands and studio sessions.
Coles 4308
Originally created by the BBC in the 1950’s, and called the STC 4038, The Coles 4308 ribbon mic, known for its vintage smoothness and full-bodied tone, is a favorite in studios around the world to this day.. Used by icons such as producer Phil Spector, producer / engineer Glyn Johns ( Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Eric Clapton ) , as well as the choice of Geoff Emerick for Ringo Starr’s drum recording on many Beatles records, it is a unique and classic microphone that has stood the test of time, and continues to be used today. It’sfigure-8 pattern allows for rich, natural stereo captures, making it essential for orchestral recordings and complex soundscapes.
Neumann KM 184 MT (Pair)
The Neumann KM 184 MT pair is a modern classic, known for its precise, transparent sound. With a wide frequency response and tight cardioid pattern, it’s perfect for capturing delicate acoustic instruments, overheads, and orchestral recordings. Loved by engineers and musicians alike, it offers the clarity and detail Neumann is famous for, making it a go-to for high-end studios worldwide. Its compact size and superior build quality ensure it remains a trusted choice for capturing every nuance.
RØDE NTG3B (Pair)
The RØDE NTG3B pair is a professional shotgun mic duo known for its exceptional clarity and precise directional pickup. Designed for film, broadcast, and location sound, it captures rich, detailed audio with minimal self-noise. With a tight supercardioid pattern, the NTG3B excels in isolating sound from a distance, making it perfect for dialogue, field recording, and capturing ambient sounds in challenging environments. Its rugged build and consistent performance have made it a go-to choice for professionals in both studio and on-location settings.
Schoeps CMC 6 U
The Schoeps CMC 6 U mono set, introduced in the 1970s, is known for its transparent, natural sound. Featuring the CMC 6 preamp and MK4 cardioid capsule, it delivers exceptional clarity with low self-noise. A favorite for classical and acoustic recordings, this mic captures every nuance with unmatched accuracy, making it a staple in professional studios worldwide.
Earthworks SR314
The Earthworks SR314, introduced in the early 2000s, quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional accuracy and transparency. With a flat frequency response and fast transient response, it’s ideal for capturing vocals, acoustic instruments, and drums with unparalleled detail. Used by top engineers and artists in both studio and live settings, the SR314’s natural sound and low distortion make it a go-to choice for high-end recordings, especially in jazz, classical, and other critical applications where clarity is key.
Sennheiser 416-P48 Pair
The Sennheiser 416-P48 pair is a legendary shotgun microphone duo, known for its exceptional clarity and precision in film, broadcast, and location sound. Favored by sound professionals for its supercardioid pattern and low self-noise, it excels at isolating dialogue and distant sounds. Widely used in Hollywood productions and by top engineers around the world, the 416-P48’s ability to capture detailed, natural audio in challenging environments has made it a go-to mic for film sets and outdoor recordings.