Small diaphragm condenser tube microphones

The Peluso P 28 is a large diaphragm, pencil style tube condenser microphone modeled after classic models like the C12 and 251. The mic is new, so they are being made currently. Peluso doesn't have all that many microphones out on the market, rather I know them best for making capsules. The P 28 has a cardioid polar pick up pattern and will pick up frequencies between 20 Hz and 24 kHz. It comes with it's own dedicated power supply, as well as a shock mount, hard case for the mic, and an aluminum case for all of the components. This mic is to be used strictly in the studio and for no other purposes. OVERALL OPINION The Peluso P 28 can be used for all sorts of applications, and is the perfect replacement for those who want a microphone with this type of look and sound, but can't necessarily afford a real C12 or 251 (or something similar). I've only used the P 28 for recording vocals, and it did a damn good job for this use. I recorded a female singer, and it sounded perfect for her voice, but unfortunately I don't have anything to compare it to as of yet. It definitely captured the high end extremely well, leading me to believe that it might not be the best mic for a male vocalist, but like I said I can't say for sure. It definitely does have a bright sound, and it lacks the depth that you'd get with a C 12 or a higher end tube pencil mic. Having said this, the P 28 still sounds really good, especially when you consider the extreme difference in price between the P 28 and something like a C 12. The Peluso P 28 is definitely suitable for either a home or professional studio, as it is one of those rare mics that has a professional sound and could still be manageable in terms of price for a home studio owner. I highly recommend checking out the P 28 for anyone interested in microphones of this kind.

The Stellar CM3 is a tube condenser microphone from a little known company. I'm pretty sure that Stellar is a one man operation. The CM3 is directly from China, and also can be found under the name Apex 460. It's the same exact mic put out by a different company - Nady has this mic available as well. The mic comes with it's own power supply and cables as well as a shock mount and a hard shell carrying case. It should only be used in the studio as it's not intended for live shows unless you were recording it. OVERALL OPINION The Stellar CM3 is a good choice for a super cheap tube microphone. I don't own this mic any longer, but I got it on eBay a few years ago and sold it the same way. I don't think you'd be able to buy the CM3 or any other Stellar microphones from a dealer, although you can get this same exact mic under the Apex or Nady brand if you do want to go through a dealer. Having said this, the Stellar version is just a tad bit cheaper than the others. I've used the CM3 for recording a variety of instruments, including for acoustic piano, male vocals, and acoustic guitar. It's definitely a better sounding mic than you would expect for the price, but it still won't match up to true higher tier tube mics. It's perfect for the home studio owner looking to get some cheap tube mics to have around, but it's never going to replace your higher end tube mics. I stopped having a need for a tube mic at home, but if you need one, the CM3 is a fine choice to make for the price. Also scope about the Apex 460 and the Nady version of this mic for print points.

The Sterling Audio ST44 is a small diaphragm tube condenser microphone that is for use in the recording studio. A few months ago I had the opportunity to check out the ST44 at a large recording studio in Los Angeles. While the mic wasn't at all up there with the best that they had when you consider popularity or price, the ST44 did stand on it's own for the application I was using it for, which was as a distant room microphone in a very large room. The mic comes with a shock mount, hard shell carrying case, it's power supply and all the necessary cables. The mic does however require phantom power. The mic has a fixed cardioid polar pick up pattern and also has a -15 db pad and a high pass filter which is fixed at 75 Hz, dipping 12 db/octave. The mic has a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. OVERALL OPINION The Sterling Audio ST44 is some of the best bang for your buck that I've seen as of late when it comes to tube condenser microphones. It's incredibly cheap and still has a very full and rich sound. I've only had the opportunity to use it for one session where I set it up as a mono room microphone about ten feet back from a drum set. I was really happy with the result as it added a certain room thickness to the kit that I didn't get with any of the other microphones on the kit. The price definitely is the best part about the ST44 as it's probably the best sounding tube mic for the money that I've heard. It's better than the Apex 460 in my opinion, and even though it costs a little bit more, it's going to be worth it in the end. Sterling Audio has some great deals including the ST44 and also the ST77. I'd check out the ST44 is you're in the market for a tube mic on a budget.

The AKG C61 is a small diaphragm tube condenser microphone that is designed for the recording studio and the recording studio only. This is a unique mic becuase you don't see too many microphones that small diaphragm and have a tube in them, so it makes for an interesting blend and really makes for a great tone. OVERALL OPINION I've been using the AKG C61 for only about six months and I'm glad I've gotten to use it because its a really unique microphone that is great for all sorts of things. The application that I use it for mostly is acoustic guitar, as like all small diaphragm condenser microphones it is great at picking up that silky part of the high end that you want to capture for acoustic guitar. In addition to this, since it is a tube mic it also has a really fat and warm tone that you expect in a tube mic. When you add both of these important qualities together you get a really great sounding microphone that covers the high end of the frequency spectrum really well and at the same time delivers a thick tone. Beyond using the AKG C61 for acoustic guitar, it is also great as a drum overhead and will also work great with any acoustic stringed instrument like violin. This is indeed a vintage microphone and because of this they have become hard to find, and if you do get lucky and find one they certainly aren't cheap. For this reason I would only recommend the C61 to professional studio owners and engineers and not to home studio owners. If you are looking for a unique sounding microphone that is rare and special, the AKG C61 is a good place to start and I wouldn't blame anyone spending the money to get one of these.