moosers
Published on 09/15/10 at 17:42
The Mojave Audio MA 100 is a small diaphragm tube condenser microphone that is to be used in the studio. I haven't used this microphone anywhere other than in the studio, as it isn't meant for live shows unless you were going to be recording it. It's got a vacuum tube inside of it, which is pretty rare for a small diaphragm mic. The mic has a frequency response ranging from 30 Hz to 18 kHz and actually has two interchangeable capsules for both cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns. The mic also comes with it's own power supply, carrying case, mic clip, and cables.
OVERALL OPINION
Overall, the Mojave Audio MA 100 is a great little tube condenser microphone. I really can't think of too many other small diaphragm tube microphones, so this one is pretty unique. I don't own this mic and have only used it as an engineer at a studio that I recently did a session at. We used the mic for recording acoustic guitar, which going into it seemed to be a good match. The result was a nice and warm acoustic sound, which was both detailed and true to the original sound. You're definitely going to be a heavier sort of sound with this mic than you a non-tube small diaphragm condenser, and when used in the right situations it can really be a great fit. I would love to try this mic out for some other applications to see what the results would be, but since I don't own it I don't know when I'll get that chance again. The price of the MA 100 isn't unreasonable considering the good sound and the features of the mic, but it's still going to be a bit much for a home studio owner. I'd also recommend checking out the more traditional Neumann KM 184, which is pretty much the industry standard for small diaphragm condensers and is also comparable in price. I'd personally rather have the 184, but the Mojave MA 100 is a fine microphone as well...
OVERALL OPINION
Overall, the Mojave Audio MA 100 is a great little tube condenser microphone. I really can't think of too many other small diaphragm tube microphones, so this one is pretty unique. I don't own this mic and have only used it as an engineer at a studio that I recently did a session at. We used the mic for recording acoustic guitar, which going into it seemed to be a good match. The result was a nice and warm acoustic sound, which was both detailed and true to the original sound. You're definitely going to be a heavier sort of sound with this mic than you a non-tube small diaphragm condenser, and when used in the right situations it can really be a great fit. I would love to try this mic out for some other applications to see what the results would be, but since I don't own it I don't know when I'll get that chance again. The price of the MA 100 isn't unreasonable considering the good sound and the features of the mic, but it's still going to be a bit much for a home studio owner. I'd also recommend checking out the more traditional Neumann KM 184, which is pretty much the industry standard for small diaphragm condensers and is also comparable in price. I'd personally rather have the 184, but the Mojave MA 100 is a fine microphone as well...