B-1

The microphone is where a recording starts. Get the front end right and everything downstream gets easier. The B-1 puts a 1″ gold-sputtered diaphragm in front of a transformerless FET preamp — the same architecture as condensers costing several times the price — and ships it in a nickel-plated brass body that earns its place on a high-end stand.

The cardioid pattern keeps room reflections at bay. A switchable low-frequency roll-off cleans up rumble and proximity buildup. A −10 dB pad tames hot sources up to 148 dB SPL. Sensitivity of 20 mV/Pa with 81 dB signal-to-noise gives the B-1 the headroom and quietness it needs for serious vocal, acoustic, and overhead duty.