BeesNeez B67-269 V2 Large Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

The BeesNeez B67-269 V2 Large Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone is their second version that captures the essence of the U67, which was first released in 1960. This microphone has a slightly larger body size to the first version released by BeesNeez. In this second edition of this amazing microphone, they have introduced an Old and New switch. This new switch allows for Old and New voicing for both 67 and 269 modes. In the Old mode, the voicing will sound like the version 1 of the B67 (like the original U67 or M269). When the New mode is switched and the microphone is set to 67, more air will be introduced as well as a gentle rise in the high mids. When the New mode is switched and mic is set to 269, more air and a boost in the lower mids are introduced. This new mode means that the B67/269 now has 4 voices and will make its way to being perhaps the most versatile tool in your mic locker. There are 3 main areas of any microphone that give it character: the capsule, the circuitry, and the impedance conversion.

THE CAPSULE

BeesNeez K6 capsule has been made in-house by their team for over 15 years and has been supplied to third-party manufacturers and also used in models of BeesNeez own microphones (The Mahalia, The Shelise and The Isobel). This capsule is a recreation of the very same capsule that was in the Neumann U67, which is known as the K67. In this application, the capsule represents more than 80% of the overall sound.

THE TUBE

The tube used in the U67 microphone is the EF86. This tube is well-known for its low noise and pleasant amplification at audio frequencies. In fact, it was one of the very few tubes that was designed specifically for audio frequencies rather than the more generic wider frequency ranged medium and sharp cut off pentodes and general use triodes that have been made by the millions and many of which are used by microphone manufacturers today. The BeesNeez team has spent decades searching for and researching tubes for microphones. The benefits of this can be heard across the entire range. For this particular model, they really have made an exciting find.

THE TRANSFORMER

Due to the enormous success of the B87i C microphone – largely stemming from its huge toroidal transformer, BeesNeez decided to use this form factor also in the B67-269. The benefits of this transformer type are numerous ensuring excellent impedance conversion and perfect common mode rejection in signal balancing. The original U67 used a BV12 UI30 core transformer. This original transformer had a third winding that was used in a negative feedback filter network to assist in the overall sound sculpting. Most clone manufacturers omit this tertiary winding (due to its complexity) and opt for a simple circuit. To make a truly accurate clone microphone, they use this tertiary winding in the same way it was initially used. This winding is a huge part of the overall sound of the Neumann U67.

THE CIRCUIT

In many microphones, the circuit represents merely a few percentage points. This, to some extent, is also true in the U67. However, this circuit, unlike many others, does direct the audio flow into various feedback and filter componentry and, even though the sonic footprint of the circuit is negligible, the overall implementation is critical to the finished sonics of the U67. The circuit is true to form, and all filters/feedback are in place. For the more critical user, the circuit also has the following switching: Broadcast filter, High pass filter and Pad. The B67-269 is also a multipattern microphone with 9 available patterns from Omni through to Cardioid and Figure 8.

Compared to other models, there are relatively few U67 clone microphones available today. It has been said that this is due to similar microphones still being currently produced. However, it is more likely due to the complexity of the circuit and sound of the venerable U67. It should be noted that if any part of the original circuit is omitted, then the overall result cannot be achieved.

BeesNeez are so pleased to be able to offer this great microphone to the market and look forward to the many fine recordings that will be made.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• BeesNeez B67-269 Microphone
• BeesNeez Producer Series Shock Mount
• BeesNeez Producer Series Power Supply

FEATURES:

• BeesNeez K6 Microphone Capsule
• Frequency Range 15Hz – 20 kHz
• CV4006 Brimar/Mullard Tube(This tube is a quieter version of the EF86 with a different pin configuration)
• Pressure gradient transducer
• 9 Polar Patterns
• Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 k ohm 24 mV/Pa Typical
• Rated impedance - 200 ohm
• Rated load impedance - 1k ohm
• Equivalent noise level - 28 dB
• Equivalent noise level - A-weighted 17dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio - 67 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio - A-weighted 77 dB
• Maximum SPL for THD 0.5% 117 dB (cardioid)
• Maximum SPL for THD 0.5% with Pad 127 dB
• Maximum output voltage of 390 mV (-9.8 dBu)
• Dynamic range of the microphone amplifier, A-weighted 105 dB
• XLR7F Connector