If you've spent any amount of time in a recording studio, whether as a player, engineer or producer, there's no doubt you've seen the signature waffle iron/cloven hoof shape of the Coles 4038. Whether its a pair hanging over drums, a single mic placed in front of a guitar cab or brass instrument, the Coles 4038 has become a studio staple since it first debuted in 1952.
The history of the Coles 4038 goes back even further to 1934 when the BBC-Marconi Type A became the first pressure-gradient ribbon microphone produced in Great Britain. From the Type A came a plethora of different microphones, but the bulky size of some of the resulting gear proved to be not so subtle when the BBC started producing television content. This directly led to the creation of a smaller microphone, the 4038.
With the new generation of British rockers taking over the BBC airwaves in the mid-1960s, it was only a matter of time before the 4038 would be used on landmark recordings. Glyn Johns would become a staunch proponent of the microphone, using it to get the signature drum sound on records by The Who and Led Zeppelin,
Obviously, the history of the Coles 4038 itself is enough to deem it a classic, but what is it about the way this microphone captures sound that keeps us transfixed? The answer is simple. The Coles 4038 is known for having a fat, wide bottom end and a smooth wide frequency response that handles high-end transients without harshness.
Vintage King Audio Consultant Joe Dickinson and in-house engineer Bryan Reilly recently took some Coles 4038s to The 45 Factory. Watch our new demo below to hear the Coles 4038 on female vocals, trumpet, electric guitar, drums and piano.If you have any questions about the Coles 4038 or would like to buy a single microphone or a stereo pair, please contact us via email or by phone at 888.653.1184.
I would like to thank VK for the wonderful sales assistance, service and prices. This was my first purchase with you and it won't be my last. I only wish I'd discovered you years ago!
Matthew R.
I had two Grammy wins this year - Ray LaMontagne & Carolina Chocolate Drops. Both made with help from Vintage King!
Ryan F.
In almost 20 years in Pro audio buying, never did I receive a unit so well packed and exactly as described. Works flawlessly. The whole process has been so smooth. I will never hesitate to do business with you guys in the future and will recommend you to everyone I know.
Martin C.
This was my first experience buying something from Vintage King (although I surf the "used" categories on the website frequently!), and, despite being on the other side of the world, I had absolutely no trouble and everything went very smoothly.
Phil T.
The speed of delivery exceeded my expectations! I was VERY pleased that my shipment arrived in time for a scheduled vocal tracking session. The packing insured that my order arrived safely. And the sales staff responded quickly to questions regarding the product.
James P.
Thank you so much! Vintage King has been so fair and easy to work with. I can't thank you enough. It feels good to trust such a hefty purchase to folks who are so helpful and knowledgeable. Vintage King is a sound designers dream store.
Noa L.
You guys have excellent customer service and I am excited about the next upgrade I complete on my fifth recording facility. I've been in the studio business for forty plus years. The salesman I worked with at Vintage King was the best of the best. You all rock!
Robby T.
I would recommend Vintage King to any one looking for top-class gear, unbeatable customer service and the best prices on the map!
Jake D.
My experience with Vintage King was excellent. The order was here fast considering it was out of stock. The sales person had SKB send it to me directly and I couldn't have been more pleased.
Michael D.
From the minute I placed my order I was kept well-informed through each step in your process. Even though I was buying a comparatively modest piece of gear, your attention to detail made me feel like I was purchasing a six-figure mixing desk.
Thomas W.
I am a new customer of yours. You guys provided me the absolute best deals in ordering all the equipment to power my brand new recording studio. Your customer service is amazing and i will always deal with you from here on out.
Rob M.
Thanks for your great service and getting this out today. You guys really are the Kings!
Alan B.
Better than expected! Truly impeccable service. Your team was professional, knowledgeable, provided speedy delivery above and beyond standard. Vintage King Audio is definitely my go to for all of my audio and information needs.
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If you've spent any amount of time in a recording studio, whether as a player, engineer or producer, there's no doubt you've seen the signature waffle iron/cloven hoof shape of the Coles 4038. Whether its a pair hanging over drums, a single mic placed in front of a guitar cab or brass instrument, the Coles 4038 has become a studio staple since it first debuted in 1952.
The history of the Coles 4038 goes back even further to 1934 when the BBC-Marconi Type A became the first pressure-gradient ribbon microphone produced in Great Britain. From the Type A came a plethora of different microphones, but the bulky size of some of the resulting gear proved to be not so subtle when the BBC started producing television content. This directly led to the creation of a smaller microphone, the 4038.
With the new generation of British rockers taking over the BBC airwaves in the mid-1960s, it was only a matter of time before the 4038 would be used on landmark recordings. Glyn Johns would become a staunch proponent of the microphone, using it to get the signature drum sound on records by The Who and Led Zeppelin,
Obviously, the history of the Coles 4038 itself is enough to deem it a classic, but what is it about the way this microphone captures sound that keeps us transfixed? The answer is simple. The Coles 4038 is known for having a fat, wide bottom end and a smooth wide frequency response that handles high-end transients without harshness.
Vintage King Audio Consultant Joe Dickinson and in-house engineer Bryan Reilly recently took some Coles 4038s to The 45 Factory. Watch our new demo below to hear the Coles 4038 on female vocals, trumpet, electric guitar, drums and piano.
If you have any questions about the Coles 4038 or would like to buy a single microphone or a stereo pair, please contact us via email or by phone at 888.653.1184.
