Around the Shop

Another day at the Vintage King Tech Shop, another historic microphone in need of expert repair. Actually, in this case, it’s two microphones; a matched pair of vintage Neumann U 67s, to be exact. Each U 67 tells a story—one that begins in the early 1960s when Neumann set out to create a successor to the iconic U 47. The VF14 steel tube used in the U 47 had been discontinued, forcing Neumann’s engineers to create a new design based around the smaller EF86 tube.  The result became one of the most iconic microphones ever made. Just ask Bryan Reilly, professional audio engineer and producer, proprietor of Scramble Shack Studios in Ferndale, Michigan, and proud new Neumann U 67 owner.  Continue reading →

In the golden age of Hollywood filmmaking, RCA engineers developed what would become one of the most sophisticated ribbon microphones of its era: the KU-3A. This week, the Vintage King Tech Shop welcomed a pristine pair of these legendary ribbon mics for restoration.  "Both of these mics still have Wally Heider Studios stickers on them, and although we can't say what sessions they may have been used on, it is an iconic studio with a pedigree," said Tech Manager Cedric Yee. "These don't come through our shop very often, so it's very cool to see something like this that is from an iconic studio." Continue reading →

There's something magical about holding a piece of audio history that literally changed the way we shape sound.  The Sontec MEP-250C EQ sitting on our bench at the Vintage King Tech Shop is a direct descendant of the world's first fully parametric equalizer.  Featuring parametric control over three bands plus high and low shelving, the MEP-250 delivers the warm, musical character that’s made it a prized piece of outboard gear for decades. Continue reading →

At the Vintage King Tech Shop, we're no strangers to rare and revered pieces of analog gear. But when a pair of vintage Spectra Sonics Model 610 Complimiters recently arrived for restoration, they had everyone in the shop talking.  The Model 610's unique "Complimiter" design combines compression and limiting in one versatile, ultra-fast circuit. Unlike conventional compressors that can sound heavy-handed, the 610 offered a level of control and transparency that was revolutionary when it debuted in the late 1960s.  Continue reading →

At the Vintage King Tech Shop, we’ve had the privilege of working on some of the most iconic microphones in recording history. Each one tells a story, from the engineers who designed them to the artists who brought them to life in the studio. But every now and then, something truly special arrives on our bench—like this rare Neumann U60. Continue reading →

When a vintage Neve 33609 compressor arrives at the Vintage King Tech Shop, it's always cause for excitement. Especially the original “Metal Knob” 33609 units, which are becoming increasingly rare finds. This particular unit represents the first iteration of what would become one of the most revered stereo compressors ever made, featuring a completely discrete signal path and custom transformers that helped establish the signature Neve sound.   Continue reading →

At the Vintage King Tech Shop, we’ve had the privilege of restoring and selling countless vintage Neumann U47s over the years. They’ve come to us in every condition imaginable, from busted and broken to clean and pristine. But nothing compares to the three extraordinary microphones that arrived this week. Continue reading →

Every now and then, a piece of studio history comes through our doors that feels like holding a time machine—Neumann's U48 is one of those rare, remarkable microphones. Known as the sibling to the iconic U47, this rare microphone carries the same rich tonal characteristics that made its predecessor legendary, while introducing unique features of its own. Continue reading →

In the world of audio engineering, few names evoke as much reverence as Neve. The Neve 2254 compressor/limiter stands as a testament to this legacy, bridging the gap between vintage warmth and modern functionality. Originally designed in 1969, the 2254 quickly became a cornerstone in professional studios, famed for its rich, creamy sound and its ability to glue tracks together seamlessly. Continue reading →