Vintage King Gear Demos

Hazelrigg Industries has earned a reputation for bringing the warmth and musicality of classic tube gear into the modern studio. Built in collaboration with legendary designer Doug Fearn, the Hazelrigg 500 Series lineup delivers the sonic character and build quality you'd expect from their full-size rack gear, but in a compact, portable format.  In this edition of Hear The Gear, Vintage King’s Bryan Reilly put the DVA tube microphone preamp, DLC inductor EQ, and DNE PWM compressor to the test across a range of instruments. Below, you’ll hear the raw, unprocessed recordings of each instrument, along with detailed breakdowns of the gear and settings used. But first, let’s dive into what makes each module unique.  Continue reading →

For over a decade, Soyuz has crafted microphones that blend vintage warmth with modern precision. In 2024, the storied mic makers channeled that same expertise into the brand’s first foray into outboard gear, the Lakeside preamp. Built with all-discrete Class A circuitry and custom-wound transformers, Lakeside captures the signature sound of the brand’s microphones and inline preamps.. But how does it sound in action? Continue reading →

AEA has long been synonymous with ribbon microphones, but the brand’s new 1029 stereo VCA compressor shows they’ve got the same magic touch when it comes to dynamic control. Designed with the precision and transparency you'd expect from a company rooted in audiophile-level fidelity, the AEA 1029 is a compact stereo compressor that punches far above its half-rack size.  Continue reading →

Ribbon microphones have long been studio staples, prized for their warm, natural sound and ability to tame harsh frequencies. Perhaps one of the most unique designs is the B&O Fen-tone, prized for its smooth, detailed sound. The Warm Audio Fen-tone pays homage to this classic 1950s ribbon design while adding modern upgrades like a custom Japanese ribbon element, rare-earth Neodymium magnet, and CineMag USA transformer. Plus, it includes a built-in 26 dB in-line preamp to combat the low output of the original design.  Continue reading →

For more than 20 years, Antelope Audio has been pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in analog and digital audio technology. From top-tier clocking systems to innovative outboard gear, Antelope has a history of blending classic warmth with cutting-edge control. The brand’s latest release, the A4-1B Analog Automated Opto Valve Compressor, is no exception. Continue reading →

Mastering engineers know that the right equalizer can be the key to unlocking a mix’s full potential. The IGS Audio 825EQ Stereo Tube Mastering EQ is designed to bring precision, warmth, and depth to any project, combining classic analog character with modern mastering-grade accuracy.  In this edition of Hear The Gear, Vintage King’s Bryan Reilly puts the 825EQ through its paces, using this versatile mastering EQ to shape five tracks across a range of genres. Continue reading →

AEA has long been a leader in ribbon microphone design, crafting mics that capture sound with rich detail and a smooth, natural character. The brand’s latest NUVO N28 active stereo ribbon mic continues this tradition, delivering the classic ribbon warmth in a compact and modern package.  Continue reading →

Few microphones can claim to capture the essence of a performance with the precision, warmth, and clarity of the Manley Reference Gold tube condenser microphone. Renowned for its stunning accuracy and versatility, the Reference Gold has become a go-to tool for engineers and producers seeking a microphone that delivers both technical excellence and musicality. In this installment of Hear The Gear, showcasing the Manley Reference Gold in action, with sound samples recorded by Vintage King’s own Bryan Reilly. For this session, Bryan captured drums, percussion, electric and acoustic instruments, piano, and vocals to demonstrate the mic's versatility and sonic character.  Continue reading →

The art of audio compression has seen many legendary units throughout history, but few are as revered as the Rohde & Schwarz U-23 broadcast limiter. Often called the "German Fairchild" for its similarities to the iconic Fairchild 660/670, this rare piece of broadcast equipment found new life through Vacuvox's innovative reimagining. Vacuvox first captured the magic of the U-23 with their CL-2 tube compressor/limiter, which quickly became a favorite among top producers and engineers, including members of Oasis, Coldplay, and Madonna. Building upon this success, Vacuvox introduced the U23m—a mastering-grade evolution that maintains the soul of the original while adding precision controls essential for modern production.  Continue reading →

For over a decade, Warm Audio has been synonymous with delivering classic-inspired gear that combines exceptional sound quality with unparalleled value. Known for their precise recreations of legendary equipment, Warm Audio’s WA76 compressor has become a studio staple, beloved for its faithful homage to the iconic 1176-style compression. Continue reading →