Shootouts

With a clear goal of creating microphones that stand apart from the classic German designs, Nordic Audio Labs has introduced several standouts, including the NU-24K and NU-100K. To set the brand apart, Head Designer and CEO Martin Kantola focused on developing proprietary technology, including innovative circuitry and a custom capsule design. Both the NU-24K and NU-100K are built around Nordic’s FloFET technology, a unique circuit that recreates the sonic character of tube microphones without the use of tubes or transformers. This is complemented by the custom D100K capsule, a 30mm large-diaphragm, edge-terminated design built for precision, consistency, and detail. Continue reading →

There's no denying that the Neve 33609 is one of the world's most beloved stereo compressor/limiters. Revered since its debut, the comp features a diode-bridge design, inspired by the Class A/B Neve 2264, 32264, and 3314 console modules, themselves based on the legendary Class A 2254. From vintage units to the modern Neve 33609/N, the comp/limiter is an absolute go-to, relied upon for its signature threshold, release, and ratio controls, along with its makeup-gain circuit and the brick-wall limiters on each channel. It's an essential option for everything from adding light color and mix bus glue to high-level limiting for mastering and post-production work. Continue reading →

The road to creating legendary EQs was a rocky one for Pultec co-founders Eugene Shenk and Ollie Summerlin. The New Jersey-based duo started the company in 1953 but came close to shutting it down several times before 1955. The boost (pun intended) they needed came when MGM Studios engineer Clair D. Krepps purchased the first batch of Pultec EQs. Continue reading →

The Neumann Large Badge U47 is a true legend. This early variation of the large-diaphragm condenser microphone was produced only between 1949 and 1950, with just a few hundred ever made. Revered for its stunning presence and remarkable three-dimensional sound, it remains one of the most coveted microphones in history. 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 →

Warm Audio has really been making waves this year, thanks to its stunning Ampex preamp reproductions and top-notch pedals like the ODD Box V1 and Mutation Phasor II. But hold onto your seats because the Austin, Texas-based company is wrapping up 2023 with an absolute banger. Here comes the WA-1B compressor. The WA-1B is an all-tube transformer-balanced optical compressor that...

The ELA M 251 is an iconic microphone that has left an indelible mark on the recording world. Renowned for its excellence as a vocal mic, the timeless collaboration between Telefunken and AKG has sparked the imaginations of countless other manufacturers, leading them to embark on their own journey to replicate its greatness. Continue reading →

Back in August, storied microphone maker Neumann announced the release of the M 49 V, a stunning recreation of its legendary M 49 condenser mic. The M49's silky sound holds a special place in recording history, capturing everyone from Miles Davis to Adele. The only problem is there aren’t many around and vintage models can cost a pretty penny. Enter the M 49 V! Continue reading →

Earlier this year, H2 Audio brought new life to the Helios name with fantastic 500 Series reproductions of the classic console brand's mic pre and EQ. H2 Audio is now taking the Helios love to the next level with its latest release, the 0011 Mic Pre and 3-Band EQ ($1999). This painstaking recreation of the original channel module will inspire those who love the sound of classic Helios records like Are You Experienced?, Exile on Main Street, Led Zeppelin I and countless others. Al Sutton and Tim Mead of H2 Audio have worked tirelessly to stay true to Dick Swettenham's original design work and perfect the 0011 down to its smallest detail. Continue reading →

At the tail-end of what would traditionally be AES season, Warm Audio is putting an exclamation point on the current crop of new releases with the WA-67. That's right, the pro audio brand that has given us wallet-friendly versions of the 47, 87, and 251 is now back with its own take on the classic workhorse microphone. For the uninitiated, the U67 came about when Telefunken would no longer produce the VF14 steel tube used for the U47. Neumann began working on the microphone's successor and introduced the U60 in 1960. This mic would eventually become known as the U67. Since its launch, the microphone has reached Mt. Rushmore-level status, a must-have for any session. Continue reading →