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Classic Vintage Gear Available At Vintage King Right Now

By Brad Pack


At Vintage King, we’ve always believed that the right piece of vintage gear can transform a recording, adding warmth, character, and a touch of history that modern equipment simply can’t replicate.

With one of the largest and most diverse collections of vintage and used pro audio gear anywhere, Vintage King is proud to offer access to these timeless tools for today’s studios.

In this blog, we’re spotlighting some of the hottest vintage pieces currently available at Vintage King. From sought-after compressors and equalizers to iconic microphones that have shaped recording history, these pieces aren’t just tools; they’re storytellers.

All of the gear in this blog was available at the time of publishing, but may have since been sold.

Vintage Microphones

AKG C12 Tube Condenser Microphone #1660

The AKG C12 is one of the most sought-after tube microphones ever made. Produced between 1953 and 1963, only about 2,500 units were built, each featuring a CK12 capsule and 6072 tube that defined its unmistakable tone. Throughout its short production run, the C12 saw multiple transformer variations—from the Hiller T14 and Henry 2148 to the revered Haufe T14/1—as well as two versions of the CK12 capsule, large- and small-cavity.



Neumann U 87 Condenser Microphone #11690

The original Neumann U 87 was released in 1967 and, ironically, served as a solid-state successor to the U 67. The microphone features a K87 capsule, which is sonically identical to the U 67's K67 capsule. However, unlike the U 67, the U 87 uses phantom power instead of an external PSU.

Since its release, the U 87 has become a legendary studio workhorse. Its three polar patterns (omni, cardioid, figure-8) make it an extremely versatile option, capable of handling everything from vocals and acoustic guitar to drum overheads and guitar cabinets. It’s also essential for tracking soloists in classical ensembles and when used in stereo pairs on piano.

 

Vintage Outboard Gear


Fairchild 660 Compressor/Limiter #567

There's no doubt about it, Fairchild compressors are some of the most coveted studio gear ever created. And while the stereo Fairchild 670 gets the most love, the 660 is what kicked the whole thing into motion back in 1959. There are said to only be 800 Fairchild 670s ever made and this freshly serviced unit is #567.

There’s a lot to love about the Fairchild 660. Its signature sound is defined by fast attack and slow release times, a hallmark that shaped countless classic recordings. Abbey Road Studios famously relied on several 660s, using their slow release on nearly every Beatles vocal from 1964 onward. Beyond the compression, the abundance of tubes and transformers in its signal path gives the 660 a rich, unrivaled warmth.


Pultec EQH-2 Tube Program Equalizer #5131

Pultec EQH-2 Tube Program Equalizer Serial #4985

The Pultec EQH-2 is a mono tube program EQ that delivers classic Pultec tone at a more budget-friendly price. Using the same tube design as the legendary EQP-1A, it offers five high-frequency options topping out at 12 kHz.

 

dbx 161 VU Compressor/Limiter #4895

The dbx 161 VU compressor is nearly identical to the more expensive 160 VU. The primary difference is the 161’s unbalanced input and output. It features a transformerless, solid-state VCA design and is widely regarded for its versatility, especially on bass, kick, and snare.


Vintage Consoles


Neve BCM10

Neve BCM10 Ten Channel Console Frame #A795

Here’s a vintage Neve BCM10 console from 1970 that’s perfect for smaller studios. Its Class A design and transformer-balanced topology deliver that classic British console sound. Packed with 10 1895 routing modules and 5 1272 line amps, the BCM10 Ten is a compact workhorse built for serious tracking and summing.


Neve 8014 Console Frame #A3432

Neve 8014 Console Frame #A3432

For mid-sized studios seeking classic Neve tone, check out this Class A 8014 console frame from the early 1970s. It comes loaded with 16 1883 routing modules and monitor returns across two separate panels. Best of all, it's fully customizable. Load it up with your favorite Neve-style modules and build the desk of your dreams!

 

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