Slate Digital ML-1A Modeling Condenser Microphone with VMS Software

An industry-shaker when it was first released, the original ML-1 microphone offered the ability to flawlessly emulate the color and tone of over 25 handpicked vintage microphones, covering everything from modern studio staples to classic ribbon mics. Now, the Slate Digital ML-1A and redesigned Virtual Microphone System plug-in takes that same functionality and makes it even more powerful.

THE MICROPHONE

The ML-1A is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone that’s best suited for capturing everything from vocals to live instruments to drum kits and every other use case in between. The ML-1A packs all its punch into a sleeker, smaller shell than that of its predecessor, with a dark grey metallic body and a redesigned grille. Beyond the noteworthy aesthetic differences, the main feature change on the ML-1A is the new three-position 0/-10/-20 dB pad switch. Up to 145 dB SPL can be captured with the -20 dB pad engaged. The ML-1A also has lower self-noise to provide the user with an even cleaner recording experience.

VIRTUAL MICROPHONE SYSTEM

The virtual mic model user experience has also been significantly improved, with all the mic models now housed together in one self-contained plug-in. Compared to the microphone modules in VMR for the ML-1 mic, the VMS plug-in provides the following additional features:

• Microphone Model Morphing for blending the characteristics of two microphone models to create an entirely new behavior
• New “Proximity” slider which applies the characteristic low-frequency boost that naturally occurs when placing the microphone closer to the sound source
• Low-frequency roll-off selector to remove undesirable rumble in certain circumstances
• Mono-to-stereo widener to spread vocals across the stereo spectrum, useful for adding contrast to background vocals

And if that wasn’t enough, the ML-1A comes with bundled with the Radio France Signature mic pack which includes 10 incredible microphones from the inventory at the legendary Radio France network HQ. From studio staples to an ‘indestructible’ mic and the biggest ribbon mic ever made, the mics in this pack are designed to make the human voice sound great.

INCLUDED EMULATIONS:

RADIO FRANCE SIGNATURE MIC PACK

• RF-X25: Open-air sound great for piano, acoustic instruments and voices
• RF-88: Detailed bass response, great for kick drums, vocals, and more
• RF-BB6: Flagship tube mic designed for modern, present vocal sound
• RF-21B: France's go-to mic for reporters and field recording
• RF-149: Outstanding for vocals as well as acoustic instruments
• RF-H64: The soloist’s microphone, well-balanced for speech pickup
• RF-H64 Bonnette: H64 with pop filter for subtle high-end roll-off
• RF Améthyste: Modern, present sound with airy highs and accented lows
• RF-42B Voix: The world’s largest ribbon mic, set to ‘Voice’ mode
• RF-42B Musique: The world’s largest ribbon mic, set to ‘Music’ mode

CLASSIC TUBES 1 + 2

• FG-47
• FG-M7
• FG-800
• FG-251
• FG-800M
• FG-269
• FG-12
• FG-67

VIRTUAL PREAMP COLLECTION

• FG-73
• FG-76

SLATE DIGITAL ML-1A FEATURES:

ML-1A MICROPHONE

• Ultra-linear, sonically neutral large-diaphragm condenser microphone
• Works with Virtual Microphone System plug-in to recreate the sound and tone of up to 36 vintage microphones, all available in the Complete Access Bundle subscription
• Three-position 0/-10/-20 dB pad switch; can accommodate up to 145 dB SPL with -20 dB pad engaged
• Lower self-noise (8 dB) for cleaner recordings
• Updated design with new color and unique grill shape
• Included licenses: Radio France Signature mic pack, Classic Tubes 1 & 2 mic packs, Virtual Preamp Collection.

VIRTUAL MICROPHONE SYSTEM SOFTWARE

• Up to 36 virtual microphone models, including 10 new models in the Radio France Signature mic pack, all available in the Complete Access Bundle subscription. All owners receive a three-month trial subscription to the Complete Access Bundle with purchase
• Blend two mic models to create your own unique microphone
• Proximity slider authentically recreates natural low-end boost that comes with closer mic placement
• Low-frequency roll-off selector removes undesirable rumble
• Mono-to-stereo widener to spread vocals across the stereo spectrum