MM-2000

The MM-2000 is a world-class large-diaphragm tube condenser mic. It began as an evolution of the concept behind our U-87 and 451 tube retrofits: simpler is better. We wanted to outdo ourselves, though, in creating a recording instrument whose combination of versatility, consistency, and sonic excellence would be unmatched by any “must-have” studio mic at any price.

A hand-tested 6922 tube, nestled behind our premium European capsule, forms the heart of this beast. The housing, familiar from a famous national brand of industrial-strength flashlight, was chosen because everyone at one time or another has sung along into a flashlight or a hairbrush, and being that we’re audio nerds with questionable grooming habits, none of us own hairbrushes. The fact that this housing is physically beautiful, extremely rugged, and acoustically dead might have had something to do with it too.

The MM-2000 features a 20db attenuator on the body of the mic as well as a continuously variable pattern selector on the custom-built external power supply. From omni to cardioid to figure-eight, the response and rejection of this mic are nothing short of superb, making the task of placement closer to sonic surgery than the educated guesswork it too often is. We have also strived to ensure that even if you don’t have one of our matched pairs, any MM you pick up will behave virtually identically to any other.

Users have bombarded us with happy cliches like “Incredibly detailed and musical,” “Sacrifices neither warmth nor clarity,” “Anything you put in front of it just becomes huge,” and our favorite: “Would be a bargain at three times the price.” Probably the truest cliche of all, though, is that talking about sound is like dancing about architecture. So, we recommend you get your hands around one. Use it in any application next to your current favorite, or use it in ways that break the rules, and compare the results. The MM-2000 is certainly not cheap, nor is it even close to the most expensive end of the current market. Once you track with it, though, we’re confident that you’ll agree there is no better value on the planet.

Available in black, dark red, and electric blue. Twin-capsule stereo units may be built to order.

Specifications * MM-2000 Condenser Mic System

Microphone Type 1-inch dual-diaphragm pressure gradient condenser microphone - gold-sputtered polyester diaphragms, with DC polarizing voltage

Polar patterns Continuously Variable from Omni-directional, to wide cardioid, through cardioid, to hyper-cardioid, and to figure of eight. Pattern control is via knob on power supply unit.

Frequency range ±1.0 dB, 20 to 20,000 Hz

Sensitivity 23 mV/Pa (- dBV)

Max. SPL for 0.5% THD

Signal/noise ratio > 88 dB (A-weighted)

Microphone Preamplifier Selected 6922 Electron tube provides impedance conversion

Capsule Attenuation -20 dB, switchable by means of recessed switch on microphone case

Source Impedance Less than 200 Ohms

Recommended Load Greater than 2,000 Ohms

Output Characteristics Balanced, high-nickel-core transformer coupled output

Dynamic range < 135 dB

Power Supply External regulated power supply

Power Requirements 117 VAC, 60 Hz. (Export version available upon special order)

Temperature Range: 15° F to 140° F

Relative humidity: 95% @ 68° F, 85% @ 140° F

Microphone Connector 6-pin XLR, microphone to power supply interconnect cable

Microphone Dimensions 12.25 in. high; lower case: 1.525 in. dia.; capsule unit: 2.25 in diameter

Audio Output Connector 3-pin XLR, pin 2 hot

Complete System includes Microphone, isolation shock mount, 22’ super-flex Mogami mic cable, power supply unit, and AC power cable. (Extension super-flex cables available.)

Shipping Weight 12 pounds