What a robbery!

Who knew you could get a high-performance pencil condenser microphone for under $150? Avantone has worked its magic with the CK-1, creating an excellent FET microphone that offers the design, character, and performance of much more expensive microphones — with prices to fit any project or personal studio budget. And once you hear the CK-1, you'll absolutely want it in your mic closet, regardless of how much you paid for it. It's an unbelievable performance as a drum mic and percussion in general. Get a stereo pair and you'll be miking everything in sight. You've never heard its acoustic sound so good, for so little. Plus, you get cardioid, hypercardioid, and omnidirectional capsules included for extreme versatility for whatever mono or stereo miking method you want to pursue in the future.

What's the secret behind the CK-1's high performance? Avantone gave this microphone high-quality metallized polysystrene and polypropylene capacitors in the audio path. This is kind of an “upgrade” to the world of mic modding and hot rodding. But Avantone went ahead and decided to bring these hot rod favorites into a ready-to-use microphone, saving you time and effort — and giving you the performance you want right out of the box. And while it's definitely the performance you want from your small-diaphragm CK-1, we can't help but comment on its looks. As part of Avantone's Cabernet series, the CK-1 features a Cabernet Wine-Red finish that is accented with a polished nickel finish. Sharp!

Characteristics

• Small diaphragm FET condenser microphone;
• Polar patterns: cardioid, hypercardioid and omnidirectional capsules included;
• Sensitivity: 15mv/pa;
• Output impedance: <=200 Ohms;
• Maximum SPL: 138dB (0.5% THD @1000Hz);
• S/N ratio re 1Pa: 78dB;
• Noise level < 17dBA;
• Output connector: 3-pin male XLR;
• High-pass switch 80Hz 6dB/octave;
• -10dB attenuation switch;
• Finish: Polished Nickel Trim/Red Cabernet Metallic Body;
• Includes: shockmount, wooden microphone box and cardioid, omni and hypercardioid capsules;
• Requires +48V phantom power.

Specifications

• Microphone type: condenser;
• Polar pattern: cardioid, hypercardioid, omni;
• Diaphragm size: 19mm;
• Frequency response: 25Hz–20kHz;
• Maximum SPL: 138dB;
• Output impedance: 200 ohms;
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 78dB;
• Auto noise: 17dB (A weighted);
• Low cut filter: 80Hz (-6dB/octave);
• Pads: -10dB;
• Connector: XLR;
• Diameter: 23mm;
• Length 153mm;
• Weight: 141.75g.