A real tube-powered workhorse

With sound that rivals much higher priced microphones, Avantone's CV12 is known for its incredible price-to-performance value. It has been used in studios around the world, from modest home setups to top-of-the-line facilities. And now, thanks to Black Lion Audio, it sounds better than ever. The mod-meisters at BLA redesigned this already killer tube mic, giving it a flatter response, balancing its frequency range, smoothing its highs, and maximizing its lows. You also get an upgraded Jetsun shock mount and an attractive faux crocodile skin case. The Avantone Pro CV12 BLA is one of the best-sounding tube condenser microphones you'll find in this price range.

Making a great-sounding microphone even better

Black Lion Audio has been modifying equipment for over a decade — they know what they're doing. For the CV12, they started with a revised circuit that tames the microphone's mid-high boost, resulting in a flatter frequency response. Next, they swapped out the existing 32mm K67 capsule for a 34mm CK12-style one, softening the mic's highs and enhancing the lows. A Solen FastCap coupling capacitor provides extreme transparency. Additionally, the microphone's power supply has been completely redesigned with a new low-noise circuit, while extra filtering in its transformer diode ensures super clean sound. We found that the BLA-modified CV12's improved balanced response and increased headroom sound great across the board. This microphone is a true tube-powered workhorse.

About Black Lion Audio

Founded in Chicago in 2006, Black Lion Audio has made its mark on the audio industry by hot rodding audio equipment and upgrading the sound quality of popular music production equipment, elevating industry standard products to new levels of sonic quality. Although they began modifying equipment from other manufacturers, they utilized their cumulative experience to design their own line of microphone preamps and word clocks. BLA gear and modified gear can be found in studios from Los Angeles to New York and Nashville and heard on projects by artists including Maroon 5, Alison Krauss, Metallica, T-Pain, George Strait, MGMT, Beyonce, George Duke, Slayer, Erykah Badu, Rod Stewart and more.

Characteristics

• Revised circuitry tames the microphone's mid-high boost for a flatter frequency response;
• 34mm CK12-style capsule smoothes high frequencies and enhances low frequencies;
• The Solen FastCap coupling capacitor offers extreme transparency;
• Redesigned power supply with new low-noise circuitry;
• Extra filtering in its transformer bridge diode ensures super clean sound;
• Improved balanced response and increased headroom sound across the board;
• Jetsun shockmount provides excellent isolation while allowing performers to get closer to the microphone;
• Attractive faux crocodile skin case.

Specifications

• Microphone type: condenser tube;
• Mono/stereo: mono;
• Polar pattern: multi-pattern, 9 selectable;
• Diaphragm size: 3.4cm;
• Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz (±3dB);
• Maximum SPL: 136dB SPL (146dB with pad activated);
• Output impedance: 250 ohms;
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 78dB (A weighted);
• Sensitivity: -35 dB;
• Low cut filter: 80Hz;
• Pads: -10dB;
• Tube: 6072A;
• Color: Nickel finish with metallic Cabernet Red body;
• Power source: external power supply included;
• Connector: 7-pin XLR (microphone), XLR (power supply).