Incredible value in a large diaphragm FET capacitor

Many experienced professional audio experts may have seen (and heard) it all, but every now and then a product comes along that breaks the conventional price-for-performance paradigm. Enter the Avantone CK-6. It's a large-diaphragm cardioid FET condenser microphone that looks and sounds expensive, but isn't. That's the idea behind Avantone's Cabernet Series microphones, which, in terms of performance, go toe-to-toe with microphones that cost much more. If you only looked at the price, you might assume Avantone cut corners somewhere. You would be mistaken. First and foremost, the CK-6 is built for the long haul, with a precision-machined brass body and capsule assembly.

Quality components throughout

Under the hood, the CK-6 is equally impressive, featuring discrete, transformerless Class A FET circuitry and a thin gold-flecked Mylar capsule. Avantone even used high-quality metallized polystyrene and polypropylene capacitors in the audio path — typically the kind of "upgrade" components installed by extreme hot-modders. The CK-6 is a versatile studio workhorse, ideal for clearly capturing the sonic character of virtually any vocal or instrument. Did we mention how gorgeous the CK-6 is? Its elegant wine red finish and polished nickel details are sure to turn heads whenever someone steps into your studio.

Complete and ready to record

In addition to not having multiple polar patterns (and who in their right mind would expect that in a microphone at this price?), Avantone also didn't skimp on features. The CK-6 has a 10dB pad, so you can use it on drums, guitar cabinets, and other noisy sources. It also has an 80Hz high-pass filter to attenuate noise and other unwanted low frequencies. The Avantone CK-6 is an incredible value. At this price, you can easily buy a stereo pair. How about five of them for your tones and overheads?

Characteristics

• Fixed cardioid polar pattern;
• Discrete, transformerless Class A FET circuit;
• Mylar capsule (6 microns) with 32mm single-sided gold centered termination;
• Ideal for studio vocals, acoustic guitar, drum overloads, piano and more;
• Frequency response: 35Hz–20kHz ±3.5dB;
• Output impedance: <= 200 ohms;
• Maximum SPL: 136dB (0.5% THD @1000Hz);
• Equivalent noise level: <17dB;
• High-pass filter: 80Hz (6dB/octave);
• 10dB attenuation switch;
• Power: 48V/5mA phantom power;
• Body and capsule assembly made from precision-machined brass;
• Elegant Cabernet Red finish with polished nickel finish;
• Includes custom retro shock mount.

Specifications

• Microphone type: transformerless condenser;
• Polar pattern: cardioid;
• Diaphragm size: 3.2cm gold-plated mylar capsule;
• Frequency response: 32Hz–20kHz (±3.5dB);
• Maximum SPL: 136dB SPL;
• Output impedance: 200 ohms;
• Auto noise: 17dB;
• Low cut filter: 80Hz;
• Pads: -10dB;
• Connector: XLR;
• Color: Metallic Cabernet Red body, polished nickel finish;
• Power source: 48V phantom power;
• Accessories included: shockmount, carrying bag.