The AKG C12 capsules were made by hand and were far more involved than those fitted to equivalent Neumann mics in the 1950s, including more than 120 individual parts. Few microphones throughout history have the pedigree of the Neumann U47. For many, this mic is THE studio microphone and has been used in countless recordings by some of the greatest musicians ever, produced by one of the most respected microphone brands ever.

You can also have a piece of history in your house with the Neumann U47 FET Collector’s Edition (used for the features here). The only real downside here is the high price, but it’s fair enough for what many consider to be the ultimate vintage microphone. Features This new version employed the same capsule (K47) and a similar head grill but used solid-state circuitry. That’s quite a history! The Coles 4038 is renowned for its smooth, rich sonic detail, and it is a classic among some of the most celebrated engineers in recording history.Advanced Audio CM251: This is a large-format condenser tube microphone that recreates the iconic ELA M251 model. The AKG C12 is still considered a classic to this day and remains very popular amongst both classical/film and pop engineers alike. Shure 55SH II: This is a replication of the iconic Shure Unidyne microphone which was favored by many music superstars over previous decades. The Telefunken ELA M 251E features three polar patterns making it ideal for a range of stereo recording techniques if you have two, including Spaced Pair (A/B), XY (including Blumlein), ORTF array, and Mid-Side (MS).

The Telefunken ELA M 251E can work beautifully on a number of instruments, in part thanks to its 3 polar pattern options. You can record vocals with stunning results, and you can even set it up on a figure-8 pattern to record two singers for a beautiful duo sound. Its predecessor is the Type 77-D, introduced a few years earlier in 1948. The RCA 77-DX was widely used by broadcasters, and therefore instilled in the minds of the common folk. Legendary late-night show hosts such as David Letterman and Larry King used it on stage for years. Features Also called the ‘Piezoelectric Microphone’ this microphone type was most commonly used between 1930-60.

It was consistently used as a bass mic on many Beatles sessions, and it became legendary for this reason.

When purchasing a vintage or antique microphone, what to look out for really depends upon your intentions for the item. For example, if you’re looking for a decorative or conversation piece, whether the microphone works or not isn’t relevant, but if you’re looking for a usable item, this will of course be your first concern. If you’re looking for an antique or vintage microphone from the perspective of a collector or enthusiast, you’ll probably want to avoid models which have been converted for compatibility for modern devices, whereas if you’re a music fan looking for that vintage tone a converted item can be very handy. Our Top List of Vintage and Antique Microphones

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These legendary RCA ribbon mics features are quite unique. At 1 kHz, the 77-DX has an output of -50 to -56dbm, depending on the pattern selection.

Another great feature of the U67 is its versatility. You can mostly use it on any source imaginable. The microphone has a fascinating history that is aligned with the development of music, pop culture, and society as a whole. As objects, vintage microphones not only make for stylish decorative objects, and even practical items, but also speak of the rich history of their prior ownership and purpose. Many of the most sought-after vintage microphones had a limited amount of models made, and have since been discontinued. In return, these characteristics made their prices soar as collectors and engineers search the internet trying to find some of the originals.

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Today, we’re going to talk about the 7 most legendary vintage microphones so you too can get a taste of recording history. What Are The 7 Best Vintage Microphones? In 1915 the vacuum tube amplifier was created which improved the volume output across all types of devices including the microphone. The following year the condenser microphone was patented by E.C. Wente. Since then, microphones have continued to be improved upon, reducing in size, and increasing in performance and quality. Popular Vintage Microphone Brands Available Today