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The Roger Nichols Gear Collection

Avantone Audio CK-1

Item ID: CK1

Small-diaphragm FET Pencil Condenser Microphone with Included Shockmount, Wooden Box, and Cardioid, Omnidirectional, and Hypercardioid Capsules

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From Our Research Team:

What a Steal!

Who knew you could get such a high-performing pencil condenser microphone for under $150? Avantone worked their magic with the CK-1, creating a fine FET microphone that offers the design, character, and performance of much more expensive microphones — priced to fit into any project or personal studio's budget. And once you hear the CK-1, you'll absolutely want it in your mic locker, regardless of what you paid for it. It's an unbelievable performer as a drum overhead microphone and percussion in general. Get a stereo pair and you'll be miking everything in sight. You've never heard your 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-grade Polysystrene and Metalized Polypropylene capacitors in the audio path. This is the sort of "upgrade" the microphone modding and hot rodding world is all about. But Avantone went ahead and decided to bring these favorite hot rods to an off-the-shelf microphone, saving you time and effort — and delivering the performance you want right off the bat. And while it's definitely performance you want out of your small-diaphragm CK-1, we can't help but comment on its looks. As a part of Avantone's Cabernet series, the CK-1 features a Cabernet Wine-Red finish that's accented with polished nickel trim. Sharp!

Avantone CK-1 Small-diaphragm FET Pencil Condenser Microphone Features at a Glance:
  • Small-diaphragm FET condenser microphone
  • Polar Pattern/s: Cardioid, Hypercardioid, and Omnidirectional Capsules included
  • Frequency Response: 25-20,000Hz ± 3dB
  • Sensitivity: 15mv/pa
  • Output Impedance: <=200 Ohms
  • Maximum SPL: 138dB (0.5% THD @1000Hz)
  • S/N Ratio re 1Pa : 78dB
  • Noise Floor < 17dBA
  • Output Connector: Male XLR 3 pin
  • High-Pass Switch 80Hz 6dB/octave
  • Attenuation Switch -10dB
  • Power Requirement: Standard 48V Phantom / 5mA
  • Finish: Polished Nickel trim / Metallic Cabernet Red Body
  • Includes: AVANTONE SSM Shockmount; wooden mic box; and Cardioid, Omni, and Hypercardioid capsules

Get extraordinary performance without spending a fortune, with the Avantone CK-1 small-diaphragm FET condenser microphone!

CK-1 Image Gallery

Specification Detail
Microphone Type Condenser
Polar Pattern(s) Cardioid, Hypercardioid, Omni (Interchangable Capsules - Included)
Frequency Response 25Hz-20kHz
Max SPL 138dB (0.5% THD @1000Hz)
Output Impedance <=200 ohms
Signal to Noise Ratio 78 dB
Self Noise < 17 dBA
Low Cut Filter 80 Hz 6dB/octave
Pads 10 dB
Length 6.02"
Width .9"
Depth .9"
Weight .31 lbs.
Notes FET Micrphone
Manufacturer Part Number CK-1

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Reviews

based on 3 reviews

Outstanding value!

by Peter Cutler from Tehachapi, Ca.
November 14, 2011
Music Background: Recording engineer
This mic package is nothing short of amazing at this price point! I've used a lot of mics over the past 35 years or so and I know what a good mic sounds like, believe me. The Avantone Ck-1 sounds wond... read more [+]erful on everything I've used it on. Although it is bit on the bright side, it never sounds harsh or edgy like so many inexpensive SDC mics do. It has a silky smooth top end balanced with a nice meaty midrange and solid bottom end. It compares favorably to my Shure SM 81's (a bit brighter) and, while it isn't a Neumann KM 184 or (my favorite) the vintage KM 84, it is not far! Plus, it comes with three capsules, omni, cardioid and hypercardioid. Haven't had a change to use the omni for anything yet but the other two sound great on acoustic guitars, mandolins and other acoustic stringed instruments. Even used it with the hyper capsule for some VO recording and it did quite well, considering it is really an instrument mic. The main thing about this mic is how clean and quiet it is. It's built with very high quality capacitors and it really is evident in the sound of the mic. And the overall build quality is excellent...built like a tank! Comes with a very nice shockmount and in a wooden case too. Highly recommended. close [-]

Best Indoor location microphone in the world, for the money...

by Michael T. from California
June 9, 2011
Music Background: 20 years studio experience, 12 years field recording
I've done a lot of indoor location recording the past 7 years. That said, I retired both of my high end shotguns from indoor recording and ordered a matched set of these puppies, after trying my frien... read more [+]ds set one tday "on a dare".

Simply the cleanest top end, and the best on-mic filtering I've ever seen indoors. Clear, crisp, great definition, good body and dynamics, along with a very controllable field [with 3 very different heads] and a bass pad that all but eliminates any low end dirt.

I have another friend with a set of similar Russian made mics [you know which ones] and they sounded like mud next to these.

For the money, the best mic you can buy in my opinion, bar none. close [-]

Awesome Pencil Condenser

by David from Oklahoma City, OK
December 14, 2010
Music Background: Studio Owner, Recording Engineer, Producer, Musician
I have been able to A/B the CK1 with other pencils 10x's the price range on Drums, Guitar, and Choirs. All I could say was WOW. 3 capsules, 10db pad, and HPF, all for $150. This mic packs a lot of pun... read more [+]ch into an affordable platform that meets, if not exceeds, the abilities of the more expensive pencils out there. close [-]

Also popular

See Also: Condenser Mics , Avantone Audio , Avantone Audio Condenser Microphones , Avantone Audio Condenser Microphones

Avantone Audio CK-1

Today's Payment: $59.66
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Sweetwater does a great job with shipping, and when I have any service questions, I'm always able to get through and talk to someone who can help. It's been a really positive experience.
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