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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!
Specification Detail
Microphone Type Condenser
Polar Pattern Cardioid, Hypercardioid, Omni (Interchangeable Capsules Included)
Diaphragm Size .75" (19mm)
Frequency Response 25Hz-20kHz
Max SPL 138dB SPL (1kHz at 0.5% THD)
Output Impedance 200 ohms
Signal to Noise Ratio 78dB
Self Noise 17dB (A weighted)
Low Cut Filter 80Hz, -6dB/octave
Pads -10dB
Connector XLR
Weight .31 lb.
Manufacturer Part Number CK-1

CK-1 Image Gallery

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Reviews

based on 14 reviews

Bang For Your Budget Buck

by The Other Doug from Michigan
January 14, 2013
Music Background: Live Sound 20 yrs
Skeptical when I first saw this mic with all of the "extras". I was looking for a decent pair of mics for the choir and this one seemed to be the ticket. I was sold by the reviews but missed using f... read more [+]or Christmas a couple of years ago waiting for them to arrive. The first use was on mandolin, then a violin, aux percussion then eventually the Easter choir presentation. I had a pair of Crown CM700's and two CK1's and the ability to pick up with clarity went hands down to the Avantones. They are built solid, look great, have an awesome shock mount (which I plan to pick up more of for use with the Crowns and possibly our SM81's). Some of the reviews have mentioned some manufacturing related issues. I had a couple as well. The grille on the Cardiod capsule came off but a dot of SuperGlue took care of that just fine. One of the mics seems not to have the groove for the female XLR connector machined out sufficiently. Some of our mic cables just can't be used with that particular mic. It's probably something that I could fix with a small dremel bit but we have enough cables that work fine so I've never even messed with it. All in all Avantone still has a rock solid product for the price. It makes me want to consider some of the other mics in their line. close [-]

Unbelievable deal

by Tom Zink from Los Angeles CA.
October 29, 2012
Music Background: Musician, Engineer, Arranger
I haven't done any A/B tests against KM84s, but I have been very happy with recordings of piano and string section. The omni capsules in particular give a smooth and pleasing sound from close micing a... read more [+]s well as back a bit for a roomier sound. The capsules are a bit tricky to change (very narrow threads), but all 3 sound great in their own way. close [-]

Fine Mic

by Jonathan1008 from Northern California
August 14, 2012
Music Background: musician
We're a simple group with fiddle, guitar & cello. The cello is fabulously rich acoustically, but has always sounded muddy in live sound and recording. I should say, however, that our options for mic... read more [+]s heretofore has been very limited.

Well, the CK-1 with the hyper-cardiod capsule is wonderful. It feels solid, it performs well, with that capsule it picks up very little of the other instruments...it's well priced...in short, no complaints. [That summation may sound modest, but it's the thing I seek the most in sound equipment.] close [-]

Great little mic

by Edmund from Somerville, MA
June 8, 2012
Music Background: Hobbyist
My band uses this as a mono live-in-the-room mic to record rehearsals, and it does a great job. The drums are especially nice. For $150 you can't beat it.

Sweetwater Advice

Derek Senestraro
I'm using an Avantone Audio CK-1 pair for room mics at church and am very impressed with their quality and the versatility. They sound very good and very responsive. I'm loving them.
Read more reviews

Absolutely amazed by the personal service on our order! It is obvious customer satisfaction is a priority. Your company would be the first place we would look for music related items. Great prices, great service and BTW, even the little touch of adding some candy made my kids very pleased! Thank you!


David, Renton, WA

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

Avantone Audio CK-1

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