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Avantone Pro CK-40 Stereo Large-diaphragm FET Condenser Microphone

Stereo Large-diaphgram FET Condenser Microphone with Rotatable Upper Capsule, Cardioid/Omnidirectional/Figure-8 Pickup Patterns, and Custom Retro Shockmount
13 Write review Item ID: CK40
$599.00

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Avantone Pro CK-40 Stereo Large-diaphragm FET Condenser Microphone
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This Stereo Mic Defines Versatility!

Put Avantone's CK-40 stereo FET condenser microphone up in front of sources, listen to the amazing sound you're getting, and you'll instantly realize how dedicated Avantone is to their motto "Affordable Excellence." The CK-40's twin large-diaphragm transducers are arranged vertically, so you get extraordinarily accurate stereo imaging. Beyond that, you can rotate the top capsule up to 90 degrees, to employ a range of recording techniques, including XY-Coincident, Blumlein, and M-S. With this vast range of sonic and spatial options available, it's worth trying the Avantone CK-40 on anything that makes sound.

Related Videos: CK-40 Stereo Large-diaphragm FET Condenser Microphone

Avantone CK-40 Stereo Class A FET Condenser Microphone at a Glance:
  • Stereo design with rotatable capsule gives you a range of sonic and spatial options
  • Switches between three pickup patterns for tailoring your sound

Stereo design with rotatable capsule gives you a range of sonic and spatial options
Apart from the amazing sound you'll get from the CK-40 stereo FET condenser, you're going to be amazed by just how versatile this microphone is — especially when you consider the affordable price. The Avantone CK-40 has two large-diaphragm transducers arranged vertically, for accurate stereo imaging without issues with phase. Beyond that, you can rotate the upper capsule up to 90 degrees, so you can take advantage of a wide range of miking techniques.

Switches between three pickup patterns for tailoring your sound
Let your ears be the final judge as you rotate the CK-40 microphone's upper capsule, taking advantage such miking techniques as XY, Blumlein, and MS. Because both of the microphones on the CK-40 can switch among cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure 8 polar patterns, you have a wide variety of sonic and spatial options to experiment with as you tune in the perfect stereo image for your track.

Avantone CK-40 Stereo Class A FET Condenser Microphone Features:
  • Stereo microphone with rotatable upper capsule for XY-coincident, Blumlein, M-S
  • Switchable between cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure 8 polar patterns
  • 3-Pattern Class A FET Microphone w/ two dual 35mm gold sputtered thin Mylar capsules
  • -10dB pad and80Hz LF roll off switches
  • Works well as a group vocal mic, room mic, piano mic, or utility condenser
  • Extra-large dual -35mm center-terminated Euro style capsules
  • The versatile Stereo CK-40 mic is able to produce professional results with a warm, pleasing sonic character
  • The included Custom Retro Shockmount allows precise positioning of the mic while inhibiting the transfer of unwanted vibrations up into the mic
  • Rugged CK-40 microphone body and capsule assembly are precision-machined of brass
  • Features an elegant Metallic Cabernet Wine-Red finish, accented with polished nickel trim and grille
Avantone CK-40 Stereo Class A FET Condenser Microphone Includes:
  • Avantone CK-40 Multi-Pattern Stereo FET Microphone
  • Avantone Custom Retro Shockmount
  • Padded Wooden Mic Box
  • 1X2 Splitter Box
  • 30' 5 Pin Cable
  • Foam Wind Filter
  • Padded Aluminum storage/travel case
  • Owners Manual
Avantone CK-40 Stereo Class A FET Condenser Microphone Specifications:
  • Type: Stereo True Condenser Microphone
  • Polar Pattern/s: Cardioid , Omni , Figure 8 (x2)
  • Capsules: (2) Dual plate 35mm gold sputtered diaphragm/brass assembly
  • Frequency Response:20Hz-20kHz +/- 3dB
  • Rated Output Impedance: <=200 Ohms
  • Maximum SPL : 147dB (0.5% THD @1000Hz)
  • Sensitivity: -40dB
  • Noise Level: 17dB (A weighted EC651)
  • S/N Ratio re 1Pa : 77dB
  • Output Connector: Male XLR 5 pin
  • High-Pass Switch: 80Hz 6dB/octave
  • Attenuation Switch: -10 dB
  • Finish: Polished Nickel trim / Metallic Cabernet Red Body
  • Size: 10 7/8" x 1 15/16"
  • Weight: 2.1 lbs.
  • Requires +48V phantom power
The Avantone CK-40 stereo FET condenser microphone puts you in touch with a wide variety of sonic and spatial options!

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Condenser
  • Mono/Stereo: X/Y, Blumlein, Mid-Side
  • Diaphragm Size: 1.37" (35mm)
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
  • Max SPL: 147dB
  • Output Impedance: 200 ohms
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: 77dB
  • Self Noise: 17dB (A weighted)
  • Low Cut Filter: 80Hz (-6dB/octave)
  • Pads: -10dB
  • Color: Red
  • Connector: 5-pin XLR
  • Power Source: 48V phantom power
  • Dimensions: 10.87" x 1.93"
  • Weight: 2.1 lbs.
  • Included Accessories: Shock Mount, Windscreen, Microphone Pouch, Splitter Box, 30' 5-Pin XLR cable, Flight Case
  • Manufacturer Part Number: CK40

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Customer Reviews

4.2 out of 5

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Sounds great

I wanted a stereo mic to record the audience on location. I was looking for something more versatile than the standard X/Y pattern and variants and often don't have time to deal with wiring up two SDCs on a stereo bar and to be honest, I've always lusted after the stereo mics such as the the Neumann SM2 or the Telefunken AR-70, but my pockets are not that deep. The CK-40 looked like a good way to get into this kind of microphone and it does not disappoint. I've been using it in mid/side configuration and it excels at this. When listening to the audience/room in IEMs, it sounds very true, spacious, and not at all shrill or overly bright. I'm sure it will come in handy in other situations, but for this, it's perfect.

I have noted some quality complaints about the mic and the shock mount, but it seems maybe they have been addressed. The included shock mount is excellent and puts most of the included shock mounts to shame, including for much higher priced mics. The case and internal box are nice to have when transporting this mic.
by Edwin Hurwitz from Boulder, CO on
Music background: Bass player and location recording engineer

easy sound ... will buy a 2nd as it works well and looks cool!

Workmanship is fairly good overall ... actually excellent in some areas. I've seen worse in a lot more expensive microphones. Microphone is a beast ... heavy and you could do someone some serious damage if used as a weapon. Keep one by your bedside in case someone breaks into your house at night.

And it comes in a suitcase that you could pack 3-days worth of clothes inside!

Sound is silky without some of the zip, harshness and coloration of some of my other condensers. Easy to listen too, but not dull or lifeless. I actually prefer it to my AKG C214/414s on some instruments and on normal speech. A great capsule! I don't do studio work, so I bought this microphone to record choirs, bands and orchestras. But it sounds great on voice, woodwinds and acoustic guitar at home.

And, it's quiet (enough).

A few gripes:

- The capsules are only rotatable for 90 degrees and this is not normally enough for true cardioids in X-Y ... you need, at least, 120 degrees. However, the cardioid pattern is actually a super or hyper cardioid, as the null is not at 180 degrees, but at about 120-130 degrees. Therefore, the 90 degree max angle is OK. But, being able to rotate the capsules a full 180 degrees would provide some handy utility for special needs.

- No real user manual with hints, suggestions, full specifications, response curves, polar patterns, etc. There are a couple of "gotchas", so a real owner manual would be cool.

- Special stereo cable has not the very best made 5-pin XLRs. And, too much wire was stipped back inside the connectors, not leaving enough outer jacket to make good contact with the plastic cable-clamp. It's barely hanging together and a good tug would render the cable inoperative. I've ordered some high-quality connectors to redo my cable. I'd also really and truly like a 100 foot cable ...

- The break-out box is unnecessary bulk and expense, as just a Y-spliter would be cheaper and have less bulk.

- The tightening screw for the shock-mount can't be easily turned by hand ... something longer/bigger/different should be used. A trip to a good hardware store should find something to remedy this. An easy fix, that I'll implement. Or, just keep a flat-blade screwdriver in the microphone case.

- My pattern selection switches would bind on the slot cut-outs on the microphone body. I noticed the bottom ring on the microphone body wasn't tight, (so, what the heck, factory warranty!), I just took the outer cover off. I used a jeweler's file and took a few molecules of metal out (you can't even see what I did) and the switches were fine. BTW, the circuit boards look pretty good, they are epoxy, thru-hole construction, thin-film resistors in some areas and some press-in, teflon insulated solder points for the super high-Z circuitry on the JFET gate. No transformers inside (good!) I noted that the input FET appears to be a 2SK170. Looks like intelligent design and decent workmanship. I suspect the designer did a really good job.

The small negative points are not a deal-breaker for me to purchase a 2nd microphone. Because of my electronics background working on mil-qualified stuff, I am very picky.

For the price, and even if it was a bit more expensive, this would be a good deal.

Get one. Get one while you can.
by Tom Shuffield from AR on
Music background: woodwinds, location recording

The Real Deal

Clean, Articulate, Accurate Stereo Image when used for drum overhead mic. Different selectable polar patterns as well....also, great for acoustic guitar and back doing multiple vocal parts in one take.
by Chuck Dembecki from Newark on
Music background: Recording Engineer, Pro Musician

More Than Expected

The Avantone CK-40 is one clean machine. It presents a balanced tone with a hint of "sparkle" that I just love. Clear lows, smooth mids, and dreamy highs that are not tinny or brittle. It is very musical and pleasing. It's also an attractive piece of gear. It's sure to turn heads when you set it up.

This is a GREAT microphone for stereo applications. This mic is quiet, accurate, and dynamically appealing for critical applications. In an X/Y cardioid configuration, the stereo separation achieved with this microphone is nothing short of stellar. It makes creating a stereo image during mix-down extremely easy since the mic has already done all of the hard work for you during tracking!

My only gripe is that it seems to require a bit more gain than would be expected to achieve a usable level. This is not really an issue since the mic is so quiet, however, those with noisy mic-pres should take note.

Overall, I could not be more pleased with the CK-40.
by Demetri Callas from Washington, DC on
Music background: Audio Engineer

Great Stereo Mic!

I had been using a matched pair of Rode NT-5 mics for drum overheads for about 5 years. Although great, they seemed a little brittle to me and I was never sure if I had the correct mic positioning for an XY configuration.
Well this mic solved all my problems.
The sound is warmer and I am able to 'position' the drums in the mix much better now. The XY configuration is easy and just plain great.
I also tried the mic as a room mic using the M/S method and was impressed. Then I set it up in front of an acoustic guitar and this is now my goto Acoustic guitar mic.
I am extremely happy I got this mic and will continue to use it on every session I do!
by DMT Audio from Saratoga Springs NY on
Music background: Recording Engineer, musician
See also: Condenser Mics, Avantone Pro, Avantone Pro Condenser Microphones
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