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Mojave Audio MA-1000 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone - Desert Sand

Large-Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone with Continuously Variable Polar Patterns - Desert Sand
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Item ID: MA1000DS
Mojave Audio MA-1000 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone - Desert Sand
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Superb-sounding Tube Condenser from Mojave

When Mojave Audio built the MA-1000 tube condenser microphone, they pulled out all the stops. Inspired by the most revered microphones of yesteryear, the MA-1000 features an NOS 5840 tube, 251-style capsule, and custom-designed Coast Magnetics transformer. At Sweetwater, when we first heard the MA-1000's sweet, airy top end, realistic mids, and robust bottom end, we were hooked. Vocals, acoustic instruments, drum overheads - the MA-1000 excels at everything. Complete with continuously variable polar patterns, the Mojave Audio MA-1000 tube condenser microphone easily holds its own against boutique mics ten times its price.

A modern condenser mic with classic characteristics

The MA-1000 is the culmination of Royer's 20-plus years of custom microphone design. The large-diaphragm MA-1000 yields warm, full-bodied reproductions of vocals and instruments without the shrillness and high-frequency grunge often encountered with modern condenser microphones.

Impressive design delivers top-shelf performance

Utilizing a 1" diameter, gold-sputtered diaphragm, custom-designed Coast Magnetics transformer, original new old-stock 5840 tube, and 251-style capsule, the MA-1000 performs at a level reminiscent of some of the most revered classic condenser microphones. Each MA-1000 microphone is carefully tested and evaluated, then packaged in its protective case with a Royer-designed Sling-Shock shockmount.

Continuously variable polar patterns can handle any source

The MA-1000 is perfect for any number of studio applications, thanks to its continuously variable polar patterns, as well as its bass roll-off and 15dB pad. From vocals to voice-over work to more raucous sources such as kick drums and bass or guitar cabinets, the MA-1000 easily handles it all. A pair work well parked over a drum kit as overheads. And of course, the MA-1000 shines on acoustic instruments and piano, as well.

Mojave Audio MA-1000 Tube Condenser Microphone Features:

  • Mojave Signature Series "Desert Sand" finish
  • Large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone
  • Excels on voice, broadcast, acoustic instruments, piano, drum overheads, drum rooms, and orchestral applications
  • Vintage-inspired design features an NOS 5840 tube, 251-style capsule, and custom-designed Coast Magnetics transformer
  • Remotely controlled, continuously variable polar patterns can handle any source
  • Switchable 15dB pad and bass roll-off help keep your recordings free of distortion and thumps
  • Includes a Sling-Shock shockmount licensed from Royer Labs
  • Utilizes premium Mogami cable and Neutrik connectors

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Tube Condenser
  • Mono/Stereo: Mono
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Figure-8, Omnidirectional (continuously variable)
  • Diaphragm Size: 1" (3-microns thick)
  • Max SPL: 120dB SPL
  • Output Impedance: 200 ohms
  • Self Noise: 14dB nominal
  • Low Cut Filter: 100Hz
  • Pads: -15dB
  • Tube: NOS 5840
  • Color: Desert Sand
  • Power Source: External power supply
  • Connector: XLR
  • Dimensions: 7.6" x 2"
  • Weight: 1.0 lbs.
  • Included Accessories: Carrying Case, Shockmount, Cables
  • Manufacturer Part Number: MA-1000DS

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Reviews

Unreal Beauty
I finally had the financial freedom to get a U67 and actually was about to purchase and ended up chatting with several Grammy winning engineer friends from the "old days" when I was making records and working with them. I ended up with a Royer 121 and learned the 121/57 combo that made my electrics come alive again. David Royer makes incredible stuff so I perused the MA-1000. O. M. G. I LOVE this mic for everything I play / acoustic guitars, violin, and vocals - I am so happy with this mic! You hear the wood in my instruments. Frankly it's like you are in the room with them. Paired with a Shelford channel it's wicked transparent and the kind of top end that everyone I know wants. The WOW factor is right here with an MA-1000.
Mojave Legacy Mic
You want a professional mic that gives stunning results, and you're willing to lighten your wallet, but you're not made of $6,000 -10,000+ money … and you're not willing to sacrifice quality: meet the MA 1000. David Royer's take (upgrade, and modernization) of the ELAM 251 - a take that's capable of meeting and exceeding results of microphones costing thousands of dollars more.
While I bought this principally as a personal vocal mic, it's capable of giving high quality results on many sound sources (vocal, choral, acoustic guitar, orchestra, overheads).
Not made of MA-1000 money but want a pro quality studio workhorse, check out the MA-300 (tube), or the MA-301 (transformer) or the MA-50 (transformer-less) : you will not be disappointed with having a few Mojave mics in your mic locker.
Music background: Multi-instrumentalist, home producer, mixing, mastering
Just as good as the Telefunkin 251
Mike Picote over at sweetwater recommended the MA1000 for my vocals. Been using it for years now. I've recorded big loud aggressive vocals on this, and soft vocals, females, acoustic guitar(sounds amazing) with the tube is subtle but there, just right, and always adds just the right amount of vibe at all the right times. It's completely real and clear, like the voice is right in your face. no hype so you can really shape the vocal. I've sent raw vocals I recorded on this mic to some of the biggest producers in rock music and they always ask what mic did I use because they probably thought it was a 251 haha! After about 4 years my tube died and it started making a little fuzzy noise, I sent it in and Rusty at Mojave got my mic in and out in a matter of days. the man himself David Royer found the culprit and repaired it! Sounds beautiful once again. Just get it! You won't be disappointed. You'll never find a better more versatile mic for the price.
Music background: Singer of Hollywood Undead.
Silky sound
This is a beautifully smooth mic. The frequency response is essentially flat, which makes it easier to sculpt into whatever you want it to be. And the tube shimmer is just right: it doesn't scream "I'm a tube mic" and it doesn't sound like a FET condenser with a touch of tube, like another popular mic I have. And the continuously variable polar pattern is priceless. Leave it to David Royer to go the extra mile instead of pinching pennies and doubling the price. It's essentially a Telefunken ELA M251 with a variable pattern for a fraction of the price.
I would say that if you can afford it, the ultimate pair of condensers are the MA-1000 and the Lauten Audio FC387 Atlantis. They're like night and day but give you pretty much everything you can imagine.
Music background: Musician, singer, engineer.
The Real Deal. a $30k mic for one-tenth the price.
David Royer is a brilliant and thoughtful designer. This microphone embodies everything that he - and Mojave - represent. The MA-1000 sounds perfect. I smiled and laughed the first time I heard my voice through it... as did my brother. The only other time this happened was when I heard myself through a vintage Neumann U67. But the MA-1000 sounds better.

And that's about it, really. The MA-1000 is the end result of the highest quality, most uncompromising design and build. But how does Mojave keep its microphones so inexpensive? Well, there are several reasons... and it isn't rocket science. Mojave's YouTube videos explain how they accomplish this, for those who are interested.

Last but not least: the MA-1000 costs about the same as a Telefunken 251 did when it was released in 1960. The MA-1000, however, has serviceable parts. And it's guaranteed to work each time you warm it up. And it doesn't cost $30k. To the discerning ear, these MA-1000's are absolutely in the same league as the 251. Sure, the Telefunken 251 has the history and the cachet that comes with it... but the MA-1000 is making history today. And it has the sound. And it works. But hey, don't take my word for it: check out Alan Meyerson's YouTube video where he goes into great detail about why the MA-1000 is *the* go-to microphone for those who want to achieve the clearest fidelity possible.