Luke Audio ALY-56 BM Tube Condenser Microphone

Full Description

Three classic microphones in one

Flexibility in the studio is imperative to exploring all the tonal options you might need to complete your session effectively, getting the best sound from each instrument. The importance of this is understood at Luke Audio, with the ALY-56 coming supplied with three uniquely voiced interchangeable microphone capsules. Each capsule is hand-crafted to exacting standards to recreate the tone of classic vintage microphones, allowing you to experiment with your recordings.

Named A1, A2 and A3, each capsule brings a new flavour to your recording, allowing you to get the best from each session and instrument. A1 is a custom-designed reproduction of the classic CK12-type capsule. Edge-terminated, the A1 features a dual backplate design that creates a crisp, bright and open sound that's ideal for adding brightness to dull instruments and rooms or for capturing the detail of an articulate vocal or violin performance.

A2 is another custom-tuned reproduction, this time of the vintage K67 capsule type. Typically found in vintage German-made microphones, this capsule can be the true workhorse of your studio to deliver a punchy, mid-range detailed and natural sound. Ideal for almost any instrument, the controlled low-end and smooth high-end in conjunction with wide, articulate mids makes the A2 the perfect starting point.

Lastly, A3 is a custom-designed recreation of a K47 capsule often found in vintage German-made microphones. The dullest of the three capsules, A3 yields a full-bodied, rounded and smooth tone that filters off extreme high-end to produce a more 'vintage' feel than the rest. For musicians looking to honour records and musicians of the past, the A3 capsule works with traditional electric guitar recordings, main vocals or even drum room microphones to add a distinctive and classic sound to your song.

Spared no expense

Determined to produce only the finest microphones, each of the three capsules included with the Luke Audio ALY-56 BM has been hand-made to exacting standards. Crafted in a purpose-designed room, the capsules are crafted with a stretched piece of 1-micron thin Mylar before it's coated with a layer of pure Platinum. Meticulously assembled, each capsule endures rigorous testing to ensure quality control, before it is then hand-finished to maintain the high degree of performance you come to expect from Luke Audio.

It's vitally important the capsule is treated with the care and respect it needs as this is arguably the most crucial part of any microphone. It's the first part of a complex signal chain that sets the boundaries on the outcome of your recording. Capturing the physical movement of the air within your room, the capsule creates the sonic signature of the microphone and a poor capsule will result in a greater workload to offset the shortcomings for a professional-standard recording.

Cardioid polar patterns

When presented with a unique microphone that features three interchangeable capsules, you might wonder why each of them has been designed with a cardioid polar pattern. The answer is simple, where other microphones are concerned with giving you as much functionality as possible by introducing several polar patterns, this is not what the ALY-56 BM concerns itself with. Focused more on broadening your sonic palette, the Luke Audio ALY-56 delivers unmistakable audio fidelity through multiple capsule options. The practicality of cardioid polar patterns is without opposition, and by maintaining each capsule's polar pattern, you can create a better comparison of the qualities of each to determine what is best suited for the job.

Features

• Premium-quality large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone
• Includes three interchangeable capsules to alter the tone of your microphone
• Each capsule is modelled on the tone of legendary vintage microphones
• Electro-Harmonix 6072a dual-triode vacuum tube
• Custom wound 11.5:1 output transformer
• Handbuilt in the U.S.A
• Integrated -10dB pad to tame loud sound sources
• Includes power supply, 7-pin XLR, premium wooden box, aluminium flight case, shockmount, windshield and power cable

Specifications

• Type: Tube Condenser
• Polarity: Cardioid
• Output impedance: Less than 100Ohm
• Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz
• Product code: ALY-56-BM