Avantone BV-1

The BV-1 is designed to emulate the warm, rich character of vintage tube microphones from the 1950s and 60s. It features a transformer-coupled circuit and a Russian 6072A tube, providing a smooth, musical response that works exceptionally well for vocals and acoustic instruments.

The 9-pattern selection allows you to switch between omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-eight, and intermediate patterns. This versatility makes the microphone suitable for everything from isolating a single vocalist to capturing room ambience or recording two performers simultaneously.

Yes. The BV-1 has a maximum SPL of 134dB, which increases to 144dB when you engage the -10dB pad. This makes it capable of handling high-volume sources without distorting the signal.

The microphone comes as a complete kit, including a dedicated power supply, a custom shockmount, a removable metal pop filter, and a 15-foot Gotham GAC-7 cable. It is also packaged with a padded wooden box and a tweed road case for secure storage and transport.

As with any tube microphone, it is best practice to let the unit warm up for 15 to 30 minutes before recording to ensure the tube reaches its optimal operating temperature. Additionally, always handle the microphone with care and store it in its provided case when not in use to protect the internal components.

The 80Hz high-pass filter is useful for removing low-end rumble or proximity effect when recording vocals, while the -10dB attenuation switch prevents clipping when recording very loud sources. These onboard controls allow you to tailor the signal at the source before it even hits your preamp.