Avantone
Avantone BV-1 MkII
Best vintage tube sound for professional studio recordings.
Experience exceptional warmth and clarity with the Avantone Pro BV1 MKII, a premium tube condenser microphone. Designed for professional audio capture, it features a custom Cinemag output transformer and a 34mm CK12-style capsule for a rich low end and smooth top end. Its continuously variable polar pattern offers versatile performance, making it ideal for both vocals and a wide range of instruments. This microphone comes as a complete package, including essential accessories for immediate studio use.
$799.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
269
/ 3337
#269 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
+57%
Above average
Model Number
1
/ BV- MKII
Who it's for
- Vocalists and engineers seeking a classic, warm, harmonically rich tube sound
- Recording engineers and producers needing a versatile microphone for various sources
- Project studio owners and professionals seeking high-end sound without extreme cost
Who should skip it
- Users desiring instant plug-and-play operation or minimal maintenance
- Home studio users with limited space or preferring simpler setups
- Engineers prioritizing an ultra-clean, uncolored, and transparent sound
Performance breakdown
Sonic Warmth
The tube circuitry delivers a rich, vintage character for professional vocal tracking.
Polar Versatility
Continuously variable patterns allow for precise control in diverse recording environments.
Transient Response
The 34mm capsule captures intricate details with impressive clarity and speed.
Build Integrity
Robust construction ensures long-term reliability in demanding studio settings.
Noise Floor
Clean signal path maintains pristine audio quality even during quiet passages.
Accessory Completeness
Includes everything needed to start professional recording sessions right out of box.
Key Specs
Model Number
BV-1 MKII
Microphone Type
Studio Condenser
Transducer Type
Condenser
Diaphragm Size
34mm
Frequency Response
25Hz-20KHz
Impedance
200 ohms
Maximum SPL
144dB
Sensitivity
-35dBV
Features
- Superior tube warmth and vintage sound character
- Custom dual-sided 34mm edge-terminated capsule
- Continuously variable polar pattern for flexible pickup
- Switchable high-pass filter and -10dB pad
- Low noise floor for clean recordings
- Includes comprehensive accessory package
- Custom Cinemag output transformer
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Avantone BV-1 MkII for its exceptional sound quality, often describing it as warm, clear, and detailed. Many reviewers highlight its ability to deliver professional studio results, rivaling much more expensive microphones. The build quality is frequently noted as robust and reliable, contributing to a sense of lasting value. Users feel they are getting a high end tube microphone experience without the premium price tag, making it a standout choice for serious recording artists and engineers seeking a classic sonic character.
Know before you buy
The BV-1 MkII delivers a classic, vintage tube warmth. It features a 34mm CK12-style capsule and a Cinemag transformer, which combine to provide a rich low end and a smooth, airy high-frequency response.
The nine polar patterns allow you to adapt the microphone to various recording environments and sources. You can switch between omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-eight, and intermediate settings to control how much room sound is captured or to isolate specific instruments.
Yes, because this is a tube-powered condenser, it must be used with the included dedicated power supply unit. It is designed to handle a wide range of AC voltages from 90V to 220V, making it compatible with power standards worldwide.
Yes, the BV-1 MkII has a maximum SPL of 144dB, meaning it can handle high-volume sources without distorting. You can also engage the built-in pad to further prevent clipping when recording particularly aggressive sound sources.
The package is quite comprehensive and includes a dedicated power supply, a custom Sommer cable for signal integrity, a shockmount, a wooden presentation box, and a hardshell road case for secure transport.
The 80Hz high-pass filter is useful for cleaning up your recordings by removing unwanted low-end rumble, such as floor vibrations or proximity effect. It is particularly helpful when recording vocals or acoustic instruments where you want to keep the mix uncluttered.
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