Avantone
Avantone Pro BV-1 MKII
Best premium tube microphone for professional studio recording.
The Avantone Pro BV-1 MKII is a large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone designed for professional studio use. It features a handpicked 6072A tube and a custom dual-sided 34mm CK12-style capsule, aiming to deliver massive low-end and a smooth, airy top-end. The microphone offers variable polar patterns, including Figure 8, Cardioid, and Omni, making it versatile for various sources. It includes a custom Cinemag output transformer and high-quality components for superior sound quality. The BV-1 MKII is suitable for vocals, percussion, piano, brass, and more, providing vintage tube warmth and clarity.
$799.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1186
/ 3337
#1186 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
+57%
Above average
Tube Type
6072
/ Select Low-Noise Russian A
Who it's for
- Recording artists seeking a classic, warm vocal or instrument tone.
- Studio owners valuing durability and a complete, ready-to-use recording solution.
- Producers and engineers desiring boutique sound without a top-tier budget.
Who should skip it
- Home studio users with limited space or those prioritizing portability.
- Engineers preferring low-maintenance gear or those on a strict long-term budget.
- Audio professionals requiring absolute sonic neutrality across diverse recording tasks.
Performance breakdown
Sonic Character
The CK12-style capsule delivers that sought-after vintage warmth and airy detail.
Versatility
Variable polar patterns make this a reliable workhorse for diverse studio sources.
Build Integrity
Premium components and a robust chassis ensure long-term professional studio reliability.
Noise Floor
Low-noise circuitry keeps delicate vocal captures clean and free of interference.
Dynamic Range
Handles high SPL sources gracefully with the integrated pad for added headroom.
Accessory Package
Includes everything needed for immediate professional deployment right out of the box.
Key Specs
Tube Type
Select Low-Noise Russian 6072A
Polar Pattern(s)
Variable Figure 8 through Cardiod and Omni
Capsule
Custom dual sided 34mm edge-terminated gold-sputtered Mylar (6 micron)
Frequency Response
25Hz-20KHz
Output Impedance
<200 Ohms / transformer isolated
Sensitivity
-35dBV
S/N Ratio
78dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)
Noise Floor
< 17 dBA
Features
- Massive bottom-end and smooth top-end
- Custom boutique capacitors for superior sound
- Handpicked edge-terminated CK12-style capsule
- Custom Cinemag output transformer
- Versatile for vocals and instruments
- Includes comprehensive accessory kit
- High-quality 7-pin Sommer cable
- Variable polar patterns
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Avantone Pro BV 1 MKII for its exceptional sound quality, delivering a rich, warm, and detailed tone often compared to classic vintage microphones. Users highlight its versatility across various vocal styles and instruments, capturing nuanced performances with clarity. A strong recurring theme is its outstanding value. Reviewers frequently express surprise at the professional grade performance offered at its price point, making it a compelling choice for serious recording artists and studios seeking premium audio without the premium cost.
Know before you buy
The BV-1 MKII is designed to provide a classic vintage tube warmth. It features a handpicked 6072A tube and a CK12-style capsule, which combine to deliver a rich, massive low-end and a smooth, airy high-frequency response.
Yes, its versatile design makes it suitable for a wide range of sources. It performs exceptionally well on percussion, piano, and brass instruments, thanks to its ability to handle high SPLs and its variable polar patterns.
The microphone offers variable polar patterns ranging from Figure-8 to Cardioid and Omni. This flexibility allows you to adapt the mic to different recording environments, such as capturing room ambience in Omni or isolating a specific source in Cardioid.
The BV-1 MKII comes as a complete package, including a dedicated power supply, a high-quality 7-pin Sommer cable, a shockmount, a padded wooden microphone box, and a rugged road case for transport.
Yes, the microphone can handle up to 134dB SPL, and this capacity increases to 144dB when the -10dB attenuation switch is engaged. This makes it robust enough for louder instruments like brass or drums.
The 80Hz high-pass filter helps reduce unwanted low-frequency rumble or proximity effect. It is particularly useful when recording vocals or instruments where you want to clean up the bottom end before the signal hits your preamp.
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$799