Avantone
Avantone BV-1 MKII Tube Condenser Microphone
Best premium sound capture for professional recording artists.
The Avantone BV-1 MKII is a large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone designed for professional studio use. It delivers a massive sound with superior vintage tube warmth, ideal for vocals, percussion, piano, and guitar cabinets. Featuring high-end boutique components, a custom Cinemag output transformer, and a 34mm CK12-style capsule, this microphone offers exceptional sonic quality. The included vintage-style power supply provides 9 selectable polar patterns for versatile recording. It comes complete with a high-quality cable, shockmount, pop filter, and a protective hardshell briefcase.
$799.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
269
/ 3337
#269 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
+57%
Above average
Microphone Type
Tube Condenser
/ Tube Condenser
Who it's for
- Recording artists seeking a warm, classic sonic signature for their tracks
- Studio engineers needing a flexible microphone for various sources and environments
- Producers and engineers desiring durable, high-fidelity equipment for long-term studio use
Who should skip it
- Home studio owners preferring low-maintenance, solid-state recording solutions
- Musicians with limited studio space or those prioritizing minimalist recording setups
- Audio professionals prioritizing absolute sonic transparency and uncolored signal reproduction
Performance breakdown
Sonic Warmth
The Cinemag transformer delivers that sought-after vintage tube saturation effortlessly.
Polar Pattern Versatility
Nine selectable patterns provide unmatched flexibility for any studio recording scenario.
Component Quality
Premium capacitors and a CK12-style capsule ensure professional-grade signal integrity.
Build Robustness
Heavy-duty construction and a protective hardshell case ensure long-term studio reliability.
Vocal Presence
Large-diaphragm design captures intimate vocal details with rich, harmonic depth.
Accessory Completeness
Includes every essential tool needed to start professional tracking immediately.
Key Specs
Microphone Type
Tube Condenser
Diaphragm Size
34mm
Capsule
Edge-terminated CK12-style
Transformer
Custom Cinemag
Polar Patterns
9 selectable (Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Bidirectional)
Components
High-end capacitors (Solen, Nichicon, Wima, Elna, Kyocera, Epcos)
Connectivity Type
XLR
Included Accessories
Power Supply, 7-pin cable, Shockmount, Pop Filter, Hardshell Briefcase, Wood Presentation Box
Features
- Massive sound with vintage tube warmth
- Versatile for multiple sources
- High-end boutique components
- Custom Cinemag transformer for enhanced sound
- 9 selectable polar patterns
- Includes shockmount and pop filter
- Durable hardshell briefcase for protection
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Avantone BV 1 MKII Tube Condenser Microphone for its exceptional sound quality and remarkable value. Many reviewers highlight its ability to deliver a rich, warm, and detailed audio capture often associated with much more expensive vintage microphones. Users appreciate its robust build and professional performance across various recording applications, from vocals to instruments. The microphone is frequently described as a significant upgrade, offering a premium sonic experience without the premium price tag of comparable high end alternatives. Its consistent performance and impressive sonic character make it a standout choice.
Know before you buy
The BV-1 MKII is designed to provide a classic, vintage tube warmth. Thanks to its custom Cinemag transformer and high-end boutique components, it delivers a rich, full-bodied sound that excels at smoothing out transients while maintaining professional clarity.
The 9 polar patterns—controlled via the external power supply—offer significant flexibility for different recording scenarios. Beyond standard cardioid, you can use omnidirectional for room ambiance or figure-8 for duets and mid-side stereo techniques.
Yes, it is highly versatile. Its large-diaphragm design and tube circuitry make it an excellent choice for capturing the depth of acoustic guitars, the punch of percussion, and the character of guitar cabinets.
Because it is a tube condenser, it requires the included dedicated power supply to operate. It is recommended to let the tube warm up for a few minutes before recording to ensure optimal sonic performance and stability.
The package is comprehensive and includes the dedicated power supply, a 7-pin connection cable, a shockmount, a pop filter, a wood presentation box, and a durable hardshell briefcase for secure storage and transport.
The 34mm edge-terminated CK12-style capsule is a hallmark of high-end studio microphones. It is prized for its ability to capture a detailed, open high-end response while maintaining a natural, musical midrange.
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$799