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continuously variable pattern selectionMojave Audio MA-1000

Multi-Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

Designed by David Royer, the MA-1000 is a large diaphragm, continuously variable multipattern tube condenser microphone. It is the flagship microphone of Mojave audio, and first in Mojave’s “Signature Series” product line.

Like all Mojave microphones, the MA-1000 is designed in the US and manufactured to Royer’s specs in China. The Coast Magnetics transformer in the MA-1000 is made in Los Angeles, CA.

The JAN-5840 tube at the heart of the MA-1000 is the same sub-miniature pentode tube used in all other Mojave microphones, such as the MA-100 and the MA-300, as well as the Royer 122v.

David Royer

The MA 1000 uses a triode-connected 5840 like all of my other microphones using that tube, but the circuit is different from the MA 200/MA 300 designs [in that] it follows the more conventional design practice used by AKG rather than the oddball arrangement used by Neumann in the U-47 and M-49 microphones.

As for the output transformer: we tested several, and the transformer from COAST MAGNETICS, which I originally had prototyped twenty years ago, was the hands-down winner.

Dusty Wakeman

This is basically David Royer’s take on a 251. David designed, basically, a C12-style circuit for it and then the missing link was this Coast Magnetics toroidal transformer.

The capsule is an edge-terminated design that captures the tone of the AKG CK-12 capsule (found in the AKG C12 and Telefunken ELAM-251). This is a different capsule than is found in any of Mojave’s other large-diaphragm microphones.

The microphone comes in a carrying case with power supply, 7-pin cable, 20 foot Mogami XLR cable with Neutrik connectors, custom “sling shock” shock mount (licensed from Royer), and standard IEC power cable.

Permalink: Mojave Audio MA-1000

The mic was released in 2016.

Specifications

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Omnidirectional (13.3 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
Cardioid (15.8 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
Bidirectional (19.9 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
  • Pad: 15db (Via Switch)
  • Filter: 100Hz (Via Switch)
Capsule Dimensions Impedance SPL/Noise
Capsule diameter: 34mm
200 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 117 dB
Self-noise: 14.0 dB(A)
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
453g (15.98oz) 194mm (7.64'') 51mm (2.01'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Includes tube power supply

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