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CardioidMojave Audio MA-200

MSRP: $995 Cardioid Condenser Tube Microphone

Mojave Audio MA-200

Description

Designed by David Royer, the MA-200 is a large diaphragm, tube condenser microphone with a fixed cardioid pattern.

Utilizing hand-selected 3-micron capsules, high-quality Jensen audio transformers and military-grade JAN 5840 vacuum tubes, the MA-200 performs at a level reminiscent of some of the best loved classic condenser microphones. The MA-200 power supply can be set for 115V and 230V, 50 or 60 Hz, through an internal switch (100V is also available). Each MA-200 microphone, power supply and cable set is burned in for 24 hours, carefully tested and evaluated, then packaged in its protective case-within-a-case.

  • Hand-selected 3-micron capsule
  • Jensen audio transformer
  • Military grade JAN 5840 vacuum tube
  • Internal switchable power supply voltage
  • Ultra clean signal path

According to the Mojave FAQ,

The MA-200 sound is reminiscent of some of the most beloved German mics. The design is somewhat of a hybrid of the electronics of a U47 with a K67 type capsule (used in U-67, U-87, SM-69, M-269)

Mojave Audio microphones are at least partially manufactured in China; the MA-200 capsules are of Chinese origin.

MIXWhen paired with an excellent preamp, this mic is simply gorgeous.

The origin of the MA-200 appears to be David Royer’s circa-2001 tube mod for the early Chinese K67-based FET mics, specifically the MXL2001. A HOWTO article was published in TapeOp #25: One tube microphone from Berlin and one from Barstow (paper reprints available here). Royer’s mod kit is no longer available, but additional information about the project can be found here: the Royer mic-mod project. Alternate parts can be used; for example see this MXL2001 tube mod.

The Mojave Audio MA-200 is also known as: MA200.

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
  • Cardioid (30 - 18,000 Hz)
Diaphragm size Impedance Max SPL
25mm (0.98'') 200 Ohms (Low (50-1000 Ohms)) 120 dB
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
454g (16.01oz) 194mm (7.64'') 51mm (2.01'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires External Power Supply

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