

Red Microphones Type B
Detachable-Capsule Condenser Microphone
The Red’s Type B was an inexpensive Class A discrete solid state (FET) mic designed for Red by Blue Microphones as a foundation for interchangeable capsules.
The mic was packaged with a neutrally-voiced capsule initially known as the Red Lollipop Capsule, later renamed the R8, still later relaunched as the Blue B8 Bottlecap. Its non-colored sound was recommended for “applications ranging from vocals to electric and acoustic guitars, close-miking of drums, drum overheads, percussion, piano, horns, strings and any other applications where crystal-clear sound quality and detail is of the upmost concern.”
The Type B kit also included the Type B Accessory Pak, with Blue’s 20-AWG Cranberry mic cable and Type B Shockmount.
The Type B head amp has a bayonet mount that can accommodate a variety of capsules, from BLUE (branded either BLUE or RED), from Violet Design, and vintage Neumann/Gefell capsules.
Compared to similar microphones, The Type B has a very low self noise specification (<7.5dB) and high output level (+12dBV). The Type B employs a transformerless Class A discrete amplifier circuit; the output employs three transistors in lieu of a transformer.
Note: the Red Type B does not need an external power supply — just phantom power.
What color is your microphone?
In 2008, the Red Type B was relaunched as the Blue Bottle Rocket Stage One; the nine Red R0-R8 capsules, including the Red Lollipop Capsule (which became the R8), have been rebranded as the Blue Bottle Caps, B0-B8.
To add to the rainbow, some of Violet Designs’ VIN series of “Vintage” capsules are likely identical to some of the Blue capsules. The B2 appears to be a VIN44; the B3 appears to be a VIN89; the B5 appears to be a VIN55, although in all cases, construction and sound may well differ.
EQ Magazine
The mic amplifier body is based loosely on the original Neumann CMV condenser microphone…
Using a cardioid capsule, there is a certain immediacy to the midrange that makes instruments sound pleasant and present. The highs are exceptionally clear without being annoyingly detailed. The low end is amazing — very round and extended.
The Type B … really surpassed all expectations.
As of late 2007, pricing on the Type B was as follows:
- $999 MSRP, $699 street for the Type B body and a single capsule (e.g. the R8)
- ~$600 for each additional capsule
The Red Microphones Type B is also known as: typeb.
Specifications
Compatible Capsules | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Pads & Filters | Impedance | SPL/Noise |
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n/a | 50 Ohms (Low) | Max SPL: 138 dB Self-noise: 7.5 dB(A) |
Weight | Length | Max Diameter | Interface(s) |
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472g (16.65oz) | 200mm (7.87'') | 45mm (1.77'') |
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Power Specifications |
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