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CardioidViolet Design Ltd. Flamingo ME

MSRP: $7,418 Cardioid Condenser Tube Microphone

Violet Design Ltd. Flamingo ME

Description

The Flamingo ME is Violet’s top-of-the-line tube condenser microphone. The body and electronics are identical to the Flamingo Standard; the difference between these mics (besides the price) is that the ME incorporates a unique capsule design.

Called the “Magic Ear,” the transducer is not round. Rather, it is shaped somewhat like an ear, or a liver depending on your perspective.

The ME diaphragm is Mylar, sputtered with Violet’s standard gold alloy, as is the more traditional round diaphragm in the Standard model; the difference is the shape. According to the company:

VioletUSAThe Flamingo Magic Ear uses an extra large ear-shaped transducer which provides a unique, resonance-free, warm and full vocal sound. The irregular shape of the capsule removes circular resonances and reflections. As a result, it has a warm, clean, more dense and natural tone without the typical round capsule resonance effect.

The reviews are excellent.

AppleProAudioThe combination of this custom tube amplification circuitry and this capsule is breath-taking.

ProAudioReviewHow surprised I was to discover that I actually love the sound of the Magic Ear, as it sounds shockingly good on virtually everything.

The Violet Design Ltd. Flamingo ME is also known as: Flamingo Magic Ear.

The mic was released in 2007.

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
  • Cardioid (20 - 20,000 Hz)
Diaphragm size Impedance Max SPL
26mm (1.02'') 200 Ohms (Low (50-1000 Ohms)) 134 dB
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
1300g (45.86oz) 307mm (12.09'') 68mm (2.68'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires External Power Supply

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