These come in all kinds of shapes and sizes... and unfortunately, people seem to think there are rules. Like vocals have to be recorded with "large diaphragm" condenser mics, or that "ribbons mics" are best used only on guitars... that "tube mics" are always "warmer" than "FET" mics.

In our studio, the "Methods and Applications Laboratory", we have broken every one of these rules [successfully!!] over the years. We have found that you can attain a wide variety of results from any tool. Your recordings will reflect your sense of aesthetic and your music. The character of the microphone you choose for any application should compliment the sonic arrangement of the song, and texturally reinforce the emotional presentation of the music. In other words there are no rules, only "old wives tales". So please, as you wander through this, let's not get pigeon holed into the stereotypical roles of some of these tools. Ribbon mics often work excellently for vocals [just ask Frank Sinatra], and large diaphragm tube condensers are indeed clearer than some condenser mics with solid state amplifiers.

We have assembled a roster of what we have found to be some of the best sounding microphones available... microphones that can net a wide variety of tones and textures, and just as importantly; their own personality. The following are tools you won't "outgrow" nor feel the need to replace as your facility grows. From this list you can assemble a very comprehensive collection of daily "utility" mics as well as "specialty" mics, but every one of them is good enough to last you a lifetime!!