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Avantone Pro CK-1 Small-Capsule FET Pencil Microphone

BH #AVCK1 • MFR #CK1
4 reviews
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Avantone Pro CK-1 Small-Capsule FET Pencil Microphone
Key Features
  • Interchangeable Capsule Design
  • Cardioid, Omni & Hypercardioid Capsules
  • Condenser Element & FET Output Stage
  • Pad Attenuation Switch: -10 dB
The CK-1 Small-Capsule FET Pencil Microphone from Avantone features a durable pencil microphone design with a Cabernet Wine-Red finish, nickel trim, and a black grille. It is suitable for capturing overheads (cymbals), acoustic instruments, amplifier cabinets, and vocals. The CK-1 offers an interchangeable capsule design and includes three condenser capsules with cardioid, omnidirectional and hypercardioid polar patterns. The condenser capsules combined with an FET output stage provide clear detail and high-quality audio. There is a -10 dB pad (attenuation) switch and an 80 Hz high-pass filter switch for minimizing low-frequency noise. The microphone includes an SSM shockmount and a padded wooden carrying case.
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Avantone Pro CK-1 Overview

The CK-1 Small-Capsule FET Pencil Microphone from Avantone features a durable pencil microphone design with a Cabernet Wine-Red finish, nickel trim, and a black grille. It is suitable for capturing overheads (cymbals), acoustic instruments, amplifier cabinets, and vocals. The CK-1 offers an interchangeable capsule design and includes three condenser capsules with cardioid, omnidirectional and hypercardioid polar patterns. The condenser capsules combined with an FET output stage provide clear detail and high-quality audio. There is a -10 dB pad (attenuation) switch and an 80 Hz high-pass filter switch for minimizing low-frequency noise. The microphone includes an SSM shockmount and a padded wooden carrying case.

High grade polystyrene and metalized polypropylene capacitors in the signal path
The CK-1 includes three 3/4" interchangeable capsules for a wide variety of miking possibilities
The SSM shockmount allows for precise positioning of the mic while inhibiting the transfer of unwanted vibrations
When miking high SPL sources, the -10 dB attenuation switch can be engaged to keep from overloading the electronics
The 80 Hz high-pass filter switch reduces rumble and unwanted low frequencies
UPC: 187586000041

Avantone Pro CK-1 Specs

Key Specs
Microphone Type
Small Diaphragm
Polar Pattern
Cardioid / Hypercardioid / Omnidirectional
Element Type
Condenser
Controls
Low Cut/HPF, Pad, Polar Pattern
Frequency Response
25 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
138 dB
Analog Output
1x XLR 3-Pin
Power Sources
Phantom Power
Microphone
Microphone Type
Small Diaphragm
Polar Pattern
Cardioid / Hypercardioid / Omnidirectional
Element Type
Condenser
Sound Field
Mono
Diaphragm
0.7" / 19 mm
Orientation
End Address
Controls
Low Cut/HPF, Pad, Polar Pattern
Pad
-10 dB
Filter & EQ
Low-Cut Filter: 80 Hz, 6 dB/Octave
Circuitry
Solid-State (FET)
Performance
Frequency Response
25 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
138 dB
Sensitivity
15 mV/Pa
Equivalent Noise Level
17 dB (A-Weighted)
Connectivity
Analog Output Connector
1x XLR 3-Pin
Power
Power Sources
Phantom Power
Operating Voltage
48 V
Physical
Color
Red
Dimensions
ø: 0.9 x L: 6" / 23 x L: 153 mm
Weight
5 oz / 141.8 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.57 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
8.95 x 6.8 x 3.9"

Avantone Pro CK-1 Reviews

Best deal in a pencil condenser

By soundguy jon
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2016-02-22

I bought a pair of these to replace some older condensers I had as drum overheads. They sound SO much better... silky and smooth. To get all the pickup pattern options for this price is unbeatable. I'd have no hesitation to get another pair, they sound great. There is no discernible background noise at all, so another reviewer must have had a bad one. I've mostly used the hypercardioid pattern to reduce bleed from the rest of the kit and reflections from the drum enclosure, it works well. They come in a wooden box and have a good shock mount mic clip too.

Good sound quality, questionable build

By rotoghost
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2013-01-21

Good news first, the sound quality from all three of the capsules is excellent. Well articulated, tight bass (from the Cardioid and Hyper). Low rolloff works well. Bad news is that the build is not up to par with the sound. The finish is not at fault, it looks fine, but there are shielding issues within the mic body. It was actually shorting out when I first tested the unit, and I found the culprit to be pressure from the pad and rolloff switches, causing a component on the board to touch the inside of the mic body. Moving an attached XLR plug would cause terrible popping and scratching. I fixed this issue myself, but it shouldn't have been that way from the factory. Comes in a wooden box with a plastic holder for the other capsules. The holder will not hold the Cardioid capsule, so you'll have to find somewhere else to keep that safe if you're using the Hyper or Omni. All this said, the capsules sound sound great, and as such I'm satisfied with it. Perhaps these mics need a bit more quality assurance and testing before they leave the factory. Would be a solid 4 stars for the sound quality, but price knocks one off for value's sake.

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