Styled in a matte black finish, the Slate Digital ML-1 is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone that is meant to be used with the VMS (Virtual Microphone System) or the VRS (Virtual Recording Studio). The microphone captures a linear frequency response between 20 Hz to 20 kHz, doing so with minimal distortion. In this way, it can serve as the unpainted canvas on which you'd apply the digital color of Slate's microphone emulations. Indeed, paired with the VRS or VMS, the microphone aims to put heretofore cost-prohibitive, holy-grail mic/pre combinations at your fingertips.
Included with the ML-1 is a bundle of emulations of prized microphones often used on vocals. Models of the U47, U67, SM7, 251, and other famous microphones are included with your purchase. Here, the microphone is offered a la carte. It is recommended you pair the ML-1 with Slate's complementary preamps or interfaces, so that the emulations work to the best of their ability. If you prefer, you can use the mic with your existing preamp or interface, but the results may not be the same.
- FG-47: this mic model recreates a venerated vintage tube microphone with a thick, full-bodied low end, rich and present midrange, and a smooth top end. This mic works well on lead vocals, kick drums, drum kits overall, guitars, horns, and strings.
- FG-M7: a combination of a dynamic microphone made famous by Michael Jackson and the tube stage of a classic 47, this model offers a punchy, crisp sound with a cutting midrange.
- FG-800: this is a recreation of a popular modern tube microphone, used often on hip hop and pop vocals. It’s quite airy and bright, though the bottom-end is warm, resulting in a timbre that sounds polished right from the source. In addition to vocals, this model shines on acoustic guitars and drum overheads.
- FG-251: this model recreates a well-regarded vintage tube microphone with a crisp, yet warm sound. In addition to vocals, try this model on electric guitars, acoustic guitars, drums, and more.
- FG-800M: slightly darker and fatter than the FG-800, this model captures the feeling of an older model with a Japanese tube stage. Use this when you like the sound of the FG-800, but want to mitigate brightness and sibilance.
- FG-67: this model emulates a classic 67 microphone, giving you the dark, bold, and thick sound that mic often delivers. Vocals, pianos, and horns can all benefit from the FG-67, or you can use it as your room mic model for drum kits.
- FG-269: this emulation captures a mic with the same circuit as the 67, but with a different tube stage. The result is an open and clear sound in the same German style of the 67 and 47 models.
- FG-12: taking its cues from a classic Austrian microphone, this model delivers both a rich and smooth sound.
- FG-73: the FG-73 preamp module is modeled after one of the most famous discrete solid-state preamps in the industry, made in Britain and used on countless recordings. It has a bold, present, and warm sound that works great on any audio source, including full mixes.
- FG-76: the FG-76 preamp module is modeled after a vintage German tube preamp that has been used on many classic recordings. It has a thick and colorful tone that can make tracks and mixes sound more lively. The bottom end saturates in a musical way, making it a great module for bass guitar and kick drum tracks.