Eight Tube Microphones That Won’t Empty Your Bank Account

With their history and pedigree, tube microphones have built a reputation for being the delicate, rare, and expensive stuff only the wealthy or most prestigious of recording studios can afford to have in their arsenal. While that was true in the past (and still is for some tube mics), many audio equipment manufacturers are cloning vintage microphone architecture or producing their own designs that are affordable enough to be attainable investments, even for home studios.

In this shopping guide we'll go over some reasonably priced tube condenser mics—some even less than $500—so you can elevate your productions without having to sell your car, take out a second mortgage, or max out your spending limit!

RODE NTK Valve and K2 Valve Microphones

The Australian audio equipment manufacturers at RODE were the pioneers of reducing the cost of tube condenser microphones, and while there have been earlier models, the RODE NTK has been carrying that legacy for more than a quarter century now. The NTK Valve microphone found a way to deliver the real-deal tube mic sound at a more-than-reasonable $619.

While its satin nickel finish suggests the emulation of other vintage or prestigious mics in its class, the RODE NTK refuses to be a clone, having neither the silhouette of a Neumann nor a 47, 67, or 87 in its name. As such, the NTK has its own unique sound profile and can't be bothered to mimic the qualities of any other legacy tube microphone. The tonal characteristics of the NTK are full-bodied in the lows and mids and "sizzly" on the highs, making for a crisp and snappy sound profile.

The NTK has a fixed cardioid polar pattern and no low-end roll-off, and its power supply unit (PSU) has no pad or filter, so what you see is what you get—that being said, the NTK can handle an impressive 158 dB SPL maximum, so it can record LOUD.

Those who want a more flexible RODE tube condenser mic at a reasonable price can look to the RODE K2 Valve mic, which has the same 6922 twin-triode tube and many other components as the NTK, but adds cardioid, omni, and figure-8 polar patterns switchable on the PSU; it also can handle a ridiculous max 162 dB SPL. Both the NTK and the K2 come with a hard carrying case, stand/shock mounts, and a limited 1-year warranty.

If you have the technical know-how or know someone who does, a popular modification for these mics is to replace the stock 6922 tube with a "new old stock" (NOS) tube. While it's a relatively easy mic to disassemble, it's still a bit of a hassle and a superior NOS tube won't be cheap—but the sound will be noticeably refined, sounding more like the vintage stuff at a fraction of the price.

Warm Audio WA-47

Texas-based Warm Audio has been designing and recreating classic analog recording gear for the last fifteen years, and the Warm Audio WA-47 is one of their most popular tube condenser mics. The WA-47 is a large-diaphragm tub condenser mic that seeks to emulate the tonal characteristics of a Neumann U-47 microphone, providing warm, thick low-mids and detailed highs at an accessible price point of $799.

The WA-47 uses a custom K-47-style capsule and a Slovak 5751 vacuum tube that can handle up to 140 dB SPL. It features switchable polar pattern configurations on the PSU, with cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 patterns along with six "in-between" stages that blend the characteristics together. Like the RODE options, there is no pad switch or high-pass filter. The WA-47 comes with power supply, 7-pin XLR cable, shock mount, and wooden storage box included.

The WA-47 is a heavy mic, so make sure you properly set up the shock mount and have a mic stand that's up to the task so you can avoid a heart attack. It's an excellent all-rounder at a reasonable price.

Avantone Pro CV-12

The Avantone Pro CV-12 is a large-diaphragm tube condenser inspired by the vintage European tube mics of the mid-20th century. It has gained significant popularity not because of its affordability, but because it was the microphone used to record Taylor Swift's vocals on her album 1989. With that knowledge, it might not surprise you that it's particularly amazing for recording female vocals and acoustic guitars, providing the thick, full-bodied sounds heard on her records.

The Avantone CV-12 uses a 6072A vacuum tube and a 32mm gold sputtered capsule, and is incredibly feature-rich for its price, boasting 9 selectable polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, and hyper-cardioid with in-between settings like the WA-47), a -10 dB pad switch, and an 80 Hz high-pass toggle at 6 dB/octave. The package comes fully stocked with the mic, shock mount, 7-pin XLR, PSU, and even a separate wooden padded mic box, all inside of a padded aluminum travel case.

Priced at $399, the CV-12 brings professional sound at an affordable price; and with its cabernet-red finish and high-quality accessories, it looks as elegant as it sounds.

Telefunken TF29 Copperhead

The Telefunken TF29 Copperhead is the most affordable option in Telefunken's "Alchemy series," lauded for being American-made workhorse large diaphragm tube condenser mics with their balanced sound profile, low self-noise, and impressive cost-to-performance ratio. This fixed cardioid microphone uses an all-brass K67-style capsule, a new-old-stock 5654W vacuum tube, and a Swedish-made Lundahl output transformer.

With its balanced tone highlighting extended lows, warm mids, and unaccentuated "silky" highs, the TF29 is particularly suited for recording "natural" style vocals, often used to capture vocals for traditional Americana genres like bluegrass and folk. It can also be used effectively for acoustic instruments like pianos, woodwinds, acoustic string instruments like guitar or banjo, or as drum overheads.

If you need the flexibility of a multi-pattern microphone, you can spend a bit more for the Telefunken TF39, which has cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 patterns, or the Telefunken TF47, which is more suited for recording amplified instruments or modern rap/hip-hop vocals. The whole package includes the microphone, PSU, 7-pin XLR, shock mount, and zippered shell carrying case with a microphone sleeve.

Lauten Audio Black Series LA-320 V2

Silicon Valley-based Lauten Audio is a boutique microphone manufacturer that has some fantastic affordable options, particularly the LA-320 V2, available for $629. The LA-320 V2 is designed to provide both a modern tube-based reference sound along with a vintage tube warmth profile in one mic; it includes both a 120 Hz high-pass filter and 12 kHz low-pass filter switch, making it a versatile mic best suited for vocals, pianos, overheads, and acoustic or electric guitars.

The LA-320 V2 uses a fixed 1.3" cardioid capsule with a dual-triode 12AX7 vacuum tube (a popular choice for those who replace tubes or build their own tube mics) to achieve a versatile modern and/or vintage style sound. It comes with a PSU, 5-pin XLR, and spider shock mount—but it does not come with a hard case. The box it comes in is a premium cardboard display box with padded inserts for all the materials, so while it comes with a good storage solution, you might want to get a separate pelican case if you're taking it on the road.

Warm Audio WA-8000

For those who want to achieve the overwhelming vocal presence that defines the sound of modern hip-hop, rap, and pop records, but can't shell out the equivalent of a new Rolex for the Sony C-800G, Warm Audio has you covered with the WA-8000, priced at only $1,199 (sounds like a lot, but that's 93% less than the alternative).

The WA-8000 has an all-brass K-67 style capsule and uses the same NOS 6AU6 vacuum tube the C-800G uses, featuring an electronically switched polar pattern toggle between cardioid and omnidirectional.

One of the more bespoke features that the WA-8000 borrows from the C-800G is the external heat sink assembly which draws away heat from the internal mechanism of the mic, preventing overheating and reducing self-noise and distortion while making setup/breakdown and maintenance/repairs much easier. The addition makes for a strangely shaped mic, but it's an incredibly useful feature that mitigates some of the downsides of using a tube condenser.

For less than a tenth of the price, The WA-8000 comes dangerously close to the performance of the original, and I've personally come across it quite often when I visit both home and professional studios. It comes fully stocked with what you'd expect for a premium package: the mic itself, a shock mount, 7-pin XLR, PSU, and hardshell carrying case.

If you're dedicated to rap, hip-hop, or R&B, but haven't signed your big record deal yet (don't you dare quit!), then the Warm Audio WA-8000 could be a very wise investment.

Manley Labs Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone

While the Manley Labs Reference Cardioid doesn't really belong on this list—it isn't exactly an "affordable" microphone—I'd be remiss to not include it, as it certainly is one of the most affordable entry points for acquiring a true pro audio, modern, and ultra-high-end tube condenser microphone, priced at a competitive $3,199 (and trust me—for what you get, it's a pretty sweet deal).

The Reference Cardioid is a modern classic, hand assembled in Chino, California and created specifically for recording vocals. It's a favorite among DAW producers and is fantastic for recording pop, rock, and rap vocals—but with a -10dB pad switch, a frequency response of 10 Hz - 30 kHz and a 150 dB max SPL, there are tons of proper use-cases—but do keep in mind that there is no low-end roll off (the more premium models of this mic do).

The Manley Labs Reference Cardioid uses a 1" gold sputtered fixed-cardioid diaphragm based on the vintage U47 along with a dual-triode 12AX7 vacuum tube which is easily obtainable compared to the tubes some other high-end tube mics use (some older models use a 7025EH tube—high end but somewhat less replaceable). The whole package comes with the PSU, a 30' 6-pin XLR power cable, mic cover, and a hard plastic padded and locking carrying case.

If you're looking to get into the big leagues but don't have an infinite budget, try out the Manley Reference and see what you think.

Conclusion

These are eight of our favorites we have in stock, but there are plenty more affordable tube condenser microphones available at B&H! Check out our full listing of tube mics, shop around for deals, and always feel free to reach out to our pro audio experts either online or at the 420 Superstore—you can even try some of them out in our dedicated mic room!