Vintage Microphone Shootout

When producing music I often find myself searching for "color" I want to share a tip I have learned over the years. Many old forgotten vintage "sleeper" microphones yield impressive sounds, and are affordable! Here I go thru my collection, share the price and sound on a guitar cabinet, then acoustic guitar.
I will often pair them up with something more common (condenser mic) and blend the 2 signals together. Drop a comment on whats your favorite!
#vintageaudio #musicproduction

[@lordjimbers5278]

That D11H has such a unique sound with the guitar

[@vvundertone]

i feel like they are all my fav but that mic is particularly special!

[@senritsujumpsuit6021]

I wanna have all the mics just to use them to filter songs I like much like how people do Music Box covers of tracks

[@Stribog123]

Holy moly, that Akai M7 sounds INCREDIBLE! :O

[@TheAstronomyClub]

Would’ve loved to hear how these sound for vocals too

[@vvundertone]

would love to do that

[@starhooker8747]

Snap!

[@starhooker8747]

I am looking for a vintage microphone for vocals , goth/80s type music

[@joesalyers]

I'm sure you know this but most of those old dynamic mics will sound completely different if you feed them to a 600 ohm or lower mic preamp. Back in the late 70s to the early 80s most microphone companies changed how their mics to get better spec sheet numbers thus requiring a higher 1 kilo-ohm or higher mic preamp. But most dynamic microphones made before 1977 will not sound right in a modern preamp and drastically change their tone and kill most of the high and low end making them seem boxy because of the mismatched impedance. Any old Neve clone with the Mic preamp set to the Low-Z mode which is 600 ohms will give the right impedance for those older mics or a mic pre with adjustable impedance.

[@vvundertone]

I did not know this. Thank you so much. I assume it’s fine for when I use my old Teac mixer but when using a an Apollo the ohms are probably off. I’ll have to acquire a preamp that’s adjustable!

[@joesalyers]

@@vvundertone Yea vintage mics don't like preamps with an input impedance higher than 600 ohms it can drastically change the sound of the mics and get you closer to the original sound. ART makes a dual mic preamp with variable impedance from 150 ohms to 10 kilo ohms that is like $70 called ART Dual RP Dual Phantom Powered Mic Preamplifier. I would grab one of those and experiment with the correct impedance for your mics and it will very likely make a ton of those mics come to life in a way you never imagined, It isn't magic or audio voodoo, but it is just an electric issue that plagues older dynamic and ribbon mics.

[@krsp420]

@@joesalyersany way to tell what impedance a mic wants without the spec sheet? Got a couple weird vintage sonys

[@joesalyers]

@@krsp420 If the Sony Mics use Phantom then the Mic pre impedance will not be an issue since the active electronics in condenser mics is done before the mic preamp hence the reason for phantom power and the impedance will stay the same. But if they are Dynamic or Ribbon MicsI would try to find a date for them. Some of the old mics made before the mid 1970s like to see a Mic preamp between 300 and 600 ohms. So like I said in my original post the little ART box called the ART Dual RP that allows you to go from 150 ohms to 10 kilo-ohms or 10,000 ohms. You can find out but its a pain, its easier to use the rule of thumb, made before 1977 it likes low impedance and made after 1977 it will want high impedance or 1000 ohms or more. Measuring microphone impedance is one of the few useful applications for a variable impedance preamp. Place the mic in front of a loudspeaker, run a test tone through it. Turn the impedance switch to its highest setting. Adjust gain to a certain point on your VU meter such as 0VU (software may be more accurate than a low resolution hardware meter), then set the impedance switch to its lowest setting. The gain loss on your meter allows you to calculate the mic's output impedance (at the frequency of your test tone). I can't remember the exact formula off the top of my head but a quick google search should give you the formula. A transformerless input variable impedance preamp is better for measuring than a transformer coupled pre. So the ART Dual RP is the perfect little $70 box to get your mics sounding great. You could also just set up a recording and record the mic while sweeping through the impedance slowly until you get the clearest and most open sound with good volume and that would likely be pretty much what you would get from doing all of the testing. Cheers!

[@krsp420]

@@joesalyers Fairly sure the manufacture date is 1977 haha. Thanks Joe. This is goldmine of useful info. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Ill look into that ART bad boy.

[@orphic-trench]

The 635A sounds surprisingly good on guitar! It sounds weird on vocals and even as a wurst mic it's not my favorite, but on guitar, it's really interesting. I have two, a modern one and a vintage one that came from Sterling Sound. I like thinking that maybe Bob Seger, George Clinton or Ted Nuggent used it. Thanks for posting!

[@vvundertone]

Love knowing the history of a vintage piece. Hang on to that forever!

[@LucasBird]

Thanks for such an inspiring video, great advice on learning the gear that you have and using it to create unique sounds! I’ve been playing around with microcassette dictaphones and discovered that one of my dictaphones can bypass tape and output the mic signal directly, so it can be used as a little crunchy omni microphone. Sounds like it’s bandpassed at 1.6k, distorts very easily, but works as a great character mic for acoustic guitar, vocals and piano. So one more tip is to find and read the manual for the old gear that you have, there may be some surprises 😂

[@vvundertone]

That is so cool, what model is it? I have an old Sony dictaphone..sounds absolutely ridiculous. 😮

[@LucasBird]

@@vvundertone it’s Panasonic RN-102, the only downside for me is it doesn’t have a mic input to record instruments directly, like some other dictaphones, but I use a 4-track for that in any case :)

[@SamDayMe]

Man, just wanna say that this video is insanely good and you are on a good way with this youtube thing! Cool content as well! Keep up the great work :)

[@vvundertone]

Thank you! Looking forward to exploring more analog microcosm's with everyone!

[@mazikself7152]

Love the attention to detail! Time to treasure hunt for mics now!

[@vvundertone]

Slauson swap meet, lets go!

[@Globularmotif]

That 516eq on the guitar sounds so 60s! Amazing tone.

[@stompingstones]

Returning to this, yet again, for the vvunderful tones...ended up finding a 516eq. Sleeper of a mic! Appreciate the clips.

[@trajectoryunown]

The fact you mentioned the smell of old products tells me all I need to know about how passionate you are about this old tech. I love this comparison. Really wish more were like this, straight to the point, no frills. I'm definitely checking out your other videos. I really liked that Shure 516EQ, and the Akai M7 was _remarkably_ crisp. Just... wow. If I knew about the Akai, I probably wouldn't have purchased an SM58. I've always understood but didn't quite realize just how much effort goes into digitally recreating a sound that can simply be recorded on an older mic. - The Telefunken TD25 would be perfect for recording chiptune or lo-fi stuff in the mid-range. - The D11H would be perfect for a voice actor to capture that old-school vibe that's unique to that early-mid 1900s radio era. - The EV 635A with the guitar reminds me of the home theme in Undertale. Makes me think of an old-school home, right before electricity became widespread. - The EV RE18 sounds a little bit more modern, but still gives an earlier vibe. This is a great reference. Thank you!

[@vvundertone]

Same! The AKAI really blew me away. I need to buy like 3 more of those! Your sm57 will still come in handy due to the fact its very focused in what it picks up. The AKAI gets a lil more from the sides which can be a good or bad thing depending on the source. The comment you made about the effort is so true. I used to spend so much time trying to make vintage sounding drum samples using a modern kit! Once I got access to an old 60s Rogers or Gretsch, its as if the clouds parted and universe opened up for me. No more chasing!

[@customerservicerobot454]

would love to hear these on some electric guitar! also stoked to see what else you do with the longform format :)

[@vvundertone]

can def do that. with a looper pedal so its more "science" haha

[@TheFibtastic]

That Akai M7.... yum.

[@legomovieman2]

Think you've finally been picked up by the algorithm! Amazing style and great camera work for such a clean audio deep dive.

[@vvundertone]

alright good to hear ty so much!!

[@sunnyderosal1604]

When this video first came out I found so many Akai m7s on ebay. Now, it is sold out pretty much everywhere ⚰️

[@B_Estes_Undegöetz]

Yup. Gone. None to be seen. Ten months later zero.

[@sunnyderosal1604]

@B_Estes_Undegöetz that mic colors guitars so nicely too ☠️ well I'll keep looking around here

[@robertpincus6528]

The Lafayette mic is super sweet sounding. It makes me relax. Love it!

[@vvundertone]

It is a beautiful one!!

[@Coreteks]

Excellent video, I'll hunt some of those mics down. subbed

[@vvundertone]

Ty! Always on the look out, never know where they might pop up

[@tomiansek2873]

Really appreciate this content and you taking the time to make it. Also great insights at the end 🙏

[@amscrtes]

I just find your channel, feels like the spring sun

[@vvundertone]

that my friend is a lovely compliment, TY! natural light when creating, always!

[@vaaalsongs4867]

Been looking for some cheaper vintage mics with lots of character. Thanks for making this.

[@vvundertone]

For sure! I got another one repaired the other day I’ll have to trace the origins of and do more vids on 🎉

[@KeithJCarberry1]

i love this video. the mic and the speaker/headphone are the two most important parts of a signal chain, followed by the listener's ears. mics are part of the music

[@vvundertone]

I like this explanation very much!

[@Albennnn]

I love the sound of the D11H, will definitely be looking for one now!

[@Tk-4444]

Great Sounds

[@FreDGuitaRtv]

Congratulations on the content and quality of the video, impecable!

[@vvundertone]

Very very appreciated friend.

[@Thisiscawfee]

love the intention behind not only this video but all your others! also I need to know what kind of processing is on the drums (specifically the snare) on the tune in the outro of the video. its so clean and wide and caught me off guard in the best way possible.

[@vvundertone]

Thank you so much! So the snare processing for that was quite simple. Lately I been on a less is more tip. I just used a sennheiser e614 on the snare, then overhead EV 635's for width into Teac 2a mixer, light DBX 163 compression and in the computer (this is from memory, I could double down and find the session for more info) was Soundtoys decap, radiator and Arturia Dist-Tube. This snare is in our Gallery pack available on vvundertone.com its called "mint snare - ghost 6"

[@lotzwatches]

Just found a pair of Akai M8 mics at an estate sale for $4, excited to try them out.

[@vvundertone]

You literally hit the holy grail!! And stereo to boot. I just used my m7 yesterday on a drum session and it literally transformed the sound night and day.

[@OficialDanielSolares]

Love this content. Thanks for sharing this tips!

[@vvundertone]

Thank you for watching!

[@dasczwo]

nice one. just checked: none were available on the used market in germany today. glad i got my d190 and my d1200s for lofi

[@vvundertone]

Used markets are brutal lately. I recommend the thrift stores!

[@dasczwo]

thats were i got the d1200 for 10€...but even those become more and more boutiques... @@vvundertone

[@FreakingOutWithBillyHume]

Love this!

[@vvundertone]

Appreciate it Billy! And thank you for your amazing Shuggie Otis video!

[@1loveMusic2003]

The M7 sounded great on acoustic. Just a little cut in the lows and it was good.

[@jarjar45123]

Such a cool video!

[@Bloor005]

You can hang that old Akai mic with a ladies nylon stocking and a couple of cable ties. You could also use a Jobo flex clamp that they sell to gopro people. Its got a 1/4 screw on it so with an adapter (1/4 female to 3/8 female) you an get it on a mic stand.

[@ELVISONTOUR1974]

i’m pretty sure that elvis used the EV 636A mic from 1969 to 1970 in las vegas

[@eggsalad007]

Loving these videos but serious question… why would I use American D11h and be limited to that one colorization? Why not just use the best sounding mic and achieve the same result by screwing with the envelope and filters so I can have total control of the result ?

[@MaschinenKopf1998]

Dude none of those have XLR hahaha. I'm pretty new to the world of microphones but I've been looking for something different and exotic to have some cool overdriven vocals on some of my songs. I guess we'll have to play the adapter game to somehow get this thing to connect to my interface via XLR. I'm so happy that I#ve found your channel. You're a cool guy. I might buy some drum samples too! Which of these mics would you reckon would do a good Job at producing overdriven vocals that are not way too harsh? Something about the Telefunken sounds appealing to me.

[@vvundertone]

Thank you! Check your interface, many interfaces have XLR - 1/4 inch hybrid jacks. And many of these mics have at least 1/4 inch jacks. Now for the best saturated vocal sound your instincts are very good! The Telefunken TD25 is fantastic for that. The American D11H also would do well. I have another mic I didn’t include here because you need someone to hold it and press a button down and I haven’t accurately ID’d it yet, but it’s from a 40s military submarine I believe and that thing sounds so crunchy it would be perfect for saturated vocals. I’ll put it in an upcoming video!

[@paomazaki5647]

Wunderbau Magician!

[@vvundertone]

🙏🏼

[@3str]

Great video! Just one thing: on the guitar take you had the Telefunken TD25 placed wrong - side instead of front address. So it was basically at 90° off-axis, hence the wonky sound. From my experience it's not all too shabby on guitars.

[@vvundertone]

facts. TY

[@ZifaM-gk2qx]

Great video, thank you! Would love to hear vocals too 👏

[@vvundertone]

I def intend to make one!

[@bartekdrumsandmore7040]

Great!

[@stephpicher]

I love that all these prices are in negative dollars, it's good for my wallet.

[@vvundertone]

haha that or the prices reflect my bank statements 😅

[@bellemorelock4924]

2:13 wouldn't it be fun to intro PF's Dogs right here. Almost the same rhythm. actually am I imagining that paint on the gitbox has softened the sound? both keys and strings, I prefer the sound of the EV RE18 (for nothing in particular)

[@vvundertone]

I do dig me some early Floyd. And you are right the paint must of had some impact on the tone, never thought about it. RE18 is just a clean all arounder. Does the job!

[@bellemorelock4924]

@@vvundertone it makes me think about vids where they compare $50, 500, 5000, $50k guitars, and a story a friend told about a broken neck on a rare axe. Some beautiful resonance on pricey guitars, BUT the harsh dry sound some cheap guitars have, too. When people comment on some "technical playing is great, but it doesn't have feeling", I think the guitar (or here, the mic/amp/EQ) is probably to blame, and they are at a loss to explain what they are somehow aware of. It would take recording notes all up and down the scale and running some FFT analysis to predict, but I bet in over 50/50 of cases a really cheap guitar could improve with the right amount of paint. It being (almost) evenly spread over the top is key (to it not creating new problems). It totally blows my mind they dont have silicon or nylon rings you can snap into the mouth to adjust the diameter, reduce interference, and similarly increase resonant mass. All this makes the guitar quieter, but if you are using a mic or practicing quietly that's no issue.

[@morenoteslesstalk]

I’m loving my Akai ADM 65, and the rest of the series looks equally desirable. These mics caught my eye right from the beginning of my collection. I’m considering collecting them all, even though most of my mics are vintage European ones. They do a great job of recording acoustic guitar, softening the harshness of new strings. I used this mic to record my old Hondo and posted the video on my channel-check it out if you’re interested!

[@vvundertone]

I’ll have to check it out! Although I am definitely not looking for more reasons to convince myself to spend money I don’t have on more Akai mics 🤣

[@sl3102]

If that AKG D590 has the same capsule (looks like it) as the D190 it's gold on just about anything IMO, especially snare and guitar cabs.

[@vvundertone]

I am almost certain it is, I have heard they are the same but just haven't confirmed it. Do love this and the goose neck makes it actually more versatile when mic''ing weird angles.

[@sl3102]

@@vvundertone Cool. I have four or five of the D190. Just love it!

[@MarcoDePaolis]

Great Video! Would you suggest a cheapo old mic that would be good for recording live, all acoustic, fiddle/banjo/guitar groups? A mic that could potentially still get a half decent sound from say 2 feet away. I'm going directly into a cassette tape recorder. Thank you!

[@vvundertone]

oooh man. so you want a mic that will pick up multiple people playing at once? I would suggest the Lafayette LRE-99. I call it my "1960s Folk Festival" vibe mic.

[@MarcoDePaolis]

@@vvundertone Yes exactly, folk festival style! Niiicee thank you, I’ll for sure check out the Lafayettes. Do you happen to know more specifically which model LRE 99? Im finding a few different LRE 99-****’s out there.

[@KarloswithaK_RD]

Hello! Awesome video! I subbed for sure, I do this as well! My question is what is your tube amp?

[@vvundertone]

Hi! Thank you for watching! It is a 1959 Ampex Suitcase Amp. Look them up and you can find a lot available. Mine is slightly modified for guitar.

[@Nathper]

Merci pour cette vidéo. Le Akai donne un son très sympa effectivement. Que penses-tu du Sennheiser MD421 HN ? l'as-tu testé ? En tout cas bravo pour ta chaine :)

[@vvundertone]

Akai est souvent mon premier choix lors de l'enregistrement, je l'aime tellement. Le microphone que vous avez mentionné est incroyable, j'aurais aimé en avoir un. Je l'ai utilisé une fois pour la batterie et c'est très très bien

[@Nathper]

@@vvundertone Merci pour ton retour ! Je recherche surtout pour la voix. L'Akai est tentant. En fait j'avais entendu le Sennheiser MD421 HN sur certaines vidéo de Cosmo Sheldrake et j'avais adoré le rendu. Mais bon, un peu hors budget pour un usage de pure débutante (environ 400 euros). Ta chaine est vraiment très sympa.

[@Nathper]

@@vvundertone En complément de mon précédent message : il semble qu'il y a également des choses intéressantes du côté des vieux micros Russes Oktava. Je ne sais pas si tu as déjà eu l'occasion d'en tester... Cela mérite de s'y pencher :)

[@keefmeister77]

I have the D11 and it makes an excellent Hi Z blues harmonica microphone, about 1700 ohms, but I hate that bullwhip like cable and would like to have it removed.

[@vvundertone]

Haha same about the cable. One interesting thing is over the past few years I feel mine has significantly changed in tone! I am so curious to find another one to compare it. I feel it used to have more low end and now suddenly gone!

[@keefmeister77]

​@@vvundertoneit dates from the 1950s and over the course of time the elements may lose some juice. I paid $75 for mine, not many out there.

[@ArmentanoCapdeville]

Hola Genial video. Tengo el Td25 de telefunken, creo que no esta correctamente orientado. debe ponerse a 45 grados aproximadamente, la capsula dentro esta inclinada, puedo enviarte una foto del mi desarmado.

[@vvundertone]

estás en lo correcto. Para el amplificador lo coloqué correctamente, pero para la guitarra cometí un error y microfoneé el techo. ¡Gracias por hacérmelo saber!

[@soysos.tuffsound]

¡yes yes yes yes yes!

[@bobbuilding7264]

What is the amp the synth is running through?

[@flackodabaptist]

man... i cant find a single one of these for that price lol

[@vvundertone]

Are you looking just online? I did not buy any of these online. I got extremely lucky and met a fellow minded musician who simply had too many microphones and we worked out a trade. I recommend being patient and looking on Facebook marketplace / Offerup and especially thrift or Estate sales where the prices are much more reasonable. Likewise if theres any mic in particular you want let me know and I'll keep an eye out!

[@flackodabaptist]

@@vvundertone ahh yee makes sense okay Ty for the response

[@bellemorelock4924]

you can't just walk into "Best Buy" and grab something made 75 years ago. Not to mention there were never so many mics made as things like radios, irons, fans, toasters.. So its a thin market like any other. This video is so useful.. unless you buy it, or have a collector who can do this, you have no idea what they sound like. And I love that this is for someone who wants to make music, not someone who is "collecting shiny things" or wants THE Rolex of the genre. You could spend years and waste loads of time (pre-internet life amirite) collecting old mics by the dozen to find out what you learn here for free in 10 minutes. I learnt the humble AKAI sounded pretty good for voice and music. (although not unlike any decent studio mic does) I wish there were 30-50 more mics in this video, for people who are looking for sound coloring.

[@blbnv]

Thank u for this! Could you share the exact M7 model that you have because I’m having trouble finding the right one? Thanks;)

[@vvundertone]

It seems to be quite rare because after this video I attempted to locate more and can only find m8. I think I will purchase anyways and then see if they are close enough. Will report back!

[@blbnv]

@@vvundertone great thanks x

[@bellemorelock4924]

It looks like these mics came as a kit to record in stereo on reel-to-reel. there are at least M5-M9 in the kit series and all the mics look identical. Although I did not see that base on any of them. It might be 1/4" stud similar to photography? Should be easy to check that out after you get one. The AKAI mics are 1/4" mono plug, and 50k Ohm. They sound very wide band and nice (to me), but that isn't really imparting sonic tone aligned to the purpose of the video. AKAI made large format (old studio) reel to reel with the same model numbers and it is possible these mics (the kits) were shipped with them when new. Some kits sold have spare parts for the R2R and tape splicing roll. Aside, the "American D11H" sounds like it would match the PA acoustics at old Baseball and Football games, meaning throw it through a DSP for huge field or stadium (but not the EQ) and you would have a nice reproduction to layer with crowd noise for 40s-70s era. Much better than what is in most movies/TV depicting this. I know this is not the purpose of the video either, but it made me think.

[@krv84]

I'm waiting for your channel about men's fashion

[@vvundertone]

wouldn't that be funny. april fools maybe.

[@Sam-gl7oq]

Yo yo yooo where that Russian sub intercom mic or what ever it was from The old mixing studio????

[@vvundertone]

🫡 BIGMAC The Blunt Hunter! You know I still got that! I didn't include it in this video because you have to physically hold the button down, remember? Wild. Unless I can find a big enough clamp to bust it down.

[@teemo3193]

The microphone sounds great! I have a question. How did you connect Telefunken TD-25 model to a regular audio interface? I have that model, but it's not easy to get a connector. I'd appreciate it if you could answer :) thank you

[@vvundertone]

What plug do you have on it? Mine has a XLR which appears to be modded.

[@sambana88]

Where can you buy the akai m7 I don't see it listed on reverb or ebay?

[@vvundertone]

The m7’s tend to be extremely rare. I have a suspicion the easier to come by m8’s are not too different. But until I buy one I can’t 100% confirm. Soon I’ll invest in one so I can say for sure.

[@sambana88]

@vvundertone do you need an XLR adapter for it because pictures show a quarter jack, which makes it a little confusing as to how to connect it to an interface

[@vvundertone]

They are usually connected via 1/4 inch. Most interfaces allow you to connect via 1/4. I use an UAD Apollo and it has works great. Some interfaces are sneaky and have only XLR but if you look close you can plug a 1/4 thru the XLR!

[@sambana88]

@@vvundertone your right. It worked with mine.

[@olsonwaters4116]

very random, but could you please tell me what chords you were using on the guitar? Sounds alot like that one drop nineties song lol, i figured most of them out just trying to teach myself chord names after playing for 20 years smh

[@vvundertone]

Sorry the delay, finally wrote em out. Emaj7 / Amaj7 / D7 / Gmaj7 / B7sus4 / B7 What song is it called? Also yeah I get you about the chords. Hard to retain all the info all the time :)

[@jimilove7773]

Thanks! Thoughts on LaFayette Dynamic Microphone Model 99-4581 for vocs? Anyone? Or the monarch tm-20 [pretty much the same mic].

[@vvundertone]

Its lovely! I have a few experiences using and I enjoyed the sound. I will eventually get to making a similar video with a vocalist!

[@erikarabie]

What make/model is the amp you are using?

[@vvundertone]

Ampex 2010 suitcase amp. Wonderful sounding lil guy

[@suedelacy]

This❤

[@erikarabie]

You are a very handsome alien ❤

[@vvundertone]

Good least I’m not Dr Strange anymore 😉

[@erikarabie]

You have very intense facial features kinda like Bowie

[@johnnydilelio5615]

Are the TD25 and TD20 similar?

[@vvundertone]

They are fairly similar, a friend of mine has the TD20 and its sound is more focused. Better at rejecting sounds around it, but due to this effect worse for room sounds in my opinion.

[@johnnydilelio5615]

@@vvundertone in your opinion, do you believe it'd make for a decent vocals mic?

[@davidpaz6397]

WHERE IS DINKYYY

[@lockolocolocke476]

Akai M7? kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2rXopyVbLB9rsU

[@vvundertone]

I haven’t used one of these before but I assume they are very similar. Look almost identical just different name perhaps?

[@Goonamus]

He looks like the type of dude that would be into vintage microphones lol