Teaming up with Black Lion Audio in Chicago, Avantone offers the CV-12 BLA, a modified version of the company’s popular CV-12 multi-pattern wide-diaphragm tube condenser microphone. It features a 34mm CK12-style capsule, a 6072A tube output stage, a power supply with low-noise circuitry, and delivers a warm, vintage tone with a flatter frequency response and greater headroom than the original. This microphone is ideal for capturing vocals, acoustic guitar, mandolin, drum overheads, room ambience, piano, and more.

The power supply features a nine-position polar pattern knob that allows you to choose between omnidirectional, cardioid, figure-8, or positions in-between to optimize the pickup of the source sound. In addition, there is a 10 dB pad switch for close-miking loud instruments and voices without unwanted distortion, and an 80 Hz high-pass filter for low-frequency minimizing rumble.

The CV-12 BLA comes with a shockmount Jetsun, which allows instruments and windscreens to get close to the capsule. The unit ships with a padded wooden box to protect the mic and a deluxe faux-alligator box to transport the mic, power supply, and accessories in style.

What’s New with the CV-12 BLA

• Circuitry of original CV-12 modified by Black Lion
• 32mm K67 capsule is replaced with a 34mm CK12-style capsule to smooth the highs and bring out the lows
• 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response, balanced across the entire spectrum spectrum
• 136 dB maximum SPL, 146 dB with engaged
• Transparent-sounding Solen FastCap coupling capacitor
• Completely redesigned power supply features a new low-noise circuit
• Regulated flat voltage supply
• Extra filtering on transformer bridge diode
• Included Jetsun shockmount allows instruments and windscreens to get closer to the headshell

Other Features

• Tube-type, true-condenser microphone
• Microphone sounds great on vocals, acoustic guitar, mandolin, drum overheads, room ambience, piano, and more
• 9 selectable polar patterns at PS-12 power supply
• Omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8 polar patterns, plus three steps between each
• Tube type: 6072A
• Switchable high-pass filter at 80 Hz
• Switchable 10 dB pad
• Metallic cabernet-red body with polished-nickel trim
• Black deluxe faux-alligator case for transporting mic, power supply, and accessories
• Padded genuine wooden mic box
• Designed and assembled in the USA