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Microphones

Chicago Recording Boutique gives you a massive collection of microphones to get the exact tone you're looking for and to fit any instruments and vocals perfectly.

With 4 ribbon microphones, 6 condenser microphones, 6 dynamics and a matched pair of the Sphere L22™ which can emulate upwards of 36 microphones between ones used by David Bowie, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and Lady Gaga and more.

The Sphere L22™ microphone system from Townsend Labs models the characteristics of the most sought-after large-diaphragm condenser microphones with amazing accuracy and allows selection of different mics and patterns even after tracking.The Sphere® system consists of a high precision dual channel microphone, which when paired with the included Sphere plug-in, accurately models the response of a wide range of mics, including transient response, harmonics, proximity effect and three-dimensional polar response.

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TAKE A LISTEN

Record with the sound of microphones many have only dreamt about

Change mic type, polar pattern, and other microphone characteristics, even after tracking

Mic Models

BP-251E (Telefunken Ela M 251E)
BP-251A (Telefunken Ela M 251)
BP-47M (Neumann U47)
BP-67 (Neumann U67)
BP-12a (AKG C12A)
BP-37A (Sony C37A)
BP-405 (Sennheiser 405)
BP-44BX (RCA 44)
BP-545 (Shure 545)

and so many more

Instantly Audition Multiple Mic Emulations

By connecting the Townsend Labs’ Sphere L22 microphone to the mic preamps on a UA audio interface, Sphere allows you to instantly monitor and record with a huge variety of mic sounds in real time. This ultra-low latency recording experience ensures that you can capture the emotion of a performance using the ultimate mic locker.

Stereo Recording With One Mic

Get a perfect stereo recording with only one microphone and the ability to audition different microphones on the source in post.

Iconic Mics

Griffo's microphone Collection gives you access to the iconic, multi-dimensional sounds of some of the world's favorite microphones — the same mics used to track Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, The Mamas and the Papas, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, The Beach Boys, and more. Now you can track vocals, guitar, and more through Putnam’s best mics like the Neumann U47, Telefunken Ela M 251E, RCA 44, Sennheiser 405, and more.

The RCA 44 is a microphone from the 1930s that became one of the most famous ribbon microphones for vocals in the entire world.

R84 series ribbon microphone delivers the classic tonality of the legendary R44, with extended top-end and reduced proximity effect for mid-range and close-range recording.

The AT4080 achieves the coveted ribbon microphone sound while solving the problems of fragility and low output that have historically plagued ribbon mics. Delivering the warm, smooth sound of a classic ribbon microphone, Audio-Technica’s handcrafted AT4080 Ribbon Microphone offers a robust build for long-lasting, reliable performance and higher output for maximum compatibility with microphone preamplifiers.

The Kiwi Microphone by Blue is the companies flagship multi-pattern FET microphone, and defines the pinnacle of modern vocal and instrument recording. Born from Blue's legacy of inimitable design and innovation, Kiwi delivers a world-class vocal sound to inspire once-in-a-lifetime performances. Nine selectable polar patterns provide unlimited creative freedom for any recording session. And the sound—shimmery, elegant top end with articulate midrange and full-bodied low end—has Kiwi winning out against the most revered vintage mics when it comes to capturing world-class vocal tracks.

The Cloud 44-A microphone reawakens the spirit of the classic RCA Type 44 ribbon mic for today's applications and is the only active ribbon microphone with switchable Voice/Music response curves.

LD-47K
Created in 1947, Neumann U47 has stood the test of time as the ultimate studio mic. Extensively used by The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, and countless others, only about 6,000 of these mics were produced. The Neumann U47 analyzed for this model has a fully brass capsule with a screw-mounted mylar diaphragm and a genuine VF14 tube.

LD-49K
The Neumann U49 employs the same capsule used in the U47, but the response of the U49 is slightly smoother and less colored. The U49 also uses a Telefunken AC701 tube instead of the VF-14 used the 47. The LD-49K model is based on a Neumann 49c, which was likely manufactured in the early ’60s and has a U47 capsule with a screw-mounted mylar diaphragm.

LD-67
The Neumann U67 is a unique and wonderful mic that sounds warm without sounding dull. It shines on distorted guitar amps where it can reduce harshness while maintaining detail. The LD-67 model is based on a mid-’60s version with an EF86 tube and its high-pass filter and pad switch settings are fully modeled.

LD-67 NOS
After the Berlin Wall fell, a warehouse was found with Neumann U67 parts on the East German side of the border. In 1991 a limited production of U67 reissues were made from these new-old-stock parts.

LD-87
The Neumann U87 was brought to market as a replacement for the U67, even though it sounds quite different. The LD-87 model is based on a mid-’70s version with a split backplate capsule which sounds slightly different than a modern 87. The high-pass filter and pad switch settings are also fully modeled.

LD-87 TK
The LD-87 TK model is based on a Neumann U87 modified by Tracy Korby. The modification extends the 87's response at both the low and high end, giving it a more modern sound but without accentuating sibilance.

LD-12
The LD-12 model is based on the iconic AKG C12 from the ’50s, faithfully capturing its gorgeous high-end sheen and sparkle. The LD-12 is a great choice for lush, breathy vocals without overly accentuating sibilance.

LD-251
The LD-251 is based on the Telefunken ELA M 251 built for export to the US which has a 6072 tube and an original fully brass capsule. The 251 is one of the rarest and most highly regarded microphones of all time. It is the go-to vocal mic for many A-list artists, including Beyonce.

LD-800
The LD-800 model is based on the legendary Sony C800G. The 800G is often the perfect choice for a modern pop or hip-hop sound and is the go-to microphone for countless big-name artists, including Mariah Carey.

LD-414 Brass
The original AKG 414 with a brass-ringed capsule is one of the greatest studio mics of all time. It uses the same CK12 capsule as the legendary C12, although just about everything else is completely different from the electronics to the body design. The LD-414 Brass is a perfect choice for drum overheads, snare drum, and acoustic guitar.

LD-414 Nylon
In the late ’70s, the AKG 414 began using a new capsule with a nylon mounting ring. The sound of these capsules are different and much of the high-end sparkle of the CK12 disappeared with the new capsule. While many people prefer the sound of the older capsule, the nylon version has a more neutral response which can work well on many sources.

LD-414 US
The LD-414 US is based on one of the most ubiquitous condenser microphones of all time, the later-period AKG 414. The mic uses essentially the same nylon capsule as the later production AKG 414 EB, so the sound is quite similar although a bit more neutral.

LD-414 T2
The LD-414 T2 is based on a newer AKG 414 variant that was designed to recreate the sound of the old CK12 brass-ringed capsule but using a modern nylon-style capsule. While it is a good sounding mic, it never got all that close to duplicating the sound of the original 414s with CK12s. The sound is a bit "scooped" with less midrange compared to the previous versions.

SD-451
The SD-451 is based on the AKG 451 modular end-address small diaphragm condenser mic which has become an industry standard. The full complement of capsule options are modeled, so you have all the flexibility of the original. The two 75Hz and 150Hz high-pass filter options are also modeled from the original.

RB-4038
The RB-4038 model is based on the Coles 4038 ribbon mic originally developed in the mid-’50s by the BBC and manufactured by STC (Standard Telephones and Cables). It excels on drum overheads and its inherent high-frequency roll off and large proximity effect are sometimes a liability at close distances, but at typical drum overhead distances it can have just the right balance.

RB-77DX Satin
The classic RCA 77DX is an iconic, a multi-pattern ribbon that has graced the desks of many famous personalities, including David Letterman and Larry King. Countless musical legends, such as Bing Crosby, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, B.B. King and Johnny Cash, have also recorded with a 77. Wonderful for recording brass instruments, this mic is typically used with cardioid or figure-8 pattern, but the full complement of patterns from the original is provided.

RB-77DX Chrome
The RB-77DX Umber model is substantially darker and smoother than the RB-77DX Satin model, and works well on brighter, more strident sources.

DN-57
Introduced in 1965, the Shure SM57 is very likely the best selling studio microphone of all time. It can be a particularly good option when blended with other mics, such as ribbons and large diaphragm condensers, to achieve an overall more balanced sound. The DN-57 model is based on a recent production SM57.

DN-7
Based on the Shure SM7A, the same mic Bruce Swedien used to record Michael Jackson's vocals on Thriller, the DN-7 model captures the magic that has allowed it to hold its own with some of the best condensers ever made. The DN-7 is based on the "A" version, and when the Axis control is set to 180 degrees, the model emulates the mic without the windscreen installed. Some recording engineers prefer this sound and permanently remove the windscreen.

BP-251E
The BP-251E model is based on a classic Austrian made microphone built for export to the US which has a 6072 tube and an original fully brass capsule.

The 251 is one of the rarest and most highly regarded microphones of all time. It is the go to vocal mic for many A-list artists, including Beyoncé.

BP-251A
The BP-251A model is based on a classic Austrian made microphone which has an AC701k tube and an original fully brass capsule.

BP-47M
Created in 1947, the U 47 has stood the test of time as the ultimate studio mic. The BP-47M model is based on one of Bill Putnam's 47s, with an M7 capsule and features a slightly warmer sound.

BP-67
The 67 is a unique and wonderful mic that tends toward warm, yet without sounding dull. It really shines on distorted guitar amps where it can reduce harshness while maintaining detail.

The LD-67 model is based on a mid-1960s version with an EF86 tube. The particular 67 modeled is slightly warmer sounding than other 67s.

The high-pass filter and pad switch settings are fully modeled. In many older microphones the pad switch, in addition to lowering gain, can change the frequency response and overall sound considerably. Filter position 1 models the high-pass switch. Position 2 models the pad switch. Position 3 models the case when both high-pass and pad are enabled.

BP-12a
The BP-12a model is based on an early '60s C12A microphone, which has been put to good use recording vocals for Geddy Lee, David Bowie and many others.

Under the hood the C12A is much like the legendary C12 but with a 7586 nuvistor tube. It still uses the same CK12 capsule which is a big part of the sound. On the outside, the body style changed from the classic C12 cylinder to a variant of the 414. Audibly, the end result of these changes is a little less sparkle and a more warmth than its predecessor.

BP-37A
The C-37A was released in 1955 and uses a 6AU6 tube. It's known for a darker sound which can be good for taming sibilance and harsh high-end. The mic has been used by countless artists, including Frank Sinatra. It's also often a good choice for snare or tom miking.

The 37 supports non-directional (omni) and uni-directional (cardioid) patterns which are both included in the BP-37A model. On the original the pattern is adjusted by mechanically moving vents on the back of the capsule using a slot on the back of the mic, which is unusual.

The mic has a 4-position high-pass filter which is mapped to the plug-in's Filter knob. The M (Music) position is essentially flat and the M1 (Music 1), V1 (Voice 1) and V2 (Voice 2) settings providing progressively more bass attenuation.

BP-405
Some might argue the 405 is a highly underrated microphone. It has been used on countless hit records, including as the overhead drum mics on The Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations." It was one of the first solid state microphones and is also unique in that it uses radio-frequency technology to interface with the capsule.

With the BP-405 model, when the pattern control is set to omni then the model is based on the omnidirectional 105 microphone, which is in the same product family as the 405. When set to cardioid the model is based on the 405 which has a native cardioid pattern.

BP-44BX
The RCA 44 is visually and audibly one of the most iconic microphones of all time. In the 1930s and 40s it became a staple of broadcast and studio recording. Radio Corporation of America (RCA) developed the 44, in part, because they needed microphones for their own broadcast operations. Countless legendary artists have recorded with the 44, including

Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Elvis Presley. Bill Putnam often used the 44 to record pianos.

The BP-44 model is based on a 44BX mic which has a slightly higher output level than previous versions. The original 44 has a fixed figure-8 polar pattern which results in a very warm sound due to the exaggerated proximity effect. To obtain the most accurate modeling set pattern control to figure-8.

BP-545
The 545 is a predecessor to the SM57 which was the first mic to use Unidyne III capsule. The 545 is one of the first handheld end-address dynamic microphones and has a more uniform polar pattern than its predecessors.

The 545 was used extensively on Pet Sounds, including Brian Wilson's lead vocal, and countless other recordings of that era. Also, the 545 (and the 565 variant) were used extensively to record performances at Woodstock.

More Microphone Models