The MA-100 is a small diaphragm, vacuum tube condenser microphone with interchangeable cardioid and omnidirectional capsules. The latest in a lineage of successful microphone designs by David Royer, the MA-100's ‘cathode follower’ design allows use on high SPL instruments such as drums and guitar amplifiers, as well as the more common applications of a small diaphragm, vacuum tube condenser microphone, such as acoustic instruments, cymbals, stereo pairs and pianos.

Featuring hand selected 3 micron capsules, high quality Jensen audio transformers and military-grade JAN 5840 vacuum tubes, the MA-100 performs at a level reminiscent of some of the best loved classic small diaphragm tube condenser microphones. The MA-100 power supply can be set for either 115v or 230v via an external switch. Each MA-100 microphone, power supply and cable set is burned in for 24 hours, carefully tested and evaluated, then packaged in its protective case.

Small Diaphragm – Big Sound!

Why choose a small diaphragm microphone? Because small diaphragm microphones offer some distinct advantages over their larger brethren:

• More consistent polar pattern
• Better transient response
• Ease of placement

Why choose an MA-100?

• Extended low-frequency response
• High SPL handling capability – try putting your large-diaphragm mic on a snare drum!

Features:

• Interchangeable cardioid and omnidirectional capsules
• Hand-selected 3-micron capsule
• Jensen audio transformer
• Military grade JAN 5840 vacuum tube
• External switchable power supply voltage
• Ultra clean signal path
• High SPL handling capability

Recommended applications:          

• Acoustic Instruments
• Drums
• Guitar Amplifiers
• Piano
• Stereo Pairs (X/Y, MS, etc.) 
• Decca Tree     
• Orchestral Recording
• Choral Recording
• Voice-overs and Broadcast
• Percussion

TECHNICAL DATA

TRANSDUCER TYPE:  Externally excited capacitor type

DIAPHRAGM:   .8" / 20.5 mm diameter

DIAPHRAGM THICKNESS:  3 microns

POLAR RESPONSE: Interchangeable Cardioid and Omnidirectional Capsules

FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20 Hz - 20 kHz, ±3dB

SENSITIVITY: -37dB re 1V/pa

MAXIMUM SPL: 120dB

DISTORTION: head amp only , not to exceed .4% @ 140 dB SPL

SELF NOISE: Not to exceed 16dB

IMPEDANCE: 450 ohms, transformer balanced

VACUUM TUBE: 5840 pentode wired as triode, operated as a unity-gain buffer stage (cathode follower)

POWER REQUIREMENTS: 100-120VAC; 220-240VAC, 50 or 60 Hz. Power consumption approx. 10 watts.

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT:  Carrying case with microphone, power supply, shock mount and cables: 7 lbs.
Carrying Case: 14”x11”x4”
Microphone: 5.5”x.75”, weight .4lbs

Printable Version

Manual

Polar Pattern

red - omni
black - cardioid

Frequency Response

click to enlarge