Musicians looking for versatile and unique studio microphones (that they can afford) need look no further than Brandt Audio Devices and their new Previs condenser mics.

The Previs are sold in pairs, and the housing is made of Bolivian rosewood. According to John H. Brandt they are "beautiful to behold and use." The mics are Omni directional with a 6mm condenser capsule. They are designed as studio mics used to record drums, acoustic guitars, pianos, vocals, strings and more.

"It is omni, highly accurate and it doesn't really color the sound," says Brandt. "If you do not like the sound you are getting you can just move it a little. It is different from a uni / cardioid."

For example Brandt says that when you aim a cartdioid at a drum you get the sound from that quarter inch of head. When you use the Previs you get the sound of all the harmonics of the drum, the wood.

"It is excellent for back up vocals and we have tracked lead vocals. It has a real clean clear sound," says Brandt. "It is good for pop. Hip hoppers would love it. It doesn't color the sound but if you want color you can bump it."

He says they have not done independent tests for dynamic range on the mics yet but has personally gone up to 134 db.

A number of top engineers and artists in Nashville are already using and raving about the mics. Endorsement deals are in the works.

Brandt has been creating custom stage and studio gear for years. He cut his teeth in the 70s and 80s working live sound in Europe, returning to his home state of Texas in 1940 to found JHB Productions (providing sound to acts including The Judds, Michael Martin Murphy, Tanya Tucker and more). Brandt also worked as chief engineer for Bob Millsap at Ironside Studios. In 1980 he moved to Nashville to found Brandt Audio Devices. The made custom gear for artists and did equipment modifications for over two dozen studios in the Nashville area. The most recent move, in 2002, was to Michigan.

Now Brandt's expertise is available to the general public.

The mics come with the following:

• Ultra fast impulse response for clearly defined transients.
• Flat 10hz to 20khz+ frequency response.
• Pure class A head amplifier ultra low noise high output design.
• SPL tested beyond 134db RMS.
• +48 volt phantom powered.
• Hand-finished Bolivian rosewood body.
• Included shock-mount holder which fits common mic clips.
• Supplied 6 inch ultra-flex gooseneck arm.
• Latched hand finished wooden storage box.
• Sold in consecutively serial numbered matched pairs.
• Three year replacement warranty.

"People will find these so versatile they won't be able to run their studios without them." says Brandt.

The mics run $1000 per pair.