At the 2010 Summer NAMM show, the Nashville-based mic maker Miktek Audio released the new C7, a large-diaphragm multi-pattern FET condenser microphone. Its adjustable bias voltage (select either 48V or 60V) offers a choice between modern or classic sounds.

The new multi-pattern, large diaphragm FET condenser offers three selectable pickup patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional), plus a highpass filter and -10 dB pad for recording loud sound sources. The C7's frequency response is warm on the bottom and silky-sweet on the top, according to Miktek, while its midrange is natural and open. Use this mic to record vocals, acoustic instruments, and guitar amps, or as an overhead on a drum kit.

In addition, the C7 features Miktek's MK7 capsule that has dual 1-inch diaphragms made using 4-micron Mylar with a 0.4-micron layer of evaporated gold. According to the manufacturer, the diaphragms were precisely tensioned, mounted to carefully tuned backplates, and finally set back-to-back with electronic isolation to create the finished capsule.

Likewise, the mic's head amplifier -- which was designed around the AMI T7 transformer -- offers a sweet response that's similar to that of vintage microphones.

The head amplifier design also features a unique circuit that allows you to switch the capsule bias voltage from +48V to +60V. This proprietary circuit implementation essentially provides the mic with two voices, allowing you to choose between a classic mic and a modern mic. At +48V, the capsule’s diaphragm is under less tension, so it’s able to react to subtle changes in sound pressure and in turn let the microphone capture the slightest nuances in any performance. When the bias voltage is set to +60V, the C7 is said to be extremely accurate and articulate.

Now shipping, the C7 microphone comes packaged with its swivel mount in a wooden box set inside a rugged aluminum case along with the included shockmount.

C7 Large Diaphragm Multi-Pattern FET Condenser features:

• MK7 dual 1-inch capsule with 4-micron Mylar, evaporated gold diaphragms
• Cardioid, omnidirectional, and bi-directional pickup patterns
• Highpass filter and -10 dB pad switches
• Variable capsule bias voltage: 48V or 60V
• AMI T7 transformer
• Individual serialized frequency response graph
• Ships with wood presentation case with swivel mount, shockmount, and rugged aluminum carrying case

For more details, please visit miktekaudio.com.