Microphones and D.I. boxes are the first and most important link in the chain. At Solitaire we only use the best mics from the best brand names. Neumann, Earthworks, Audio Technica, Sennheiser, AKG, Shure, Rupert Neve, Klark Teknik, Palmer, etc.
Neumann U87ai
The Neumann U 87 Ai is probably the best-known and most frequently used studio microphone in the world. It has a smooth and refined sound and is the industry standard microphone for vocals.
Neumann TLM193
The TLM 193 is a switchless design with a fixed cardioid pattern and a remarkably even frequency response. I found this to be an extremely good microphone for acoustic guitars give a very natural sound.
Neumann TLM 103
The TLM 103 is a large diaphragm Cardioid Condenser microphone modelled on the standard U-87A microphone with a gentle wide presence boost around 5Khz. Ideal for vocals and solo instruments, this mic gives a direct yet refined sound that lets its source stand out in a mix without effort.
Neumann KMS 105
The KMS 105 is a supercardioid condenser microphone. Designed to bring studio quality to the stage, it is rugged built, has low handling noise and is pop resistant as well as enormous SPL capability. This can be used on anything from vocals for the singer who like to hold the mic while performing to even a loud guitar amp or snare. In live applications the supercardioid pattern give huge level before feedback and isolates the performer from background noise.
Neumann KM 184
The KM 184 is a small diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone that is useful on many applications. It has a natural transparent sound with high SPL capability. A favourite on acoustic guitars and drum overheads/hi hats but can be used on many applications.
Audio Technica AT4060
The AT4060 Valve is a large diaphragm cardioid condenser Valve mic. This mic has a natural open and warm sound. Suitable for everything. This is my favourite mic and wins out for vocals 95% of the time. We have two in the studio and use them on vocals, grand piano, violin, viola, cello, perc etc.
Audio Technica AT4033
The AT4033 is a large diaphragm cardioid condenser. It has the ability to record high SPL and has a nice balanced sound across the entire frequency range. Suitable for drums, amps, percussion, vocals etc.
AKG C414B XLS
The AKG C414 comes in several different models and is pretty much a standard in all studios. This mic has 5 selectable patterns ( omni, Wide Cardioid, Cardioid, Hypercardioid and figure of 8) and this makes it very useful for a large array of recording applications.
AKG C414XLII Matched Pair
The AKG C414XLII is similar to the C414BXLS above but comes with 9 selectable patterns and has a slight frequency boost from 3 Khz.
AKG D112
The AKG D112 has been another standard in studio since it was launched. Ideal in kick drums, it can also be used for anything that requires a lot of low frequency pickup such as a bass amp.
Sennheiser E901
The E901 is a large Cardioid Condensor mic ideally suited to Kick drum. It is matched to work as a partner to the E902 below.
Sennheiser E902
The E902 is a large Cardioid Dynamic mic ideally suited to Kick drum and bass amps etc.
Sennheiser E904
The E904 is a Cardioid Dynamic and is designed for Toms and Snare with a convenient clip so that a mic stand is not needed.
Sennheiser E906
The E906 is a Cardioid Dynamic and is designed for guitar amps and snare drum and excels at both of these applications.
Sennheiser MD421
The MD421 is an outstanding cardioid dynamic mic. A favourite on Toms, guitar amps, brass etc.
Rode NT5 Matched Pair
These microphones are absolutely amazing on drum overheads and hi hats.
Shure SM57/58
No studio would be complete without some Shure SM57 and SM58 microphones. These models are cardioid and have been around from the beginning of time and are virtually indestructible.
Shure BETA57/58
The Shure Beta 57 and Beta 58 are the newer version of the classics above. The polar pattern on these mics is supercardioid and they are slightly more modern sounding than the originals.
Beyer Dynamic M422
The M422 is a Cardioid Dynamic mic. It has a solid mid sound. We use this on snare top or bottom and it gives a solid whack sound from any snare.
Oktava MK-012
The Oktava MK-012 is a Russian made pencil condenser with several capsules including Omni, Cardioid and Hypercardioid. It also includes and in line 10db pad for louder sources.
Rupert Neve Designs
Rupert Neve is one of the great designers of all time for Audio recording equipment.
The RNDI’s signature sound is the product of new custom Rupert Neve-designed transformers and class-A biased, discrete FET amplifiers.
Klark Teknik Active D.I.
D.I.s are an important piece of equipment in any studio. Used for the direct connection of an electric guitar, bass or pickups in acoustic instruments, a good quality D.I. is essential.
Active D.I.s like this have a preamp built in to increase the level from the source.
Klark Teknik have been a solid company in the professional audio sector for man years.
Palmer Stereo Passive D.I.
Passive D.I.s are also essential in a studio for connecting instruments without using a preamp stage.
Palmer make some of the best D.I. options available today.