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musical instrument details
Vintage BLUE Neumann RFT style hand-built tube Bottle Microphone
Estimated price for orientation: 1 999 $
Category: Microphones and Wireless Systems
Class:
Description Condition: Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition
On offer is a one-of-a-kind hand-built European microphone by BLUE from 1999, completely restored / rebuilt by BLUE to showcase their impeccable microphone restoration services which the company once offered. As this microphone is from the earliest days of BLUE and was used at trade shows to highlight their services, both for microphone quality and restoration, it is an absolutely top-shelf example of this type of microphone from BLUE's earliest days as a company. As noted, it is one of a kind and there is not another like it on the planet.I will tell what little I know about this mic, but first, let me state that the microphone sounds incredible! Deep lows and crystal clear high's with that elusive tube mic character reminiscent of the finest offerings throughout time from Neumann and Telefunken. I acquired this mic several years ago from the second owner, who had purchased it directly from Skipper / BLUE. Typically these "Bottle" RFT type mics are often omnidirectional only as the head capsule is sealed. As part of the restoration it appears that BLUE created some openings behind the capsule to tune the unit in more of a cardioid style, which makes it much more usable for many recording applications. I am not sure exactly which BLUE capsule is inside but it is likely either a B6 or B7. I would say that sonically this mic sits more in the "C12" than the "U47" camp, but it in fact exhibits some of the best qualities of both. It sounds amazing on Female/male vox (always with a pop filter to protect the capsule and because of the extraordinary low end response of the mic), acoustic guitar, and as a room mic. I have also recorded mandolin and other difficult to record sources with excellent results. It has never been used in close proximity on extremely loud sources like drums or guitar amps, in order protect the capsule.The power supply includes a variable voltage adjustment to fine-tune the response of the mic, and is BLUE's top of the line "soft-start" power supply, worth quite a bit even on its own due to the high quality components and construction.The microphone itself has been mostly stored in it's case over the years, and occasionally used for sessions to ensure it was functioning properly, as it still does 100%. My guess is that it is likely very similar in parts and construction to the top-of-the-line and now legendary BLUE Bottle, albeit with a fixed-capsule design of course. Cosmetically the unit is near perfect and it is quite beautiful, as you can see. Please contact with me any other questions, but I do not know a lot more about the mic. The mic will ship free to CONUS fully insured in its case (medium duty, not ATA) with cable (attached to mic) and power supply. Thanks for looking!UPDATE: I have spoken with some of the fine folks formerly with BLUE and learned a bit more about the mic. To their recollection this is in fact a Blue Bottle with most likely a B6 style capsule. The supply itself I was told cost $1600 as it is their top of the line fully regulated power supply, even better than the one currently provided with their flagship Blue Bottle. As I learn more I will update the listing here.
Description
| Condition: | Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition |
On offer is a one-of-a-kind hand-built European microphone by BLUE from 1999, completely restored / rebuilt by BLUE to showcase their impeccable microphone restoration services which the company once offered. As this microphone is from the earliest days of BLUE and was used at trade shows to highlight their services, both for microphone quality and restoration, it is an absolutely top-shelf example of this type of microphone from BLUE's earliest days as a company. As noted, it is one of a kind and there is not another like it on the planet.I will tell what little I know about this mic, but first, let me state that the microphone sounds incredible! Deep lows and crystal clear high's with that elusive tube mic character reminiscent of the finest offerings throughout time from Neumann and Telefunken. I acquired this mic several years ago from the second owner, who had purchased it directly from Skipper / BLUE. Typically these "Bottle" RFT type mics are often omnidirectional only as the head capsule is sealed. As part of the restoration it appears that BLUE created some openings behind the capsule to tune the unit in more of a cardioid style, which makes it much more usable for many recording applications. I am not sure exactly which BLUE capsule is inside but it is likely either a B6 or B7. I would say that sonically this mic sits more in the "C12" than the "U47" camp, but it in fact exhibits some of the best qualities of both. It sounds amazing on Female/male vox (always with a pop filter to protect the capsule and because of the extraordinary low end response of the mic), acoustic guitar, and as a room mic. I have also recorded mandolin and other difficult to record sources with excellent results. It has never been used in close proximity on extremely loud sources like drums or guitar amps, in order protect the capsule.The power supply includes a variable voltage adjustment to fine-tune the response of the mic, and is BLUE's top of the line "soft-start" power supply, worth quite a bit even on its own due to the high quality components and construction.The microphone itself has been mostly stored in it's case over the years, and occasionally used for sessions to ensure it was functioning properly, as it still does 100%. My guess is that it is likely very similar in parts and construction to the top-of-the-line and now legendary BLUE Bottle, albeit with a fixed-capsule design of course. Cosmetically the unit is near perfect and it is quite beautiful, as you can see. Please contact with me any other questions, but I do not know a lot more about the mic. The mic will ship free to CONUS fully insured in its case (medium duty, not ATA) with cable (attached to mic) and power supply. Thanks for looking!UPDATE: I have spoken with some of the fine folks formerly with BLUE and learned a bit more about the mic. To their recollection this is in fact a Blue Bottle with most likely a B6 style capsule. The supply itself I was told cost $1600 as it is their top of the line fully regulated power supply, even better than the one currently provided with their flagship Blue Bottle. As I learn more I will update the listing here.