Q. If ADK is trying to replicate the sound of all these old Euro-Valve (Tube) Mics, do they also have the same noise floor as these truly vintage valve condensers?

A. Noise floor on the vintage mics are ten to fifteen dB higher than our Retro-Mods. And we realize that we could use any resource in order to get single digit self noise. It can double or triple the price of the product to shave off the last 5 dB of self noise. Frankly it’s a moot point. If you don’t get the timbre of the mic right, nothing else matters. The Cheap and Easy way is to eliminate the Transformer. But the timbre change is huge. There’s a strong human preference for Transformer Coupled Mics in many applications. If you remove the XFO, you need to Re-Tune the Capsule and the Electronics. Otherwise you get wild anomalies in your response curves. It’s a finesse thing. It’s also like splitting hairs. We encourage our end user to listen to the tone and not the mere 15 to 20 dB of self noise that exists in ADK’s. Old Tele’s and Brand N have + 30dB!

Only when we listen to the tonality and not the noise, we can judge the merits of the mic!

ADK can spend our money on Super Low Thermal Noise, or on a Delicious Curve!!
We’ve Chosen.

In the near future our goal will be to find a way to give you both!!!

Q. Why can’t I find ADK in any of the national chains in the U.S.?

A. ADK microphones have a carefully formulated timbre that requires you to hear them. The analog input stage of audio imparts color and texture. Hearing truly is Believing! By going to an Independent Hands-On Pro Audio Dealer, or Better MI (Independent Musical Instrument Dealer) with a respectable mic selection, you can make a fair comparison!

ADK expects to win or lose on the merits of our usefulness. Applications-Driven End-User’s are at the leadership of ADK. We have played and recorded music for 30 years. And we would rather you went home with the right microphone – even if it ends up being a Neumann! By making an educated purchase based on blind listening tests, you can find the microphone that is best for you!

Q. How do I choose the right ADK Microphone for my Applications?

A. The Decision Tree is quite straightforward. For Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Saxophone, any Fret or Reed Instrument, the Model A is a runaway best seller, and a mic shoot-out champ! Read the reviews, see who is using them, and listen to the mics. Five out of Five Stars for Value says EM.

ADK High SPL Model S does all of the above of source material. Plus: Trumpet, Electric Anything (Guitar and Bass Cabinets, Hammond Organ), or Drums and Percussion. Our first Swiss Army Knife Mic! The Model S is also available in B&K System Spectrum Analyzed Matched Stereo Pairs – the Limited Edition Model LE or “Silver Bullets”. The S and LE end-users are as eclectic as music itself: From Megadeth to Spyro Gyra to Patty Paige!

From there you decide if you have a need for more specialization: Orchestral Applications, Voice Talent, a need for Multiple Polar Patterns, etc. Or perhaps you value Valves (Tubes)! ADK offers Condenser Microphones from $200 to $2000. (Picasso had more than one paintbrush, didn’t he?)

Do your applications require a “Swiss Army Knife’s” Multi-Applications, or a “Surgeon’s Scalpel” High Specialization, or Both??

For more info, may we suggest you contact your local ADK Dealer, or contact ADK Directly at info@adkmic.com Telephone: 1-360-566-9400 for a consultation with our mic guru.

© 2003 ADK Microphones. All Rights Reserved.