Beautiful An iconic secret weapon microphone is recreated. David Royer of Technical Grammy Award winners Royer Labs has long considered the Sony C-37a one of his favorite microphone designs. David has realized a long-held desire by introducing the Mojave Audio MA-37 large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone, an upgraded version of an unmistakable studio classic. The C-37a is regarded as a “secret weapon” among artists and engineers because of its smooth ribbon-like sound and enough headroom. The MA-37 replicates the sound qualities of its inspiration while retaining its unique u-shaped yoke, changeable tuned acoustic chamber for toggling between cardioid and omnidirectional operation, and small form factor. After using the mic in a variety of applications, engineers discovered that the MA-37 has an uncanny ability to flatter any source — vocals are rich, detailed, and dripping with vintage-tube-mic vibe; acoustic instruments bloom with a natural, open presence; and guitar amps benefit from a smooth yet upfront mid-range that allows them to blend right in. Simple and simple, the MA-37 is a fitting successor to a mic-locker classic! Delivers the revered sound to a new generation of musicians. The C-37a, debuted in 1955, was Sony’s effort to develop an economical alternative to the European-made tube microphones of the time. This endeavor resulted in an unusual design that included a gold-sputtered Mylar capsule, a 6AU6 pentode tube arranged as a triode, and a mechanical mechanism based on an early RCA design for switching between cardioid and omnidirectional operation. The C-37a joined the American market in 1958, and prominent recording studios and performers such as Frank Sinatra and acclaimed voice actor Mel Blanc quickly adopted it. Since then, it has been a mainstay for musicians such as super-producer Daniel Lanois, Marcus Mumford, and Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon. The MA-37 continues its history, allowing a new generation to experience the legendary C-37a sound. Simple and beautiful design using bespoke components. David Royer’s design philosophy is simple and elegant. And the MA-37 is an example of that idea in action. The design is based on a single-stage tube amplifier, with the MA-37 using an EF806 vacuum tube, a Lundahl transformer, and a bespoke capsule made in California. The microphone’s housing, grille, and shock mount yoke are built to very high-quality standards, so the MA-37 looks and feels like the studio workhorse it is. The unit’s powerful, dedicated power source provides access to three highpass filter options: flat (M), 100Hz (V1), and 200Hz (V2). The microphone’s flat setting has a frequency response of ±3dB from 30Hz to 18kHz. The MA-37 boasts a silky-smooth upper-frequency response thanks to its mild top-end roll-off; it’s a boon for sibilant singers, tames loud cymbals, and cleans up fizzy guitar amps. Mojave Audio MA-37 Large Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone Features: David Royer recreated the classic Sony C-37a tube condenser microphone. The design is simple and beautiful, including a single-stage tube amplifier. The smooth, ribbon-like sound complements all sources, including vocalists, acoustic instruments, guitar amps, and percussion. The premium components include an EF806 vacuum tube, a Lundahl transformer, and a bespoke capsule made in California. The signature u-shaped shock mount yoke secures the microphone and reduces low-frequency rumbling. Dedicated power supply with three highpass filter options: Flat (M), 100Hz (V1), and 200Hz (V2). An adjustable acoustic chamber allows for cardioid or omnidirectional operation via a tiny rear hole.
