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United Studio Technologies UT Twin48 Twin Mode Tube-Driven Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
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Your Price: $2,249.00 CDN
or from $132 CDN/mo
The most legendary series of microphones has returned.
The UT Twin48 is an exceptional preservation of two venerable classic tube microphone designs. The original classics of the late '40s and '50s have been front and center in countless recordings - and demand for them is higher than ever! United has taken these classic-specification designs to the next level by uniting both designs into a single microphone.
Massive tube sound calls for the right tube: The UT Twin48's amplifier stage is based around a select new old stock EF86 pentode glass vacuum tube - the last living descendent of the originals' tube. This results in a bold, rich sound, due to the pentode's harmonic profile being much different than modern dual-triode tubes.
These legendary microphones, still inspiring after generations, are now available in both of their original forms in the UT Twin48.
Twin Mode Operation.
The UT Twin48's two operating modes go beyond just polar pattern selection.
The classic 47 and 48-style mics each derived their cardioid operation in very different ways producing subtle tone differences as well as a slightly different polar pattern. For the first time ever, the UT Twin48 delivers both options in a single microphone. 47 Mode offers both 47 Cardioid and Omni patterns, while 48 Mode offers 48 Cardioid and Figure-of-8. Each cardioid mode delivers a different tonal flavor and performance:
47 Cardioid: de-couples the rear diaphragm in a process known as True Cardioid, for a louder sound with improved sensitivity with more background and top-end detail. 48 Cardioid: polarizes the rear diaphragm with the same voltage as the backplate - AKA Active Cardioid - for a more tightly closed-in, warmer, intimate tone that is a bit lower in sensitivity.
Many recording engineers prefer the warmer, more intimate sound of the 48 Cardioid, while others prefer the bigger, open sound of the 47 Cardioid - these options make the UT Twin48 a perfect choice for many different applications; Experiment to find the most flattering capture of a singer's voice; add a bit of ambience to a horn performance; and get the cleanest, most articulate tones imaginable from strings and horns - all from a single mic!
Custom United UT K48 Capsule.
The UT K48 capsule is a custom-made, historically correct single backplate/dual diaphragm capsule; skinned in a laboratory clean-room environment and 24k gold-sputtered on 6 micron Mylar. It's been optimized for 60v operation, and tuned to the exacting specifications of the original to match its ancestors' historically smooth sound while avoiding any resonances or overly bright or sibilant sounds that can be found in many other reproductions.
Custom United Transformers.
The custom-wound, US-made, UT-BV8 transformer is wound to the original Braunbuch specifications and set to the same laminations historically used on the original parts. Careful measurements were made from a golden specimen of the original German transformer.
United used all high-nickel alloy laminations and employed a copper Faraday shield for reduced Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). While United could have used a smaller or less expensive transformer; they simply refused to compromise.
High-Performance Power Supply.
A tube mic is only as good as its power supply - so United didn't cut corners on that, either.
United developed a fully discrete power supply with individually isolated discrete rails for filament, B+, and polarization voltages. United used a custom, US-made discrete regulator by Sparkos Laboratories for the filament voltage, and fully discrete Zener diode regulation for the high voltage rails, for clean, maintenance-free operation. (No calibration required - ever!) Custom US-made PRP resistors and long life/high quality electrolytic capacitors are used throughout, and United selected a very robust, over-spec'd, traditional linear frame-mounted power supply transformer.
In an effort to eliminate as much noise as possible, no IC package regulators, generic parts, or cheaper, switch-mode power transformers were used in the UT Twin48. The power supply also features both an inline EMI/RFI AC input filter as well as a selectable RF filter on the audio output, which can be engaged from the convenience of the power supply front panel.
And because cable quality matters, United include the finest tube microphone cable currently available - the Sommer (Germany) Octave 7 conductor cable - configured and optimized for use with the UT Twin48.
It's not just another mic - it's a United.
United have gone to great lengths to make the UT Twin48 an exceptional microphone fit to be the showpiece of any studio.
spared no expense on premium and custom-made components: audiophile grade polystyrene, tantalum, and film capacitors; and audiophile grade, US-made PRP thin-film resistors. We have gone the extra mile to reduce noise and RFI, and to ensure that the UT Twin48 provides boutique-quality sound thats built to last.
Also included is a vintage-inspired briefcase custom-fit to house the UT Twin48 and all included accessories.
From the Sommer Octave 7 pin cable to the sleek briefcase, to all final assembly and testing conducted in the USA at Uniteds base of operations, we have left no stone unturned in the pursuit of the highest level of audio quality. The Twin48 is more than a phenomenal addition to any mic locker its an amazing creative tool for the most demanding engineers.
- Diaphragm: 6 micron, 24k gold sputtered Mylar (PET film)
- Capsule: UT Series, 34 mm brass, single backplate K48
- Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- SPL: 137dB @ 0.5% THD
- Polar Pattern: 47 Cardioid, 48 Cardioid, 47 Omni, 48 Figure-of-8
- Output Impedance: 35 Ω
- Output Connector: 24k gold plated 3 pin XLR, pin 2 HOT, pin 1 GND
- Amplifier Type: Vacuum tube
- Tube: NOS selected EF86 pentode vacuum tube
- Self noise: 11 dBA
- Output: Custom-wound UT Series transformer, made in USA
- Body: Nickel electroplated, solid milled brass
- Mount: Suspension type shock mount (included)
- Interconnect: Custom Sommer 7 conductor XLR cable 6 m / 19.7'
- Power Connector: IEC320 3-conductor receptacle
- Power Input: 110-120 vAC or 220-240 vAC; switch selectable
- Microphone Dimensions: 26.5 x 6.25 x 16 cm
- Power Supply Dimensions: 9.25 x 19.5 x 18 cm
- Briefcase Dimensions: 17 x 50 x 32 cm
The UT Twin48 is an exceptional preservation of two venerable classic tube microphone designs. The original classics of the late '40s and '50s have been front and center in countless recordings - and demand for them is higher than ever! United has taken these classic-specification designs to the next level by uniting both designs into a single microphone.
Massive tube sound calls for the right tube: The UT Twin48's amplifier stage is based around a select new old stock EF86 pentode glass vacuum tube - the last living descendent of the originals' tube. This results in a bold, rich sound, due to the pentode's harmonic profile being much different than modern dual-triode tubes.
These legendary microphones, still inspiring after generations, are now available in both of their original forms in the UT Twin48.
Twin Mode Operation.
The UT Twin48's two operating modes go beyond just polar pattern selection.
The classic 47 and 48-style mics each derived their cardioid operation in very different ways producing subtle tone differences as well as a slightly different polar pattern. For the first time ever, the UT Twin48 delivers both options in a single microphone. 47 Mode offers both 47 Cardioid and Omni patterns, while 48 Mode offers 48 Cardioid and Figure-of-8. Each cardioid mode delivers a different tonal flavor and performance:
47 Cardioid: de-couples the rear diaphragm in a process known as True Cardioid, for a louder sound with improved sensitivity with more background and top-end detail. 48 Cardioid: polarizes the rear diaphragm with the same voltage as the backplate - AKA Active Cardioid - for a more tightly closed-in, warmer, intimate tone that is a bit lower in sensitivity.
Many recording engineers prefer the warmer, more intimate sound of the 48 Cardioid, while others prefer the bigger, open sound of the 47 Cardioid - these options make the UT Twin48 a perfect choice for many different applications; Experiment to find the most flattering capture of a singer's voice; add a bit of ambience to a horn performance; and get the cleanest, most articulate tones imaginable from strings and horns - all from a single mic!
Custom United UT K48 Capsule.
The UT K48 capsule is a custom-made, historically correct single backplate/dual diaphragm capsule; skinned in a laboratory clean-room environment and 24k gold-sputtered on 6 micron Mylar. It's been optimized for 60v operation, and tuned to the exacting specifications of the original to match its ancestors' historically smooth sound while avoiding any resonances or overly bright or sibilant sounds that can be found in many other reproductions.
Custom United Transformers.
The custom-wound, US-made, UT-BV8 transformer is wound to the original Braunbuch specifications and set to the same laminations historically used on the original parts. Careful measurements were made from a golden specimen of the original German transformer.
United used all high-nickel alloy laminations and employed a copper Faraday shield for reduced Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). While United could have used a smaller or less expensive transformer; they simply refused to compromise.
High-Performance Power Supply.
A tube mic is only as good as its power supply - so United didn't cut corners on that, either.
United developed a fully discrete power supply with individually isolated discrete rails for filament, B+, and polarization voltages. United used a custom, US-made discrete regulator by Sparkos Laboratories for the filament voltage, and fully discrete Zener diode regulation for the high voltage rails, for clean, maintenance-free operation. (No calibration required - ever!) Custom US-made PRP resistors and long life/high quality electrolytic capacitors are used throughout, and United selected a very robust, over-spec'd, traditional linear frame-mounted power supply transformer.
In an effort to eliminate as much noise as possible, no IC package regulators, generic parts, or cheaper, switch-mode power transformers were used in the UT Twin48. The power supply also features both an inline EMI/RFI AC input filter as well as a selectable RF filter on the audio output, which can be engaged from the convenience of the power supply front panel.
And because cable quality matters, United include the finest tube microphone cable currently available - the Sommer (Germany) Octave 7 conductor cable - configured and optimized for use with the UT Twin48.
It's not just another mic - it's a United.
United have gone to great lengths to make the UT Twin48 an exceptional microphone fit to be the showpiece of any studio.
spared no expense on premium and custom-made components: audiophile grade polystyrene, tantalum, and film capacitors; and audiophile grade, US-made PRP thin-film resistors. We have gone the extra mile to reduce noise and RFI, and to ensure that the UT Twin48 provides boutique-quality sound thats built to last.
Also included is a vintage-inspired briefcase custom-fit to house the UT Twin48 and all included accessories.
From the Sommer Octave 7 pin cable to the sleek briefcase, to all final assembly and testing conducted in the USA at Uniteds base of operations, we have left no stone unturned in the pursuit of the highest level of audio quality. The Twin48 is more than a phenomenal addition to any mic locker its an amazing creative tool for the most demanding engineers.
Specifications
- Type: Condenser Microphone- Diaphragm: 6 micron, 24k gold sputtered Mylar (PET film)
- Capsule: UT Series, 34 mm brass, single backplate K48
- Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- SPL: 137dB @ 0.5% THD
- Polar Pattern: 47 Cardioid, 48 Cardioid, 47 Omni, 48 Figure-of-8
- Output Impedance: 35 Ω
- Output Connector: 24k gold plated 3 pin XLR, pin 2 HOT, pin 1 GND
- Amplifier Type: Vacuum tube
- Tube: NOS selected EF86 pentode vacuum tube
- Self noise: 11 dBA
- Output: Custom-wound UT Series transformer, made in USA
- Body: Nickel electroplated, solid milled brass
- Mount: Suspension type shock mount (included)
- Interconnect: Custom Sommer 7 conductor XLR cable 6 m / 19.7'
- Power Connector: IEC320 3-conductor receptacle
- Power Input: 110-120 vAC or 220-240 vAC; switch selectable
- Microphone Dimensions: 26.5 x 6.25 x 16 cm
- Power Supply Dimensions: 9.25 x 19.5 x 18 cm
- Briefcase Dimensions: 17 x 50 x 32 cm
Media
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Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
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| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| UT Twin48 Twin Mode Tube-Driven Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone | 816630 |
