Continuing in the rich tradition of innovation at EMI, dating back to the early 1930s with Alan Blumlein, the father of ‘Stereo’, the company’s first coil microphones, velocity ‘ribbon’ mics and the “Blumlein pair” technique, Chandler Limited and Abbey Road Studios introduce the first new EMI badged microphone in over a half century, the ‘REDD Microphone’.
Designed by Chandler Limited Founder and Chief Designer, Wade Goeke, the patent pending REDD Microphone represents a shift in traditional microphone design, bringing together historic circuitry and the heralded EMI REDD.47 preamplifier sound in a new and unique way.
Visually, the aesthetic is unmistakably classic, an ode to a gilded age of audio; however, the REDD Microphone is not a U-Type clone or derivative of any other microphone.
The Chandler Limited REDD Microphone is a large diaphragm tube condenser microphone, combining mic and preamp into a single, beautifully handcrafted professional recording device. Featuring the vacuum tube based REDD.47 Mic Amplifier circuit directly coupled to a custom handmade premium platinum membrane capsule, the REDD Microphone can be used with or without an external preamplifier.
This new and unique microphone design, fusing the mic capsule to the historic REDD.47 line amplifier circuit, provides the shortest possible distance between the two most important elements in the recording chain.
The proximity of the REDD Microphone’s custom capsule to the internal tube mic preamp, allows it to deliver a larger than life full-bodied sound, with a velvety smooth top-end.
Rigorously tested at Abbey Road Studios on a variety of sources and against some of the most famous and classic microphones in recording industry history, the REDD microphone excelled.
Abbey Road’s former Chief Engineer, Peter Cobbin-
"During the development I have had the opportunity to road test this mic on the best of acoustic applications. Abbey Road has one hell of a mic collection and by making comparisons to other legendary and vintage microphones has given us a serious benchmark to work to.
Typically for recording an artist like Sting I would use 3 classic microphones and choose the best. For recording rare Stradivarius cellos worth millions I would reach for something really special. On almost every application from acoustic guitars, hand percussion, vocal artists to full symphonic orchestras, in my comparative testing The REDD mic shines above them all. "
The Chandler Limited REDD Microphone was designed to handle a variety of source material, including: vocals, strings, piano, drums, bass guitar, electric and acoustic guitars.
Features available from the microphone body, include: REDD.47 Mic Amplifier, providing nine gain selections, from +4 to +33db in the ‘NORM’ position, extended gain and punch in ‘DRIVE’ mode for more tonal and coloration possibilities, switchable Cardioid/Omni patterns, 10db Pad, and Phase reverse. Continuous output and low-contour control are accessible from the high-quality external power supply.
Shockmount, 25’ Mogami microphone cable, PSU, and custom molded flight case, featuring high-density rigid foam, are included.
Features
- Microphone Type Large Diaphragm Condenser, Tube
- Capsule Platinum membrane, custom handmade, hand-milled
- Circuit REDD.47 Mic Amplifier, Tube, 200Ω output impedance
- Gain Switchable / +4 to +33db in 'NORM' mode
- Maximum gain Extended gain in 'DRIVE' mode
- Patterns Cardioid / Omni
- PAD 10db / Switchable
- Phase 0-180º / Switchable
- Low-Contour Control Available at PSU
- Output Control Continuous / Available at PSU
- Power External/PSU included
- Microphone Cable 7 Pin, 25' Mogami, included
- Shockmount Included
- Case Molded flight case / custom cut high-density rigid foam, included
What We Think
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Hear it in the Clipalator microphone folder now. We could just say the REDD Microphone is a great microphone, hanging with everything else in its price range if not surpassing it in detail, tone and depth. The real deal is you're getting an entire toolbox at your disposal that benefits any recording to digital medium you could capture. There is a soft saturation characteristic to this mic that produces a hotter, average volume. This means vocals that sound more pinned to the surface, finished sounding and in your face. It is rounding off peaks without sounding like a hard clip, think of it as a natural compression happening. The DRIVE circuit takes this even further, creating an exciting harmonically rich bit of "hair" around your instrument or vocal that reminds me of the old recordings we all know and love. On drums it's possibly the nicest single overhead sound I've heard in our room, on our DW kit. There is a balance and even response that ensures the snare stays tucked in where it belongs while bringing up the kick nicely. We did engage the 10dB pad on drums with great effect. The presence and punch just sounds like a record. Piano and guitars both benefit as well, and just sound huge. Of course you can contour the low end by pulling the output knob out on the power supply, for close work without woofy bass. If you're in the market for a vintage tube condenser mic, going to go ahead and say if you only want one the Chandler Ltd REDD is an easy recommendation. It's also an easy recommendation as an addition to any collection though, and may replace mics you never thought would go back in their case. Yes, it's that good. - WD |
Chandler Limited is the only company in the world authorized to develop, manufacture and market the “Official Equipment” of EMI/Abbey Road Studios.
Chandler Limited and their associated logos are registered trademarks of Chandler Limited, Inc. Abbey Road Studios, EMI, REDD, RS, TG and their associated logos are trademarks of EMI (IP) Limited.
