Best Tube Mics for 2023

Tube mics have long been among the most coveted mics in the industry. The tubes used for their amplifier stages generate even-order harmonic distortion and warm saturation that instantly make every instrument and vocal type sound better. Many tube mics have come and gone throughout the years (many were replaced by transistorized versions), but there are some legendary mainstays that musicians, engineers, and producers would never want to be without. These are often reissued, re-created, or cloned using contemporary materials and production techniques, and they often sound as good as — if not better than — the originals. Other tube mics are more recent creations, but don’t be fooled into thinking they can’t hang with the classics. Let’s look at the best tube mics — both old and new — that you can snag in 2023.

Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!

Telefunken ELA M 251E Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser MicrophoneNeumann U67 Collector’s Edition Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser MicrophoneSony C-800G Large-diaphragm Condenser MicrophoneManley Reference Gold Multi-pattern Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser MicrophoneMojave Audio MA-37 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser MicrophoneChandler Limited REDD Microphone Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser MicrophoneWarm Audio WA-8000 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser MicrophoneUniversal Audio Bock 251 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser MicrophoneRODE NTK Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser MicrophoneAvantone Pro CV-12 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser MicrophoneLauten Audio Eden LT-386 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser MicrophoneLewitt Pure Tube Studio Tube Condenser Microphone SetAKG C12 VR Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

Telefunken ELA M 251E Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

This legendary mic rides again

If you ask any Sweetwater studio engineer to name a mic that has earned the word “legendary,” then there’s a good chance they’ll mention the Telefunken 251. There were fewer than 3,700 ever made of the original 1960 mic, so your chances of finding one for sale in good working condition are increasingly rare. We do have some good news, though: this Telefunken ELA M 251E large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone is a meticulous reissue that brings the spirit of the 251 into the modern age. With a 1-inch, dual-sided, gold-sputtered membrane, an edge-terminated, dual-backplate CK12 capsule, and three polar patterns, this mic will leave you hard-pressed to find another mic from any era with the 251’s unique combination of tone and versatility.  

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Neumann U67 Collector’s Edition Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

Studio workhorse with a decades-long résumé

Have you ever heard of Al Schmitt? He was the audio engineer who won more engineering Grammys (23 in all) than anyone else in the history of recorded music — a record that will likely stand for a long time. A few years before Schmitt’s passing in 2021, Sweetwater’s manager of written content, Lynn Fuston, asked him which mic would be his “desert island” mic. He answered: ” . . . my favorite all-time mic is the Neumann U67.” That pretty much sums up the superiority of the Neumann U67 Collector’s Edition large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone. Schmitt and many other audio engineers have trusted the U67 for decades to capture great sounds from a wide variety of sources — and the U67 has always delivered.

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Sony C-800G Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

A distinct look and vocal presence

It’s one of the newer mics on this list (launched in 1992), but the Sony C-800G large-diaphragm condenser microphone is already considered a classic tube mic. It’s the not-so-secret weapon of hip-hop because it captures vocals with plenty of top-end air and midrange presence. Also, as you peruse this list, you may notice that many of the mics look similar, but the C-800G has a distinctive look that your clients are guaranteed to notice. What the C-800G does, it does better than anything else on the planet.

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Manley Reference Gold Multi-pattern Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

Golden mic with crystal clear sound

Though it has a golden body, the sound of the Manley Reference Gold multi-pattern large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone is more like crystal: clear and transparent. It’s a go-to mic for many engineers when they want to capture a vocal, piano, or acoustic guitar performance with as much detail as possible, including all the nuances that humanize a performance. The Manley Reference Gold’s transparent sound is a favorite of many mixers, as it provides lots of flexibility for finessing with EQ and compression. If you’re primarily a tracking engineer who works with other engineers for mixing and mastering, then try capturing your sounds with a Manley Reference Gold before sending your projects to them. We know they’ll love you for it.

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Mojave Audio MA-37 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

A ribbon mic without the ribbon

Based on the 1955 Sony C-37A tube condenser microphone — the favorite mic of both crooner Frank Sinatra and Bugs Bunny voice actor Mel Blanc — the Mojave Audio MA-37 large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone faithfully captures all of the smooth and dark tonality that made the Sony C-37A sound like a ribbon-less ribbon mic. Mojave also included the adjustable tuned acoustic chamber that allows you to select between a cardioid and omnidirectional polar pattern, just like the original C-37A. Mojave then went the extra mile by adding three highpass filter settings on the MA-37’s power supply unit, giving it additional versatility. Put the Mojave Audio MA-37 on noisy amps, sizzling cymbals, or any other source that needs taming, and voilà — instant superb sound!

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Chandler Limited REDD Microphone Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

The sound of Abbey Road in a mic

People who aren’t audio engineers or musicians will know the name “Abbey Road Studios,” thanks to a certain group of young lads from Liverpool. Chandler Limited — the only company in the world authorized to create and promote EMI / Abbey Road Studios equipment — has taken the classic Abbey Road sound and condensed it into mic form as the Chandler Limited REDD Microphone large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone. The REDD Microphone features the REDD.47 vintage vacuum tube mic amplifier circuit inside, so you don’t need an external preamp. This feature, combined with cardioid and omni polar patterns, a 10dB pad, polarity reverse, variable gain switching, a Drive switch, and more, make the REDD Microphone one of this list’s most sonically diverse and value-packed mics.  

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Warm Audio WA-8000 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

Wallet-friendly clone of a beloved vocal mic

We won’t tell you which mic the Warm Audio WA-8000 large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone is based on, but the look of the WA-8000 makes it pretty obvious. We will tell you that the WA-8000 comes very close to matching the mic that inspired it. The WA-8000 has a ton of great features in its own right, however, including a bespoke K67-style capsule, an NOS (new old stock) 6AU6 tube, custom Lundahl transformers, and a 5-meter 7-pin GAC-7 mic cable from Gotham Audio. It has two polar patterns (cardioid and omni), a full 20Hz-to-20kHz frequency range, and max SPL handling of more than 130dB. In conclusion, if you’re looking for a fantastic vocal mic on a budget, then you can’t go wrong with the Warm Audio WA-8000.

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Universal Audio Bock 251 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

A modern take on the classic 251

Re-creating an incredible vintage mic is tough enough, but improving on an incredible vintage mic? Now that’s impressive — and it’s precisely what Universal Audio has done with the Universal Audio Bock 251 large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone. Knowledgeable 251 aficionados will recognize similarities (such as the three switchable polar patterns), but the Bock 251 is definitely a unique creation. It features an all-brass CK12-style capsule, a custom transformer that grants it increased frequency response and headroom over the original, and an inductor-based power supply that extends its dynamic range and the life of the tube. Earlier, we mentioned “desert island” mics, and author Fuston himself considers his custom Bock 251 to be among his most prized pieces of gear.

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RODE NTK Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

More than just “baby’s first tube condenser mic”

Most folks begin their recording journeys with affordable dynamic mics (more than likely a Shure SM57 or SM58), and the RODE NT1 condenser microphone is sometimes jokingly referred to as many engineers’ “first condenser mic.” Sweetwater engineers know that the NT1 is a great mic all on its own, and that’s true of this RODE NTK large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone, as well. Firstly, its Class A circuitry uses a twin-triode 6922 tube combined with a gold-plated diaphragm to give you that familiar richness and complementary sound found in all great tube mics. Secondly, heat-treated steel reinforces the NTK’s mesh head, so you won’t need to handle this mic with kid gloves. Finally, all of this at an unbelievable price makes the NTK a marvelous addition to any studio.

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Avantone Pro CV-12 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

Simply one of the best budget mics available

Speaking of amazing price points, check out this Avantone Pro CV-12 large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone. Dual 32mm, gold-sputtered Mylar capsules? A 146dB max SPL handling (with the pad engaged)? Nine polar patterns? And all that for less than $400?! Holy smoke! We won’t mince words: the Avantone Pro CV-12 is the most affordable way to get into the world of tube mics and still get great sound quality. There may be cheaper tube mics available, but trust us: they don’t sound as good as the Avantone Pro CV-12 does. The CV-12 also feels as good as it sounds thanks to a precision-machined brass body and capsule assembly, with polished nickel trim and grille. Many Sweetwater studio engineers own one (or even two) of these mics. At this price, everybody should own one.

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Lauten Audio Eden LT-386 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

Clever features designed with Fab Dupont

The Lauten Audio Eden LT-386 large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone has several unique features, such as three different “voices” — Neutral, Forward, and Gentle (courtesy of its Mutli-Voicing technology) — and a pair of 2-stage highpass filters that Lauten Audio calls “Kick-shaper” and “Vocal-shaper.” Using just these functions, you can dial in your tone before it even hits an EQ. The LT-386’s standard features are thoughtfully implemented, too. Its three switchable polar patterns (cardioid, figure-8, and omnidirectional) are on the mic’s body instead of the power supply unit (the aforementioned voicings and filters are also located on the mic body). The Eden LT-386 has its mount attached directly to the mic itself. These small touches can really save time in a studio setting.

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Lewitt Pure Tube Studio Tube Condenser Microphone Set

A futuristic mic with a classic vocal sound

Another distinctive-looking mic is the Lewitt Pure Tube studio tube condenser microphone set. The Lewitt Pure Tube is more than just a pretty face; it stays true to its name by having no semiconductors or capacitors in its signal path. Instead, you hear only the smooth, rich tone of its ECC82/12AU7 tube. Even more incredible is that the Lewitt Pure Tube only has 7dB-A of self-noise. That’s low for any mic but amazingly low for a tube mic! Finally, though it was designed primarily with vocalists in mind, this mic’s 132dB max SPL and 125dB dynamic range are guaranteed to bring you lush tube tone on any source.  

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AKG C12 VR Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

Nine polar patterns, one awesome mic

The original AKG C12 was manufactured from 1953 to 1960 and, together with the Telefunken 251 and Neumann U67, forms what many consider the “holy trinity” of tube condenser mics. This AKG C12 VR large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone pays loving tribute to the original in that it uses the same 6072A vacuum tube and dual-diaphragm design; however, this new C12 VR has a couple of tricks up its grille. Namely, it’s got a contemporary edge-terminated CK12 capsule, plus modern components that result in greater reliability as well as lower self-noise and distortion. Many consider two of these babies to be the quintessential room/overheard mic pair for drums, but in true tube mic fashion, the AKG C12 VR sounds amazing on just about anything.

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You Need a Tube Mic for Your Studio

We hope this article has helped demonstrate why tube mics are so treasured by us here at Sweetwater and by many other audio engineers all over the world. The wonderful sound and character that they impart on a track, as well as the loving craftsmanship that goes into their construction, make them more akin to a work of art than a simple microphone. Don’t hesitate to call one of our expert Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700 to find your perfect tube mic today!

Legendary Mics That Have Stood the Test of Time
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