Mojave Audio MA-37  ·  Source: Mojave Audio

 

 

 

With the new MA-37, Mojave Audio seeks to recreate the revered sound of the Sony C-37a tube condenser microphone. Released in the 1950s, the C-37a is often associated with the “Golden Age” of Hollywood recording. But the MA-37 isn’t an exact clone. While staying close to the original design, Mojave says that they’ve made a couple of modern updates in terms of the microphone’s components, workmanship and build quality.

Mojave Audio MA-37

 

Like the C-37a, the MA-37 is a high-headroom, large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone. It uses a special capsule design with an adjustable tuned acoustic chamber that lets you choose from cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns using a mechanical shutter. The circuit is based on a single-stage tube amplifier with an EF806 tube and a Lundahl transformer. A switch on the external power supply provides three selectable options for the integrated high pass filter: flat, 100 Hz, and 200 Hz.

The high pass filter switch is located on the power supply

 

If you’re after those “Golden Age” vibes associated with the likes of Leonard Bernstein, The Wrecking Crew and Mel Blanc, but don’t feel like selling your house for the vintage classic, the Mojave Audio MA-37 looks like a great modern alternative. It certainly isn’t cheap, either, but if it sounds anywhere near as good as the original, it’ll be well worth the investment.

 

The MA-37 comes in a carrying case