ML1A modelling microphone

When we first released the original ML-1 microphone and Virtual Microphone System (VMS), the recording world buzzed with excitement. Glowing reviews and countless YouTube demos proved it was a transformative step forward, bringing the coveted sound of cla

Best in class large diaphragm condenser modeling microphone. Access 36 world-renowned tube, condenser and ribbon microphones. Pair with the new and improved Virtual Microphone System plugin for the ultimate recording session. Blend two mic models for a completely unique sound.

Product Details
  • ML-1A Modeling Microphone

    Experience Studio Excellence

    • Best in class large diaphragm condenser modeling microphone
    • Access 36 world-renowned tube, condenser and ribbon microphones
    • Pair with the new and improved Virtual Microphone System plugin for the ultimate recording session
    • Blend two mic models for a completely unique sound

A Whole New

Virtual Microphone System

  • A Match Made in Heaven

    Pair your ML-1A with the Virtual Microphone System plugin (VMS) and redefine what’s possible in the studio. Unlock the sound of legendary, sought-after microphones—without the heavy price tag.

    Instantly access a collection of iconic mic models, from vintage classics to modern studio staples, all within one seamless system. Available in the Complete Access Bundle and All Access Pass.

    • Massive Mic Locker

       

      The ML-1A microphone comes with 18 mic models out of the box, including the new Radio France Signature collection. Get up to 36 more mic models via the All Access Pass and Complete Access Bundle subscriptions. Explore sounds effortlessly with the new visual browser, featuring smart tagging and filtering.

    • Next Level Mic Morphing

      Blend two mic models to create an entirely new hybrid model, combining the best of both mics for next-level precision and creativity.

    • Mono In, Stereo Out

      Instantly spread mono vocals into a lush stereo field, perfect for background layers or cinematic depth, while remaining fully mono-compatible.

    • Total Tone Control

      Adjust the proximity effect and fine-tune the mic’s coloration and intensity, even after recording, for unmatched flexibility.

    • Analog Warmth

      Add rich saturation and depth with selectable virtual preamps, all with real-time control from tracking to mixdown.



The Best Selling Modeling Microphone
Just Got Better

With the Virtual Microphone System plugin and the ML-1A, you can instantly switch between rich tube warmth and modern condenser sparkle at the click of a mouse. Achieve iconic sound effortlessly—no multiple mics or intricate setups needed.

The future of mic modeling is here, simplified and better than ever.

  • Expanded Headroom

    Take control of your recordings with the new three-position pad switch offering 0 dB, -10 dB, and -20 dB settings. Whether you’re working with softer sounds or extremely loud sources, the ML-1A can handle up to an incredible 145 dB SPL, ensuring clean, distortion-free recordings even in the most demanding environments.

  • Ultra-Low Self-Noise

    Achieve pristine clarity with a remarkable 8 dB self-noise rating. Capture every nuance with minimal interference, giving you the highest-quality recordings possible—whether you’re in the studio or on location.

  • Unlock Access

    The ML-1A mic doesn’t just deliver exceptional sound—it also comes with a three-month Complete Access Bundle subscription, giving you instant access to a growing library of premium mic models. Expand your creative possibilities and explore endless tones. It’s the perfect combination of quality and value for any serious audio engineer or creator.

  • New Look, Iconic Sound

    The ML-1A is about making a statement. With its updated design, featuring a sleek new color and an attractive grill shape, this mic blends modern aesthetics with its legendary sound. It’s a bold, fresh take on a classic, ensuring your studio setup looks as good as it sounds.

Elite Sounds, Built for Pros

Built to the standards of world-class studios yet accessible to all, the ML-1A nails perfect sound—wherever and whatever you’re recording.

  • Explore The Latest Expansion Pack

    Radio France Signature

    Expansion Pack
    *Requires the ML-1A

    The Radio France Signature Expansion Pack introduces 10 new microphone models, meticulously captured from the iconic Radio France microphone locker.

    These mics have shaped the sound of countless legendary broadcasts, performances, and recordings, and now they’re available in the Virtual Microphone System.

    This expansion pack is included with every ML-1A purchase. For ML-1 owners, it’s available exclusively through a Complete Access Bundle or All Access Pass subscription.

The Details (the specs)

Category

Details

Minimum OS macOS Catalina 10.15 or later
Recommended OS macOS Big Sur (11.x) or later
Processor / RAM Intel or Apple Silicon, 4GB RAM
Plugin Formats AU, VST2, VST3, AAX (64-bit host)

Category

Details

Operating System Windows 10 or Windows 11
Processor / RAM Intel or AMD Processor, 4GB RAM
Plugin Formats VST2, VST3, AAX (64-bit host)

iLok Requirements

  • All Access Pass licenses have two activation and can be activated on iLok Cloud, an iLok 2 & 3 dongle, or your local host computer (Machine-ID).
  • SSL Complete (found in the Complete Access Bundle) licenses have two activations, and can be activated to your local host computer, or an iLok 2 & 3 dongle.
  • Individual plugin licenses can be activated to an iLok 2 or 3 USB dongle or your local host computer (Machine-ID).

Your Dream Mic Locker

Pair your Slate Digital microphone with the Virtual Microphone System plugin to unlock the sound and character of the world’s most iconic mics.

  • Radio France Signature Expansion Pack

    The Radio France Signature Expansion Pack introduces 10 new microphone models, meticulously captured from the iconic Radio France microphone locker—home to some of the world’s most sought-after vintage and broadcast microphones. These mics have shaped the sound of countless legendary broadcasts, performances, and recordings, and now they’re available in the Virtual Microphone System.

    Exclusively available in the new VMS plug-in that comes with the ML-1A, ML-1 owners with the Complete Access Bundle and All Access Pass subscriptions can also unlock these historic tones.

    * Requires the ML-1A or ML-1 microphone.

  • Strongroom London Expansion Pack

    The Strongroom London mic pack offers a handpicked collection of classic mics used by everyone from Radiohead to the Spice Girls. This module is designed to be used in conjunction with the ML-1a or ML-1 microphone. There’s no shortage of stories that illustrate the significance of the Strongroom studio space.

    * Requires the ML-1A or ML-1 microphone.

Included with ML-1 & ML-1A

  • FG-47

    The FG-47 recreates the sound of one of the most famous vintage tube microphones in the history of audio. It has a thick and full-bodied low end, rich and present mid-range, and smooth top end. This microphone sounds great on thick lead vocals, but also sounds incredible as a kick drum mic, room mic, guitar mic, and on horns and strings.
  • FG-M7

    The FG-M7 takes one of the most famous dynamic vocal mics used in the studio by artists like Michael Jackson and adds the tube stage of the classic 47, making it extremely punchy and crisp, with incredible mids that cut through the mix. Definitely gonna be a favorite!
  • FG-800

    The FG-800 recreates the sound of one of the most popular modern tube mics, known for being the go-to choice for pop and hip hop vocalists. It’s extremely bright and airy, but with a warm bottom end. Using this mic on vocals will give you an instant polished ‘pop’ sound. However, this mic also sounds great on overheads and acoustic guitar.
  • FG-251

    The FG-251 recreates the sound of one of the most sought-after vintage tube mics in the industry. It’s one of the most in-demand lead vocal mics on the planet, known for being crisp, warm and flattering on a variety of voices. The FG-251 also sounds great on drums, guitars, acoustics, and just about anything else you put it on!
  • FG-800M

    The FG-800M emulates an older Japanese tube mic, and is slightly fatter and darker than the stock FG-800. If you love the FG-800 but wish it was a tad less sibilant and bright, you’re gonna love this.
  • FG-269

    The FG-269 emulates an extremely rare German classic that shares much of the same circuit as the 67, but with a different tube that makes it more open and clear. This is one of the best-sounding vocal mics we’ve ever heard.
  • FG-12

    The FG-12 emulates an Austrian classic known for being incredibly smooth and rich-sounding. We chose an absolutely incredible version of this mic to model – it’s the perfect representation of this famous tone.
  • FG-67

    The FG-67 emulates a vintage German classic known for being slightly dark, bold and thick. This mic is amazing on vocals, rooms, horns and piano, and it’s one of Steven’s favorite on toms.
  • Classic 87 Expansion Pack

    The most coveted microphone in the world is now available for the ML-1A and ML-1. The 87 has been used on countless records by the world’s top recording artists, and now you can harness all that same power in your own studio. Get three perfect models of the most famous mic ever made and introduce a ton of classic warmth and signature sound to your recordings.

    *Requires the ML-1A or ML-1 microphone.

  • SD-87 MK1

    The SD-87 MK I perfectly captures the sound of this legendary studio microphone. As mics age, so do their internal components, and we recreated that sound with pinpoint precision. This model gives you tons of vintage warmth and classic character that brings the vintage 87 to life.
  • SD-87 AI

    The SD-87 AI is a more modern iteration of this classic microphone. First introduced in 1986, this mic offers an almost entirely flat response with a slight boost in the 10k range. This gives producers an unprecedented level of flexibility, giving you crystal clear, transparent vocals every time.
  • SD-87 MKII

    The SD-87 MK II delivers all the sound and clarity that made this mic a legend when it first came out. The first of its kind to feature solid-state FET circuitry, this microphone has been a fixture in studios around the world, graced by the voices of everyone from Marvin Gaye to Carly Rae Jepsen. If you’re looking for the sound of a newly-purchased 87, look no further.
  • Blackbird Mics Expansion Pack

    Nashville’s Blackbird Studios wields a staggering 1,400+ vintage and modern microphones. Last year, Blackbird owner John McBride personally hand-picked the five best vintage tube mics for the Blackbird VMS expansion pack. With the Blackbird VMS Expansion pack, VMS users will gain instant access to the exact tone of five of the very best vintage tube mics in the world!

    *Requires athe ML-1A or ML-1 microphone.

  • Blackbird 47

    With its fast transient response, the Blackbird 47 gives vocals and instruments a gorgeous, round tone that’s full of presence and detail with zero harshness. Because it offers a balanced response at all sound pressure levels, the 47 is in demand by a wide variety of musicians—from vocalists to drummers & more. See why George Massenburg, inventor of the parametric EQ, called the Blackbird mic “the finest 47 I’ve ever heard.
  • Blackbird 251

    The most unique, beloved mic in the entire VMS collection, this famed microphone, serial number 584, is the one mic Blackbird clients were never allowed to use. Why? Because it was specially reserved for owner John McBride’s wife, legendary country singer Martina McBride. See why singers like John Legend and Demi Lovato consider this one their go-to microphone for thick, silky vocals.
  • Blackbird 67

    This mic lives in a completely different league from other 67s. By delivering a slightly darker, thicker sound, the 67 has been a favorite of artists from The Beatles to Frank Sinatra. Its ultra-smooth top end subtle tube shimmer helped this microphone define the 1960s. A unique character makes it stand apart from every other microphone in the Blackbird Collection.
  • Blackbird 12

    The Blackbird 12 boasts smoother highs and flatter lows than the original classic tube microphone. With stunning, open high end, detailed mids, and dramatic lows, this microphone will be your best friend when you need a vocal to sit perfectly in your mix. If that wasn’t enough? Warren Huart says this emulation is worth the price of the entire collection alone.
  • Blackbird 49

    The original 49 was built specifically for vocalists. The Blackbird 49 kicks it up a notch by adding even more air, depth, and a dark presence in the lows that gives vocals a rich smoothness. Considered by many recording engineers to be the finest mic they’ve ever used, the Blackbird 49 gives vocals and instruments alike a warm, full tonality.
  • Classic Tubes 3 Expansion Pack

    The Classic Tubes 3 Expansion Pack adds five new lush, vintage, and warm tube mics to the Virtual Microphone System mic locker. From German classics to custom hybrid Tube/Ribbon mics, these mics will help give your recordings a classic tone and feel.

    *Requires the ML-1A or ML-1 microphone.

  • FG-49

    A model of one of the most famous old German tube mics, the FG-49 has an incredibly dominant and rich midrange along with a slightly airy and smooth top end. It makes a fantastic vocal mic on the right singer, but really shines as a drum room mic, piano mic, horn mic, or kick drum mic.
  • FG-67 MKII

    The stock 67 in the VMS collection has the low pass filter mod which makes it brighter than a typical 67, so we decided to add a gorgeous sounding stock 67 to Classic Tubes 3. The stock 67 is somewhat dark on the top end with beautiful lush lows. It can be great on vocals, drum rooms, piano, horns, and just about anything that needs a vintage tone!
  • FG-37A

    A recreation of a famous vintage Japanese tube microphone. This mic is one of the most flattering sounding microphones in the entire collection. The midrange is sculpted in a way that makes almost any voice pleasing. It also sounds great on acoustics, drum overheads, and piano.
  • FG-44

    This is the first VMS model of a classic ribbon mic, but in cardioid form. But since this is classic TUBES 3, we added a custom tube stage to give the mic model some more tube harmonics and subtle saturation. This mic is great on anything that needs ultra smooth vintage vibes!
  • FG-47 MKII

    This is the second model of a famous old German Tube mic. It is similar in nature to the stock 47, but has a slightly smoother upper midrange and top, along with a fatter low mid. This mic will be perfect for vintage vocal sounds, and will sound great on a kick drum or bass cabinet.

Meet The Preamps

  • FG-73

    The FG-73 preamp module is modeled after one of the most famous discrete solid state preamps in the industry, made in Britain and used on countless recordings. It has a bold, present and warm sound that works great on any audio source – even full mixes.
  • FG-76

    The FG-76 preamp module is modeled after a vintage German tube preamp that has been used on many classic recordings. It has a thick and colorful tone that can make tracks and mixes sound more ‘alive’. The bottom-end saturates in a very unique and musical way, making it a great module for bass guitar and kick drum tracks.

System Requirements

macOS

Minimum: macOS 10.15 or later
Recommended: macOS 11 or later
Intel or Apple Silicon (M1) Processor
AU, VST2, VST3, or AAX 64-bit host

Windows

Windows 10 or 11
Intel or AMD Processor, 4GB RAM
VST2, VST3, or AAX 64-bit host

iLok Requirements

  • The All Access Pass licenses have two activation and can be activated on iLok Cloud, an iLok 2 & 3 dongle, or your local host computer (Machine-ID).
  • SSL Complete (found in the Complete Access Bundle) licenses have two activations, and can be activated to your local host computer, or an iLok 2 & 3 dongle.
  • Perpetual "Buy Now" individual plugin licenses can be activated to an iLok 2 or 3 USB dongle or your local host computer (Machine-ID).
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