Bock Audio 241 Tube Condenser Microphone

The BOCK 241 Microphone uses a proprietary BOCK hand made German capsule, a proprietary BOCK hand wound vintage style audio transformer, a NOS tube in the mic amplifier and a BOCK hand built custom outboard power supply. The BOCK 241 adds a unique "brite/normal" switch which delivers two sounds in one mic. “Bright” allows unfiltered extended high frequency response that defines a modern high end condenser; “normal” offers a less bright, more vintage style high frequency response more forgiving to sibilant singers and or voices that need a darker treatment.
The BOCK 241 offers enduring qualities impossible to fully describe in writing. While Chinese condensers try to impress with lots of top and bottom end on first listen, they lack midrange so critical in defining a great vocal. The BOCK 241 built-in midrange presence curve, so important in “cutting through” a dense mix, is impossible to obtain through EQ. Time has proven this vocal sound must come from the mic itself. The unique BOCK AUDIO "brite/normal" switch adds long term versatility. The high frequency response is extended but never gets harsh or gritty. The BOCK 241 Proximity Effect (bass gets stronger with closeness) is naturally powerful without being too boomy or bottom heavy. Midrange is smooth and does not require post EQ. Best of all, the BOCK 241 has a way of lifting the singer’s vocal to a higher level when they hear themselves for the first time on this great microphone. The BOCK 241 is perhaps the biggest bargain in lead vocal microphones available on the market.

HOW DO I USE IT?:

The BOCK 241 primary use will undoubtedly be female and male vocals. Use a pop filter and get up close for that intimate “big vocal” sound. A few inches away, the proximity effect recedes and the mic gets flatter in response. At distance, the BOCK 241 is amazing on instruments and ensembles. In front of a drum set it sounds like you are standing there; on stringed instruments it captures the transients and complex harmonic structure that spell the difference between good and great.

Specifications:

• Patterns: Cardioid
• Frequency Range: 30Hz to 18kHz, +/-2dB
  
• Sensitivity: 19mv/Pa (-34dBm=94dB SPL)
  
• Equivalent Noise: 18dB (“A” weighted) 32dB (unweighted)
  
• Distortion vs.SPL @1kHz:
  
• 112dB = 0.5% THD
  
• 118dB = 1% THD
  
• 129dB = 2% THD
  
• (increasing distortion is non-exponential, nearly linear, and primarily 2nd harmonic)
  
• Impedance: 200 Ohms true transformer balanced
  
• Recommended load: 1.2k Ohms
  
• Dynamic range (maxSPL-"A"noise): 94dB
  
• S/N (94dB-noise): 76dB “A”, 62dB unweighted
  
• Capsule size: 1” diameter, dual asymmetrical backplate CK12 type
  
• Tube type: New Old Stock EF814k
  
• Dimensions: 2.04” dia x 8” oal (52x216mm)
  
• Weight: 1lb 9.6oz (1.58lbs) =694g
  
• Shipping weight: 12 lbs
  
• Power Supply: P251 true linear, factory wired 115v or 230v operation