Monheim "Fresh" condenser mic

[Mike Greene]

I'm not normally a guy to recommend mics, but up the aisle from me at NAMM was Monheim microphones, which is a boutique mic company, and a cut above most of the other newer companies. (Stevie Wonder stopped by their booth to try out their Royalty Tube Condenser, which drew quite a crowd.)

They've just released a new mic (they're calling it "Fresh Condenser Mic") which I think is particularly interesting, since it's looks really cool, it uses the U67 capsule and to my ears (headphones in a NAMM hall) sounds really good, and ... it's only $500.

It also is designed with the pop-screen integrated into the grill, and I tested it and the design does really work. I reeeally like that. (They also make cageless shockmounts which are definitely worth investigation.)

I already have vocal mics, which I'm reluctant to change, but I'm still tempted to get this because it would be great for Zoom calls (or even podcast videos), since no pop-screen makes for a much cleaner look (people obviously want to see as much Mike Greene as possible!), plus the colors are so damn cool. They're all "candy" paint applications, which if you know car paint, is a much cooler finish.

 

[Dzilizzi]

Although it sounds really good, I would be stuck trying to decide what color. Everything except the black and silver.

How big are they? It says it fits in your hand? that doesn't sound very big.

 

[Double Helix]

Although it sounds really good, I would be stuck trying to decide what color. . .

In the tradition of VI-C, collect the set (!)

 

[Mike Greene]

Although it sounds really good, I would be stuck trying to decide what color. Everything except the black and silver.

That's what's stopped me from buying one, too! I can't decide on a color, although I agree about black and white. Nothing against black and white, mind you, but I love the idea of a catchy color.

How big are they? It says it fits in your hand? that doesn't sound very big.

Here's a NAMM video where they show it, and the guy (not Andrew Monheim, though) holds it in his hand to give perspective. It actually looks bigger than I remember, so I'm glad I found the video, since I would have described it as smaller.

One other interesting thing about it is that they said it handles high volumes well, and can also be used for drums or guitar amps.

 

[Dzilizzi]

That's what's stopped me from buying one, too! I can't decide on a color, although I agree about black and white. Nothing against black and white, mind you, but I love the idea of a catchy color.


Here's a NAMM video where they show it, and the guy (not Andrew Monheim, though) holds it in his hand to give perspective. It actually looks bigger than I remember, so I'm glad I found the video, since I would have described it as smaller.

One other interesting thing about it is that they said it handles high volumes well, and can also be used for drums or guitar amps.

Thank you! This looks interesting.

 

[Dzilizzi]

In the tradition of VI-C, collect the set (!)

Only the Orange, Green, Blue, Purple and maybe Yellow. The Yellow is gold, which isn't really yellow to me. The Purple is pink. The green is turquoise. Not a problem. But I worry because the colors on the website don't match the colors on the mics. If I order green, will I get a nice deep Kelly green or a Caribbean turquoise green? If I order purple, do I get the fuschia purple/pink on the website or the hot pink on the video? I guess I could email them.

And then it comes down to the problem of - will it sound better than my Slate ML-1? (which, based on today's price, I paid way too much for) So many decisions.

 

[proggermusic]

I remember reading about that purple mic of theirs in Sound On Sound a few months ago, seems like a cool company! Their preamps look pretty legit, I have to say.

There are a number of companies making very cool affordable mics at the moment, Monheim is a newcomer. Roswell Pro Audio and Vanguard Audio Labs are doing great work too, and all three of these companies seem to have their own vibe and approach, which is smart.

FYI, while all of them are designed and built in the States, certain key components – the capsule, most crucially – are made in China. That doesn't mean they're bad quality at all, there are some Chinese mic capsules that are very good nowadays (I have a 3U Audio mic that I love very much). But with the current geopolitical circus, I don't know how low prices will be able to stay.

(I'm personally fascinated about the development of high-end audio equipment in modern China. Large companies like 797 Shanghai, medium-sized ones like SE, and small ones like 3U seem to take the craft very seriously. There are some shady manufacturers in China but also some very good ones.)

 

[DYSTmusic]

I remember reading about that purple mic of theirs in Sound On Sound a few months ago, seems like a cool company! Their preamps look pretty legit, I have to say.

There are a number of companies making very cool affordable mics at the moment, Monheim is a newcomer. Roswell Pro Audio and Vanguard Audio Labs are doing great work too, and all three of these companies seem to have their own vibe and approach, which is smart.

FYI, while all of them are designed and built in the States, certain key components – the capsule, most crucially – are made in China. That doesn't mean they're bad quality at all, there are some Chinese mic capsules that are very good nowadays (I have a 3U Audio mic that I love very much). But with the current geopolitical circus, I don't know how low prices will be able to stay.

(I'm personally fascinated about the development of high-end audio equipment in modern China. Large companies like 797 Shanghai, medium-sized ones like SE, and small ones like 3U seem to take the craft very seriously. There are some shady manufacturers in China but also some very good ones.)

According to the Monheim website, all of their microphones are designed and constructed here in the USA

Monheim Microphones – Handcrafted Audio Excellence for All

Discover the unparalleled craftsmanship and affordability of Monheim Microphones, designed by industry professionals to bring studio-quality audio within reach. Our handcrafted tube, FET, and omni microphones are the hallmark of professional audio renaissance.

monheimmicrophones.com