CK-1

Small Capsule FET Pencil Microphone

The AVANTONE “Cabernet (C-series)” mics from AVANT ELECTRONICS are designed to offer true professional performance. They will meet or surpass the performance and specifications of much higher priced mics.

The AVANTONE CK-1 is truly a gorgeous looking and sounding microphone. The design, character and performance can be compared directly to fine studio-standard FET mics…but at a fraction of their cost!

The rugged CK-1 microphone body and capsule assembly are precision machined of BRASS.

Aesthetically the compact body features an elegant Metallic Cabernet Wine-Red finish, accented with polished nickel trim and capsule assembly.

The high quality FET circuitry will yield pleasing professional results comparable to much more expensive designs.

The CK-1 in its normal stock version uses high grade Polystyrene and Metalized Polypropylene capacitors in the audio path. This represents our commitment to quality as these normally are the type of  components that are implemented by microphone modder/hot-rodders !

Any studio can proudly offer the CK-1 for instrumental and percussion miking…It exudes class visually as well as sonically.

The CK-1 is equally at home on the stage for drum overheads, acoustic instruments and piano.
The CK-1 INCLUDES (3) 19mm (3/4) interchangeable capsules to provide unlimited miking possibilities!

Manufactured using the finest materials yielding a very solid feel, superb structural integrity and rugged reliability.

The rugged CK-1 mic is able to produce professional results with a clean sonic character.

The 3 capsules (cardioid, omni, and Hyper-cardioid) offer versatility for accommodating virtually any miking task.

The included SSM Shockmount is superb in allowing a precise positioning of the mic while inhibiting the transfer of unwanted vibrations up into the mic. This isolation allows for superior professional results.

Separate -10 dB pad and 80 Hz LF roll off switches

Uses include

• Cymbals, Hi-Hats, acoustic guitar, drum overheads, piano, percussion etc…
• The -10dB attenuation switch can be engaged when miking very high SPL sources to keep from overloading the electronics.
  
• The 80Hz HIGH-PASS filter switch can be engaged to reduce rumble and to keep unwanted low frequencies from “muddying up” the track.

Standard Items Supplied

• AVANTONE CK-1 FET Microphone
• AVANTONE SSM Shockmount
• Elegant padded genuine wooden Mic box
• 19mm Cardioid, Omni, and Hyper-Cardioid capsules
• Owners Manual
• 5-Year Warranty

Type:	True Condenser
Polar Pattern/s:	Cardioid , Hyper-Cardioid & Omni Capsules included
Frequency Response:	25-20,000 Hz +/- 3dB
Sensitivity:	15mv/pa
Output Impedance:	<=200 Ohms
Maximum SPL :	138dB (0.5% THD @1000Hz)
S/N Ratio re 1Pa :	78dB
Noise Floor	< 17 dBA
Output Connector:	Male XLR 3 pin
High-Pass Switch	80 Hz 6dB/octave
Attenuation Switch	-10 dB
Included Accessories:	3 Capsules, Padded  Wooden Box & SSM  Shockmount
Power Requirement:	Standard 48 Volt Phantom / 5mA
Dimensions:	(23mm) x  (153mm)
Weight:	5 oz.
Finish:	Polished Nickel trim / Metallic Cabernet Red Body

Product Review

Where do you even start? These guys have figured out the secret of giving you crisp, clean top end without any harshness, even if you CRANK that top end. You just get clarity that grows more and more vivid. The sound as it lives in the air, the immediacy of it beyond just the sound of it. And a healthy heaping of solid low end, murk-free, not flabby a bit. A pair of these would empower you do anything--maybe not be God, but easily be the God of any acoustic instruments, vibrations or accidents. Listen--you get three easily swapable capsules (omni, cardioid, hypercardioid) along with a -10 dB attenuation switch and an 80Hz high-pass filter. That means there are twelve different configurations for this one mic, not that you or anyone like you is ever picky about this kind of stuff. Get your head together, darling. This is sparkling, clear audio that grabs you.

First Impressions

If you see a CK-1 mounted somewhere, your first impression is one of boldness, of opulence, of swagger. Not for these guys the wimpy anonymity of brushed aluminum tubes or blackened cylinders straining for invisibleness. This design is all about glory. I read a book once that explained color schemes and how they're used in advertising. I forget what they said about red-- maybe something about the Marines or stop signs. Actually, if I remember, it was all about the napkins and towels you should take for your beach picnic--it was imagining a deliberateness about these things was was just a little absurd. Where was I?

Pros

• Wide, wide frequency response
• Open, natural, accurate sound
• Is that a CK-1 in your pocket or are you just glad to see me?

Cons

• Sonically, tends towards brightness (possible con)
• Wooden case has teenie weenie hinges, may not be built for the
  long haul

Conclusion

This is the one I would take to the desert island-- a multi-faceted, superbly detailed, sensitive mic that will work on ANYTHING in a pinch, and/or it could be the primary source for the most vital component.  It's nice to have a new weapon in my arsenal, whatever makes me a better warrior. This is one microphone, at a very attractive price point, that really does bring the power to the people. Right on!