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Bock Audio 241 Tube Cardioid Condenser Microphone  From Bock

The Cardioid only 241 is a microphone designed to sound as close as possible to the flagship BOCK 251 but at a cost that is significantly less.

Bock Audio

Manufacturer's Description from Bock

Features:

  • Brite/ Normal switch for amazing versatility
  • Works well for all vocal or instrumental use
  • Tuned to work in a variety of studio situations
  • Transformer balanced output
  • Handpicked, individually tested capsule
  • Select “New Old Stock” EF814k tube is readily available
  • Low noise, low distortion

WHAT IS IT?

The higher end BOCK AUDIO 251 is treasured by users for its extraordinary up close cardioid performance on premier voices and its distance performance on piano, ensembles and orchestras. Many of our customers have asked for a vocal mic only version at reduced cost and this drove development of the BOCK 241. The 241 is a microphone designed to sound as close as possible to the flagship BOCK 251 up close but cost 30% less.

WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT?

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.

System Includes 6 pin Tuchel cable, AC cable, wood box, spider shock mount, and shipping system.

Bock Audio

About Manufacturer

Inside every Bock microphone is a collection of very high end and unique-to-Bock parts influenced by experience rather than textbooks.  The direct knowledge of the studio of what made two great vintage mics sound different from each other proved invaluable to David in designing Bock Microphones.  All brass hand built hand tensioned capsules with the more robust 6 micron diaphragms, offer transparency without artificial brightness.   Multisectioned Bock design transformers offer a deeper and smoother low end than found in any other production microphone.  Inductor based old school power supplies offer dynamic range for our discrete audio amplifier and longevity for our tubes that is only found in vintage models.  The sum of Bock’s unique parts and David’s design make a big difference in inspiring and capturing a great performance.

Bock manufacturing employs all hand construction techniques with mics all built 5 or 10 at a time using techniques that are impossible to execute in high quantity.    Bock mics are easy to repair and service.  This is why higher volume production microphones that are designed to be manufactured but not repaired cannot compare to Bock hand built mics.  We are very proud of our business model in a world of “more is better” and “one size fits all” mass production.  

Bock Microphones offer the highest level of performance, equal or better to the classics, proving it IS possible to “build it like they used to”.  With Bock Microphones, you own a microphone destined for a lifetime of extraordinary studio use.

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