CharterOak has built their reputation on a solid foundation of unique mics that take classic engineering elements and adds innovations that improve upon what is considered the standards. The SA538 is a modern 251 style mic with its own voice. Big, open, warm and detailed are descriptive terms that come to mind when I think about the way this mic sounds. When I use it on vocals I often get an interesting reaction from the performer because they've never heard themselves recorded with a mic that has such an incredible 3-D depth and warmth. All without a perceivable sacrifice to detail and clarity. This makes the SA538 a true oddity and one that every studio from budget to pro should have in their locker.

The biggest difference we hear and experience with the "B" version is an extended "openness" and "air", most notably due to its slight boost between 10-12kHz. It makes sense why some engineers viewed the SA538 as a male-voiced vocal mic and the SA538B as a more female-voiced microphone because of these characteristics, but don't treat that as absolutes. We've heard scenarios where the opposite pairings proved best, and even certain clients who insist on having BOTH for their voice depending on the song!

Often used as a go-to vocal mic here at Sound Pure studios, but it's important to note that this mic is far from a one trick pony. It excels on Acoustic guitar, piano and is like magic as a drum overhead. The build quality, versatility, engineering integrity and stunning musicality make this an easy contender for "best in class". Not to mention the lifetime warranty that all CharterOak products carry!

The SA538B is a condenser microphone that employs two large, ultra-thin, side terminated gold diaphragms and a vacuum tube head amplifier using a selected low noise tube, and output transformer. As a result, the model SA538B has very low inherent noise and broad dynamic range. Its timbre is distinctive. Its rich and balanced sound makes it an ideal choice to ensure extremely high quality sound reproduction.

The high standard of quality and affordability of the CharterOak SA538B have been achieved through an extended period of research and development, including beta testing by a wide variety of end users.

The parts of the CharterOak SA538B are machined from solid brass and high quality electronic components are used throughout.

The process of creating a CharterOak SA538B Condenser Microphone is started by hand under the strict supervision of CharterOak personnel. Under that supervision the parts are quality checked and assembled at our facility in Connecticut.

The microphones are finished and the parts are quality checked a second time by experienced engineers. The process involves a seven (7) day burn in of the vacuum tube and no less than 1/2 hour spent with each microphone in a studio environment. Careful listening tests employ high quality microphone preamplifiers and high resolution monitoring systems. Quality checks on every component of each kit complete the process.

It is only after this exhaustive finishing and quality control process is complete, that an SA538B will be cleared for sale to the customer.

From the research and development to the delivery of every SA538B, it is this attention to detail that makes the SA538B truly unique in its class.

The microphone is delivered with a lifetime warranty on all parts and labor and easy access to factory technical support. Don't forget to ask for the mics in FREE matched pairs!

Free 3-Year Warranty

Sound Pure stands behind our products. Free three-year warranty on this item. Coverage exclusions live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.

Level of support and expertise that simply isn't available at big-box megastores. Read the warranty →

Returns

This item is not eligible for the Try-Before-You-Buy 48-hour audition. Standard return policy applies — see Terms & Conditions, Section 18 for details.