Slate Digital VMS ML-1 Modeling Microphone

zZounds Gear Experts Say...
Don't pick one great microphone -- have them all. The Slate Digital VMS ML-1 modeling microphone recreates the sought-after sounds of classic recording mics.

Imagine having a world-class mic locker full of the most classic microphones from the history of the recording industry. Well, you can stop imagining. Slate Digital is proud to present the Virtual Microphone System -- a hybrid system that utilizes an extremely transparent condenser microphone, a sonically neutral preamp, and a plugin module that works in concert with their hardware to replicate some of the world's finest and most sought-after microphones and preamps.


Hear the Slate VMS ML-1 compared to a $30,000 vintage mic:


The ML-1 microphone is the centerpiece of the Virtual Microphone System. This large-diaphragm mic has a shock-mounted, gold sputtered, 6-micron capsule and a state of the art FET circuit path that ensures the most linear, flat, and clean 'blank canvas' response. Combined with the Slate Digital tube microphone modeling software, it can sound like some of the most classic microphones in recording history. The capsule proximity effect precisely replicates the classic cardioid of vintage large diaphragm mics. The Virtual Microphone System collapses the wall standing between audio engineers and expensive world-class audio tools, allowing them access to the virtual microphone locker of their dreams for under a thousand dollars.

The Virtual Microphone System software consists of the Classic Tubes microphone module, which contains eight classic tube microphone models, the FG-73 British discrete preamp module, and the FG-76 German tube preamp module. None of read more these processing blocks add any latency to the audio signal, so if you use a low latency interface with VMS you can track through the VMS software without any audible monitoring delay. To accomplish this, Slate Digital recommend a Thunderbolt or fast USB interface, recording at 96khz with the lowest buffer size possible. The combination of the 96khz sampling rate and low buffer size ensures the lowest possible latency. To use the VMS software an iLok version 2 or 3 dongle is required.

- Meet The Mics:
FG-47: This mic will take you back in time. It's lush, warm, fat, present, and BIG sounding. If you have a wimpy source, it gets fixed with this mic. It doesn't have that modern sizzly top-end air, but it takes EQ in the top end like a champion. I love adding some Custom Series 10 kHz when using this mic. By pushing the intensity, it gets even darker, moodier, and a bit more saturated. Don't just use this microphone on vocals. Put it on drums as a room mic. Put it on the outside of a kick. Put it on horns, strings.

FG-800: The FG-800 is based on a solid performing studio vocal mic. This is a bright and airy microphone. That airy, clear, bright tone works perfectly in a pop mix with no EQ needed. When this mic works, nothing will sound as good. And it actually works a lot, even on modern male rock vocals.

FG-251: The FG-251 sounds so good on just about everything. It's the perfect balance of top, middle, and bottom. There is something so flattering about this mic that every singer just sounds better than they do in the actual room. The intensity is really fun with this one. This mic pairs well with both preamps, so try them both using the VMR A->B system.

FG-12: The FG-12 emulates an Austrian classic known for being incredibly smooth and rich-sounding. Slate chose an absolutely incredible mic to model that is the perfect representation of this famous tone.

FG-800M: The FG-800M emulates an older Japanese tube mic and is slightly fatter and darker than the stock FG-800. If you love the FG-800 but wish it was a tad less sibilant and bright, you're gonna love this.

Features:

- A hybrid microphone that gives you access to virtually any signal path tone you can imagine
- An extremely transparent and totally flat ML-1 cardioid condenser microphone
- VMS plugin software lets you completely change the tonal characteristics of your recording, even after the fact
- Choose from a collection of classic vintage mic and preamp models as well as unique models for advanced recording techniques

NOTE: iLok Required, not included.
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.
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- Microphone Style: Large Diaphragm Condenser
- Included Accessories: Shockmount, Carrying Case
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Output Type: XLR
- Phantom Power: 48V Phantom Required
- Dimensions of Mic: 215.2mm x 50.8mm
- Dimensions of Carrying Case: 292.1mm x 139.7mm x 241.3mm
- Sensitivity: -34 dB (0dB=1V/Pa)
- Max SPL: 125 dB (0dB SPL=2*10-5Pa)
- Equivalent Noise Level: 17 dB
- Included Software: Virtual Preamp Collection, Classic Tubes 1 & 2 (iLok 2/3 required)

macOS 11 or later
Intel or Apple Silicon (M1) Processor
AU, VST2, VST3 or AAX 64-bit host
Windows

Windows 10, Windows 11
Intel or AMD Processor, 4GB RAM
VST2, VST3 or AAX 64-bit host
Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item
Shipping Weight: 6 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 7 in
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): SK-912-ML1-KIT-CM

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Web: https://slatedigital.zendesk.com/

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (5 ratings)
Submitted December 5, 2020 by a customer from gmail.com

"Great mic"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I bought this on sale for $500, and I think it's worth every penny. On it's own, it's seems to be a well built mic. It's all metal, has a nice weight to it, and looks pretty good, too. Once you pair it with the emulation software, it becomes a fun, versatile tool in your musical arsenal. I run mine through the Mackie ProFX12 mixer. You barely need 40% gain to get this mic blazing hot. It's got a nice flat clear sound that comes to life when you fire up the software. Run it through a good preamp, and this will be the only mic you need for pretty much any vocal application.
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