It's a well-known fact that most large-diaphragm tube condenser microphones cost quite a bit of money. But if you're looking for that unmistakable, colourful tube sound at an affordable price, the t.bone Retro Tube II is just the thing. Not only does the Retro Tube II come in the vintage-inspired "bottle design", as the name already suggests, but it also comes fully equipped, so to speak. The double diaphragm with its many directional characteristics and the switchable -10 dB cut are just a few of the extras. In addition, there is a retro-style power supply, an elegant wooden case for the microphone, a shock mount and a matching, very long, seven-pin XLR cable. Everything also arrives safely packed in a high-quality aluminium case.
...because that's exactly what you get with the Retro Tube II: a warm sound with lots of colour. This means that the frequency curve, which starts at 20 Hz and ends at 20 kHz, is anything but linear in between, but gives the microphone the desired, classic tube character. The proximity effect of the Retro Tube II is also particularly effective, as it gives vocals a full sound. Furthermore, all possible polar patterns can be set via the power supply: from cardioid to omnidirectional to figure eight - but also intermediate positions are possible, such as hypercardioid and supercardioid. This is done in different ratios and phase positions by mixing the front and rear of the diaphragms. In addition, the signal can also be tapped at the power supply with the normal three-pin XLR plug - the Retro Tube II's connection is in fact seven-pole.
If you appreciate retro design and are looking for a versatile but affordable large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone, the t.bone Retro Tube II is the perfect choice. The possibilities are great due to the different directional characteristics. So the Retro Tube II could be just the right weapon in your microphone collection when a warm tube sound is called for. Retro flair is available here for relatively little money. Purchasing it as a second microphone makes sense, for example, if you need another microphone with a more pronounced character in addition to a conventional large-diaphragm condenser microphone - for example, for a breathy or thin voice.
Due to its strength in giving breathy voices the necessary charisma, the Retro Tube II performs well in ballads or in soul and R'n'B productions. Not all singers will suit this microphone, but the right voice will shine with it. So you could describe it as a microphone for special use, and these are more common than you might think. So it's even nicer when the microphone is not only inexpensive, but also has neat features. For example, it can be used in the omnidirectional position as a room microphone for drum recordings. Acoustic guitars also get more fullness and warmth from the Retro Tube II - if desired. The figure eight can also be used for a duet. As you can see, there are enough examples of use, but they should be chosen carefully. This microphone is unique and wants to be treated as such.