Studio Projects microphones prove that you don't have to spend a fortune to obtain top performance. Their mics fall into two broad families, the 'B' and 'C' series, with the 'C' series offering higher specifications that meet the most demanding professional requirements, while the 'B' series provides remarkable performance at an equally remarkable price.

The C3 employs a truly large 1.35" capsule with dual 6µm-thick 1.06" mylar diaphragms. This 48V phantom-powered mic provides multiple patterns, selectable between omni, cardioid and figure-8. Also included is a -10dB pad and a high pass filter (6dB/octave, 150Hz) that effectively attenuates rumble and bass leakage. Levels of up to 146dB SPL can be handled. 'A'-weighted noise is just 18dB, and the S/N ratio is conservatively spec'd at 77dB. A gold-plated XLR connector is integral to the base, and a discrete FET output circuit is symmetrically balanced.

The C1 (this product) offers the same features in a a single-diaphragm configuration that is cardioid pattern only. Both mics come complete with shock-mounted elastic suspension, a foam windscreen and hardshell foam-lined protective case

The B3 is as breakthrough product, offering multiple patterns and exceptional performance at a list price of just $199.99! Dual one-inch 3µm diaphragms provide omni, cardioid and figure-8 patterns, and the mic now arrives with zippered bag, elastic shockmounted suspension, foam windscreen and mic clip, and both a -10dB pad and high pass filter are built in. It can handle up to 142dB SPL, and S/N is an excellent 80dB.

For similar performance in a single-pattern mic, go for the B1.

If tubes are your thing, Studio Projects understands. The TB1 incorporates hand-selected tubes with the same one-inch diaphragm used in the B1. A transformer output is driven by a 6072 Dual Triode tube, for remarkable warmth. Included are a clip, power supply, interface cable and an aluminum foam-lined carrying case. Here's your chance for high-performance tube characteristics at an utterly affordable price.

Need more patterns? The T3 incorporates the dual-diaphragm 1.35" capsule from the C3 in a variable-pattern tube mic. Choose from omni, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid and figure-8. Low-noise vacuum-tube circuitry drives a transformer output. The T3 comes with shock mount, aluminum foam-lined case, foam windscreen, and power supply with interface cable. An insanely good deal!

Studio Projects thinks you should check out LSD — not the drug, but the LSD-2 Large Stereo Diaphragm condenser mic. It consists of two dual-membrane solid state mics (basically two of the C3's mentioned above,) in an assembly that allows the upper capsule to rotate up to 270° relative to the lower capsule. Polar response, -10dB pad and high pass filtering are separately adjustable for each capsule. This facilitates numerous stereo miking techniques, including X/Y, Mid/Sides and Stereosonic (Blumlein) technique. It's also a fantastic mic to use as a drum overhead or for picking up a grand piano or vocal chorus in all its glory. It comes packaged with shock mount adapter, foam filter, dedicated cable, and foam-lined hard case. All this at a fraction of what you'd pay for any other comparable stereo microphone! Sugg. list just $999.99 — see our low sale price!