the t.bone Retro Tube II

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Professional Large Diaphragm Tube Microphone

Retro bottle design housing and modern elastic suspension
35 mm Dual diaphragm
Tube preamp
Nine selectable polar patterns incl.: Omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8
Switchable high-pass filter
Switchable 10 dB pad
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 3.6 mV / Pa @ 1000 Hz (cardioid)
Impedance: 75 Ohm
Equivalent noise level: 16.3 dB (A-weighted)
SPL: 150dB
Incl. power supply and 7-pin XLR connector cable (10 m), case, wooden microphone box , shock mount and cable

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3-Year Thomann Warranty

Available since June 2009

Item number 225039

Sales Unit 1 piece(s)

Tube Yes

Switchable Polar Pattern Yes

Omnidirectional Yes

Cardioid Yes

Figure-8 Yes

Low Cut No

Pad Yes

shockmount included Yes

USB Microphone No

2.866 kr

Including VAT; Excluding kr200 shipping

115

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Affordable tube microphone

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.

Would you like a little more colour?

...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.

Give me retro flair

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.

The specialist on a budget

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.

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68 Reviews

Heavyweight mic lightweaight price

Audiobob 24.09.2021

The retro tube 2 is my second T.Bone tube condenser mic,
My first introduction was a used sct800 I picked up at a bargain price not expecting much,
I was pleasantly surprised, it is less bright than my grey Rode NT1 & warmer than my black NT1,

The SCT800 got me interested in the other bargain mics from T.Bone,
after listening to tests I chose the RetroTube2,

You get a lot of mic for your money, 35mm capsule housed in a HEAVYWEIGHT body heavier than the specs claim, 1400g+,
Retro Tube2 is VERY solidly built, likewise the shock mount,

Retro Tube2 needs a sturdy support but I love the quality feel its heft imparts,

after 3 days buring in I made some comparisons with my other mics,

Retro Tube2 is not harsh or sibilant like many bargain condenser mics even with the stock china 12at7,
The sound could be described as Retro, its warm with detail & plenty of bottom end, more open than the sct800 due to an extended upper frequency response but not harsh,

I am very happy with the Retro Tube2.

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Dr. MJ 03.07.2019

First thing what I did was smashing with hammer that china tube inside and replacing it with Tesla-JJ gold pinned ECC81. Then magic happened. I will use this mic until the end of the music. For this money, works well on everything when you have good human ears and knowledge.

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Does what it need to do for me.

kiphetmeestveelzijdige 19.01.2021

Replaced the tube and now its a wonderful mic to capture vocals but my main use for it is kick out in my own recording space. nice and warm low ends with smooth enough highs to make it work for me. The T.bone range of products as said so many times sounds way bigger & better than the price makes you think. Also a good brand for us diy cats.

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Microphone with a big message

Asja 04.09.2023

Sometime I'm roaming YouTube and listening to vid's and always think yeah but............. Is it real. I have a small recording studio for my own projects and sometimes invite other people to record. Always I had issues with microphones and not the cheapest ones........ I won't say names...... And then I heard somebody working with the t.bone retro tube II and I had something like.........have to read about it........... I can remember that I found a story from a American studio owner who said........changed the tube to a Goldpin tube and I don't use anything else anymore.....It has to do with taste he said......don't change it's good but bring in JJ or TAD or Tung-Sol or Sovtek when your taste is different. I did the same and wow...........this mic blows me away......I have four now and was testing with different tubes. Acoustic guitar and vocals it doesn't matter.......it does sound great...... and let's be real the price is amazing and also from the parts. No they're not noisy at all..........

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the t.bone Retro Tube II

Professional Large Diaphragm Tube Microphone