Recording - October 2017 - 58

ADK
TC-49
Valve Microphone
A classic mic flavor in a
very approachable package
REVIEW BY PAUL VNUK JR.

A

DK Microphones is based in Seattle, WA and offer
an impressive array of microphones divided into
two lineups: the Studio Series and the Custom Shop.
The Studio Series is aimed at the entry-level and project-studio
side of the market and is comprised of models like the A-6, Thor,
Odin, MK8 models of the Vienna and Hamburg, plus ADK's
forthcoming Zeus multipattern tube mic. These models are built
overseas, and (with the exception of the $797 Zeus) fall into the
sub-$400 price range.
The Custom Shop features the no-holds-barred Z-MOD tube
mics and solid-state T-FET models. These mics truly define
"globally sourced": they are hand-assembled in Seattle from
ADK-designed capsules, amplifier designs from the USA and
Belgium, USA, Swedish and UK transformers, WIMA capacitors
from Germany, and high-end resistors. As of 2017, all metalwork is done in the USA as well. Truly putting the "custom" in
Custom Shop, Larry Villella and his team at ADK let you alter
each mic with your own choice of transformer, tube, capsule
tuning, and now one of 6000 custom colors. You can also
pick between two (copper or silver) accessory packages.
On average, the Z-MOD mics cost $2500 to $3000, with
the T-FETs coming in at just over $1000 for a basic package
with box and ring mount (add $397 for an accessory package:
tweed case, Rycote shockmount, Accusound cable, etc.). These
are aimed at well-financed project studios, pro rooms and all
the way up the ladder to top-level producers and engineers.
The new Custom TC mic line still technically falls under the
Custom Shop banner with similar styling, looks and nomenclature.
At just under $1000, however, the Custom TC microphones
bridge the gap between the two ends of the ADK spectrum
pricewise. Like the Z-MODs and T-FETs the models in the
Custom TC line more than hint at their familial origin. There
are currently five models to choose from: The TC-251, TC-47,
TC-12, TC-67, and the one on review here, the TC-49.

Visual, internal, external

Each TC sticks to ADK's established vintage color palette
found on the Z-MODs and T-FETs. Here it is in a matte powder
58

RECORDING October 2017

coat finish rather than a gloss enamel. The TC line uses a
brushed metal headbasket just like the T-FETs rather than the
chrome finish on the Z-MODs. The bodies are the same 2.1"
diameter as the Z-MODs, complete with the large mounting
threads, but at 7.25" in height the TC mics are shorter than
the 8.9" Z-MODs.
On the inside, the TC mics use the same ADK "capsule
bank" capsules as all other Custom Shop mics, each one
tuned to evoke its chosen historic model, but there is none
of the further customization found in the Z-MODs. Each TC
mic uses the same hand-selected European 12AX7 Tube, lownoise circuit board components, and custom output transformer.
Each microphone is still hand assembled in the USA, and like
the rest of the Custom Shop mics, these are not off-the-shelf
import models.
ADK has always excelled at complete mic accessory
packages. True to form, the TC mics come in a standard
aluminum briefcase with a TC-200 power supply, both shock
and hard mounts, oxygen-free 7-pin and 30pin mic cables, a
flyswatter-style pop filter, a foam windscreen, a wooden mic
box, and an extra tube.

TC-49

The TC-49 is tuned to pay homage to Neumann's iconic
M49 valve microphone, which was brought to market in
1949. Of all of the famous mics "cloned" in the past few
decades, the M49 is best described as the dark horse,
sonically, popularly and historically. While the U47, U67,
and ELA M251 rule the roost in our vintage memories, the
M49 was a staple in 1950s and 1960s classical recording,
often in 3-mic Decca Tree configurations. It also was responsible
for many classic jazz albums on horns and upright bass; think
Miles Davis' Kind Of Blue. It also found use on many early-1960s
pop vocal sessions before being overtaken by the models
mentioned above.
Compared to Neumann's U47, the
M49 was a fuller and more neutral
mic overall. It's often heard as "bigger
and darker" in today's audio landscape; neutral mics often are, simply
becauses they lack the upper mid and
high-end push found on modern mics.
As such, ADK's TC-49 falls nicely into
this sonic territory; it's big and full,
with a nice rounded top end. Distilled
to one word, I would call it bold.

In use

I used the TC-49 on acoustic guitars,
male and female vocals, percussion,
kick drum, front of kit, and as a mono
drum overhead. In all of the above

PRICE: $997
MORE FROM: ADK Microphones,
www.adkmic.com
http://www.adkmic.com
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