UK microphone manufacturer Sontronics has launched the Aria, a large diaphragm, valve condenser microphone with a fixed cardioid pattern, designed by Sontronics founder Trevor Coley.

Housed inside the Aria’s chromed grille is a 1.07-inch, edge-terminated capsule using a hand-selected European 12AX7/ECC83 tube reminiscent of classic vintage valve mics. The accompanying SPS-2 power supply unit offers pad and filter switches, as well as a tube-ready LED, to indicate when the mic is warmed up ready to record.

Intended specifically for vocal recording, Aria is designed to accommodate male and female voices with its high-frequency roll-off.

Key specs:

The mic comes with a wooden box (mic), SPS-2 power supply, power lead, connecting cable, spider-style shockmount, ring mount and aluminium flightcase, and is priced at £899 (Inc VAT), €899 (plus tax0 or US$1,199.

More: www.sontronics.com