Gearslutz.com - View Single Post - A nice tube mic that won't break the bank

Pohaku · 24th September 2005

Actually, the older GT tubes mics -- MD1, MD2 and MD3 (and the updated "a" series of the same mics) are great mics if you can find them. They predate the Alesis debacle and are well made. Typically come with their own power supply and an industrial shock mount. and pop screen. You can change out the tube to NOS in these if you want, unlike the current GT mics where the tube is a mil spec miniature tube soldered in place. The MD1 is phenomenal on cabs and the MD3 is a great vocal mic. I believe the diaphragm on the MD3 (and maybe the MD2) is a Josephson design. Generally go for @$400-800 used depending on model.

The other GT tube mic that I like alot is the AM-40/GT-44 (same mic, different cosmetics and distributors). A MD end address mic that is wonderful on acoustic instruments (or at least that's how I use it). These are really reasonable @$250 or so on e-bay if you missed the GC $200 blowout last fall.

The so-called MD1b reissue is definitely not the same mic although the cosmetics are close. I bought one to check it out and the interior looked a lot like the GT66 (same kind of soldered in mil spec tube) and wasn't of the same high level of construction as the original which is built like a tank. I returned it.

24th September 2005	#8
Pohaku Lives for gear Joined: Apr 2003 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 1,036	Actually, the older GT tubes mics -- MD1, MD2 and MD3 (and the updated "a" series of the same mics) are great mics if you can find them. They predate the Alesis debacle and are well made. Typically come with their own power supply and an industrial shock mount. and pop screen. You can change out the tube to NOS in these if you want, unlike the current GT mics where the tube is a mil spec miniature tube soldered in place. The MD1 is phenomenal on cabs and the MD3 is a great vocal mic. I believe the diaphragm on the MD3 (and maybe the MD2) is a Josephson design. Generally go for @$400-800 used depending on model. The other GT tube mic that I like alot is the AM-40/GT-44 (same mic, different cosmetics and distributors). A MD end address mic that is wonderful on acoustic instruments (or at least that's how I use it). These are really reasonable @$250 or so on e-bay if you missed the GC $200 blowout last fall. The so-called MD1b reissue is definitely not the same mic although the cosmetics are close. I bought one to check it out and the interior looked a lot like the GT66 (same kind of soldered in mil spec tube) and wasn't of the same high level of construction as the original which is built like a tank. I returned it. __________________ Yeah I'm an attorney, but everyone needs a day job.