Brauner Valvet X

[videoteque]

Nice!!!

[Glenn Bucci]

It will match my Phantom AE. The Valvet X will have a similar character to the VMX so it won't be the nice clean open sound of the Valvet, but more of a lower mid character and a little less top end. Sort of like a Phanthera tube version.

[creative.control]

Very nice. I love my Phantom C Anniversary, this could be another lovely addition to my mic collection, hopefully it'll be at a knock down price too!

[tobymusic]

I'm hoping for a good price, too. And i really like the black finish.

Actually, the service of Brauner microphones is the best customer service I've ever come across in this industry (in Germany at least)!

Toby

[Nantho]

The price is about €2099, as found here.

[World Studios]

Originally Posted by Nantho

The price is about €2099, as found here.

There is no mention of it beeing a VMX-styled mic, though. Same info is on Brauners home page. No real clue as to how it will sound...

[TheSweetener]

I talked to Dirk Brauner and he told me the new Valvet X is what the Phantera is to the Phantom and what the VMX is to the VM1.
So it's a little more vintage sounding compared to the stock Valvet.

[LeMauce]

Originally Posted by TheSweetener

I talked to Dirk Brauner and he told me the new Valvet X is what the Phantera is to the Phantom and what the VMX is to the VM1.
So it's a little more vintage sounding compared to the stock Valvet.

And there its goes my november budget to buy new gear.
Hell I have to test this mic in Paris this month.
Looks slick also.

[Michael B]

Hello,

"I talked to Dirk Brauner and he told me the new Valvet X is what the Phantera is to the Phantom and what the VMX is to the VM1.
So it's a little more vintage sounding compared to the stock Valvet."

Like the "Phanthera" as the brother of the Phantom with a more vintage like sound, the Valvet-X goes the same way compared to the Valvet. The X has no Phase switch and is only acoustical cardioid which offers additional 3 db in noise to signal ratio. The first test in german magazine Professional Audio had a result of 85.4 dB/a. I mean, thats good
If you have further questions, let me know.

Regs

Michael Bönninghoff

[buzzjoe]

Got my Valvet X a few weeks ago (from Thomann, "B-stock" but in perfect condition for 1555 €). I love this mic! Very low noise (I think it's the worlds quietest tube mic, under 9 db A), very detailed, natural and rich sound. It doesn't provide any apperent additional high end boost (like many other condenser mics do) so it's more appropriate for close micing (but sounds good from a distant too).

It replaced the Gefell M930 as my main vocal mic. The Gefell is a great mic but the Valvet X is sounds much more natural, rich and intimate.

Now I am looking for the "perfect" vocal chain (mostly femal vocals, pop, jazz, folk, alternative, world music...).

So to all other Valvet X users: Which preamp do you prefer for vocals with this mic? So far I tried: Forsell SMP-2, LA610, A-desings MP2A and BAE 1272. Out of them I liked the Forsell best, followed by the LA610 and the MP2A the least. Suggestions are wellcome!

Btw: for acoustic string instruments I love the Valvet X as well...

Oliver

[lovesong777]

What mic pre is best? I would like to know.

[1970Jumpy]

I have 2 AKG 414 TLII.
Do you think the Valvet X is a approvement to the AKG?
Also i can buy a used Brauner Phantom - Anniversary Edition.
What is the difference between Valvet X and the Phantom?

Thanks

[Earcatcher]

Originally Posted by 1970Jumpy

I have 2 AKG 414 TLII.
Do you think the Valvet X is a approvement to the AKG?
Also i can buy a used Brauner Phantom - Anniversary Edition.
What is the difference between Valvet X and the Phantom?

Valvet X is a completely different beast than 414 TLII. Much more upfront, with very detailed and smooth highs and full and warm lows. Also its selfnoise is scarily low, which gives you a kind of realism that you do not expect from any microphone.

Valvet X compared to Phantom = warm smooth detailed character (has a tube) vs neutral ultra detailed (is fully solid state). Phantom is probably more versatile, more useful for instrument tracking, has multi patterns. Valvet X is a killer on voices. So it all depends on what you need. As usual.