What a cool idea: a microphone housing that has both a ribbon element and a large diaphragm condenser perfectly aligned to eliminate phase issues. It is no secret that I like JZ Microphones, especially their BH-1 Black Hole LDC [Tape Op #71]. I use that mic on just about everything from kick drum to vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, and everything in between. It has a big, bold sound, with lovely clarity and top end. I also utilize ribbon microphones for their ability to smooth cymbals and mellow overly bright or brash sources, such as horns. When I learned about JZ's new MU-1, a collaboration with NYC-based engineer and producer Marc Urselli [#139], I was excited. It is, as described above, a burly rectangular metal microphone body that employs what is essentially a Black Hole condenser mic and a phantom powered ribbon mic side by side. The provided Y-cable splits the single five-pin connector on the mic to two XLRs. Use them individually or use both combined. Having two level-matched capsules side by side eliminates placement and phase alignment issues.
The MU-1’s electrostatic, pressure-gradient condenser mic has a cardioid polar pattern, a claimed frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, a max SPL handling of 134.5 dB (2.5 k ohms, 0.5% THD), S/N ratio of 87.5 dB-A, noise level of 6.5 dB-A, and dynamic range of 128 dB. The ribbon element is a figure-eight, has a claimed frequency response of 35 Hz to 35 kHz, max SPL handling of 125 dB (2.5 k ohms, 0.5% THD), and has a toroidal transformer design. As noted, the mic requires +48V DC phantom power. The MU-1 comes in a large foam-lined wood box with a custom shock mount and the Y-cable.