MOJAVE MA-200SN

Product overview

The MOJAVE MA-200SN is the MA-200 large-diaphragm vacuum tube condenser microphone in the Satin Nickel finish: warmth, depth and vintage-style character without the finicky upkeep of a decades-old tube microphone.

Known as the giant slayer, the MA-200 features an open, musical sound that brings out the best in everything from vocals to acoustic instruments and piano. Its capsule and electronics are adapted from mid-1950s design practice and built with modern components: a U.S. made, military-grade, low-noise sub-miniature 5840 vacuum tube and a custom MOJAVE audio output transformer. The Satin Nickel finish shows a satin, champagne-toned nickel body with a red MOJAVE badge.

Key features

• Fixed cardioid polar pattern: easy, effective, classic
• Hand-selected 3-micron, single-sided capsule, 1 inch, gold sputtered
• Military-grade JAN 5840 vacuum tube: warm, full-bodied, with a smooth top end
• Custom MOJAVE output transformer: 200 Ω, transformer balanced
• Dedicated power supply, switchable for 100, 115 or 230 V at 50 or 60 Hz
• Ultra clean signal path
• Supplied with shock mount, 16-foot 5-pin cable and carrying case

Vintage-style tube character, modern reliability

By using modern components, the MA-200 emulates the performance of vintage tube microphones without esoteric, unreliable or hard-to-find parts. The 5840W new-old-stock tube, a pentode wired for triode operation, will deliver excellent performance for many years.

Capsule and transformer

The hand-selected, single-sided, gold-sputtered capsule has a 1-inch, 3-micron diaphragm and a fixed cardioid pattern, with a sensitivity of -37 dB re. 1 V/Pa. A specially designed custom MOJAVE audio output transformer delivers an isolated, truly balanced output, minimising the possibility of unwanted noise entering the preamplifier.

A complete tube microphone system

The sub-miniature tube needs a dedicated power supply and a five-pin cable set, both supplied with a shock mount in one carrying case. Allow about ten minutes of warm-up for optimum performance, and at least thirty minutes before the first use. Every MA-200 is thoroughly tested and given a 24-hour factory burn-in before shipment.

In the box

• MA-200 microphone (Satin Nickel finish) in its presentation case
• AC-operated microphone power supply
• 16-foot microphone cable with 5-pin male and female connectors
• MA-200 shock mount
• AC power cable for the power supply
• Carrying case for all the above items

MOJAVE MA-200SN: frequently asked questions

Does the MA-200 need phantom power?

No. It runs from its own dedicated power supply. In a multi-microphone setup, phantom power may be applied to its channel without ill effect, provided the standard 3-pin cables are wired properly.

Which mains voltages does the supply accept?

It is shipped set for the country of sale and can be switched to 100, 115 or 230 V at 50 or 60 Hz; use a 500 mA fuse for 100-120 V and 250 mA for 230 V.

How long should it warm up?

About ten minutes for optimum performance, and at least thirty minutes on its supply before the first use to drive out any residual moisture.

What does SN mean in MA-200SN?

MA-200SN is the MA-200 in the Satin Nickel finish. The microphone, its specifications and its accessories are those of the MA-200.

Where can I buy the MOJAVE MA-200SN in India?

The MOJAVE MA-200SN is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Lead vocals

Singers who want warmth, depth and vintage-style tube character.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the microphone into its shock mount on a secure stand.
2. Connect the 5-pin cable before switching the supply on.
3. Switch on and allow about ten minutes of warm-up.
4. Set the preamp gain and record.

Tip: Never hot-plug a tube microphone into an energised supply.

Workflow 2: Acoustic guitar

Recording acoustic guitar with an open, musical sound.

Connections

Setup

1. Point the microphone at the instrument.
2. Adjust the distance for body and detail.
3. Set the gain.
4. Record.

Tip: The fixed cardioid pattern focuses on the instrument in front.

Workflow 3: Piano

Capturing piano with warmth and depth.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone at the piano.
2. Check the sound from the listening position.
3. Set the gain for the loudest passages.
4. Record.

Tip: MOJAVE names piano among the sources where the MA-200 excels.

Workflow 4: Acoustic instruments

Strings, woodwinds and other acoustic sources.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone in front of the instrument.
2. Allow the tube to warm up.
3. Set the gain.
4. Record.

Tip: Allow about ten minutes of warm-up for optimum performance.

Workflow 5: First use and setup

Setting up a new MA-200 system.

Connections

Setup

1. Check that the supply is set for your mains voltage and fitted with the right fuse.
2. Connect the microphone with the 5-pin cable.
3. Switch on and let it warm up for at least thirty minutes.
4. Register the microphone at mojaveaudio.com.

Tip: The first long warm-up drives out moisture from shipping or storage.

Workflow 6: Multi-microphone session

Using the MA-200 alongside phantom-powered microphones.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the supply output with a properly wired 3-pin cable.
2. Phantom power on the channel does no harm.
3. Set the gain.
4. Record.

Tip: Keep all cables away from foot traffic.