MOJAVE MA-301fetVG

Product overview

The MOJAVE MA-301fetVG is the MA-301fet multi-pattern solid-state condenser microphone in the Vintage Gray finish: three switchable polar patterns, a 15 dB pad and a bass roll-off for today's unpredictable sessions.

The MA-301fet delivers the unmistakable MOJAVE sound with added features for maximum flexibility. Its hand-selected 1-inch, 3-micron, dual-diaphragm gold-sputtered capsule feeds a U.S. made, military-grade, low-noise FET head amplifier and a custom MOJAVE audio output transformer that delivers an isolated, truly balanced 550 Ω output. Whether you are tracking high SPL sources such as kick drums or guitar and bass amps, the MA-301fet adapts quickly and sounds finished straight out of the box. The Vintage Gray finish shows a grey body with a nickel-coloured headgrille and trim ring.

Key features

• Multi-pattern: omni, cardioid and bidirectional (figure-8) on a three-position selector
• Switchable 15 dB pad before the head amplifier for high SPL sources
• Switchable bass roll-off: 6 dB per octave below 100 Hz
• Hand-selected 3-micron 1" capsule, gold sputtered, dual diaphragm
• Custom MOJAVE transformer: 550 Ω, transformer balanced output
• Military-grade FET and custom designed low-noise resistors
• Ultra clean signal path
• 48 V phantom power, 1.2 mA
• Supplied with a shock mount in a rugged carrying case

Three polar patterns on one switch

The three-position selector on the front side of the microphone chooses the pattern. Omnidirectional (left) covers all directions and picks up sound in a 360-degree radius for natural, ambient sound. Cardioid (middle) picks up sound within 120 degrees of the direction the microphone faces, for capturing one source with a minimum of ambience. Figure-8 (right) picks up sound from the front and rear while rejecting sound from the sides.

Pad and bass cut for loud sources

The 15 dB pad reduces the signal before the head amplifier in the microphone, which is very useful for recording high SPL signals: the maximum SPL rises from 120 dB to 135 dB. If you are experiencing distortion, or the preamp gain is all the way down and the signal still overdrives the signal path, engage the pad. The bass cut switch provides 6 dB per octave attenuation below 100 Hz; in its flat setting the response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±3 dB.

FET head amplifier and custom transformer

The solid-state head amplifier uses a U.S. made, military-grade, low-noise FET (field effect transistor) for wide bandwidth and low-noise operation, with custom designed low-noise resistors and an ultra clean signal path. A specially designed, high-quality custom MOJAVE audio output transformer delivers an isolated, truly balanced output signal, minimising the possibility of unwanted noise entering the preamplifier. Every MA-301fet is thoroughly tested and given a 24-hour factory burn-in prior to shipment.

In the box

• MA-301fet microphone (Vintage Gray finish)
• MA-301fet shock mount
• Rugged carrying case

MOJAVE MA-301fetVG: frequently asked questions

Which polar patterns does the MA-301fet offer?

Three: omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8 (bidirectional), selected with the three-position switch on the front side of the microphone.

Does the MA-301fet need phantom power?

Yes. It requires 48 V DC phantom power and draws 1.2 mA.

Can it record loud sources such as kick drums and guitar amps?

Yes. The maximum SPL is 120 dB with the pad off and 135 dB with the 15 dB pad on, with distortion below 1 % at 134 dB SPL and below 3 % at 148 dB SPL when the pad is engaged.

What does VG mean in MA-301fetVG?

MA-301fetVG is the MA-301fet in the Vintage Gray finish. The microphone, its specifications and its accessories are those of the MA-301fet.

Where can I buy the MOJAVE MA-301fetVG in India?

The MOJAVE MA-301fetVG is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Kick drum with the pad engaged

Engineers tracking drums at high sound pressure levels.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the MA-301fet into its shock mount on a secure stand.
2. Connect it with an XLR cable, plugging the connectors in gently and correctly oriented.
3. Switch on 48 V phantom power.
4. Select cardioid and engage the 15 dB pad.
5. Set the preamp gain on the loudest hits and record.

Tip: With the pad on, the maximum SPL is 135 dB.

Workflow 2: Guitar amp

Guitarists and engineers recording electric guitar amps.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone in front of the amp's loudspeaker.
2. Select cardioid to keep the room sound low.
3. Engage the pad if the signal distorts or overdrives the preamp with its gain all the way down.
4. Record and adjust the position to taste.

Tip: If you are experiencing distortion, engaging the pad will likely be the solution.

Workflow 3: Bass amp

Recording bass guitar through an amplifier.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone in front of the bass amp.
2. Leave the bass cut in the 'flat' setting to keep the full low end (20 Hz - 20 kHz, ±3 dB).
3. Use the pad for very loud playing.
4. Set the gain and record.

Tip: Use the bass cut only when you need to reduce low frequencies below 100 Hz.

Workflow 4: Natural room ambience in omni

Capturing a source together with the sound of the room.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the selector to the left position (omnidirectional).
2. Place the microphone at a distance from the source in the room.
3. Set the gain and record.
4. Blend with close microphones if required.

Tip: Omni picks up sound in a 360-degree radius: useful for natural, ambient sound.

Workflow 5: Front and rear pickup in figure-8

Capturing sound from the front and rear of the microphone while rejecting the sides.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the selector to the right position (figure-8).
2. Place the sources in front of and behind the microphone.
3. Turn the sides of the microphone towards sound you want to reject.
4. Set the gain and record.

Tip: Figure-8 picks up the front and rear while rejecting sound from the sides.

Workflow 6: Single close source in cardioid

Capturing one source with a minimum of ambience.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the selector to the middle position (cardioid).
2. Point the front of the microphone at the source.
3. Use the bass cut to reduce low frequencies below 100 Hz if needed.
4. Set the gain and record.

Tip: Cardioid picks up sound within 120 degrees of the direction the microphone faces.