MOJAVE MA-37

Product overview

The MOJAVE MA-37 is a large-diaphragm vacuum tube condenser microphone with an EF86 tube and a mechanical cardioid / omni shutter: legacy tube sound, reborn for today's sessions.

The MA-37 is a modern thoroughbred that performs without having to be babied like a museum piece. It delivers the headroom-rich tone beloved in the golden age of Hollywood recording, combined with the rock-solid reliability that today's sessions demand: the connoisseur's microphone, built for professionals who know what they want. A faithfully reproduced classic-style capsule, handmade in California, a hand-picked EF86 tube and a custom wound output transformer give a consistent, reliable build. It comes in the Vintage Gray finish: a grey, perforated lower body with a nickel-coloured headgrille, yoke mount and red MOJAVE badge.

Key features

• Handmade large-diaphragm capsule, made in California: 1 inch, 6 microns, single membrane
• Hand-picked EF86 vacuum tube
• Custom wound audio output transformer: isolated, truly balanced, 170 Ω floating
• Cardioid or omni, and blends between them, via the adjustable backplate on the rear of the capsule
• High-pass filter on the power supply: M (flat), V1 and V2
• Compact, easy-to-position design
• Dedicated power supply and 20-foot premium 5-pin cable included

A mechanical pattern shutter

The MA-37 chooses between cardioid and omnidirectional with an adjustable, tuned acoustic chamber at the rear of the capsule. To change from cardioid (C) to omni (O), insert a small flat-head screwdriver into the slot and turn it clockwise by about 90 degrees; it is perfectly acceptable to stop anywhere between C and O to tailor the pickup.

EF86 tube and custom transformer

The hand-picked, premium-grade EF86 tube gives the classic sonic character in a more consistent and reliable build and will deliver excellent performance for many years. A specially designed, custom wound audio output transformer delivers an isolated, truly balanced output, minimising the possibility of unwanted noise entering the preamplifier.

Bass cut on the power supply

As the MA-37 has an extended low-frequency response, the three-position bass cut on the power supply helps clean up the bottom end: M is flat, V1 is -6 dB at 50 Hz and V2 is -6 dB at 100 Hz. V1 suits instruments such as acoustic guitar, V2 tambourine or shaker, and either can be useful on vocals depending on the voice.

In the box

• MA-37 microphone (Vintage Gray) in its presentation carrying case
• AC-operated microphone power supply
• 20-foot premium microphone cable with 5-pin male and female connectors
• AC power cable for the power supply (moulded IEC type with plug)
• Rugged carrying case for all the above items

MOJAVE MA-37: frequently asked questions

How do I change the pattern?

With a small flat-head screwdriver in the slot at the rear of the capsule: turn about 90 degrees clockwise from cardioid (C) to omni (O), or stop anywhere in between.

Where is the bass cut?

On the front panel of the power supply: M (flat), V1 (-6 dB at 50 Hz) and V2 (-6 dB at 100 Hz).

Does it need phantom power?

No. It runs from its dedicated power supply (115 or 230 V AC, 5 W); phantom power on the connected channel does no harm if the 3-pin cables are wired properly.

Can I replace the tube myself?

The EF86 tube is the only user-serviceable part; MOJAVE support provides tube replacement instructions.

Where can I buy the MOJAVE MA-37 in India?

The MOJAVE MA-37 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Vocals

Singers who want a headroom-rich tube tone.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the 5-pin cable and the output before switching the supply on.
2. Allow about ten minutes of warm-up.
3. Set the pattern to cardioid.
4. Choose V1 or V2 on the bass cut to suit the voice.

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

Workflow 2: Guitar amps

Recording electric guitar amplifiers.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone in front of the speaker.
2. Use cardioid.
3. Set the gain on the loudest parts.
4. Record.

Tip: The maximum SPL is above 135 dB.

Workflow 3: Acoustic guitar

Recording acoustic guitar with a clean bottom end.

Connections

Setup

1. Point the microphone at the guitar.
2. Set the bass cut to V1.
3. Set the gain.
4. Record.

Tip: MOJAVE suggests V1 for instruments such as acoustic guitar.

Workflow 4: Tambourine and shaker

Recording small percussion.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone in front of the player.
2. Set the bass cut to V2.
3. Set the gain.
4. Record.

Tip: V2 is useful for instruments such as tambourine or shaker.

Workflow 5: Room sound in omni

Capturing a source with the room.

Connections

Setup

1. Turn the shutter about 90 degrees clockwise to O.
2. Place the microphone in the room.
3. Set the gain.
4. Record.

Tip: Stop between C and O to tailor the pickup.

Workflow 6: First use and setup

Setting up a new MA-37 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. Keep the system in its carrying case after use.

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