SLATE DIGITAL VMS ML-1A

Product overview

The SLATE DIGITAL VMS ML-1A is a large-diaphragm condenser modeling microphone. With the Virtual Microphone System plug-in it gives instant access to models of classic tube, condenser and ribbon microphones, with mic morphing, mono-in stereo-out, tone control after recording and virtual preamps.

Paired with the Virtual Microphone System (VMS) plug-in, the ML-1A lets you switch between rich tube warmth and modern condenser sparkle at the click of a mouse, with no multiple microphones or intricate set-ups. The hardware is built for it: a 1-inch cardioid condenser capsule, an ultra-low 8 dB (A) self-noise, a three-position pad for up to 145 dB SPL, and an updated design with a new grille shape and cool blue accents.

Key features

• Large-diaphragm condenser capsule, 1" (25.4 mm), cardioid
• Virtual Microphone System plug-in: models of 38 classic tube, condenser and ribbon microphones
• Mic morphing: blend two mic models into a new hybrid sound
• Mono in, stereo out: spread a mono source into a stereo field, fully mono compatible
• Total tone control: proximity effect, colouration and intensity even after recording
• Analog warmth from selectable virtual preamps
• Three-position pad: 0, -10 and -20 dB for up to 145 dB SPL
• Ultra-low self-noise of 8 dB (A); 86 dB (A) signal-to-noise ratio
• Perpetual VMS plug-in licence and expansion pack licence included
• Shockmount and carrying case included

The Virtual Microphone System

The VMS plug-in brings a collection of mic models, from vintage classics to modern studio staples, into one system with a visual browser, smart tagging and filtering. Dedicated ML-1A versions of the models account for the microphone's own frequency response: choose the ML-1A as the mic source in the plug-in. Blend two models with mic morphing, spread mono vocals into a stereo image, adjust proximity, rumble filter and width, and add saturation with virtual preamps, from tracking to mixdown.

Expanded headroom, ultra-low noise

A three-position pad switch with 0 dB, -10 dB and -20 dB settings lets the ML-1A handle up to 145 dB SPL for clean recordings of loud sources, while its 8 dB (A) self-noise captures every nuance of quiet ones, in the studio or on location.

New look, built for pros

The ML-1A has an updated design with a sleek new colour and an attractive grille shape. Built to the standards of world-class studios yet accessible to all, it is made to capture the right sound wherever and whatever you are recording: vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, wind instruments and more.

In the box

• ML-1A modeling microphone
• Shockmount
• Carrying case
• Redemption postcard with the voucher code for the software licence

SLATE DIGITAL VMS ML-1A: frequently asked questions

What software comes with the ML-1A?

A perpetual licence of the SLATE DIGITAL Virtual Microphone System plug-in and the latest expansion pack licence, redeemed with the voucher code on the postcard in the box.

Does the ML-1A need phantom power?

Yes, it needs 48 V phantom power from your preamp or interface and connects with a standard XLR cable.

Can it record loud sources?

Yes. The three-position pad (0, -10, -20 dB) lets it handle up to 145 dB SPL.

Is it compatible with earlier VMS mic models?

Yes, the ML-1A is fully compatible with the mic models of previous VMS expansions; dedicated ML-1A versions account for its frequency response.

Where can I buy the SLATE DIGITAL VMS ML-1A in India?

The SLATE DIGITAL VMS ML-1A is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Lead vocal with a choice of mic models

Singers and producers who want many classic mic sounds from one take.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the ML-1A in its shockmount.
2. Set the pad for the singer's level.
3. Insert the VMS plug-in and select ML-1A as the source.
4. Audition mic models and a virtual preamp, then record.

Tip: Proximity and colour can still be changed after recording.

Workflow 2: Wide background vocals

Stacking harmonies and layers.

Connections

Setup

1. Record each layer in mono.
2. Use Mono in, stereo out on the layers.
3. Set the width control.
4. Check the mix in mono.

Tip: The stereo spread stays fully mono compatible.

Workflow 3: Acoustic guitar

Recording acoustic instruments with one microphone.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the ML-1A on a stand with the shockmount.
2. Choose the pad setting.
3. Select a mic model in VMS.
4. Use the rumble filter and proximity control after the take.

Tip: Blend two models with mic morphing for a hybrid tone.

Workflow 4: Grand piano

Studios recording piano.

Connections

Setup

1. Position the microphones over the strings on boom stands.
2. Set the pads to 0 dB or -10 dB.
3. Choose the mic models in VMS.
4. Set the stereo width.

Tip: The low 8 dB (A) self-noise keeps quiet passages clean.

Workflow 5: Loud sources

Close miking of loud instruments.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the pad to -10 dB or -20 dB.
2. Set the preamp gain.
3. Select a mic model.
4. Record.

Tip: With the pad the ML-1A handles up to 145 dB SPL.

Workflow 6: Voice-over and podcasts

Spoken-word recording at home or in the studio.

Connections

Setup

1. Use the shockmount.
2. Set the pad to 0 dB.
3. Pick a mic model and adjust proximity.
4. Add a virtual preamp for warmth.

Tip: Modern interfaces with clean, neutral preamps are a great match.