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New Version Incorporates some Joe Barresi Design-Ideas.
The ADK Z² 251 is one of the most flattering female vocal mics of all time (that male vocalists often like, too), a homage to the legendary 251 microphone. The original 251 has sold for up to $30,000. Known for its amazingly sweet top end, the Z² 251 has less presence yet more air than the Z² 12 or Z² 67. With all the 251 clones in today's market, this is the one that wins almost every shoot-out - even against vintage models. From London to LA, Nashville to NY, Z² rule.! Our golden-ear experts all chose the American Jensen transformer to perfectly complement our only 3-micron capsule.
ADK'S TOP-OF-THE-LINE CUSTOM MICROPHONE. AMERICAN-BUILT ADK Z² CUSTOM MICS.
The ADK Z² tube microphones are Class A (Discrete) 9 Polar-Pattern Tube (Valve) condenser microphones hand-built as "one-offs" using a custom Belgium-designed PC Board built with Hi-Fi methods and materials, using a "no-corners-cut" approach. Each microphone features a hand-selected valve and top-of-the-line components (like a British Sowter Transformer) with ADK-designed capsules from the Custom Shop "Capsule-Bank."
Founded on Ray Charles's Favorite ADK's Area 51 TT chassis, this is a customized product that can be custom-built "one-off" for each client based on one's preference for historical, vintage curves, and microphone response characteristics. So, we can do that if you want a specific tone color for your capsule choice!
• "Z-Power"® Universal
Continuously-Variable Valve/Tube
Microphone Power Supply
• Accu-Sound SILVER 7 Pin
• Accu-Sound SILVER 3 Pin
• Hakan Pop Filter from Sweden with
Goose-Neck and Clamp
• Rycote Shock Mount
• Shock Mount
• Ring Mount
• Tube sampler kit
• Deluxe Tweed Flight Case
• American Hardwood Jewel Box
The Z² Silver Edition Suite gives you the best of all possible accessory suites. If everything in the signal-chain matters, Accu-Sound Silver Pro is audibly better than any wire we've ever tried. Silver Edition is the chef's table multi-course delight with Rycote, Hakan, and N/O stock tubes to complement the Z²® and Z-Power®, protected in a luxurious deluxe HD tweed case. Looks as great as it sounds.
The same quality Z² microphone in an American Hardwood Jewel Box, but with the option to purchase the accessories separately. How we Selected Optimal Transformers for each of the Z²
It took our design team five years to put the "DNA" of each classic valve mic into the capsule tonality. Then, we took another two years of beta-testing transformer combinations for each of the five capsules. Finally, we enlisted the help of the most respected 'bat-ears' in the recording industry, including the late great Mike Shipley, Chuck Ainlay, Ronny Brookshire, etc. We ended up selecting an American, a Swedish, an English, and a German transformer builder.
Jensen USA Transformer: The Jensen adds a bit of a "smiley face" character to the microphone's response. Translated, that means a lifted top and bottom. It's like having a built-in sweetening curve on top of the capsule's response. Our Golden-Ear Engineers all preferred the Jensen in the Z² 251.
Lundahl Transformer: Lundahl transformers are known for their flat-frequency response. Nothing hyped here. Our beta-testers again agreed that Z² 67 and Z² 49 were best when paired with the Lundahl. The Lundahl keeps the top smooth, and the mid-range perception increases. The lows stay well-behaved – not bloomy. But indeed not a boring choice of transformer! Lundahl is a true hi-fi transformer.
Sowter Transformer: Just something "magical" happens with the Sowter. Our testers all preferred the Sowter Transformer in Z² 12 and Z² 47. The mid-range comes alive in a memorable fashion.
Lehle Transformer: The Lehle is a custom transformer with what is considered the most audiophile characteristics of all our transformer options. The Lehle, when combined with the ADK 251 capsule, adds even more sheen, creating a modern sound that closely emulates the rising top-end of a more modern "800" Series Mic.
