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ADK Z² 47 is round, full-bodied, and significantly tames raspy or sibilant sources. As a homage to the classic U47 microphone, used on countless albums over the last 65 years, the Z² 47 characterizes the tone of the K-7 capsule. In contrast, its brother Mic the Z² 49, which depicts an M-7 capsule. The Z² 47 is known for its smooth top end and emphasis on chest tones. Our golden-eared experts chose the Sowter transformer to pair with this capsule.
We lined Randy Travis in front of our four Vintage Flavors. He pointed to the Z² 47 and said, "That's a Man's Microphone!"
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!
ADK Custom Shop Z² 47: The Z² 47 has a mellow yet, historically "Later" K-7 response curve. Smooth but with attitude. More natural, but with less pushed presence and a more natural top. Rich lows that remain tight. The Z-47 has a more neutral mid-range, a slight boost in the upper mids, and overall the flattest response.
• "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.
