The Virtual Microphone System

The VMS software runs as an insert plugin in your DAW, available in VST2, VST3, AAX, as well as AU (macOS only). Nicely, it’s backward compatible with previous ML-1 and ML-2 (small diaphragm) mics, and all of your previous mic models will work perfectly with the new ML-1A.

When launching VMS, first select your physical mic (ML-1, ML-2 or ML-1A). Next up is a variable Rumble Filter slider (a 0 to 160 Hz high-pass filter), followed by an Input Trim control.

At the center of the display are thumbnail images of your available virtual microphone collection, which can be searched by mic type or expansion pack. Click on a model to load it into the software. From there, you can fine-tune the mic’s proximity effect and overall character via the Intensity dial.

A cool trick is that the Intensity control goes beyond 100% allowing you to push that model’s inherent characteristics beyond the norm—more U-47 “tube-ness?” Yes, please.

The Proximity slider virtually adjusts the distance of the source from the diaphragm, which can have a great effect on perceived intimacy. Of course, part of the magic here is that these things can be adjusted in the mix after the performance has been captured.

Roll Your Own

Super-cool is Dual mode, which lets you select and interpolate the characteristics of two mics. Take the warmth and body of a classic ribbon and pair it with the top-end shimmer of a premium condenser mic, or tie the mid-range bump of a dynamic mic to the vintage bloom of a tube model.

A slider controls the level of each mic in the blend, and you still get full control of each Intensity along with a single Proximity slider for both mics.

This concept is similar to blending two different microphones on a source in the studio; however, this virtual method is less finicky and comes without phase issues. And, let’s face it, you don’t always have a spare U-47 hanging around to blend with your Melodium 42Bn ribbon mic…

Preamps

For optimal use, you’ll want to record using your cleanest preamp. Saturation and coloration can be introduced later with the virtual Neve 1073 and the Telefunken V76 preamp emulations, included in the package. Both offer input drive and output trim to coax out the sonic mojo they’re known for.

Vive Les Microphones

The ML-1A microphone comes stocked with 8 mic models of classic Neumann, Shure, Sony, AKG and Telefunken mics—the ones that you want. Note that you can add 36 more models with All Access Pass and Complete Access Bundle subscriptions.

Also in the updated VMS is the new Radio France expansion pack loaded with 10 more rare, classic and character microphones pulled from the extensive mic locker of the French national broadcaster, thus equipping your ML-1A with 18 mic models right out of the box.

Notably, you will find the RF-BB6 modeled on a Latvian/American lollipop-type tube mic with a B6 capsule and the
Neumann M-149-inspired RF-149. On the ribbon front, there is the glorious RF-42B, based on the French-designed Melodium microphone. It comes with spoken word (Voix) and music (Musique) voicings.

Dynamic models include the RF-88, based on the beyerdynamic M88, along with a pair of hand-held European-designed microphones used by Radio France for interviews: the RF-21B and the RF-H64.

The condenser options are interesting. The RF-X25 is modeled on the Audix SCX25a, and the RF-Améthyste is based on the JZ Microphones Amethyst.

Dizzying Diversity

If you want more (of course, you do), Slate Digital offers several mic expansion packs with selections from the lockers of famed studios like Strongroom London and Nashville’s Blackbird Studios. There is a pack dedicated to the different Neumann U-87 flavors and an updated Classic Tube mic collection. The last one includes a ribbon mic that has been modified with a tube stage. Basically, you will find a version, sometimes versions, of every single classic, iconic microphone you can name within the collections.

You can buy expansion packs individually or, as mentioned, get them as part of one of the early-mentioned subscription options.

Foundational 

As a mic, the ML-1A is as clean and quiet as the specs suggest, offering a great foundation to layer the models on. You can track through VMS if your DAW supports plugins on the input side at a low-enough latency, but the mic sounds quite good and usable on its own. My preference is to record “dry” and leave the model selection to the arranging and mixing stages.

In Use

I appreciate that the new VMS design stands alone and doesn’t require the Virtual Mix Rack, which can significantly speed up your workflow. However, with access to all the expansion packs, I sometimes got bogged down by the sheer number of mic options, and it was hard to settle on one (or two) at times.

I also like that the Radio France Collection largely steers away from the usual suspects. The RF-BB6 is a big, bold tube mic with a lovely top end. The RF-149 is comparatively muted at the high end but treats mid-frequencies with authority. The RF-X25 is a very detailed microphone that would work on just about anything, and I have long been a fan of the M88.

The standout, for me, is the RF-24B. It provides a quintessential ribbon vibe and performance. Smooth as silk and as big as a house. It’s an obvious contender as a mono drum mic, but I was surprised at how well it worked on an acoustic guitar. On some tracks, I “refined” the sound in Dual mode by blending in a bit of the RF-X25 to bring out a little more high end. Forget I just said that—this may be my new secret sauce for acoustic guitar.

While I can’t claim that the models are completely faithful to their inspiration, I can say that they all sound good to great and, at the very least, conform to each mic’s sonic reputation. You will have no problem matching one of these models to an appropriate source.

Wrap Up

I would recommend the ML-1A to anyone seeking a cost-effective way to expand their microphone collection. The value proposition here is incredibly high. The cost of the ML-1A is a fraction of the cost of just one of the classic mics found here. And for a lot of us, this is as close to those mics as we may ever get.

Price: $499 (Expansion Packs and Subscription Plans Available)

More From: slatedigital.com/ml-1a-modeling-microphone

Reviews