Avantone CK-7+

A "Big Boy" of the Cabernet Series: Avantone's Approach to the Large FET-LDC Microphone

Within the Cabernet family (Series C), the Avantone CK-7 establishes itself as the modern classic of the large diaphragm FET condenser microphone: a "studio" format designed to cover a wide variety of sources while maintaining a solid and flattering sonic identity. Avantone relies here on a proven transformer-coupled circuit, evolving it with a particularly sensitive 34 mm capsule (6-micron diaphragm). The goal is clear: to offer an extended and balanced frequency response with a high-end sound, avoiding the harsh or "bright" highs sometimes found on more budget LDCs.
Another notable feature of this generation is the integration of exclusive metallized capacitors of the "edge terminated, dual backplate" type with a "custom" style, designed to enhance precision and coherence in capture, especially on transients and dynamic nuances.

A Versatile Studio Microphone for Vocals, Acoustic Instruments, and Ambience Capture

The CK-7 is tailored for demanding home studios as well as production studios: lead vocals, backing vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, strings, drum overheads, room mics, distant guitar amp capture, and ambience recording. Its frequency response from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz supports full fundamental reproduction, while its highs remain detailed and clean, facilitating EQ during mixing.
Thanks to the 3-position polar pattern selector, you can instantly adapt the capture: cardioid to isolate a vocal, omnidirectional for a more open and natural image, figure-8 for face-to-face duos, mid-side techniques, or creatively exploiting the proximity effect. This is a real asset for optimizing color, depth, and room management without changing microphones.

Studio Features: Level Control, Low-End Management, and Mechanical Isolation

-10 dB Pad: Handling Loud Sources Without Distortion

With a maximum SPL of 139 dB and a switchable -10 dB pad, the CK-7 remains comfortable on high sound pressure sources. The pad is particularly useful for securing the gain structure and avoiding distortion on percussive takes, close brass instruments, or certain drum setups, while preserving usable dynamics.

80 Hz High-Pass Filter: Cleaning the Low End Without Altering the Capture

The 80 Hz high-pass filter (6 dB per octave slope) effectively reduces footstep noise, mic stand vibrations, proximity hum, or excessive sub-bass on very close vocals. The result is a cleaner track right from recording, which fits more easily into a modern mix with less heavy EQ correction.

A Chassis Built to Last, and an Ultra-Efficient Vintage-Style Shock Mount

The Cabernet series is known for its robustness, and the CK-7 is a demonstration of this: milled solid brass body, woven steel grille, and no fragile plastic parts. Additionally, the supplied custom 16-point shock mount provides excellent isolation against vibrations and low-frequency resonances, securing your takes in real conditions (mic stand, floor, proximity to bass sources).

Technical specifications

Frequency response - start	20 Hz	Capsule	Large Diaphragm
Frequency response - end	20 kHz	Connection	XLR
Category	studio microphone	Color	Red
Directivity	omnidirectional, cardioid, bidirectional

Frequency response	20 Hz to 20,000 Hz +/-3 dB	High-pass filter switch	80 Hz, 6 dB per octave
Max SPL	139 dB	Dimensions	51 x 187 mm
Switchable attenuation pad	-10 dB