Avantone CR14

An "Old School" Ribbon Modernized in the Spirit of the Cabernet Series

Ribbon microphones are valued for their organic texture and ability to smooth aggressive sources, but their traditional design remains delicate. The Avantone CR-14 follows this sonic philosophy while benefiting from a more reassuring manufacturing approach: solid chassis, durable grille, and meticulous finishes typical of the Cabernet Series. The idea is simple: preserve the authentic character of the ribbon while offering a mic designed for regular studio use, where the focus is on recording rather than constantly protecting the transducer.

Within the range, the CR-14 stands out with its double ribbon design, created to increase the ease of sound capture, with a more tolerant pickup area on both sides of the figure-eight pattern. The result: a ribbon mic with more predictable behavior during placement, particularly useful when running back-to-back sessions and setup changes.

What Sound Sources Is the Avantone CR-14 Made For?

The CR-14 is an excellent choice if you are looking for a studio microphone capable of adding body without artificially boosting the low end, and revealing details without harshness in the upper spectrum. On a vocal, it provides a soft presence and a "true" grain, very useful for taming sibilance or rounding off a take that is a bit too bright. On a guitar cabinet or bass, it helps capture impact and body while avoiding the harshness sometimes caused by microphones with overly pronounced highs.

Thanks to its figure-eight polar pattern, it also works very well as drum overheads (depending on the room and style) or as a room mic to capture a wide and coherent image. And since it is a passive ribbon, you benefit from a simple recording chain without onboard electronics: a direct sonic aesthetic, with a sound that mainly depends on placement and preamp.

Studio-Oriented Features: Double Ribbon, Figure-Eight Pattern, and High SPL Handling

Double Ribbon: Larger Sweet Spot, Faster Placement

The CR-14's double ribbon "diaphragm" aims to provide a wider and more usable pickup area. Practically, this makes placement easier when alternating between front and rear captures or when quickly seeking balance between attack, body, and ambiance. This extra tolerance can save valuable time during sessions, especially on dynamic sources (guitar amp, drum room) where a few centimeters make all the difference.

Figure-Eight Pattern: Ambiance Control and Stereo Techniques

The figure-eight polar pattern picks up sound from the front and back while effectively rejecting the sides. This is an asset for isolating a source in a lively room, controlling unwanted reflections, or exploiting creative recording techniques. In the studio, this pattern is also appreciated for its ability to shape depth: closer for intimacy; farther for spaciousness, without losing timbral coherence.

Passive Ribbon: Recording Without Unnecessary Electronics

Being fully passive, the CR-14 does not include internal amplification. This preserves the classic ribbon microphone approach: no dedicated power supply, no active circuitry coloring the signal, and a response that favors musicality and naturalness. On powerful sources, its high SPL capability helps handle high levels without losing the desired character.

Technical specifications