Slate Digital ML-1A
Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -32.5 dB
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 86 dB
- Pad: 0, -10 and -20 dB
- Max. sound pressure level: 145 dB / -20 dB (with pad)
- Mic model morphing between two microphone models
- Proximity control for authentic boost of low frequencies when positioned closer
- Mono-to-stereo widening
- Includes Virtual Microphone System, Classic Tubes 1 + 2, Virtual Preamp Collection and Radio France Signature Mic Pack (format: AAX, AU, VST2, VST3)
- Operating system requirements: MacOS 11 and later, Windows 10 and later
- Dimensions (H x D): 200 x 50 mm
- Weight: 0.45 kg
- Shock mount and bag included
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Available since May 2025
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Item number 617602
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Tube No
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Switchable Polar Pattern No
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Omnidirectional No
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Cardioid Yes
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Figure-8 No
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Low Cut No
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Pad No
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shockmount included Yes
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USB Microphone No
A real shape-shifter
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The Slate Digital ML-1A is much more than a conventional large-diaphragm condenser microphone. Used alongside Slate's Virtual Microphone System (VMS), a plugin included with the mic, it enables detailed emulation of the sonic character of a wide range of tube, condenser, and ribbon microphones. This makes it a highly versatile tool suited to a broad spectrum of professional applications – from home recording through to more demanding studio productions. One particularly interesting feature is the ability to combine two microphone models, creating hybrid sound signatures. At the same time, the ML-1A has physical specs that mean it can handle really high sound pressure levels: With the -20 dB pad engaged, it can manage up to 145dB SPL. Paired with a signal-to-noise ratio of 86dB, this results in clean, detailed recordings for both vocals and instruments. In addition, virtual preamps within VMS can be used to introduce further saturation and analogue-style character to the signal.
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Give neutral sound new shape
At the heart of the ML-1A is a 1" condenser capsule with a deliberately neutral frequency response. This linear foundation is key to the quality of the modelling, as it allows for an accurate and consistent reproduction of a wide range of tonal characteristics. Users select and adjust the microphone models within the VMS plugin, which goes beyond straightforward emulation by offering additional sound-shaping tools: The proximity slider, for instance, simulates the proximity effect (essentially the bass lift that occurs when a microphone is positioned close to a sound source) independently of the mic's actual placement. Beyond that, the signal can be widened using mono-to-stereo processing, which works particularly well on vocals or overdubs that benefit from added depth and presence. A switchable rumble filter is also included, helping to reduce low-frequency noise such as footfall or mechanical vibrations.
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One mic, many voices
The ML-1A is aimed at producers and engineers looking for maximum quality and flexibility with minimal hardware. Effectively replacing a full collection of specialised microphones, it gives them access to a wide, customisable palette of classic and modern studio sounds – from smooth-sounding tube mics for vocals to more direct, transient-focused models suited to percussion or acoustic instruments. Ribbon-style models provide a soft, natural tone for sources like acoustic guitar or strings, while large-diaphragm condenser models help vocals sit clearly and confidently in the mix. At present, 18 microphone models are included permanently in the version of VMS that the ML-1A ships with. In addition, the three-month bundle here provides access to a further 20 models. Thanks to the plugin's tagging and filtering system, it's easy to find suitable options and integrate them into the workflow, even after the recording has been made.
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About Slate Digital
Founded in 2008 by Steven Slate and Fabrice Gabriel, Slate Digital is headquartered in the shadow of the Hollywood Hills, with an additional location in Grenoble, France. Known for their meticulously crafted DSP plugins and audio equipment, the company has quickly earned a reputation for delivering authentically analogue sound. Manufactured exclusively in the United States, their products include best-selling microphones and software solutions that have become staples in professional audio production. Slate Digital's innovative approach has cemented their position as a key player in the professional audio industry.
Precise emulation in practice
In practical use, the strength of the Slate ML-1A lies in its combination of neutral recording and flexible post-processing. Once a microphone model has been selected within VMS, the signal can be shaped further using additional processing, such as EQ, compression, or harmonic saturation. The quality of the emulations becomes especially apparent in context of the full mix: Alongside frequency response, characteristic elements such as saturation, harmonic colouration, and non-linear behaviour are also taken into account. This makes it possible to define very specific sonic roles – for example, achieving a dense, warm vocal sound in the style of classic broadcast microphones, or a more open, detailed character suited to modern Pop productions. The key here is the ML-1A's ability to capture as clean and uncoloured an input signal as possible, allowing the modelling to perform at its best and the chosen microphone character to come through clearly. For the most accurate results, it's worth checking that any digital signal processing in the audio interface itself, or in its accompanying software, is disabled.
