BeesNeez Phelicity Condenser Microphone [CK12 Capsule]

The BeesNeez Phelicity Tube Condenser Microphone, with its BeesNeez CK12 capsule, was designed with clarity in mind. We were aiming for a studio recording microphone that would be sonically pleasing, true to source, and reminiscent of condenser microphones that are no longer being made such as the AKG C12 and the Telefunken ELA M251. We have been successful in maintaining the same sonic attributes as these classics.

Circuit Design

When we designed the BeesNeez Phelicity Condenser Microphone, parts count was a definite consideration in the design phase. We wanted to keep the parts count down as low as possible so that the beauty of the CK12 capsule wouldn’t be hindered. The multi-chambered nature of this capsule allows us as its manufacturer to control every facet of its sonic character. Therefore, there was no need for feedback windings or capacitive/inductive manipulation of the circuit. We were able to use just a few parts to control the voltage and restrict the impedance, thus allowing a very open and extremely clear sounding microphone.

The transformer in the Phelicity is a 13:1 tape wound mumetal toroidal transformer. The advantage of this transformer for this type of microphone is that we were able to reduce turn count and increase wire size, thus reducing DCR [DC resistance], while maintaining correct impedance conversion. The benefits of using a toroidal transformer are many, though with benefits come difficulties. If a toroidal transformer is made well, its specifications are simply unbeatable, as the entire core is encased by the windings leaving no area open for leakage. However, the core must be large enough to ensure it doesn’t saturate too early. Our core size, though quite large, still make a reasonably compact toroidal transformer that is perfect for this microphone. Its characteristics are very smooth with no frequency ring or non-linear response within the listening curve. We use pure copper to wind these toroidals and each one is painstakingly wound by our BeesNeez staff in our BeesNeez factory.

The tube in the Phelicity is a 5654W vintage NOS [new old stock]. This is a pentode tube wired as a triode. This tube is common in tube microphones and preamplifiers due to its exceptionally low noise and musical character. Many microphone manufacturers choose to wire pentode tubes as triodes to lower output impedance and more evenly spread the anode within the tube.

Sonic Characteristics

The responsiveness of the BeesNeez Phelicity is fast but is still able to capture source nuances beautifully. Whether you are recording airy female vocals, grand pianos, stringed sections, or are looking for that snappy snare sound, the Phelicity is the perfect mic for the job.

Build Quality

The Phelicity body tube is made from a single piece of cold-formed 380 grade brass tube. We love using the 380 grade brass tube in this particular microphone because the high copper content in the 380 tube provides excellent rejection and shielding. After machining the body, it is sent to a local powder coater for completion. The head grille is cut from bronze cast and machined to a mirror finish. The mesh windows are them removed during the same process before the head grille is sent off for medical-grade nickel plating. The base, like the body tube, is made from 380 grade brass. However, this time it’s a solid brass round that we cut and form in our very own 8-axis turning center. Our proprietary swivel mount connector features a gold-pinned Bakelite socket. Our pins are turned rather than pressed. The advantage here is a lifetime of connection without degradation.

What’s Included:

▶  Phelicity Condenser Microphone
▶  Swivel Mount Connector and Lead
▶  BeesNeez Producer Series Power Supply
▶  Wooden Box

Specifications