P-24

Stereo Vacuum Tube Large Diaphragm Condenser

The Peluso P-24 is built as a tribute to the legendary "AKG C 24" stereo tube condenser microphone.

The P-24 hosts two complete large diaphragm condenser (LDC) vacuum tube microphone systems within a single microphone body. The two capsules are located directly above each other with the upper capsule capable of rotating 180 degrees. This configuration provides for quick coincident capture in X-Y, Mid-Side, and Blumlein techniques. Both the upper and lower capsules have 9 independently selectable polar patterns controlled remotely at the microphone power supply. The two signal chains run independently through individual high impedance circuit boards and isolated custom transformers, both powered by a single vintage 6072AM glass triode vacuum tube. While the similarities between the P-12 and the P-24 (as with the C 12 and C24) run very deep, there are a few key differences. The primary differences are subtle and come from running both circuits from the single 6072AM tube. The tube grid is biased differently with the load of both circuits yielding a better low-end response. Additionally, the anode of the tube is grounded differently providing a smoother and fuller top end.

First released in 1959, now long out of production and with only 800 units ever produced, very few original C 24 microphones exist today. It was originally designed to use X-Y and Mid-Side techniques. The subtle unique differences in the sonic quality of the microphone led many to believe it was of superior sound quality to the beloved AKG C 12 microphone. With today's advanced digital mixing tools it is possible to accurately tune the spatial aspects of a mix allowing for accurate positioning of instruments within the mix in the post production process. There are many independent sources that exist for information on the processing of a Mid-Side signal. For many years it has been one of John Peluso’s great ambitions to create a tribute to this very special microphone. Now after a few years of research and development we at Peluso Microphone Lab are very excited to release our P-24!

Our new stereo power supply comes housed in a slightly taller steel enclosure. The front panel has all of the connections and controls. In the center is our microphone input connection. On the left side is the OUT1 XLR connection and polar pattern selector. Here you can select from 9 indexed polar patterns from Omni, to Cardioid, to Figure of ‘8’, with 6 indexed settings in between. Identical controls for OUT2 are on the right side of the face panel. OUT1 is the lower capsule, and OUT2 is the upper capsule. As always, on the rear of the power supply you will find an input for either a standard IEC power supply cable for use in the US with 115V or an EU IEC cable for use with 230V. Inside this connector there is a removable fuse tray. Inside this tray is not only the power supply fuse, but also a spare fuse to use if needed.

Our other tube microphones use a rugged 8 pin connector. For a stereo tube microphone, we needed more conductors. We use the same medical systems-grade component in our new 12 pin connector. As with our 8-pin connector, this high-quality connector is built to last for a lifetime of use. The housing is equipped with a key-way that engages before any of the pins contact the receivers. This assures proper alignment of the connection before the pins are pushed into the connector. And, as for the pins, yes, they are still large strong durable pins, similar to the ones in our beloved 8-pin cabling system.

Our new 20' Heavy Duty 12-pin Connector Cable has been designed especially for this microphone. This cable has 12 conductors including 2 twisted pairs of signal wire to eliminate RF interference. The oxygen free conductors are double braided shielded and jacketed in a soft flexible PVC. This cable is designed for years of trouble-free use. As we all know, cables are prone to inadvertent damage so we offer replacement cables for purchase on our website.

Inside the P-24 microphone we find two of the same custom T14/1 historically accurate transformers we have always used in our P-12 microphone. To eliminate any interference, they are separated into two chambers within a steel can in the base of the microphone. It is historically accurate to use this transformer in the output of this microphone. Additionally, after decades of microphone experience, we have come to know and believe that the use of an output transformer is crucial to sound quality.

When we set out to pay tribute to the C 24, we wanted to start at the heart of the microphone and re-engineer the capsule from the beginning. The vintage CK 12 is a very unique capsule. Like most multi pattern LDC microphones the P-24 has a two-sided capsule. Dual edge terminated 6-micron gold mylar membranes tensioned over charged backplates are sandwiched together to create the capsule. As sound pressure waves move the diaphragm, electrical signal passes from between the back plate and diaphragm, creating the signal. The movement of this diaphragm creates sound pressure waves within the internal volumes of the capsule backplate. The design of the venting, chamber sizes and pathways within the backplate has a dramatic effect on the responsiveness of the capsule at different frequencies. The amazing sound quality of the CK 12 capsule comes from the unique and rather complicated design of the backplates and the extra chambers they employ. As a sound wave hits the front of the capsule, the pressure passes into the capsule, through the backplate chambers and in turn passes to the diaphragm on the other side. The capsule must be tuned so that the delay in this wave passing through the capsule matches the diffractive delay of the same sound traveling around the outside of the capsule. The intricate design of this backplate is different between the front side and back side of the capsule. After many decades of restoring these capsules, we wanted to produce an exact historically accurate build. This provides our P-24 with the most accurate CK 12 capsule in production today. Additionally, in our repair department, we now stock diaphragms, and all other replacement parts for a vintage CK 12 capsule. Providing repair clients seeking vintage restoration of damaged CK 12 capsules the options to either re-skin their original capsules, replace the original diaphragms with P-CK-12 diaphragms, or replace the entire capsules with a full replacement P-CK-12 capsules. We are very proud of the results of this painstaking process to recreate this masterpiece of condenser microphone technology.

Dual Large Diaphragm Condenser Capsules
32mm P-CK-12 Edge Terminated Capsule
Glass 6072AM Vacuum Tube Amplifier Stage
Dual Custom-Wound T14/1 Output Transformers
9-Polar Patterns

MSRP $3,999 USD

Microphone kit comes as a complete system including:

P-24 Microphone
Stereo Power Supply
12-Pin Screw-on Stereo Cable Assembly
Shock Mount
Locking Padded Flight Case

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P-24 Gallery

A closer look

Features

A few details that make the P-24 so special

The rugged pins in this heavy-duty medical grade 12-pin screw-on connector and cable system are designed to last a lifetime.

Both circuits run off a single 6072AM glass triode vacuum tube. Replacement and spare tubes can be ordered here: 6072AM Tube

The P-24 runs two independent circuits, including two independent hand soldered through-hole component circuit boards.

For the P-24 we have completely redesigned our P-CK-12 capsule to be historically accurate to vintage CK 12 capsules found in vintage C 24 microphones. Our capsules match so closely that any part of this capsule can be used to replace a piece from a vintage capsule. Our exacting tolerances mean they sound amazing and are perfect stereo matches top & bottom.

The upper capsule assembly is capable of rotating 180°. Our custom designed swivel assembly is snug and smooth. The rotational position is clearly marked on the lower head grille.

Dual isolated 14/1 custom wound output transformers insure two clean ballanced signals.

Stereo power supply unit featuring a rugged 12-Pin cable connector out to microphone, 2 XLR signal out jacks, and 2 indexed 9 pattern control knobs. Switching on back selects power for your region, 115v or 230v.

Our 20' Heavy Duty 12-pin Connector Cable has been designed specially for this microphone. This cable has 12 conductors including 2 twisted pairs of signal wire to eliminate RF interference. The insulated conductors are double braided shielded and jacketed in a soft flexible PVC. Replacement cable can be ordered here.

P-24 Technical Info

Detailed specifications

P-24 Frequency Response

P-24 Technical Data

Capsule Type: Dual Historically accurate P-CK12 32mm Condenser Pressure Gradient, edge terminated
Frequency Range: 20Hz/24Khz
Polar Pattern: 9 - Switchable from omni- to bi-directional
Sensitivity: 11 mv/pa
Impedance: 200 ohms
SPL: 138 dB
Equivalent Noise: 15 dB(A)
Tube Type: Single 6072A-M
Transformer: Dual T-14/1
Power Requirements: Dedicated Power Supply, 115V or 230V AC
Size: 50mm x 269mm
Weight: 1058g

Stereo Miking

Techniques

Techniques and the Versatility of the P-24

The Peluso P-24 is a versatile stereo microphone. It employs two identical dual diaphragm condenser capsules. The upper capsule rotates 180 degrees from the lower capsules. Clear index markings on the head grille showing the rotational position of the capsule. Setup for a traditional X-Y or Mid-Side or Blumlein techniques can be quickly achieved by positioning the upper capsules at the 90 degree position. Users can experiment with other angles to achieve different stereo results.

One of the important benefits of a single stereo microphone is the coincident pair of diaphragms. With both diaphragms equal distance from the sound source, they both receive the sound at precisely the same moment giving great positional accuracy in the stereo image. This also provides a signal that is phase coherent, preventing phase cancellation.

Whether you are miking guitar, piano, ensembles, orchestras, drum overheads, room mics, percussion, full rock bands, or bluegrass single mic setups, the P-24 is an excellent choice for a detailed stereo capture. The nuance of each individual situation will inform what the best setting will be for you. Close miking an acoustic guitar is much different than miking an entire string ensemble. Drum overheads may require a different setup than a drum room mic. You may want more presence of the room acoustics, or more rejection from adjacent sources. The diagrams below will help you begin to understand the possibilities that are capable with the P-24.

Special Rejection in the Figure of '8' Pattern: The figure of ‘8’ pattern in a dual diaphragm condenser microphone capsule has its best rejection or null point at the sides of the capsule. When setting up a stereo miking scene this can be a very useful tool. This null point can be used to exclude one source from capture, or to widen the stereo capture. Take note of this null point in the technique diagrams below.

Blumlein Miking Technique:

First developed by Alan Blumlein in 1931 at Abbey Road studios in London. Blumlein technique has the capsules oriented at 90 degrees to each other with both capsules in a Figure of '8' pattern. One way to think of Blumlein is as an X-Y setup with both capsules in figure of '8'. It provides a 360° capture with great stereo separation.

Blumlein
Rotation: 90°
(1) Lower Polar Pattern: Figure of 8
(2) Upper Polar Pattern: Figure of 8

Mid-Side Miking Technique:

First developed by Alan Blumlein in 1933 at EMI, Mid-Side technique has the capsules oriented at 90 degrees to each other with the Mid (#2 Upper) capsule in a Cardioid pattern and the Side (#1 Lower) capsule in a Figure of '8' pattern. The key to this technique is having the null point of the side capsule aligned with the hot side of the Mid capsule. With a variety of Mid-Side processing techniques you can make your tracks sound wider, deeper, and more focused. There is a great deal of information online about this processing, as well as special plugins designed to help you make the most of this very powerful stereo imaging technique!

Mid-Side Traditional
Rotation: 90°
(1) Lower Polar Pattern: Figure of '8'
(2) Upper Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Mid-Side Super-Cardioid
Rotation: 90°
(1) Lower Polar Pattern: Figure of '8'
(2) Upper Polar Pattern: Super-Cardioid

Mid-Side Wide-Cardioid
Rotation: 90°
(1) Lower Polar Pattern: Figure of '8'
(2) Upper Polar Pattern: Wide-Cardioid

X-Y Coincident Pair Miking Technique:

A traditional X-Y Coincident Pair Miking technique has the capsules oriented at 90 degrees to each other in a cardioid pattern.
Modifying the angle between the mics and the polar pattern can affect the stereo image of the capture. Changing the pattern selection a couple clicks toward Figure of '8' will give you a Super Cardioid pattern. Moving the selector a couple clicks to Omni will give you a Wide Cardioid pattern. Again, the nuance of each individual situation will inform what the best setting will be for you. The diagrams below will help you begin to understand the possibilities that are capable with the P-24 in an X-Y Technique.

X-Y 90° Traditional
Rotation: 90°
(1) Lower Polar Pattern: Cardioid
(2) Upper Polar Pattern: Cardioid

X-Y 90° Super-Cardioid
Rotation: 90°
(1) Lower Polar Pattern: Super-Cardioid
(2) Upper Polar Pattern: Super-Cardioid

X-Y 90° Wide-Cardioid
Rotation: 90°
(1) Lower Polar Pattern: Wide-Cardioid
(2) Upper Polar Pattern: Wide-Cardioid

X-Y 120° Cardioid
Rotation: 120°
(1) Lower Polar Pattern: Cardioid
(2) Upper Polar Pattern: Cardioid

X-Y 120° Super-Cardioid
Rotation: 120°
(1) Lower Polar Pattern: Super-Cardioid
(2) Upper Polar Pattern: Super-Cardioid

X-Y 120° Wide-Cardioid
Rotation: 120°
(1) Lower Polar Pattern: Wide-Cardioid
(2) Upper Polar Pattern: Wide-Cardioid

Media

Our community of artists, engineers, and reviewers are begining to put the P-24 through its paces. We present the following content to help you better understand the unique nature of this microphone.

P-24 YouTube Playlist

The P-24 was used on the following sources in this playlist: Justin Golden "Bad Luck Blues," Trey Hensley "Medley," Jim Lauderdale "Trashcan Tomcat," Jackson Cunningham & Kat Mear "New River Rolling On" & "Black Mountain Rag"
Click the YouTube Playlist Icon in the frame to expand to see all the videos of the playlist.

Lake Street Dive - Rachel Price Vocal
Jeremy Messersmith - male vocal & ukulele
Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn - Béla banjos
Todd Snider - guitar & male vocal
Ray Bonneville - guitar amp & male vocal
Old Yellow Moon - Emmylou & Rodney vocals
From Life's Other Side - LeeAnn Womack vocal
In Studio - lead male vocal & bass guitar amp; Girls Girls Girls - male vocal & bass clarinet
Heather Maloney - guitar & female vocal
Wildflowers - guitar & female vocal
Jefferson Hammer - guitar & male vocal
Ani DiFranco - guitar & female vocal
Eamon O'leary - bouzouki & male vocal
Charlie Parr - steel guitar & male vocal
Natalie Schlabs - guitar & female vocals
Oliver The Crow - cello & female vocal
Presley Barker - guitar & male vocal
Rebecca Todd - guitar & female vocal
Mike & Ruthy - banjo & male vocal
Crimson Ragdolls - accordion & female vocal
Amber Morning Sky - pair on drum overhead
Adam Chaffins - male vocal & bass (P-414 on base amp)
Alex Lacquement - bass (high) & male vocal (with TR 14 also on bass-low) ...and many many more!
Please note, some of the videos included here are using the the MSC - Mid-Side-Custom version of our 22 251. The MSC microphone is identical to the standard 22 251, but with an added end-address cardioid capsule. This configuration is ideal for capturing a vocalist-instrument combination in a single phase coherent mic giving independent editing control over the vocal and instrument.

Click the YouTube Playlist Icon in the frame to expand to see all the videos of the playlist.

Playlist: Peluso P-24

Reviews

Coming Soon!

Reviews

Coming Soon!

Cut Sheet

A one sheet .pdf you can save and share with the full description, features, and specification of this microphone.

P-24 Cut Sheet Download

Brochure

A .pdf brochure you can save and share containing cut sheets for all of the microphones we produce.

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Microphones

P-24

Stereo Vacuum Tube Large Diaphragm Condenser

P-24 Gallery

A closer look

Features

A few details that make the P-24 so special

P-24 Technical Info

Detailed specifications

P-24 Frequency Response

P-24 Technical Data

Stereo Miking

Techniques

Techniques and the Versatility of the P-24

Blumlein Miking Technique:

Mid-Side Miking Technique:

X-Y Coincident Pair Miking Technique:

Media

Our community of artists, engineers, and reviewers are begining to put the P-24 through its paces. We present the following content to help you better understand the unique nature of this microphone.

P-24 YouTube Playlist

Reviews

Reviews

Cut Sheet

P-24 Cut Sheet Download

Brochure

PML Brochure Download