Sound Pure's Take

CharterOak has built their reputation on a solid foundation of unique mics that take classic engineering elements and adds innovations that improve upon what is considered the standards. The SA538 is a modern 251 style mic with its own voice. Big, open, warm and detailed are descriptive terms that come to mind when I think about the way this mic sounds. When I use it on vocals I often get an interesting reaction from the performer because they've never heard themselves recorded with a mic that has such an incredible 3-D depth and warmth. All without a perceivable sacrifice to detail and clarity. This makes the SA538 a true oddity and one that every studio from budget to pro should have in their locker.

The biggest difference we hear and experience with the "B" version is an extended "openness" and "air", most notably due to its slight boost between 10-12kHz. It makes sense why some engineers viewed the SA538 as a male-voiced vocal mic and the SA538B as a more female-voiced microphone because of these characteristics, but don't treat that as absolutes. We've heard scenarios where the opposite pairings proved best, and even certain clients who insist on having BOTH for their voice depending on the song!

Often used as a go-to vocal mic here at Sound Pure studios, but it's important to note that this mic is far from a one trick pony. It excels on Acoustic guitar, piano and is like magic as a drum overhead. The build quality, versatility, engineering integrity and stunning musicality make this an easy contender for "best in class". Not to mention the lifetime warranty that all CharterOak products carry!

Watch & listen

How to Mic a Hammond B3 Organ with a Leslie Speaker - Jimmy Miller Technique

Also in this recording LaChapell Audio 992EG Dual Mono Tube Preamp Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

SoundPure's Fletcher demonstrates with a pair of CharterOak 538Bs, how to mic a Leslie speaker - a technique showed to him by record producer Jimmy Miller (Rollings Stones, Motorhead, Traffic). This technique gives the o... Read more

SoundPure's Fletcher demonstrates with a pair of CharterOak 538Bs, how to mic a Leslie speaker - a technique showed to him by record producer Jimmy Miller (Rollings Stones, Motorhead, Traffic). This technique gives the organ that classic, old school sound that has a more open feel to it. The Charter Oak SA538 B microphones were paired with the LaChapell 992 EG preamp. This session features organ player Mark Wells, guitarist Jared Wofford, and drummer Devin Fuller. If you want to learn more about the gear used in this session, or if you have any questions concerning the gear or techniques used, don't hesitate to call the recording engineers here at Sound Pure Studios. 919.682.5552. or 888.528.9703.

CharterOak SA538 vs. SA538B Microphones on Saxophone

Also in this recording Millennia HV-3R Digital 8 Channel Mic Preamp Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

The CharterOak SA538 and SA538B are compared in this demonstration of these two Charter Oak 538 Large diaphragm tube condenser microphones on Alto Saxophone and Baritone Sax. As a tube microphone, they possess some of th... Read more

The CharterOak SA538 and SA538B are compared in this demonstration of these two Charter Oak 538 Large diaphragm tube condenser microphones on Alto Saxophone and Baritone Sax. As a tube microphone, they possess some of that rich vintage-style warmth, but at the same time as a modern tube microphone, they also have a great deal of detail, open-sound, and air, which make them great not only for vocals, but also a fabulous instrument microphone. You get warmth, but also resonance, harmonics, and detail in a very musical and polished sound. See if you prefer the sound of the 538 or 538B, and be sure and check out our other video comparing these fabulous two microphones on vocals. Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions that you might have, we can be reached anytime by calling us toll free 888.528.9703.

Charter Oak SA538 vs SA538B - Vocal Performance

Also in this recording Millennia HV-3R Digital 8 Channel Mic Preamp Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

The Charter Oak SA538 A and B versions are in a microphone shootout on this vocal recording and overdub, on a simple unprocessed track where we first recorded an Acoustic Guitar using the Charter Oak E700's in a spaced s... Read more

The Charter Oak SA538 A and B versions are in a microphone shootout on this vocal recording and overdub, on a simple unprocessed track where we first recorded an Acoustic Guitar using the Charter Oak E700's in a spaced stereo pair configuration. The Charter Oak Microphones are Modern Multipattern Tube Microphones with amazing clarity, detail, and three-dimensionality. CharterOak owner Mike Deming, recording engineer and producer, discusses his opinions of the two microphones with this particular vocalist on this particular track. Singer Songwriter Matt Douglas performance a sensational tune, and the Charter Oak Microphones do a spectacular job of capturing the sound. The entire line of Charter Oak Acoustic Products is available from Sound Pure, and we use these great sounding mics in our studio frequently. You can reach us toll free at 888-528-9703 with any question you have about these amazing microphones.

CharterOak MPA-1 Stereo Microphone Preamp Overview

Also in this recording CharterOak MPA-1 Stereo Microphone Preamp Shure KSM313/NE Dual-Voice Ribbon Mic with Roswellite Ribbon Shure SM57 Instrument Microphone Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

The CharterOak MPA-1 is an incredibly versatile stereo microphone preamp boasting the same "musical" quality the entire line is known for. With it's dual gain structure featuring both clean input and more saturated outpu... Read more

The CharterOak MPA-1 is an incredibly versatile stereo microphone preamp boasting the same "musical" quality the entire line is known for. With it's dual gain structure featuring both clean input and more saturated output gain control, the MPA-1's tone ranges from a very clean and detailed sound to a rounder, warmer transformer-based tone. Given it's tonal flexibility and practical feature set, including -10db pads and both high and low-pass filters, the MPA-1 is an excellent choice for both home and professional studios recording anything from vocals, to drums, to electric and acoustic guitars, and beyond. The MPA-1 is also available for Sound Pure's exclusive free try-before-you-buy demo program. Give us a call or shoot us an email for more info on how you can hear the MPA-1 for yourself in your studio with your gear. If you have any questions about the CharterOak MPA-1 or any of the additional pieces of gear used in this video don't hesitate to get a hold of any of us here at Sound Pure. Thanks for watching! 919-682-5552

Collings D2H Acoustic Guitar Demo with Joseph Terrell of Mipso

Also in this recording Vintech Audio 573 500-Series Mic Preamp Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter

Watch as Joseph Terrell of Chapel Hill-based Mipso (http://www.mipsomusic.com) and  SoundPure's resident Acoustic Guitar Expert Robinson Earle demonstrate these beautiful twin Collings D2Hs. The Collings D2H is a square-... Read more

Watch as Joseph Terrell of Chapel Hill-based Mipso (http://www.mipsomusic.com) and  SoundPure's resident Acoustic Guitar Expert Robinson Earle demonstrate these beautiful twin Collings D2Hs. The Collings D2H is a square-shouldered, 14-fret dreadnought that adds tonal clarity to the depth and warmth associated with larger acoustics-- perfect for vocal accompaniment or for flatpicking.     Gear List: Collings D2H Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar CharterOak 538 Tube Mic CharterOak M900 Small Diaphragm Condenser Mic Vintech Audio 573 Mic Preamp Lynx Aurora 16 Converter   If you have any questions, or are interested in coming in to see this model, feel free to contact us at 919.682.5552 or visit us at SoundPure.com.

Millennia NSEQ-2 STT-1 EQ Demo Video - Part 1

Also in this recording Millennia NSEQ-2 Stereo EQ Millennia Origin STT-1 Channel Strip Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter Neumann TLM 102 MT Microphone Millennia HV-3R Digital 8 Channel Mic Preamp

The Millennia NSEQ2 shares the same sensation EQ as the STT1 Origin Mic Preamp channel strip. In this demonstration we take you through the tube and transformer coloration capabilities, as we engage and disengage these o... Read more

The Millennia NSEQ2 shares the same sensation EQ as the STT1 Origin Mic Preamp channel strip. In this demonstration we take you through the tube and transformer coloration capabilities, as we engage and disengage these on a Jazz Grand Piano recording. We then demonstrate the capability of the EQ in a surgical fashion, by taking out some offending frequencies in a Baritone Sax. Give us a call to discuss either of these powerful products from Millennia media that we rely on in our professional work here at Sound Pure Studios. Call us anytime, anywhere in the world at 919.682.5552.

Millennia HV3 Mic Pre Video Demo & Highlight Reel

Also in this recording Millennia HV-3R Digital 8 Channel Mic Preamp Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter Rivera Amps Venus 6 1x12 Guitar Combo Amplifier Mojave Audio MA-200 Tube LDC Microphone CharterOak E700 FET Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone Peluso P-67 Switchable Pattern Tube Microphone Victoria Amps Victorilux 45W 2x12 Combo Amp

The Millennia HV3 is known as a world class microphone preamplifier. The same great circuit design is used in a variety of Millennia preamps including the HV-3d (4 and 8 channell versions), the HV3c, the HV3r Remote Cont... Read more

The Millennia HV3 is known as a world class microphone preamplifier. The same great circuit design is used in a variety of Millennia preamps including the HV-3d (4 and 8 channell versions), the HV3c, the HV3r Remote Controllable Mic Preamp with optional A/D conversion card, the Millennia STT1 Origin Channel Strip, and the TD-1 DI and Mic Pre. While Millennia Mic Preamps are definitive in the classical and jazz worlds, it is truly outstanding in all serious recording studio applications, where the sound company out of the microphone is just right, as-is. Visit our blog on the Millennia products, and be sure and check out our numerous other videos on the individual products in the line. Contact us with any questions, or to pick your next great mic preamp up- we can be reached toll free 888-528-9703.

From CharterOak

The SA538B is a condenser microphone that employs two large, ultra-thin, side terminated gold diaphragms and a vacuum tube head amplifier using a selected low noise tube, and output transformer. As a result, the model SA538B has very low inherent noise and broad dynamic range. Its timbre is distinctive. Its rich and balanced sound makes it an ideal choice to ensure extremely high quality sound reproduction.

The high standard of quality and affordability of the CharterOak SA538B have been achieved through an extended period of research and development, including beta testing by a wide variety of end users.

The parts of the CharterOak SA538B are machined from solid brass and high quality electronic components are used throughout.

The process of creating a CharterOak SA538B Condenser Microphone is started by hand under the strict supervision of CharterOak personnel. Under that supervision the parts are quality checked and assembled at our facility in Connecticut.

The microphones are finished and the parts are quality checked a second time by experienced engineers. The process involves a seven (7) day burn in of the vacuum tube and no less than 1/2 hour spent with each microphone in a studio environment. Careful listening tests employ high quality microphone preamplifiers and high resolution monitoring systems. Quality checks on every component of each kit complete the process.

It is only after this exhaustive finishing and quality control process is complete, that an SA538B will be cleared for sale to the customer.

From the research and development to the delivery of every SA538B, it is this attention to detail that makes the SA538B truly unique in its class.

The microphone is delivered with a lifetime warranty on all parts and labor and easy access to factory technical support. Don't forget to ask for the mics in FREE matched pairs!

Acoustical Operating Principle
Pressure Gradient
Diaphragm
Dual 1.07" 6 micron thick gold sputtered Mylar
Frequency Response
25Hz-20kHz
Sensitivity
12mV/Pa 0dB=1V/Pa@1kHz
Polar Pattern
Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8, and intermediate stages selectable from power supply
Impedance
< 200 Ohms
Recommended Load
> 200 Ohms
Equivalent Input Noise
20dB A weighted IEC651
Maximum Sound Pressure Level
125dB for 0.5% total harmonic distortion @ 1kHz
Power Requirements
Custom supply 115V or 230V operation with IEC type 2 AC Cable
Connection between Mic & Power Supply
7 pin XLR

Free 3-Year Warranty

Sound Pure stands behind our products. Free three-year warranty on this item. Coverage exclusions live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.

Level of support and expertise that simply isn't available at big-box megastores. Read the warranty →

Returns

Not eligible for Try Before You Buy or the 48-hour approval period. Standard return policy applies — see Terms & Conditions, Section 18 for details.

Sound Pure Studios Control Room A — Durham, NC

Sound Pure Studios · Durham, NC

Come hear it in our control rooms.

Sound Pure is a working studio in Durham, NC — a 1,000 sq ft live room and two pro control rooms. Book a session to audition gear in a world-class acoustic space before you buy.