T.H.E. Control One Tube Condenser Microphone with Remote Polar Pattern Control

The T.H.E. Control One is a tube condenser microphone from Tom Hilbe Equipment, introduced at NAMM in January 2024. Its body has no switches at all, and nine selectable polar patterns between omni, cardioid, and figure-8 are set at the separate power supply, an approach inspired by classic European tube microphones. A specially designed 32 mm capsule, a Lemo 6C31B miniature vacuum tube, and the Hilbe series MELCOR C-400-01 transformer shape the sound, which Tom Hilbe Equipment describes as having a frequency curve in the neighborhood of the famed U67. Each microphone is available with sequential serial numbers.

Key Features

• Specially designed 32 mm capsule
• Lemo 6C31B miniature vacuum tube
• Hilbe series MELCOR C-400-01 transformer
• Nine selectable polar patterns between omni, cardioid, and figure-8, selected at the power supply
• Switch-free microphone body, with pattern selection handled remotely
• Separate power supply connected by a standard low-noise 7-pin to XLR I/O cable
• Frequency curve in the neighborhood of the U67, per Tom Hilbe Equipment
• Available in sequential serial numbers

Specifications

• Type: Tube condenser microphone
• Capsule: 32 mm, specially designed
• Tube: 6C31B (Lemo) miniature vacuum tube
• Transformer: Hilbe series MELCOR C-400-01
• Polar Patterns: 9 selectable patterns between omni, cardioid, and figure-8 (selected at the power supply)
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: -32 dB/Pa
• Power Supply: Separate unit, connected via standard low-noise 7-pin to XLR I/O cable