Mo Says...

A discreet German microphone with a remarkable ear for detail. The M201 has been a studio favourite for decades, quietly proving that sometimes the most interesting things are said without raising one's voice.

Notable Particulars

• Vintage Beyerdynamic M201 N(C) dynamic microphone, an earlier version of the enduring M201 design, with a distinctive slim black body.
• Hypercardioid polar pattern provides excellent rejection of unwanted sound, particularly useful for close-miking instruments and isolating sources.
• 40Hz–18kHz frequency response delivers detailed, natural reproduction with excellent clarity for a dynamic microphone.
• Particularly well suited to snare drums, guitar amplifiers, acoustic instruments and broadcast applications.
• Three-pin XLR connection and low-impedance design, suitable for use with conventional microphone preamps and mixing desks.

The Details

The Beyerdynamic M201 N(C) is a classic German dynamic microphone with a long-standing reputation for accuracy, versatility and exceptional off-axis rejection. Introduced as an early XLR-equipped version of the M201, it shares the fundamental design that has made this microphone a respected studio tool for generations. Its controlled, articulate sound offers much of the detail associated with condenser microphones, combined with the robustness and practical advantages of a moving-coil design.

The M201 is particularly celebrated for recording snare drums and guitar cabinets, where its tight hypercardioid pickup pattern helps minimise spill from neighbouring instruments. It is equally useful on acoustic guitars, brass and other sources requiring a focused, natural sound. Its slender construction makes precise positioning straightforward, even in crowded recording setups.

This vintage example is finished in black with a silver grille and features the earlier protruding XLR connector arrangement. Serial number 039047. It shows noticeable cosmetic wear, including scuffs, surface marks and signs of age to the body, but retains its distinctive original appearance. An appealing example of a well-regarded microphone design with decades of recording history behind it.