Introducing: Milab VIP-60
“One of the most versatile and useful
mic releases in recent memory”
Mixdown Magazine – 13.04.2022
Released in December 2021, Milab VIP-60 is fast gathering acclaim as a studio microphone for the ages.
Handcrafted in Sweden
Like all Milab microphones, VIP-60 is handcrafted in Sweden.
As soon as you open the case (SKB 3i waterproof case with bespoke cutout for the microphone and supplied Rycote InVision USM shockmount), you can grab hold of the individual frequency plot – and you’ll “get it”.
It’s clearly not a mass-produced document. This is your graph for your microphone.
The next thing you’ll notice is what you can spy behind the grille…
Rectangular capsule
Many of the microphones in the Milab range have a rectangular capsule (rather than the far-more-common circular capsule).
Why rectangular?
“A diaphragm’s natural resonance, which is a function of the length of the membrane, is divided into two frequencies — one for the length, and one for the width. In contrast, a round membrane has a single resonant point, which therefore resonates with greater amplitude. Because these resonant points commonly occur within the audible audio band, rectangular capsules can theoretically produce flatter response, all else being equal”
Source: Recording Hacks
Detail on the dials
Polar Patterns
Top dial is for your choice of five polar patterns – Omnidirectional, Wide Cardioid, Cardioid, Hypercardioid and Bidirectional.
For most of us choosing a vocal mic, we’ll flick straight to cardioid, but if your room is a nice one – and you’ve got the instruments (or choir) that would appreciate it, the omnidirectional pattern is a real star on VIP-60.
Roll-off
Next dial down is the Roll-off.. and here is where VIP-60 differs from many other multipattern microphones. The three settings are – flat, 500 Hz and 200 Hz.
Milab says: “The unusual 500 and 200 Hz roll-off filters are useful for dealing with the proximity effect when close-miking sources like a guitar amp or a double bass”
Pad
Fairly standard settings for the bottom dial, with 0, -10 dB and -20 dB being the offerings.
SPL handling is:
- Max. SPL (1 % THD at 1 kHz): 118 dB
- Max SPL with 10 dB pad: 128 dB
- Max SPL with 20 dB pad: 138 dB
About that LIFETIME warranty:
Yes, you read that correctly. Milab microphones – including VIP-60 have a lifetime warranty.
Let’s grab that, word-for-word via the Milab Microphones AB website:
“All Milab and Pearl microphones are handcrafted in our plant in Åstorp, Sweden. Our quality control is meticulous and all microphones have to pass several stages of testing, including rigorous audio tests in our anechoic chamber. We believe in our products, which is why every microphone is delivered with its own individual frequency chart and an industry-leading lifetime warranty.”
Available now at Factory Sound
If you want to read a little more about these newest Swedish marvels, there are some impressive reviews already floating around out there:
- Mixdown Magazine – April 2022 edition
- Sound on Sound – February 2022 edition
- Recording Magazine – February 2022 edition
Or you can come in and check VIP-60 out “in the flesh”
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