The Garnet
The Violet Design Garnet is an electrostatic vacuum tube microphone. Its vintage sound is warmed by vacuum tube circuitry and an output transformer. The Garnet uses a specially designed large dual-diaphragm transducer, which can be adjusted to nine different polar patterns.
"Finally a microphone that can capture a vocal into the digital domain with a super-analog, warm, fat and clear sound that is as attractive as the Violet Garnet itself." Ray Kennedy |
The Garnet's multi-layer brass mesh grille keeps frequency response and sound details clear while its massive body construction provides low mechanical noise and solid bass response. An external elastic suspension shockmount is included to protect the Garnet from stand rumble, subsonic vibrations, and external shocks. Its Class 'A' fully discrete internal vacuum tube preamplifier provides high output, low impedance and low distortion. The Garnet has a large humbucker, custom-wound audio transformer that balances the microphone's output, separating it from external interference and providing additional analog warmth to the sound. A soft starting, smart power supply is included.
Applications:
The Garnet is perfectly suited for hi-end professional recording. It excels when capturing vocals, speech, and choir, but also performs well for capturing musical instruments, orchestra and most other sound sources. The Garnet is a solid solution for broadcast and television studios, as well as the film and video industries. It can be used effectively for other professional applications including sound reinforcement and installed sound systems. Using the Garnet for project studio and home recording will upgrade your work to a higher quality, professional sound level.
Frequency Charts:
The Garnet Technical Specifications:
| Download the Spec Sheet PDF | Spec Sheet  |
| Transducer Type | Electrostatic |
| Operating Principle | Pressure Gradient |
| Frequency Range | 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Polar Pattern | 9 Position Multi-Directional |
| Output Impedance | 100 ohms |
| Rated Load Impedance | 1000 ohms |
| Suggested Load Impedance | > 250 ohms |
| Sensitivity @ 1000 Hz into 1000 ohms Load | 25 mV/PA |
| S/N Ratio (CCIR 468-3 Weighted) | 74 dB |
| S/N Ratio (DIN/IEC 651 A-weighted) | 85 dB-A |
| Equivalent Noise Level DIN/IEC A-weighted | 9 dB-A |
| Maximum SPL (<0.5% THD @ 1000 ohms) | 130 dB |
| Diaphragm's Active Diameter (inch/mm) | 1"/26 mm |
| Dynamic Range of Microphone Preamplifier | 97 db |
| Powering | PSU-5 Power Supply |
| Current Consumption | < 2mA |
| Mic Output Connector | XLR-7M, gold plated contacts |
| PSU-5 Input Connector | XLR-7F, gold plated contacts |
| PSU-5 Output Connector | XLR-3M, gold plated contacts |
| Signal Polarity | Positive Pressure on Diaphragm Produces Positive Voltage on Pin #2 of Output XLR on Power Supply |
| Dimensions HxWxD (inch/mm) | 9.06 x 1.97 x 1.18"/230 x 50 x 30 mm |
| Weight (lbs/grams) | 1.8 lbs/800 g |
| Included Accessories | Comes with a PSU-5 power supply with cable, mic cable & shockmount |
Additional Product Images:
