Lucas CS-1 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Tube Condenser (Used)

The Lucas CS-1 is a large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone that was designed as a modern classic, with the intention of answering the question “Why can’t great microphones be made today?” It is the result of a collaboration between Terry Manning (of Compass Point Studios) and Oliver Archut (of TAB-Funkenwerk), which began with Archut’s mod/overhaul of Manning’s disappointing C12VR; the result, says Manning, was “something so far superior that I was shocked by it… it quickly climbed into my Top Mic List.”

The specification process began in conversations between Archut and two design engineers from the original teams that made some of the best-known classic mics — one helped design the Neumann M49/M50 mic and K47/K49 capsule, and the other helped design the AC-701 tube for Telefunken.

Oliver Archut describes the CS-1 circuit as “simple;” it is not unlike the U-47 amplifier circuit.