Slate Digital VMS ML-1A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Modeling Microphone

I am an original ML1 owner and have used it for several years. I really enjoy the ML1 for its versatility and it has become a tremendous asset to my music. I also own the Antelope Edge Solo, but Slate outpaces them by a mile when it comes to emulation and software quality.Now while I have loved the original ML1, it’s not perfect. I increasingly became frustrated having to EQ out sibilance and harsh high frequencies. And Slate’s latest emulations—London Strongroom pack specifically, just didn’t sound right.When this mic came out, I listened and it did sound like they fixed the harsh high frequency issues with it. Though it’s really hard to tell without a direct comparison. After mastering my new song where I struggled quite a bit with harsh high frequencies in my original ML1, I decided it was worth upgrading and I couldn’t be happier.Slate Digital knocked it out of the park with this one. Not only are the high frequencies and sibilants much more controlled, but the emulations sound cleaner and more accurate to real life. I expected a modest improvement, but the ML1a blew any expectations I had out of the water.I do think the original mic looked better, but this mic sounds better, which is really what counts. They also did a great job updating the VMS software—which was already top notch. As an owner of the original mic, I was really hesitant to upgrade. But wow, I am glad I did. It is simply incredible.