In this video review for Production Expert, Pro Tools Expert Technical Editor James Ivey takes a look at the new Classic Tubes 3 collection for the Slate Digital Virtual Microphone System (VMS). 

As a microphone fanatic, James is embracing the new technological trend in microphone emulation. The team at Slate Digital have released five new vintage valve mic models to the virtual microphone environment designed to complement the existing models in the VMS collection and brings the total available on the VMS to 13.  Everything a growing studio needs to  be creative and add great tone to your recordings

The New Emulations

FG-44
The FG-44 is an emulation of a classic ribbon mic with a cardioid pickup pattern. The tube/valve part comes into play with a custom added tube stage to the pre-amp circuit to add some rich harmonic content and gentle saturation. 

FG-37A
This is a recreation of a Sony studio favorite and is one of the sweetest sounding mics in the new collection with a slightly scooped midrange which will make it perfect for acoustic instruments or a bright pop vocal. 

FG-47 MKII
It is true to say there is already a 47 style microphone in the VMS but this MKII version is slightly sweeter than the stock 47 making it the perfect choice for that vintage vocal sound or try it on kick drums or bass guitar cab for some real clarity and power. 

FG-67 MKII
The 67MKII is another double but the MKII is a stock mic with no modifications or tweaks.  This is a darker sounding 67 which will sound great or dusky vocals, horns or any voice or instrument where it's vintage all the way.

FG-49
Based on the German 49 mic the FG-49 has a very forward rich midrange and a smooth air to the top end. I can see this being used mainly as a clean sounding vocal mic but it would be great for piano, drum overheads or room mics. 

The Slate Digital Classic Tubes 3 collection is available from the Slate Digital website now.

You can also check out James' review of the original release of the Slate VMS in the video below.