The higher end BOCK AUDIO 251 is treasured by users for its extraordinary up close cardioid performance on premier voices and its distance performance on piano, ensembles and orchestras. Many of our customers have asked for a vocal mic only version at reduced cost and this drove development of the BOCK 241. The 241 is a microphone designed to sound as close as possible to the flagship BOCK 251 up close but cost 30% less.

• Updated and acoustically enhanced version of the 151 (the cardioid-only version of the renowned 251)
• Time-proven tube and transformer circuitry - all electronic components are point-to-point wired
• Each individual component in every microphone has been pre-screened for its sonic quality
• Power supply is true to the original, unregulated supply
• Excellent bass simultaneously occurring with an open, airy top end
• Fulfills the quest for high frequency response that is not only present, but is also natural
• Allows vocals to sound naturally dominant without being overbearing
• No midrange overemphasis and buildup when stacking vocal tracks
• No honkyness or grunge
• Provides liquid tone, even when recorded digitally
• Sounds great in every mixing studio and on every stereo system, before and after mastering

WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT?
The BOCK 241 Microphone uses a proprietary BOCK hand made German capsule, a proprietary BOCK hand wound vintage style audio transformer, a NOS tube in the mic amplifier and a BOCK hand built custom outboard power supply. The BOCK 241 adds a unique "brite/normal" switch which delivers two sounds in one mic. “Bright” allows unfiltered extended high frequency response that defines a modern high end condenser; “normal” offers a less bright, more vintage style high frequency response more forgiving to sibilant singers and or voices that need a darker treatment.

The BOCK 241 offers enduring qualities impossible to fully describe in writing. While Chinese condensers try to impress with lots of top and bottom end on first listen, they lack midrange so critical in defining a great vocal. The BOCK 241 built-in midrange presence curve, so important in “cutting through” a dense mix, is impossible to obtain through EQ. Time has proven this vocal sound must come from the mic itself. The unique BOCK AUDIO "brite/normal" switch adds long term versatility. The high frequency response is extended but never gets harsh or gritty. The BOCK 241 Proximity Effect (bass gets stronger with closeness) is naturally powerful without being too boomy or bottom heavy. Midrange is smooth and does not require post EQ. Best of all, the BOCK 241 has a way of lifting the singer’s vocal to a higher level when they hear themselves for the first time on this great microphone. The BOCK 241 is perhaps the biggest bargain in lead vocal microphones available on the market.

HOW DO I USE IT?:
The BOCK 241 primary use will undoubtedly be female and male vocals. Use a pop filter and get up close for that intimate “big vocal” sound. A few inches away, the proximity effect recedes and the mic gets flatter in response. At distance, the BOCK 241 is amazing on instruments and ensembles. In front of a drum set it sounds like you are standing there; on stringed instruments it captures the transients and complex harmonic structure that spell the difference between good and great.

Patterns: Cardioid
Frequency Range: 30Hz to 18kHz, +/-2dB
Sensitivity: 19mv/Pa (-34dBm=94dB SPL)
Equivalent Noise: 18dB (“A” weighted) 32dB (unweighted)
Distortion vs.SPL @1kHz:
112dB = 0.5% THD
118dB = 1% THD
129dB = 2% THD
(increasing distortion is non-exponential, nearly linear, and primarily 2nd harmonic)
Impedance: 200 Ohms true transformer balanced
Recommended load: 1.2k Ohms
Dynamic range (maxSPL-"A"noise): 94dB
S/N (94dB-noise): 76dB “A”, 62dB unweighted
Capsule size: 1” diameter, dual asymmetrical backplate CK12 type
Tube type: New Old Stock EF814k
Dimensions: 2.04” dia x 8” oal (52x216mm)
Weight: 1lb 9.6oz (1.58lbs) =694g
Shipping weight: 7 kg
Power Supply: P251 true linear, factory wired 115v or 230v operation

Comparison files of Bock 241 and Bock 251

This Pro Tools session features the Bock 241 and Bock 251 microphones on a Female Vocal. Both signal chains were recorded in Pro Tools HD at 24/48 wav through Apogee Rosetta 192 convertors using the Daking Mic Pre IV preamps. No EQ or compression was used. If you are using a DAW other than the Pro Tools, the files are consolidated and can be imported into whatever system you are using.

The artist featured in the session is Sunny Taylor. The song is called "Trucker" and is from her upcoming EP.