HDW 203

The HDW 203 is dual-element large diaphragm tube condenser microphone that would most resemble the German made Neumann-U47, It is physically heavy and should be a challenge to all but the heaviest duty weighted studio boom arms. I've used gigantic ("Deva-Mics") Neumann-M49 (Barbra Streisand's mic), Sony C-800G, Manley's and other large bottle valve mics, but never in my little project studio and with my limited mic stand collection.

The HDW 203 comes in a locking aluminum flight case which includes a zipper-bag, a capable iso-suspension cradle mount the PSU and 50ft. cable.

I quickly and effortlessly mounted the beast and using an existing PSU from one of my other Chinese made AKG-Telefunken-251 clones powered it up. (I later used its supplied PSU with NO audible differences)

Wow, can this mic be even better than my other Chinese made tube mics?

No, not really, but it certainly is incredibly pleasantly sounding with different distinct tonal characteristics and every bit as good.

Without scientifically bench testing and dissecting its parts, it performed equally well on both male and female voices and remained smooth sounding in all 9 polar patterns all without the need of its built-in high-pass filter or -10 dB pad. It never once exhibited any signs of overheating, excessive noise, too much proximity or sibilance. It just sounded great!

I wouldn't mind seeing a lighter-weight, even less expensive cardioid only version without the fancy case, high-pass and pads in both tube and FET versions. However, at under $250 US this microphone performs flawlessly and is a huge risk-free "Bang for the Buck" and should be a welcome addition to any microphone collection especially for anyone on a tight budget that's wanting high performance in what appears to be a trouble-free well quality controlled microphone.

My only recommendation is to have a good heavy duty mic stand or some sand-bags on hand.

http://www.hdwaudio.com/