A true modern successor of the B&O BM3, and BM4.

For those who have no idea about the B&O microphones from the '50s this microphone will remind them of the Royer R121. Yes indeed, they are similar because both of them are based on old B&O BM3, and BM4 microphones but that's where the similarity ends.

Here's a thing about the Royer R121. It not only requires lesser gain than the B&O microphones, but it also solved the issue pertaining to the proximity effect on the B&O microphones. This made it a far more suitable microphone for close miking than the B&O microphones, but in doing so it lost a lot of things that made those B&O microphones great. First was the mid-range, although the Royer R121 retained the clarity in the mid-range just like the B&O, it lost the three dimensional feel of the B&O microphone. The next thing is the high end, for some reason the high end of the R121 lost the clarity and extension that the B&O microphones used to possess and it became harsher. The third thing is the low end, although I do agree that B&O microphones were more prone to proximity effect, nevertheless they had a very clean low end response, unfortunately the low end response of the R121 is rather choppy and hollow.

So, this is where the Extinct Audio 'Black Ops' shines. It combines the best qualities of the old B&O ribbon microphones with the modern functionality of Royer R121. It perfectly preserves the clear and three dimensional sounding mid-range of the old B&O ribbon microphones. It high end is as clean, and extended as the old B&O microphones. As of its low end, it's as clean as the old B&O ribbon microphones. However, at the same time just like the Royer R121 it ain't prone to the proximity effect and it too requires less gain to drive than the old B&O microphones. I ain't sure how the guys at Extinct Audio have done it, but the Black Ops avoids proximity effect without being choppy and hollow in the low end.

This microphone is everything that the Royer R121 should have been, and by all means a far better successor to the old B&O ribbon microphones than the Royer R121. If you're looking for a Royer R121 alternative then don't even think twice, get this microphone. As for all B&O BeoMic fans out there who want a modern take on their favorite microphone, this microphone is made far y'all folks.