Warm Audio Retro 64 recreates the Electro-Voice 664 dynamic

Warm Audio has added the Retro 64 to its dynamic microphone range. The model brings back the Electro-Voice 664, a public-address and broadcast microphone from the 1950s and 1960s. The 664 was the first dynamic microphone to use EV's Variable-D system, which counteracts the proximity effect; the same principle later appeared in models such as the RE20.

Capsule and sound

The Retro 64 combines the classic look with a humbucking dynamic capsule that Warm Audio tuned specifically for live use. The resulting tone has a present upper midrange and a small lift in the lower mids. The microphone rejects off-axis sound well, which makes it resistant to feedback on stage and lets it be used for vocals in a control room with monitors running.

Besides vocals on stage and in the studio, the listed applications include guitar amplifiers, brass, snare drum, toms and hand percussion such as congas and bongos, as well as video recording. The microphone comes in chrome and black finishes; the stand shown in product images is not included.

Why it was made

Warm Audio president Bryce Young said the Retro 64 was requested by some of the company's key partners, who wanted the retro look back on stage. He added that the capsule was custom-tuned for current live sound setups so the microphone fits into front-of-house systems without squeal or harshness.

Young also said the microphone keeps the visual style of a classic 1960s model while being designed to feel familiar to engineers. Warm Audio names theatres and smaller venues as typical places for it, along with backing vocal positions on any stage.

Pre-orders for the Retro 64 are open. A retail listing shows $139 for the chrome version and $140 for the black one (£129 and £128, €149 for either).