After several years of development, Myburgh has begun shipping its M28 condenser microphone. First unveiled at NAMM 2023, the M28 pairs a German-made CK12 capsule with an original FET amplifier circuit designed to give the microphone its own sonic character rather than replicate a vintage C12.
Developed by Drew Myburgh, Eckehard Dux, and Andreas Grosser, the M28 uses a proprietary solid-state signal path. Its design combines a CK12 capsule with FET amplification and standard 48V phantom power, eliminating the need for a conventional tube-based power supply.
FET Circuit and Custom Transformer
The M28’s FET amplifier has a level-dependent response. According to Myburgh, it remains clean at lower signal levels but introduces subtle second-order harmonics as the input level increases. This behavior is intended to bring some of the harmonic characteristics associated with tube amplification to a solid-state design.
The output stage uses a custom Pikatron transformer. Myburgh says its design differs from the transformer in the original AKG C12 and contributes to the M28’s extended low-frequency response. The specified frequency range is 30 Hz–20 kHz.
Five Polar Patterns and 134 dB SPL Handling
The M28 offers five selectable polar patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, wide cardioid, hypercardioid, and figure-8. This gives engineers greater control over room pickup and microphone placement when recording vocals, acoustic instruments, drums, and other sources.
Maximum SPL is rated at 134 dB with the -6 dB pad disengaged. This allows the M28 to handle loud sources such as brass and drums. Its 30 Hz–20 kHz frequency response also makes it suitable for recording instruments with substantial low-frequency content, including acoustic bass and piano.
Additional specifications include a sensitivity of 9 mV/Pa, equivalent noise of 15 dB(A), and an output impedance of 200 ohms. The microphone requires 48V phantom power and draws approximately 3.2 mA.
Price and Availability
The Myburgh M28 is now shipping, with an official European price of €4,850 excluding VAT. The microphone is available through the manufacturer’s authorized dealer network.
The M28 combines a CK12 capsule with a proprietary FET circuit and five selectable polar patterns. Its level-dependent harmonic response and phantom-powered solid-state design distinguish it from conventional tube-based vintage-inspired microphones, making it an interesting option for engineers seeking a high-end condenser with a different approach to CK12-based designs.
