Slate Digital ML-2A
Small Diaphragm Modelling Microphone Stereo Pair
- Emulates up to 27 different microphones
- The VMS platform with Microphone Model Morphing blends two microphone models to create entirely new tonal landscapes
- Gold-sputtered small diaphragm capsule
- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Pad: 0, -20 dB
- High-pass filter: 80 Hz (6 dB / Oct)
- Max. sound pressure level: 156 dB / -20 dB (with pad)
- Equivalent noise level: 16 dB (A-weighted)
- Requires 48V phantom power
- System requirements: macOS 10.15 or newer, Windows 10 or 11
- Includes Virtual Microphone System with 27 different microphone emulations, stereo bus and microphone holder
Note: Copy protection iLok Cloud service or iLok 2 / iLok 3 (Art.401447)
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Available since February 2026
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Item number 637021
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Sales Unit 1 pair(s)
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Battery Powered No
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Directional Microphone No
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Stereo Pair Yes
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Switchable Lowcut Yes
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Pad switchable Yes
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Polar Pattern cardoid
A pair of high-level shape-shifters
The Slate Digital ML-2A is a matched pair of high-performance, fixed-cardioid small-diaphragm condenser microphones designed for stereo and instrument recording. Used with Slate's included Virtual Microphone System (VMS) plugin, however, the pair goes far beyond what a conventional stereo set can offer, providing access to 36 high-quality microphone emulations spanning tube, condenser, and ribbon designs. Two microphone models can even be combined and blended to create unique sound signatures, while virtual preamps introduce additional analogue-style warmth and colour. The ML-2A microphones themselves are equally capable of handling demanding sources, with a switchable -20dB pad raising maximum SPL to 156dB for clean, detailed capture across instruments and stereo recording configurations, alongside an equivalent noise level of just 16dB(A).
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Neutral by design
The ML-2A's small-diaphragm condenser capsule is deliberately voiced to provide the neutral foundation required for VMS modelling, allowing the algorithms to operate consistently across the different tonal characteristics of each emulation. Microphone models are selected and adjusted within the plugin, which goes beyond straightforward emulation with a range of additional sound-shaping tools. The Proximity slider simulates the characteristic bass lift produced when a directional microphone is positioned close to a source, independently of the ML-2A's actual placement, while mono-to-stereo processing provides additional control over width and a rumble filter reduces unwanted low-frequency noise. Its switchable pad extends headroom further still, while the onboard 80Hz high-pass filter, with a 6dB/octave slope, helps control low-frequency rumble and handling noise.
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One pair, many voices
The ML-2A is aimed at producers and engineers looking for maximum flexibility with minimal hardware. Rather than investing in and storing multiple specialised stereo pairs, they have instant access to a customisable palette of vintage and modern classics – from warm tube emulations to fast transient-focused models for percussion or acoustic instruments. Ribbon emulations offer a softer, more natural character for acoustic guitar or strings, while condenser models provide the articulation and detail suited to drums, piano, and other acoustic sources. Model Morphing expands the palette further by blending the characteristics of two microphones, creating unique sound signatures. At present, 36 microphone models are permanently included with VMS. The plugin's tagging and filtering system makes suitable models easy to find and audition, even after recording, allowing different virtual stereo pairs to be compared in context.
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About Slate Digital
Founded in 2008 by Steven Slate and Fabrice Gabriel, Slate Digital is headquartered in the shadow of the Hollywood Hills, with an additional location in Grenoble, France. Known for their meticulously crafted DSP plugins and audio equipment, the company has quickly earned a reputation for delivering authentically analogue sound. Manufactured exclusively in the United States, their products include best-selling microphones and software solutions that have become staples in professional audio production. Slate Digital's innovative approach has cemented their position as a key player in the professional audio industry.
Record first, edit later
For stereo recording, the matched ML-2A pair can be mounted on the supplied stereo bar, allowing angle and spacing to be adapted to the source and recording technique. This accommodates coincident, near-coincident, and spaced configurations, while careful positioning helps maintain appropriate phase relationships and mono compatibility. Of course, each microphone can also be used independently, extending their use well beyond dedicated stereo applications. Whether used individually or as a pair, the ML-2A's deliberately neutral capture leaves considerable scope for shaping the sound afterwards. Recording the unprocessed signal allows different VMS models to be auditioned later in the context of the full mix, rather than having to commit at the tracking stage. Models can then be compared as the production develops, before EQ, compression, and other processing are applied. For the most accurate modelling, any DSP or tonal processing in the audio interface or its control software should be disabled.
