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Universal Audio Bock 167 is a premium large-diaphragm multi-pattern tube condenser microphone, hand-built at UA's Custom Shop in Santa Cruz. It uses a dual-symmetrical K67 capsule, a Lundahl transformer and a new-old-stock EF732 tube, with continuously variable omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8 patterns. Frequency range is 10 Hz to 18 kHz within 2 dB at up to 118 dB SPL.
Continuously variable patterns and a NOS tube, built one at a time.
The Bock microphones are UA's Custom Shop line, hand-built in Santa Cruz, California and designed by David Bock. Bock spent years repairing and measuring vintage microphones, which is where the phrase "golden unit" comes from: among any batch of a classic model, a few examples measure and sound noticeably better than the rest, and those are the ones that become famous.
The design goal was to build to that best example rather than to the average, and then to correct the shortcomings the originals had. That is why each Bock carries modern additions the vintage units did not: a Fat switch for low-end weight, pads, filters and in some models a high frequency contour.
These are not modeling microphones. There is no plug-in layer and no software involved. The character comes from the capsule, the tube or FET stage and the transformer, and it is present the moment the microphone is plugged into any preamp.
Universal Audio still hand-builds this line in California to the original circuit designs rather than licensing the name out. The company was founded in 1958 by M.T. "Bill" Putnam, who designed the 1176 and the 610, and was revived in 1999 by his sons with the original schematics and, in several cases, the original test gear.
At a Glance
| Type | Large-diaphragm multi-pattern tube condenser |
| Capsule | Dual-symmetrical K67 |
| Transformer | Lundahl |
| Tube | New-old-stock EF732 |
| Polar patterns | Continuously variable omni, cardioid and figure-8 |
| Fat switch | Low-end boost, 10 Hz to 400 Hz |
| Pad | -10 dB |
| HF contour | -1.5 dB at 5 kHz, -3 dB at 10 kHz, flat, or +2 dB at 10 kHz |
| Power | Included true linear PSU |
What Does Continuously Variable Pattern Mean?
Rather than three fixed positions, the control sweeps between omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8 without steps. Intermediate settings such as wide cardioid or hypercardioid are available, which matters when the room contribution needs adjusting rather than switching.
Who Is the Bock 167 For?
Studios wanting a hand-built multi-pattern tube microphone as a main vocal and room microphone. The continuously variable pattern and the four-position high frequency contour make it a microphone that can be adapted to a source rather than corrected afterward.
What Is the High Frequency Contour For?
Four settings: a 1.5 dB cut at 5 kHz, a 3 dB cut at 10 kHz, flat, or a 2 dB boost at 10 kHz. It shapes the top end at the capsule, before any preamp or equalizer, which handles a bright source or a dull one without adding a processing stage.
Does It Need a Special Power Supply?
Yes, and it is included. The Bock 167 ships with UA's true linear power supply, which is required for the tube circuit. It does not run on 48 V phantom power. A premium storage case is also included.
Connections
| Connector | XLR |
| Power | Included true linear PSU |
Specifications
| Frequency range | 10 Hz to 18 kHz, plus or minus 2 dB |
| Maximum SPL | 118 dB SPL at 1% THD |
| Polar patterns | Continuously variable omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8 |
| Capsule | Dual-symmetrical K67 |
| Transformer | Lundahl |
| Tube | NOS EF732 |
| High frequency contour | Cut -1.5 dB at 5 kHz, cut -3 dB at 10 kHz, flat, boost +2 dB at 10 kHz |
| Fat switch | Low-end boost between 10 Hz and 400 Hz |
| Pad | -10 dB |
| Power | Included UA Bock 167 PSU, true linear supply |
Why Universal Audio?
Universal Audio was founded in 1958 by M.T. "Bill" Putnam, the engineer who built the first recording console with integrated equalization and effects sends, and who designed the 1176 and the 610. The company was revived in 1999 by his sons and now does two things: it still hand-builds analog hardware in California, and it licenses and models the classics from Neve, API, Manley, SSL, Lexicon, Studer, Ampex and others rather than emulating them without authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a genuine Universal Audio product?
Yes. Victory is a veteran owned dealer in Miami and units ship new in original packaging with full manufacturer support, including software registration rights.
Is this covered by warranty?
Yes. This unit carries the full Universal Audio manufacturer warranty, registered to you as the original purchaser. Call 844-687-4208 for the current term.
Is this a modeling microphone?
No. The Bock line is analog throughout. There is no plug-in layer and no software, so the character is present on any preamp the moment it is plugged in.
Where is it made?
Hand-built at Universal Audio's Custom Shop in Santa Cruz, California, to designs by David Bock.
What does the Fat switch do?
It boosts the low end between 10 Hz and 400 Hz, adding weight without touching an equalizer. It is one of the modern additions the vintage originals did not have.
Why Buy From Victory Musical Instruments?
Victory Musical Instruments is a pro audio and musical instrument dealer in Miami, Florida. We support churches, schools, studios and working musicians across South Florida and ship nationwide. Every unit is new in the original factory packaging with full manufacturer support. Call 844-687-4208 to check lead time, request a quote, or arrange local pickup.