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Universal Audio Bock 251 is a large-diaphragm tube studio condenser microphone, hand-built at UA's Custom Shop in Santa Cruz. It uses a German-made CK12 capsule, a Cinemag transformer and a new-old-stock ECC85 tube, with switchable omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8 patterns. Frequency response is 10 Hz to 18 kHz within 2 dB at up to 118 dB SPL.
A CK12 capsule and a NOS ECC85, in a vintage-style suitcase.
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 tube studio condenser |
| Capsule | German-made CK12 |
| Transformer | Cinemag |
| Tube | New-old-stock ECC85 |
| Polar patterns | Switchable omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8 |
| Maximum SPL | 118 dB, 1% THD |
| Power | Included true linear PSU |
| Included | Premium vintage-style suitcase |
Why Does the CK12 Capsule Matter?
The CK12 is the capsule design behind some of the most sought-after vintage condensers, and its particular top-end and midrange behavior is a large part of why those microphones are prized. Universal Audio uses a German-made CK12 here rather than an approximation of one.
Who Is the Bock 251 For?
Studios buying a flagship vocal microphone, where the choice is between this and a vintage original that will need servicing. It is hand-built to the best example of the design rather than to a batch average, and it ships with the power supply and a case.
How Is It Different From the Bock 167?
Capsule, tube and pattern control. The 251 uses a German CK12 capsule with a NOS ECC85 tube and switchable patterns. The 167 uses a dual-symmetrical K67 capsule with a NOS EF732 tube, continuously variable patterns and a high frequency contour switch. They are different classic voicings rather than tiers.
Does It Need a Special Power Supply?
Yes, and it is included. The Bock 251 ships with UA's true linear power supply, required for the tube circuit. It does not run on 48 V phantom power. A premium vintage-style suitcase is also included.
Connections
| Connector | XLR |
| Power | Included true linear PSU |
Specifications
| Frequency response | 10 Hz to 18 kHz, plus or minus 2 dB |
| Maximum SPL | 118 dB SPL at 1% THD |
| Polar patterns | Switchable omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8 |
| Capsule | German-made CK12 |
| Transformer | Cinemag |
| Tube | NOS ECC85 |
| Power | Included UA Bock 251 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.