Mojave Microphones
Summary
Abstract
Mojave Audio is a microphone manufacturer founded by David Royer (of Royer Ribbon Mics fame). Community opinion is mixed — “Mojaves — for the record — are wonderful” says one engineer, while cian riordan flatly states “I’ve never heard a Mojave / Royer that I’ve liked.” The Mojave MA-200 and MA-201 are the most discussed models, offering tube and FET condenser options at accessible price points. The brand occupies a middle ground between budget clones and premium boutique mics, with some legendary prototype mics existing that David Royer himself acknowledges may have “the perfect amount of Mojave dust in them.”
Key Characteristics
- Type: Large diaphragm condensers (tube and FET)
- Notable Models: Mojave MA-200, MA-201 FET, MA-201, MA-300, MA-3000
- Notable Features: David Royer pedigree, accessible pricing for tube condensers, various U67/U87-inspired designs
Use Cases
The MA-200 and MA-201 are used as vocal microphones in indie pop, singer-songwriter, and general studio applications. The MA-201 FET is noted for occasional RF interference issues. One member uses it alongside an SM7B as their “main vocal mics” for indie pop. The MA-3000 received positive feedback in comparisons with Warm Audio and Golden Age products. The MA-201 is positioned as a sub-$1K alternative that is “an excellent version of itself rather than a cut-rate version of a 47.”
Comparable Alternatives
| Unit | How It Compares |
|---|---|
| Gefell M930 | Similar price range; Gefell generally more recommended by community |
| Warm Audio | Both serve mid-price segment; quality comparison varies by model |
| Audio-Technica AT4050 | Similar price; AT4050 considered more neutral and versatile |
| Shure KSM44 | Both sub-$1K LDCs recommended as solid workhorse mics |
| Austrian Audio OC18 | Modern competitor at similar price point |
Common Mistakes
- Assuming the MA-201 sounds like a vintage 251 based on frequency response graphs alone — “a 201 is not like a 251 AT ALL in actual use”
- Not investigating RF interference issues on the MA-201 FET before purchase
- Comparing Mojave directly to the prototype one-off mics that exist at Rancho de Luna — those are unicorns
See Also
Source Discussions
Quote
Channels: recording, gear-talk, microphones Date Range: July 2022 — January 2025 Key Contributors: Will Trotman, cian riordan, BatMeckley, Jonathan Jetter Total Mentions: 21 across 17 threads