For monitoring at Conscious Sound, we use KRK Systems' 9000B studio monitors with 1" Inverted Dome Kevlar tweeters, in combination with the RoK BoTTom powered subwoofer. We chose them for their outstanding depth, imaging, and low distortion characteristics. Not only do they provide excellent sound reproduction and minimal ear fatigue, but their linear response allows for excellent translation into other environments. This is especially critical for our clients who need to rely on a mix that sounds great in the studio to also sound great in their neighbor's car, their little sister's boom box, or anywhere else in the real world.

We also rely on the world reknowned BM15A's by Dynaudio Acoustics of Denmark. The BM15A is a relatively large 2-way active system comprising of a large 240mm (10“) woofer, a special version of the Dynaudio ESOTEC soft dome tweeter and an electronic phase-aligned crossover, which feeds the build-in dual, high performance discrete MOSFET amplifiers.

The ESOTEC HF driver is beautifully clean, with a dynamic headroom of 1000W, and the 240mm (10“) bass driver with its 100mm (4“) aluminium alloy voice coil, remarkably outperforms most 300mm (12“) drivers in terms of power output and sheer punch.

The BM15A monitor is front ported for powerful and extended low frequency response, and the elegant matte cabinet has radius edges on the front baffle to reduce boundary effects and improve the overall sound quality.  
Our microphone selection includes the large-diaphram transformerless Neumann TLM 103 featuring remarkably low self-noise and an ultra-high sound pressure level transmission. The capsule, derived from their famous U 87, has a cardioid pattern, is acoustically well-balanced and provides extraordinary attenuation of signals from the rear. This makes it extremely useful not just for recording vocals, but for a variety of instrumental recording situations. We use the TLM 103 with our Neve 9098 mic preamp. Together, they create a beautifully smooth vocal sound that glides gracefully through a mix without disturbing the overall balance. For more info about our mic preamps, check out our A/D path.
the Rupert Neve designed 9098 preamp / equalizer
Conscious Sound also offers a Neumann TLM193. This is also a large diaphram condenser like the TLM 103. (The letters TLM stand for "transformerless microphone". With TLM technology the traditional output transformer is replaced by an electronic circuit, producing extremely low noise) This microphone has a very even "diffuse-field" response, which is important in multi-instrument and reverberant recording situations, as more reflections arrive at the microphone from different directions. Consequently, this thing sounds beautiful as a spot mic for string instruments, piano, woodwinds, guitar amps, and even hand percussion. Because of the wide acceptance angle and smooth sound of the TLM 193, it's a snap to null out unwanted instruments or sections by pointing the back of the mic at the unwanted sound rather than trying to 'zero in' on the instrument with the front of the mic.
Another great mic up our sleeve is the AKG 414 (pictured left). Switchable pickup patterns make it a jewel for tricky recording situations. Some of our clients love this mic for vocals. It's particularly wonderful on acoustic guitar, and it's a dream on hi-hats. Like the TLM 103 and 193, the 414 is also a large-diaphram condenser, so it's bass response is nice and full.

Also by AKG, we have a pair of 460's - these are exceptional for stereo sources like drum overheads, stringed instruments, or group vocals. They're extremely quiet, so they work well for atmospheric stereo effects. Once we brought in an inflatible baby swimming pool, filled it up with water and used the 460's to record mysterious water sounds, running a hand through the water. A beautiful sound. You should have heard it!

We also feature a pair of the delightful Audio-Technica ATM-31a's. For situations where a little coloration is desired, these suckers deliver a surprisingly pleasing warmth in the low end, as well as some sparkle in the highs. Outstanding for many stereo sources from group vocals to tablas and congas and guitars.
In the dynamic mic category, may we present the classic EV RE-20. Made popular by radio DJ's for that ultra smooth low frequency response for spoken vocals, it's also a secret weapon for kick drums, bass guitar cabinets, and amazing for horns.
Conscious Sound's collection of dynamic microphones also includes a couple of Sennheiser 421's (left), which are monsters for toms and other bass-intesive sources, and an AKG D-112 (right) which is our favorite mic for kick drums. It's also great for bass vocal effects. Naturally, we wouldn't be a recording studio without a supply of Shure SM57's and 58's, a Shure beta green 4.0 (nice on hi-hats), and some PZMs.
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"Assumptions allow the best in life to pass you by."

-John Sales