{"product_id":"flea-sm-204-23","title":"Flea SM 204\/23","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eFLEA SM 204\/23\u003c\/strong\u003e is a premium multi-pattern valve condenser microphone that recreates the exceptionally rare Siemens SM204\/23, combining a FLEA CK12 capsule, 6072A valve, V2545 transformer replica, 30 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response, 7 mV\/Pa sensitivity and cardioid, omnidirectional and figure-8 polar patterns with modern, hand-built construction.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFLEA developed the SM 204\/23 to reproduce the distinctive sonic behaviour of the original Siemens microphone while delivering the consistency and reliability expected in a contemporary professional recording environment. The design retains the key elements responsible for the classic microphone's reputation, including its CK12-style capsule architecture, valve electronics, self-biasing circuit and unusual V2545 output transformer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eClassic Siemens SM204\/23 Character\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original Siemens SM204\/23 earned a reputation for natural detail, musical midrange and a controlled tonal balance that suited demanding studio recording. Original examples have become extremely scarce, making their characteristic combination of valve circuitry, capsule and transformer increasingly difficult to access.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFLEA recreates this design rather than simply borrowing its visual identity. The SM 204\/23 combines the company's CK12 capsule with carefully developed electronics and a replica of the Rohde \u0026amp; Schwarz Henry V2545 transformer to reproduce the depth, harmonic character and transient response associated with the original microphone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFLEA CK12 Capsule\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe FLEA CK12 capsule forms the acoustic heart of the SM 204\/23. FLEA designed it to capture the character associated with the original CK12 capsule, giving the microphone a detailed yet smooth top end, substantial midrange and controlled low-frequency response.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts multi-pattern construction supports cardioid, omnidirectional and figure-8 operation. This flexibility allows engineers to adapt the microphone to different sources, room acoustics and stereo recording techniques without sacrificing the core tonal character of the design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e6072A Valve Circuit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe SM 204\/23 uses a 6072A valve as standard. Its valve circuitry contributes harmonic complexity and a smooth response while retaining the detail and dynamic articulation required for professional recording.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFLEA also offers a GE 6072A valve upgrade for engineers who want an alternative premium valve option. The microphone's self-biasing circuit represents another important element inherited from the classic design. It helps the electronics accommodate high sound pressure levels with generous headroom, making the microphone particularly capable when recording powerful and highly dynamic sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eV2545 Transformer Replica\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA replica of the Rohde \u0026amp; Schwarz Henry V2545 output transformer forms a defining part of the SM 204\/23 signal path. FLEA recreates the original transformer's design and materials to retain the tonal depth, harmonic richness and controlled low-frequency response that contributed heavily to the character of the Siemens microphone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than substituting a generic modern transformer, FLEA uses the V2545 replica to preserve one of the most distinctive components of the original circuit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThree Selectable Polar Patterns\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe SM 204\/23 provides \u003cstrong\u003ecardioid, omnidirectional and figure-8\u003c\/strong\u003e polar patterns, selected through the supplied power supply. Cardioid focuses capture towards the front of the microphone and reduces sound arriving from the rear, making it particularly useful for vocals and individual instruments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOmnidirectional operation captures sound from all directions and allows engineers to incorporate more of the recording space into the result. Figure-8 captures sound from the front and rear while rejecting the sides, supporting applications such as Mid-Side and Blumlein recording as well as controlled room and dual-source techniques.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSound and Recording Applications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe SM 204\/23 delivers a natural tonal balance with a rich midrange, smooth high-frequency response and solid, controlled bass. Its ability to reproduce low-level detail and fast transients makes it suitable for sources where engineers need both character and accuracy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts combination of valve circuitry, high-SPL composure and selectable polar patterns makes it particularly well suited to lead and backing vocals, spoken word, acoustic instruments and ambient recording. The three-pattern architecture also gives engineers considerably greater control over room contribution and microphone placement than a fixed-pattern design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Performance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe FLEA SM 204\/23 covers a \u003cstrong\u003e30 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range\u003c\/strong\u003e and provides \u003cstrong\u003e7 mV\/Pa sensitivity at 1 kHz\u003c\/strong\u003e. It offers rated impedance options of \u003cstrong\u003e50 or 200 ohms\u003c\/strong\u003e, with corresponding minimum rated load impedances of \u003cstrong\u003e500 or 2,000 ohms\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese specifications combine with the CK12 capsule, 6072A valve circuit and V2545 transformer to create a microphone aimed firmly at professional studios seeking classic valve-microphone behaviour rather than a neutral, transformerless condenser presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eComplete FLEA SM 204\/23 System\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFLEA supplies the SM 204\/23 as a complete recording system. The package includes the microphone in a wooden box, an external power supply with integrated polar-pattern selection, a microphone-to-PSU cable with swivel mount connector, power cord, microphone dust cover and printed manual. FLEA packs the complete system in a protective hard carton with a foam insert.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFLEA handcrafts the SM 204\/23 in small production batches using premium components. Each unit undergoes individual measurement, testing and final inspection, bringing the architecture and character of an exceptionally scarce vintage microphone into a newly manufactured professional studio system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Choose the FLEA SM 204\/23?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAccess an exceptionally rare microphone concept:\u003c\/strong\u003e It provides a practical route to the character of the Siemens SM204\/23 without relying on finding and maintaining a scarce vintage original.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCapture vocals with depth and character:\u003c\/strong\u003e The CK12 capsule, 6072A valve and V2545 transformer architecture combines detail with the harmonic richness associated with classic valve microphones.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRecord powerful sources confidently:\u003c\/strong\u003e The self-biasing circuit provides the composure and headroom required for loud, dynamic performances.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdapt quickly to different sessions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cardioid, omni and figure-8 patterns make the microphone useful across close recording, room capture and specialist stereo techniques.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInvest in a complete studio system:\u003c\/strong\u003e The supplied PSU, dedicated cable, wooden microphone box and accessories provide the core components required for professional operation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGain vintage character with modern manufacture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small-batch construction, individual testing and newly manufactured components remove many of the uncertainties associated with ageing vintage microphones.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Flea Pro Audio s.r.o.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58436490822015,"sku":"ITM011557","price":3329.17,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0707\/4915\/9716\/files\/flea-sm203-kmr.jpg?v=1789486732","url":"https:\/\/kmraudio.com\/products\/flea-sm-204-23","provider":"KMR Audio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}