JZ Microphones The Black Hole 1S (multi pattern, PAD) Studio Condenser Microphone

Multi-Pattern Studio Condenser Microphone with PAD Switch

The JZ Microphones The Black Hole BH1S is a premium 1" multi-pattern condenser microphone designed for engineers and producers who demand a single tool that excels across every common studio source. Handcrafted in Latvia (EU) with strict no-compromise manufacturing standards, this microphone combines a Golden Drop Technology™ electrostatic capsule with a Class A discrete amplifier circuit to deliver clarity, transparency, and full richness in any recording situation. Three switchable polar patterns — cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-of-eight — let the BH1S adapt to lead vocals, room ambience, and dual-source stereo techniques without changing microphones. A built-in -10 / -20 dB PAD switch extends the mic's reach to high-SPL sources like guitar cabinets and drum overheads. The Black Hole BH1S is the right choice for studio professionals who need a transparent workhorse capable of handling vocals, acoustic instruments, strings, and grand piano with equal confidence.

What Sets the Black Hole BH1S Apart

At the heart of this microphone sits JZ's proprietary Golden Drop Technology™ — an electrostatic capsule whose diaphragm is engineered to be lighter and faster-moving than conventional designs, reducing colorations and distortion while preserving the natural character of the source. The Class A discrete amplifier circuit is built from carefully selected electronic components, delivering extremely low self-noise (7.5 dB-A) and a wide 127 dB dynamic range. An integrated advanced shock-mount design rounds out the package, helping isolate the capsule from vibrations transmitted through stands and desks.

Capsule Design and Polar Pattern Flexibility

The dual-diaphragm electrostatic capsule with an active diameter of 2 x 27 mm operates on a pressure-gradient principle, enabling the three selectable polar patterns. This configuration gives engineers real flexibility on the session — switch to omnidirectional for room ambience on a drum kit, figure-of-eight for a Blumlein pair, or cardioid for a focused vocal capture, all from the same microphone.

• Transducer Type: Electrostatic — true condenser design for high sensitivity and detail.
• Polar Patterns: Cardioid / Omni / Figure-of-8 — three switchable patterns cover solo, ambient, and stereo techniques.
• Diaphragm Active Diameter: 2 x 27 mm — dual-diaphragm configuration for pattern switching.

Headroom, Sensitivity, and Self-Noise

With a maximum SPL of 134.5 dB (at 0.5% THD into 2.5 kΩ), the BH1S can take loud sources cleanly, and the -10/-20 dB PAD extends that headroom further for close-miked guitar cabinets and brass. A sensitivity of 18 mV/Pa at 1 kHz and an output impedance of 50 Ω make it a confident partner for any professional preamp, while the 7.5 dB-A self-noise floor keeps quiet vocal and acoustic recordings free of hiss.

• Maximum SPL: 134.5 dB SPL (0.5% THD) — handles loud sources without distortion.
• Pad Switch: -10 / -20 dB — two-stage attenuation for very high-SPL sources.
• Sensitivity at 1 kHz: 18 mV/Pa — strong output level for clean preamp capture.
• Self-Noise: 7.5 dB-A — extremely quiet floor for intimate vocal and acoustic work.

Build, Power, and Connectivity

The microphone is handcrafted in Latvia with jewelry-level precision and ships with a standard shockmount, thumb screw, and warranty sheet. Standard +48 V DC phantom power from any professional preamp or audio interface is all that is required, drawing just 1.5 mA. The 3-pin XLR male output connector integrates with any standard studio cable and preamp chain.

• Weight: 590 g — solid, vibration-resistant body.
• Dimensions: 190 mm × 48 mm × 22 mm — slim profile fits standard shockmounts and mic stands.
• Power Requirement: +48 V DC phantom power — standard studio power, 1.5 mA draw.
• Output Connector: 3-pin XLR male — universal professional connection.

Engineers, Producers, and Project Studios

The Black Hole BH1S is the right choice for recording engineers, producers, and project-studio owners who need one premium microphone that adapts to every session. Lead vocalists benefit from the cardioid pattern's focus and the capsule's transparent top end, while engineers tracking acoustic guitar, upright bass, strings, and grand piano will appreciate the natural, balanced response praised by industry professionals. The multi-pattern flexibility makes it equally useful for voiceover work, drum overheads, and stereo room capture. With its 7.5 dB-A self-noise floor, it is well suited to whisper-quiet sources and intimate vocal performances, while the -10/-20 dB PAD opens the door to loud sources like guitar cabinets and brass. Trusted by Grammy-winning engineers and producers, this microphone fits any studio where sonic transparency is non-negotiable.

JZ Microphones — Handcrafted in Latvia

JZ Microphones designs and manufactures all of its products in Latvia (EU) under strict no-compromise rules, with each microphone handcrafted by a team of highly qualified experts. The technology behind the brand's products has been tested and refined for more than 30 years, combining traditional classic-microphone solutions with patented innovations such as Golden Drop Technology™. Trusted by over 15,700 producers and Grammy winners worldwide, the Black Hole series has earned endorsements from engineers and artists working with Red Hot Chili Peppers, U2, Foo Fighters, Linkin Park, and Billy Idol, among others. The BH1S represents the multi-pattern flagship of that series — built for engineers and producers demanding only the best.