The Model 1A brings a sweetness, a musicality to acoustic instruments that you simply can't get any other way. They sound so different from all the other tracks that they literally pop out of the mix, without any signal processing at all. Vocals take on a richness and depth that singers and announcers kill for. You can't accomplish this with signal processing, even tube processing. All that does is soften the digital sound, it can't make it musical.
Musicality has to start with the mic.
Every musician needs to ask three questions about an equipment purchase. This system includes the MD1A Cardioid tube microphone, case, power supply and cable. The MD1A is an improved version of the original MD1 Groove-Tube mic, the case is a heavy machined straight cylinder. The tube sound is one of the best at any price.