David Bock’s Perspective on an Industry Standard

The Universal Audio Bock 187 is David Bock’s take on the classic ’87, an industry standard if there ever was one. The large-diaphragm FET condenser mic quickly acquired popularity among engineers, producers, and their clients after its introduction in 1967; by the mid-1970s, it had become a standard in every world-class recording studio. Mr. Bock has established a strong reputation for creating cutting-edge microphone designs that combine the most desired sound attributes of treasured old classics with current accuracy, improved performance, and rock-solid dependability. However, the Bock 187 is not a simple clone; it has its distinct sound, with a creamy-smooth middle and dazzling detail. It also has extended low-end and high headroom thanks to its huge bespoke output transformer. Unlike the original, the Bock 187 has an adaptable, fixed cardioid polar pattern. It also comes with a real rumbling filter that hinges at 50Hz. Additionally, its patented Fat switch rapidly boosts signals for massive guitars and drumming. The Universal Audio Bock 187 is ideal for lead voices and acoustic instruments, and it sounds fantastic on any device. Add one or two to your microphone collection today!

Increase the size

The Bock 187’s Fat switch is a unique feature that sets it apart from other current (and antique) microphones. With the flick of a switch, you may switch between two separate musical identities due to this special David Bock circuit. The Bock 187 has an incredible dynamic range and creates a loud sound for a room mic owing to the Fat switch. Turn on the Fat switch, place the microphone a few feet away from a guitar amp cabinet, and tweak the mix with another mic. In addition to the Fat switch, it has two alternative low-end responses: a 10dB pre-attenuation pad and a 50Hz rumbling filter. The Universal Audio Bock 187 is a valuable addition to your microphone collection because of its outstanding microphone design, which allows it to handle practically any capture environment.

Cardioid only?

You bet. If you had to pick only one polar pattern for all of your studio microphones, cardioid would be it. Although we recommend having omnidirectional, figure-8, and hyper-cardioid microphones in your mic locker, cardioid microphones will be your go-to for the great majority of recording and sound reinforcement activities. A great-sounding cardioid large-diaphragm condenser mic, such as the Universal Audio Bock 187, will see frequent use in your studio.

Inspired design by a professional designer

David Bock is well-known among professional audio engineers and studio owners. In the 1980s and 1990s, David honed his trade as chief technical engineer at prestigious studios like Hyde Street, The Hit Factory, and Ocean Way. Naturally, these world-class facilities had significant collections of desired vintage microphones, and David’s job was keeping them all in excellent working order. This resulted in a thorough grasp of how these microphones functioned and why they sounded the way they did, ultimately leading to the next stage of David’s career. While working at Soundelux Studios in Hollywood, he grew interested in microphone design. David was inspired by the idea of incorporating the desired acoustic features of antique microphones into new designs that took use of current manufacturing accuracy, and he was responsible for several famous microphones, including the Soundelux 251, E47, and E49. Building on his success at Soundelux, he established Bock Audio in 2007. In 2020, David Bock’s creative creativity combined with Universal Audio’s production expertise, where David works as a senior product engineer.

Another Bock contemporary classic

At UA, Bock microphones are made the same way they have always been. These precise recording instruments are handcrafted in small quantities utilising one-of-a-kind, high-end components, with a sound aim in mind rather than a pricing point. This is what microphone manufacture looked like during the Golden Age of Analogue, and the method is credited with the long-lasting sound superiority of beloved antique microphones, some of which are still in use today. However, because of Universal Audio’s immense resources, Bock microphones also benefit from cutting-edge manufacturing procedures that provide a degree of accuracy previously inconceivable. Bock’s exclusive all-brass capsules are hand manufactured and hand tensioned to high standards, and they use strong 6-micron diaphragms for a stunningly clear sound with no trace of artificial brightness. Bock-designed multi-sectioned transformers produce a deeper and smoother bottom end than other manufacturing mics. Bock’s standalone audio amplifiers benefit from old-school inductor-based power supply, which provides a robust dynamic range and boosts tube longevity. It all adds up to a collection of modern classic mics that are needed in today’s well-appointed mic locker. We can expect more fascinating new microphone designs from David Bock and UA in the next few years!

Universal Audio Bock 187 Large-diaphragm FET Condenser Microphone Features:

• Versatile fixed cardioid polar pattern.
• Patented all-brass capsule with dual-diaphragm
• The fat switch provides quick low-end girth.
• The 50Hz rumbling filter eliminates undesired LF material.
• A large output transformer provides prolonged low-frequency response and headroom.
• 10 dB pre-attenuation pad.
• Includes a stand mount and the trademark wooden box.