The Stage One is Blue Microphones' most accessible Class A discrete solid state mic with a foundation for interchangeable capsules. Compared to similar microphones, the Stage One has a very low self noise specificaiton (<7.5 dB) and a very high output level (+12 dBV), making it the perfect choice for today's high sample rate/deep word length digital platforms. Instead of integrated circuits (chips), the Stage One employs a transformless Class A discrete amplifier circuit to ensure the most accurate and noise-free signal possible, with minimal distortion and coloration. The Stage One is an ideal microphone for recording virtually any sound source.