Griffon Microphones, do you know it?
Me, a few months ago, I didn’t know it.
Then, I had the opportunity to get in touch with the brand’s creator, Sammy, who told me about his projects, “built according to European artisanal tradition” as stated on his website.
Curious, I decided to interview him so he could introduce you and myself to his world of handcrafted studio microphones. 🙂
Project Home Studio: Hello Sammy, and thank you for answering this interview. You are the creator of Griffon Microphones. I imagine not everyone knows your brand – so can you introduce in a few words what makes it different from others?
Sammy: Griffon is a company that manufactures microphones handcrafted in Brittany.
So, you specifically make replicas of famous microphones such as the U67 and U47 from Neumann. We are clearly dealing with professional quality microphones. Why this choice?
The GMF series is not a clone; it is a version whose design is unique to Griffon.
The k67 and k47 capsules are recreations of the famous German capsules.
I personally use these microphones for my productions, so the quality must be impeccable both sonically and aesthetically.
I imagine that manufacturing microphones of this quality can be quite a challenge. Can you give me an overview of the different stages of production? What takes you the most time?
Clearly, the body of the microphone is a heavy and lengthy manufacturing process. It takes about 5 months of factory production to receive a series, and I do the final finishes myself.
Assembling the capsule is quite delicate – you have to be very careful: the slightest mistake and the capsule is ruined! I use some 3D printed parts for optimal support of the capsule.
The selection and sorting of electronic components is also very time-consuming, but it is imperative to obtain good microphones.
That’s a lot of work! Are they mostly limited series then?
Yes, for now only in batches of 10 pieces.
I must admit that in electronics, I don’t know much. Just the basics, let’s say. Does it take time to learn how to manufacture this kind of equipment?
Microphones are for me the most complicated in terms of mastery, precision, and fragility of manufacturing.
It takes a bit of time to master the process.
I understand that you use vintage NOS (New Old Stock = new but old) components, notably from the former USSR. I have always found this kind of approach fascinating, as it is often forgotten equipment but can be of very good quality (in another field, I think for example of Russian cameras). Can you tell me more? What is the difference with modern electronic components?
The components you mention are military-grade oil-filled capacitors that can be found in the countries of the former USSR.
I use them for the GMF 47 microphones. They are very interesting components: they are robust, very well made, and preserved. This capacitor is very interesting and provides a rather distinctive sound color that I was looking for in this microphone.
Speaking of electronic components: I saw that your microphones include transformers made in France specifically for Griffon Microphones. It’s interesting to see that you work with French suppliers… why didn’t you choose to source from cheaper foreign suppliers?
The transformer has an impact almost as strong as the capsule on the final sound of the microphone. We are fortunate to have passionate manufacturers in France who produce very high-quality audio transformers and the possibility to manufacture to specifications specifically for this or that microphone.
On your shop, only the GMF-47 and GMF-67 are currently available. However, I noticed that there was a ribbon mic, the “RU-4”, that was going to be released? Is it coming soon?
Yes, the prototype has just come out of the workshop and will be available in small quantities by the end of December.
Okay. Do you plan to stick with microphones, or should we expect other types of studio equipment in the future? I believe you have already made preamps…?
Yes, microphones are something magical for me; I am always amazed when I hear a microphone working. I am also focusing a lot on recreating very vintage-styled equipment:
monophonic tube mixing consoles and other delights, but that’s still a secret…
Well Sammy, thank you for all these explanations. It’s really nice to see people as motivated as you to produce quality French gear. I wish you a very good continuation, and I look forward to the release of this ribbon microphone we talked about. See you soon!
For more information about Griffon Microphones and Sammy’s work, I invite you to visit his website at the following address: http://griffon-microphones.jimdo.com/
You can also find him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griffonmicrophones/