MikesGig features affiliate links to help support our content. At no cost to you, we may earn a commission on affiliate purchases.
British microphone manufacturer Sontronics has been named a finalist in two separate categories for the upcoming 2027 NAMM TEC Awards. Recognized for achievements in both studio recording and live sound reinforcement, the company’s ARIA 2 valve condenser mic and SOLO W1 wireless capsule head were both selected ahead of The NAMM Show in Anaheim, California.
Designed, engineered, and hand-built in England, the nomination highlights Sontronics’ dual focus on studio-grade recording technology and live stage performance.
The Finalists: Studio Valve & Wireless Stage Performance
- Sontronics ARIA 2 (Finalist: Microphones – Recording): The second-generation evolution of Sontronics’ flagship valve condenser mic. Rebuilt with a proprietary 34mm gold-sputtered capsule, hand-selected European 12AX7/ECC83S tube, and an updated SPS-2 power supply (featuring a 3-step pad and 75Hz linear filter), the ARIA 2 provides lower self-noise and rich harmonic warmth for studio vocals and acoustic instruments.
- Sontronics SOLO W1 (Finalist: Microphones – Sound Reinforcement): Translates the tonal character and tight supercardioid focus of the wired SOLO dynamic microphone into a wireless capsule format. Built with a 3-contact thread-on interface compatible with Shure handheld wireless transmitters, the SOLO W1 offers 140dB SPL handling and high off-axis rejection to eliminate monitor bleed on loud stages.
Sontronics TEC Award Finalists Comparison
| Feature / Spec | ARIA 2 Valve Condenser | SOLO W1 Wireless Capsule |
| TEC Category | Microphones – Recording | Microphones – Sound Reinforcement |
| Capsule / Tech | 34mm Gold-Sputtered / 12AX7 Tube | Dynamic / Neodymium Magnet, Alum. Voice Coil |
| Polar Pattern | Fixed Cardioid | Supercardioid |
| Frequency Range | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 50 Hz – 15 kHz |
| Primary Target | Studio Vocals, Piano, Strings, Acoustic Guitars | Live Vocals, Presenters, Broadcast (Shure Wireless) |
| Warranty | Sontronics Limited Lifetime Warranty | Sontronics Limited Lifetime Warranty |
“This is a really proud moment for everyone at Sontronics. To have two products recognised across both recording and live sound is a fantastic reflection of what we’re building and the direction we’re taking the brand… We’ve always believed that British microphone design and manufacturing deserves to stand alongside the very best in the industry.”
— Sam Nankivell, Director of Sontronics
NAMM 2027 Details
Check Price on Amazon
The winners of the 2027 TEC Awards will be announced during The NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, in January 2027, where Sontronics will exhibit its full microphone line.
Where to buy:
MikesGig — Gear Moves Music. Music Moves People.
About The Author
