Pictured with the TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik large diaphragm AK-47 tube microphone are Bootsy Collins (L) and Snoop Dogg.
Fellow Funkateers Share Passion for the Music and the Technology
Funkmaster Bootsy Collins has acquired a full range of new microphones from TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik, TEC Award-winning manufacturer of faithful historic recreations of the classic mics of the past. A striking bassist, producer, singer, and songwriter, Collins now has a matched pair of large diaphragm AK-47 tube mics, a matched pair of ELA M260 small diaphragm mics, and a pair of M80 dynamic mics.
Snoop Dogg, who is contributing to Collins’ upcoming James Brown tribute album at “Boot Cave” studios, also picked up a new AK-47 to add to his collection, which now includes three AK-47s, two M-16 MkIIs, and three ELA M
260s.
Rising to prominence with James Brown in the late 1960s, and with Parliament-Funkadelic in the ’70s, Collins’ driving bass guitar and distinctive vocals established him as one of the leading names in funk. In characteristic style, Collins extols the virtues of the TELEFUNKEN M80 dynamic mic, the choice of such artists as Phish, The Dead, and Green Day.
“For those of you that are a little unshure about the M80 mic by TELEFUNKEN,” says Collins, “Well, I am about to funk you up with this rap. The name is right and it is James Brown tight, it is the Bomb, an easy win in any fight, yeah the M-80 that be the One. Don’t take my word for it, check it out and see how you explode by using it. Go to your nearest funky music shop and demand the Bomb, but be ye forewarned — it is highly explosive!”
Collins’ characteristic sound, enhanced by envelope filters, is one of his distinguishing traits as a bass player. He also uses highly syncopated 16th note patterns combined with an aggressive slap technique. Collins is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, inducted in 1997 with fifteen other members of Parliament-Funkadelic. In addition to producing the James Brown tribute, Collins is currently working on a new solo album project.
“This is the best mic I have ever heard on my voice,” says Bootsy, whose newly acquired AK-47 large diaphragm tube mics are also used for spot-miking of acoustic instruments, drum overheads, and piano. His ELA M 260s are employed for banjo, guitar, mandolin, and for close-miking percussion. The M80 is the workhorse vocal mic for stage and studio work, as well as for snare drums, horns, and toms.
To learn more about TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik, visit: http://www.t-funk.com
