M-Audio Sputnik Large Diaphragm Tube Condenser Vocal Mic

M-Audio's Sputnik mic signals the end of microphone envy. Based on a classic vacuum tube design and manufactured in modern facilities to exacting standards, this multi-pattern, large diaphragm studio condenser delivers the lush, classic sound normally associated with rare and expensive vintage mics like the Neumann U47 and AKG C12. Sputnik's combination of military-grade vacuum tube, ultrasensitive evaporated gold Mylar diaphragm, solid brass construction, and multiple polar patterns makes it ideal for a wide variety of voices, instruments, and applications-especially putting that signature sound in the spotlight. Engineered from scratch, M-Audio designed Sputnik with input from top recording industry studio engineers-and it's an instant classic in their hands.


Signature Sound
Great sounding vocals and other acoustic tracks start with the microphone itself. Building on years of expertise, M-Audio's engineering team conducted exhaustive research into this phenomenon and established just what gives the top high-end studio condensers their ineffable qualities. Then they distilled the best characteristics of these classic vacuum tube designs into one extraordinary mic with M-Audio's trademark value pricing. In fact many listening test participants feel that the Sputnik mic exhibits the praised lows and low-mids of the Neumann U47 along with the upper-mids and highs of the AKG C12-making it ideal for faithfully capturing a wide variety of sources including male and female vocals.

Built for the Pros
When tweaking the Sputnik mic's capsule and circuitry, M-Audio worked closely with top L.A. recording engineers and producers to make sure M-Audio hit the proverbial nail squarely on the head. These are professionals who have some of the world's finest vintage mics at their disposal. And in final side-by-side listening tests, these same pros agreed that Sputnik performed flawlessly for the most critical recording situations.

More Than Just a Great Vocal Mic
Many microphones are best used for specific applications-which is why most engineers have a more-than-modest investment in a locker full of mics. M-Audio spent many engineering hours working to insure that Sputnik would provide excellent results in a wide variety of situations: Vocals have that signature sound. Saxophones are both throaty and silky. Pianos and acoustic guitar are clear and full-bodied. Brass and woodwinds are realistic. And hand percussion is tight and crisp. Sputnik allows you to put any instrument in the spotlight-and selectable cardioid, omni, and figure-8 patterns give it the flexibility to be your ultimate secret weapon in the studio.

Features:

• Vintage tube design
• 3-micron evaporated gold Mylar diaphragm
• Low-current 6205M dual triode tube
• Cardioid, figure-8, and omni polar patterns
• 10dB (attenuation) pad
• 80Hz high-pass filter
• Solid brass body with polished nickel finish
• Dedicated power supply with included 7-pin cable
• Professional shockmount
• Soft cloth bag
• Custom flight case

• Recommended load impedance: > 1 k?
• Capsule: 3-micron thick Mylar with evaporated gold, double sided
• Transconductance amplifier: 6205M dual triode vacuum tube, military grade selected
• Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz ±1.5dB
• Sensitivity: 30 mV/Pa (-30.5 dBV)
• Max. SPL for 0.5% THD: 132dB (or 142dB with 10dB pad)
• Equivalent noise level: 18dB (A-weighted)
• Output impedance: 200 ?, transformer isolated
• Connectors: 7-pin male XLR for mic output to power supply; 3-pin male XLR for power supply output
• Attenuation and rolloff: switchable 10-dB pad; switchable 80-Hz 2nd-order (12dB/octave) rolloff
• Polar patterns: cardioid, omni, figure-8
• Size/weight: 8-1/4" (h) x 3" (w) x 2" (d); 1.6 lbs.

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