M-Audio's
Sputnik mic signals the end of microphone envy. Based on a classic
vacuum tube design and manufactured in state-of-the-art 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 hand-picked 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. M-Audio engineered this amazing microphone from
scratch with input from top recording industry studio engineers.
Finally, you can get a boutique-quality microphone at a price that's
not in the stratosphere.
Signature Sound
Great
sounding vocals and other acoustic tracks start with the microphone
itself. Building on years of expertise, our 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 throaty lows and low-mids of the Neumann U47 along
with the upper-mids and open airy 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, we worked closely
with top L.A. recording engineers and producers to make sure we 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.
We 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 cardioid, omni, and figure-8
patterns give it the flexibility to be your ultimate secret weapon in
the studio
Custom Power Supply Delivers 200-Foot Cable Runs
The
Sputnik's power supply features a sophisticated circuit designed to
ensure optimal performance of the mic and audio signal path. It also
features a voltage ramp-up when powered on in order to further extend
tube life. As an added bonus, an automatic load-sensing circuit
compensates for varying transmission line impedances, allowing you to
run cables as long as 200 feet.
Vintage Tube Warmth
The
Sputnik mic's military-grade 6205M vacuum tube is a diminutive pentode
wired as a triode the output behavior is like that of a perfect current
source so it's tolerant of a wide range of load conditions. The tube
operates at high voltages, allowing an enormous dynamic range - but
with less heat dissipation than other designs. As a result, you can
easily hang this mic upside down or use it upright without having to
worry about overheating the capsule.
We've
also mounted the tube itself upside down to facilitate shorter
connections that, in turn, make for more controlled impedance and less
stray capacitance - a design trait shared by German mics like the
revered Telefunken 251. The Sputnik also employs a socketless design
eliminating the potential for impedance mismatch, signal deterioration
and contact corrosion. What about changing tubes on the fly, you say?
Research shows that tubes go bad within the first 10 hours of use. We
hand-pick military-grade tubes to ensure the highest specs, consistency
and reliability, then burn them in for a week so you don't have to
worry about changing tubes in the first place.
Everything Included
With
the Sputnik mic, you'll be up and running as soon as you open the box.
Each mic includes a professional shockmount, dedicated power supply,
7-pin mic cable, grounded IEC power supply, soft cloth bag and a custom
flight case. All you need to do is plug it in and open up a channel.
