M-Audio Sputnik Vacuum Tube Condenser Microphone

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, we 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, 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 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, 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 selectable cardioid, omni, and figure-8 patterns give it the flexibility to be your ultimate secret weapon in the studio.

Vintage Tube Warmth

The Sputnik mic’s military-grade 6205M tube utilizes a diminutive, dual triode design that allows for high-voltage operation with less heat dispersion 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.

Beauty is More Than Skin Deep

Sure the Sputnik mic’s space-age “lollipop” design is cool, but it’s truly functional as well. It minimizes diffraction from the body, resulting in superior off-axis response. And the body itself is durable solid brass with an attractive polished nickel finish. Sputnik delivers in both performance and looks.

Close Tolerance for Matched Sets

Sputnik mics are manufactured with a close tolerance of ±1.5dB across the entire frequency range. This means that any two or more Sputnik mics you buy qualify as a matched set for stereo recording.

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.

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

Specifications

• Recommended load impedance: > 1 kΩ
• 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 dB
• 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 Ω, 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.

Compatibility

• Octane
• Tampa
• ProjectMix I/O
• FireWire 1814
• FireWire 410
• DMP3
• Ozonic