M-Audio Sputnik

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sarals

sarals

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I've always been curious about this mic. There is not a lot of information out there about it, and I've never been able to find any clips. Yes, I do know it's of Chinese origin, and it's probably similar to some other Chinese tube mics. What I don't know is if it uses a better capsule, transformer, and if the headbasket is more "transparent", in other words, a higher "order" of Chinese tube mic. In a nutshell, is it worth owning?

Thanks guys!
 
...better than average Chinese tube mic that still suffers from a bright and sibilant top-end...one of those mics that sounds so good when you first hear it, only to be less impressive as time passes...basically a re-packaged (and better sounding) Groove Tubes mic...soldered miniature tube (no socket, no tube swapping) and a 3-micron capsule that probably contributes to the sibilance...only 3 patterns (on the mic, not on the PSU)...U47?...hmmm...I won't go there...

...IMHO, the mic you have coming is much superior in both sound quality and design...being able to swap tubes is a nice feature, as well as a 9-pattern option and a 35mm 6-micron capsule make the CM-6 a better, more versatile choice (not to mention it's half the price!)...
 
kidvybes said:
...better than average Chinese tube mic that still suffers from a bright and sibilant top-end...one of those mics that sounds so good when you first hear it, only to be less impressive as time passes...basically a re-packaged (and better sounding) Groove Tubes mic...soldered miniature tube (no socket, no tube swapping) and a 3-micron capsule that probably contributes to the sibilance...only 3 patterns (on the mic, not on the PSU)...U47?...hmmm...I won't go there...

...IMHO, the mic you have coming is much superior in both sound quality and design...being able to swap tubes is a nice feature, as well as a 9-pattern option and a 35mm 6-micron capsule make the CM-6 a better, more versatile choice (not to mention it's half the price!)...
Click to expand...

Thank you for that, Dennis! I did not know that it had a "soldered miniature tube". That's a minus, as is only having three patterns. I did talk with the M-Audio rep at NAMM in January, and he indicated that there is discussion within Avid of dropping the microphone line, because sales just aren't there. He, of course, did the "salesman thing" and told me I should get one before they weren't available. That did pique my interest, as well as stimulate my shopping gene, but I decided to look elsewhere first. I'm glad I did!
 
Seems to me when they describe the capsule as being somewhere "between a U47 (dark) and the high end of a C12" that means it could describe any standard Chinese capsule. Big bottom, but bright. Having both qualities doesn't mean "do all". Certain mics are dark or bright for a purpose. Most really good mics are mid-range heavy and taper at the low and high end, especially for vocal use. You want to use a mic for a specific purpose. Dark mics can tame a bright instrument like saxophone or trumpet or a bright guitar or strident singer. A good bright mic can provide a bit of sparkle for a dull guitar or raspy vocal.

Although I have heard the Sputnik is a good mic, I seriously doubt it works as claimed. Though I could be wrong.
 
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