Superlux S502

Faced with the plurality of existing condenser microphones and condenser microphones, it is often difficult to find the perfect microphone for recording instrument audio . The sensitivity of the condenser microphone or that of a studio microphone makes it an ideal vocal microphone.

Conversely, a dynamic mic's hyper-capacity to withstand high sound pressure makes it more practical to use for instrumental recording . On the other hand, and although it gives as good a proximity effect as most high-performance dynamic microphones, an omnidirectional microphone would only provide and not very nuanced sound capture

How then to find a dynamic instrument reconciling the best between microphone sensitivity , ability to withstand acoustic pressure and high precision sound recording ? The clarity of the sound reproduction is as important as its homogeneity and dynamism, whether for studio or open-air recording.

This is why I decided today to test and present to you a completely different type of microphone. Specially designed to meet the needs of classical music recording , the Superlux S502 has (and continues to) delight many audiophiles and sound professionals.

How does the Superlux S502 Dual Condenser Mic differ from other condenser microphones? Just after this line, discover all the potential that this microphone contains!

Superlux S502 Microphone Overview

The Superlux S502 is a Stereo ORTF microphone with two integrated condensers. At first glance, the microphone itself differs from the types of best microphones you have seen so far. The Superlux S502 microphone is characterized by its specific “ T ” appearance. Its two tips respectively integrate a transducer.

The microphone on the left, like the one on the right, can be rotated horizontally up to a maximum angle of 110 degrees . Due to the design of its polar pattern , the Superlux S502 displays a cardioid polar pattern . This means that each of the two transducers it incorporates only captures sound coming from the front.

To optimize the sound perception of acoustic instruments placed in front of the Superlux S502 microphones, they will need to be adjusted and positioned at the right angle. To fully understand how the Superlux S502 works, you need to know what is meant by “ORTF standard” and the advantages of adopting it when using this microphone.

Superlux S502: a microphone optimized for ORTF Stereo recording

The name “ ORTF ” is none other than the acronym which designates the standard “ Office de Radiodiffusion Télévision Française ”. This is a standard that was specifically established for stereo sound recording . This makes it possible to obtain optimal sound capture performance in stereo , the quality of which far exceeds that of other types of audio recordings.

Here, we are dealing with a cardioid microphone with two integrated capsules , both of which can be tilted horizontally. The Superlux S502 two-condenser microphone takes advantage of this ORTF standard to gain more breadth and depth of sound. Each of the two capacitors captures sound in a much more balanced way.

This allows you to have a sound that is both clear , nuanced and more harmonious in Stereo. In addition, this technique remains easier to master using a two-condenser microphone such as the Superlux S502, even when using a camcorder.

Rode Wireless Go 2 microphone review guide . It is a wireless and ultra-compact mobile microphone that consists of a receiver and two transmitters. This microphone displays an omnidirectional polar pattern. A mic designed for podcasters.

The technical features of the Superlux S502 microphone

As mentioned, the Superlux S502 two-condenser microphone takes advantage of the ORTF Stereo standard to provide optimal sound recording quality. The Superlux S502 is particularly suitable for:

• Classical concert audio recording
• Recording of shows in amphitheaters , large halls and outdoors .
• Audio recording of a plurality of acoustic instruments in a recording studio .
• The sound recording of a variety of acoustic percussion instruments both in a home studio and on a performance stage.

Unlike a simple condenser microphone, the Superlux S502 incorporates a pair of internal capsules with cardioid polar pattern . This has been specially designed to optimize the quality of Stereo sound recording according to the “ORTF” standard.

A technique whose effectiveness is proven to provide very high fidelity sound reproduction as well as a richer and more immersive listening experience. All as well with high-performance headphones as through the use of a pair of powerful speakers.

The Superlux S502 benefits from the ingenious features of its predecessors S241 and S125 by allowing high-precision sound capture thanks to its diaphragm . The simplicity of its design and the ergonomics that the Superlux S502 provides make it much more practical to use for recording impeccable quality sound in Stereo.

The design of the Superlux S502 microphone meets the following characteristics:

• Condenser microphone with two integrated capsules .
• Capsules configured for the Stereo audio jack according to the ORTF standard.
• Robust metal structure.
• output balance adjustment modes
• Standard phantom power supply
• Mic mounting stand
• 5 pin female to 2 XLR 3 male plugs cable
• Optimal audio recording quality in Stereo.

Zoom on the sound quality of the Superlux S502 microphone

The Superlux S502 is a microphone whose design has been optimized to perfect Stereo sound recording according to the ORTF standard. With this microphone, compared to that given by any other dynamic microphone , we can perfectly take advantage of such a beautiful proximity effect .

To do this, however, there is no need to place the Superlux S502 microphone either too close or too far from the sound source. You could indeed benefit from excellent recording results by placing it at a distance of approximately 1 meter facing the sound source you wish to capture.

The adjustment of the Superlux S502 will also strictly depend on the room in which the sound recording must be carried out. The ideal would be to place it at an angle which best captures the sound wave and maintains it at a constant level, that is to say without disturbances , interference or parasitic noise .

Above all, this eliminates the presence of background noise and eliminates any distortion likely to interfere with audio recording. Depending on the configuration of the room, you can also take advantage of sound echo with the Superlux S502.

You will also need to be careful to position the microphone out of reach of the speakers . We must therefore avoid placing them directly behind the microphone. This will in particular avoid any magnetic field interference harmful to hearing.

In all cases, you will only need, after having placed the microphone at the right distance and well centered, to position it at an angle between 90 and 110 degrees . All while taking care to orient it opposite , so that the microphone can capture all the sound waves coming from different sound sources without showing the slightest loss of signal.

Remember that the Superlux S502 displays a cardioid directivity. It therefore only captures sounds coming from a single direction, and in this case the sound wave transmitted from the sound source positioned directly in front of it, and not to its side. The sensitivity of the Superlux S502 microphone is also high, as this is equivalent to -36 dBV .

The Superlux S502 also displays an output impedance of 200 Ohms as well as a minimum load impedance capped at 1KΩ . To make the most of its high fidelity Stereo sound recording features, you must also ensure that the two ends (left and right) of the Superlux S502 total an angle of approximately 100 to 110 degrees .

To guarantee very high quality sound recording, you can easily configure the settings from a mixing desk and through the use of a preamplifier. From then on, we can adjust the adjustment and mixing level to around -18 dPa (without limiter or compressor) for recording classical musical instruments.

At the same time, we can adjust the apogee by approximately -3 to -6 dPa . For more clarity and sound depth at the bass level, you can also set the low-pass filter to -3 dB and at a frequency of around 30 Hz . To ensure impeccable sound clarity and therefore free from handling noise, the microphone will also be fixed on its own stand.

With a frequency response between 40 Hz and 20 kHz , we can say that the Superlux S502 remains powerful and efficient, despite its light weight and compact size. This response curve allows this microphone to capture sound in a fluid , harmonious and homogeneous manner at both high and medium frequencies as well as at low frequencies.

With a capacity to withstand a maximum sound pressure of 135 dB (in Spl), it is clear that this microphone is designed to perfect the sound capture of different types of acoustic percussion instruments. All with a noise level of 18 dB Spl and a dynamic description of 117dB .

Note (in passing) that like all types of condenser microphones, the Superlux S502 requires that it be connected to a phantom power supply supplied by an electric current of 48 Volts to make it work.

This microphone, equipped with a XLR connector , must also be used with an amplifier or preamp. This is what differentiates it from a lavalier microphone or a USB microphone (Yéti type for example).

Unlike a Blue Yeti type , the Superlux S502 also requires the use of an XLR connector and also a 48 Volt phantom power connection.

The technical characteristics of the Superlux S502 microphone

• Type: dual condenser microphone
• Use: sound recording of acoustic instruments
• Polar pattern: cardioid
• Connections: 5-pin XLR
• Stereo audio jack: via ORTF coupling
• Frequency response: 40 Hz – 20 kHz
• Maximum sound pressure (SPL): 135 dB
• Noise level: 18dB Spl
• Transformer connection: Phantom power required
• Low pass filter: -3 dB at approximately 30 Hz
• Microphone sensitivity: -36dBV
• Output impedance: 200 Ohms
• Load impedance: 1KΩ
• Dynamic description: 117dB
• Phantom electrical power: 48 Volts
• Dimensions: 184.52 x 66.81 x 66.81 mm
• Net weight: 245 g

Our opinion on the Superlux S502 microphone

The Superlux S502 is much more powerful and efficient than a simple wireless lavalier microphone, or a singing microphone equipped with an ergonomic audio interface to handle. It also offers good value for money compared to purchasing a boom microphone or gooseneck microphone.

The Superlux S502 also differs from a large diaphragm microphone of the Neumann type and a double diaphragm microphone like the Se electronics SE 2200. The acoustic properties of the Superlux S502 differ from those of a simple moving coil microphone or of a regular voice coil pickup.

Like the Rode nt USB microphone, the Superlux S502 condenser microphone can be used perfectly as a studio microphone. Unlike the latter, however, the Superlux S502 provides significantly better audio recording quality with very high fidelity sound reproduction in Stereo.

Electrical signal transmission through the 48-volt Phantom adapter helps to better pick up sound frequencies or vibrations. The Superlux S502 microphone can also be used as a vocal microphone. Particularly for philharmonic shows, opera songs or polyphonic songs (with or without accompaniment by acoustic instruments).

Compared to the acquisition of a sophisticated directional microphone pattern with an anti-pop filter, I think (very sincerely) that the purchase of a Superlux S502 type microphone represents a good investment.

For anyone who wants to optimize the sound recording of a classical concert or a cabaret show, the choice of a Superlux S502 microphone remains ideal. Its XLR connectivity provides a major advantage for any audiophile wishing to achieve optimal and very high quality sound recording with the support of a preamplifier and a mixing desk.

As atypical as it is, the Superlux S502 provides high-quality, high-precision sound recording in stereo mode and (remember) according to the ORTF standard.

Superlux S502 Demo

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