recordinghacks

M-Audio Sputnik

Multi-Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

The M-Audio Sputnik is a large diaphragm tube condenser with three switchable polar patterns. The mic uses an American-made 6205M pentode vacuum tube wired as a triode.

The capsule consists of two 1-inch evaporated gold coated Mylar diaphragms with a brass backplate for each. The diaphragm thickness is 3 microns.

Paul White - Sound On Sound 2006
Overall, I think this mic embodies most of the desirable characteristics of a classic tube model… the Sputnik manages to strike a good balance between flattery and apparent tonal neutrality.

Joel Patterson - Tape Op 2007
On acoustic guitar, you hear not only the strings and the musical tones, but the subtlest details of the playing; this can be startling on the first playback, to hear not only the song, but the cues to that unique performance. Okay, “scary” is the word. Using a pair of these in my favorite piano-mic’ing configuration, tight on the frame of a 9 ft Bósendorfer… the result was rapturous and mesmerizing and unspeakably gorgeous, delivering a “glowing, pealing” sound.

The non-resonant body is machined from solid brass and finished with hand polished nickel.

M-Audio claim every Sputnik is manufactured to be within a 1.5dB tolerance of the published specifications and that any two Sputnik microphones could be considered a matched pair.

Mike Hiratzka - Remix 2006
M-Audio put its reputation on the line by comparing the Sputnik to some of the most venerated microphones in the business, and as a result, it will likely receive a lot of attention and scrutiny. After using this mic, and given my previous experience with a wide variety of its world-class competitors, I can understand M-Audio’s confidence in its product. All comparisons aside, the Sputnik is a microphone that you can trust to deliver a beautiful, transparent take on every session. After all, that’s what really matters.

The MSRP of the Sputnik has fluctuated over the years, debuting at $899, dropping to $699 for a short time before hitting $999 where it has remained from 2010 to present.

The Sputnik is packaged in a foam-lined metal briefcase with a shockmount; 7-pin cable; power supply; and cloth bag.

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The mic was released in 2006.

Specifications

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
CHART Omnidirectional (30 mV/Pa; 20-20,000 Hz) CHART Cardioid (30 mV/Pa; 20-20,000 Hz) CHART Bidirectional (30 mV/Pa; 20-20,000 Hz)	Pad: -10dB (Via Switch) Filter: 80Hz HPF (12dB/octave) (Via Switch)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 25mm Diaphragm gauge: 3 microns	200 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 142 dB Self-noise: 18.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
n/a	n/a	n/a	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Includes tube power supply

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