We always like to flag up products which might otherwise get overlooked, in this case a condenser mic from Studiospares might not be taken seriously because it isn’t from a “proper” mic manufacturer. If you’ve got the cash then the world is your oyster in terms of mic choice but can you really get a decent mic for the equivalent of the tax you’d pay on a typical entry level “proper” microphone?

Can a £55 microphone sound good? Well, watch the video below from our friends over at Studiospares who put their S400 Studio Condenser Microphone to the test.

The S400 Studio Condenser Microphone has a 32mm large diameter gold sputtered capsule. Studiospares have recently improvement its capsule technology and this is reflected in transparent and accurate audio quality, while retaining warmth

The cardioid pickup pattern concentrates the sound pickup in front of the microphone rejecting side and rear sounds. The capsule's 32mm large Gold Sputtered diaphragm is so light it reacts instantly and is still going strong at 20kHz. This microphone will stand favourable comparison with other large diaphragm capsule microphones costing treble.

On the inside, the S400 is manufactured with the JFET preamps and circuity. The junction field-effect transistor preamps offer high input impedance with super-low noise figures.

The microphones capsule is softly suspended inside the housing to minimise any stage borne sounds that can result in low-frequency interference. The capsule is surrounded by a screening that is designed to deter any RF, Taxi and Mobile phone interference, resulting in uninterrupted recording for the cleanest sound possible. Being a condenser microphone, it’s powered by 48-volt phantom power.

Additionally, the S400 comes complete with an included foam windshield to suppress any wind noise.

Specifications

• 48V phantom powered

• Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz

• Signal/noise Ratio 70dB

• Equivalent Noise level 20dB (A weighted)

• Sensitivity -36dB + 2dB (0dB=1volt/Pa 1000Hz)

• Maximum SPL 125dB for 10.5% THD

• Transformerless output circuit reduces distortion to a new low

• Ideal for vocalists, lead singers and instruments

• Includes a Microphone Holder and thread adaptor

Check out the Studiospares S400 Microphone over at their website.