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Gear / Technical Help => Microphones & Setup => Topic started by: Nick's Picks on March 15, 2011, 05:16:48 PM

Title: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: Nick's Picks on March 15, 2011, 05:16:48 PM
upping the ante for cheap stereo mics.
I think I may have to try out that ORTF sucker.  very positive user reviews from gearslutz forum.
http://www.superlux.com.tw/upload/function.product.info/3e9cc8ff-b2a8-4d27-9474-9a1a7adf4cea/img_E524D_front_web_l.jpg (http://www.superlux.com.tw/upload/function.product.info/3e9cc8ff-b2a8-4d27-9474-9a1a7adf4cea/img_E524D_front_web_l.jpg)
http://www.superlux.com.tw/upload/function.product.info/cd52cb8a-ec05-441f-a00d-96924cbf5122/img_s502_side_web_l.jpg (http://www.superlux.com.tw/upload/function.product.info/cd52cb8a-ec05-441f-a00d-96924cbf5122/img_s502_side_web_l.jpg)

product info: http://www.superlux.com.tw/productInfo.do?pdctid=cd52cb8a-ec05-441f-a00d-96924cbf5122&pdkid=b1dfcdc3-f1e7-4ae0-8786-5da613871d05&level=2&lv0=1


Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: Nick's Picks on March 15, 2011, 05:24:20 PM
(http://www.gearslutz.com/board/attachments/remote-possibilities-acoustic-music-location-recording/217976d1296761661-superlux-s502-s502-02.jpg)
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: F.O.Bean on March 16, 2011, 03:08:31 AM
Looks sexy as hell!
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: Shawn on March 16, 2011, 09:12:28 AM
looks to me like someone with a little bit of machining skills could easily modify this thing to be an adjustable near coincident mic. so it could easily be changed on the fly to run NOS, DIN, ORTF, or basically any reasonable distance at any angle under 180 degrees or so.
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: Chuck on March 16, 2011, 09:42:25 AM
If it sounds good I think this could be a big seller.
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: DigiGal on March 16, 2011, 11:52:16 AM
Neat, so who's gonna volunteer to try them out and post a copy of the show.
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: acidjack on March 16, 2011, 12:54:17 PM
Wow... at 95 Euros, they're as inexpensive as Church mics.  Albeit less versatile... and certainly not handmade...
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: Nick's Picks on March 17, 2011, 06:59:12 AM
yup..they're cheap.

I'm going to hope that the technology of 2011 is cheaper and better performing than if this were to come out 10+ years ago.   
while i'm sure there is nothing too fancy on that PCB, it looks like it could be made to be a monster if some of the guts could be replaced with nicer components.
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: Chris K on March 17, 2011, 09:52:55 AM
I sent an email to Ray Rayburn of www.superlux.us and he said that the S502 ORTF mic is not currently imported to the US. Here is the response I got from Ray:

Chris -

Unfortunately that mic is not imported to the USA.  The folk selling them
bring them in grey market from other countries and they have no USA
warranty.  I wish I could get them.

Sorry,

Ray

-----Original Message-----
From: Chris K [mailto:]
Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2011 8:57 AM
To: Ray A. Rayburn
Cc: Sales@Superlux.US
Subject: RE: Notification of payment received

Ray. I received the shocks and everything is fine. Thank you.

Question. Do you sell the Superlux S502 ORTF mic and if so what is the cost?
I did not see this mic on your Superlux web site.

Thanks
-Chris K

Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: illconditioned on March 17, 2011, 10:17:21 AM
Does anyone know what capsules Superlux is using?  (In any of their gear?)

From the front/end view, it looks like Transsound capsules, at least the pattern of holes on the front of the capsule.  But then they say "gold vaporized mylar diaphragm", so that may be better.  I wonder if the capsules themselves are "cartridges" like to Transsound, or if they are built into the capsule housing like most other Chinese mics.

They are certainly producing (and/or copying!) a lot of popular designs.  I just wonder how useful they are.  i also wonder why they are marketing in Europe and not in USA.  That does not make any sense.

  Richard
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: Chuck on March 17, 2011, 11:11:45 AM
Does anyone know what capsules Superlux is using?  (In any of their gear?)

From the front/end view, it looks like Transsound capsules, at least the pattern of holes on the front of the capsule.  But then they say "gold vaporized mylar diaphragm", so that may be better.  I wonder if the capsules themselves are "cartridges" like to Transsound, or if they are built into the capsule housing like most other Chinese mics.

They are certainly producing (and/or copying!) a lot of popular designs.  I just wonder how useful they are.  i also wonder why they are marketing in Europe and not in USA.  That does not make any sense.

  Richard

It's most likely the S241 capsule.
They look identical.
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: notlance on March 17, 2011, 07:03:51 PM
Thomann in Germany will ship to the US (for 30 EUR!), so that makes the S502 cost about $155 shipped, after subtracting VAT and converting to $.

http://www.thomann.de/gb/superlux_s502.htm (http://www.thomann.de/gb/superlux_s502.htm)

That 30 EUR shipping fee covers up to 31 Kg, so you could ship a lot of mics for that price.

They have good prices on Beyerdynamic CK 930 sets, and Neumann KM184 stereo sets.  Might as well toss in a couple of those also since you've got a 31 Kg allowance.

http://www.thomann.de/gb/beyerdynamic_ck_930_3_8_set.htm (http://www.thomann.de/gb/beyerdynamic_ck_930_3_8_set.htm)
http://www.thomann.de/gb/neumann_km184_mt_stereo_set_bundle.htm (http://www.thomann.de/gb/neumann_km184_mt_stereo_set_bundle.htm)
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: carpa on March 18, 2011, 04:09:16 AM
Other Superlux stereo models....

http://www.thomann.de/it/superlux_e523d.htm     seems like  an AT825  copy

and this new - I think- one:

http://www.pinknoise-systems.co.uk/superlux-stereo-p-336.html     looks like a copy of the brand new AT2022

Any opinion?
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: Nick's Picks on March 19, 2011, 10:11:00 AM
in other pics I've seen, the capsules screw off of this mic (the s502)...however, there are no other caps to put on.
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: run_run_run on March 19, 2011, 10:31:49 AM
A set of SP C4s ORTF would be "better" at the same price
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: Nick's Picks on March 19, 2011, 11:00:09 AM
and you know this how ?
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: nOrD on March 19, 2011, 11:34:02 AM
Guts look fine, the tants are probably filter caps, inside those are poly film caps that probably couple the capsule FET (not visible, probably inside the capsules) to the two output transistors (the little SOT-23s inside).  The ceramic caps inside that are likely ~100pF and those are merely RF filters.

The only question is the noise/bias of the capsule FETs . . .

Thanks for your description! Maybe is it worth to try good quality MKPs instead of tants, and some silver mica caps instead of the RF filters? And silver core wiring from capsule to PCB.
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: rowjimmy on March 28, 2011, 02:45:27 PM
Nifty.

I run superlux mics (I'm cheap and have three kids) and, while I'll not debate the liklihood that I could make better takes with fancier gear, I feel like they make fine tapes.

I'd like to get a hold of one of these rigs... Looks like Thomann is sold out.
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: deadahead93 on March 29, 2011, 03:49:56 PM
Quote
Nifty.

I run superlux mics (I'm cheap and have three kids) and, while I'll not debate the liklihood that I could make better takes with fancier gear, I feel like they make fine tapes.

I'd like to get a hold of one of these rigs... Looks like Thomann is sold out.

I second this but only have two kids  ;)

I love my Luxes, and have had no complaints... in fact, I get some really Positive feedback from my recordings. If I could upgrade, would I? Probably, but for now I'm super happy with my superlux mics.
Cheers!
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: stantheman1976 on March 29, 2011, 08:35:30 PM
Quote
Nifty.

I run superlux mics (I'm cheap and have three kids) and, while I'll not debate the liklihood that I could make better takes with fancier gear, I feel like they make fine tapes.

I'd like to get a hold of one of these rigs... Looks like Thomann is sold out.

I second this but only have two kids  ;)

I love my Luxes, and have had no complaints... in fact, I get some really Positive feedback from my recordings. If I could upgrade, would I? Probably, but for now I'm super happy with my superlux mics.
Cheers!

Do you have a link to some recordings with the Superluxes?  I'm thinking I might pick up a pair some time.
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: F.O.Bean on March 29, 2011, 10:52:37 PM
Quote
Nifty.

I run superlux mics (I'm cheap and have three kids) and, while I'll not debate the liklihood that I could make better takes with fancier gear, I feel like they make fine tapes.

I'd like to get a hold of one of these rigs... Looks like Thomann is sold out.

I second this but only have two kids  ;)

I love my Luxes, and have had no complaints... in fact, I get some really Positive feedback from my recordings. If I could upgrade, would I? Probably, but for now I'm super happy with my superlux mics.
Cheers!

Do you have a link to some recordings with the Superluxes?  I'm thinking I might pick up a pair some time.

I think theyre DEF overlooked because of their cheap price. I like them too!
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: rowjimmy on March 30, 2011, 08:17:19 AM
Quote
Nifty.

I run superlux mics (I'm cheap and have three kids) and, while I'll not debate the liklihood that I could make better takes with fancier gear, I feel like they make fine tapes.

I'd like to get a hold of one of these rigs... Looks like Thomann is sold out.

I second this but only have two kids  ;)

I love my Luxes, and have had no complaints... in fact, I get some really Positive feedback from my recordings. If I could upgrade, would I? Probably, but for now I'm super happy with my superlux mics.
Cheers!

Do you have a link to some recordings with the Superluxes?  I'm thinking I might pick up a pair some time.

Here are a couple of mine:
Akron/Family
(cards)
http://www.archive.org/details/akak2011-03-04.smk-h8ku.flac16
http://www.archive.org/details/akak2011-03-04.smk-h8ku.flac24

Keller Williams
(hypers)
http://www.archive.org/details/KW2009-12-26.smk-h8kh.flac16
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: deadahead93 on March 30, 2011, 12:04:06 PM
Here are a few of mine... I just linked the TS links.

Great American Taxi 1/25/11 : http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=142536.msg1838695#msg1838695 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=142536.msg1838695#msg1838695)

moe. 1/29/11: http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=142657.msg1840211#msg1840211 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=142657.msg1840211#msg1840211)

The Black Crowes 12/10/10 : http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=141470.0 (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=141470.0)

Here is my source info:

Source Info:
Mics: Superlux CM-H8K (open) Preamp: Naiant Biggest Box Recorder: Tascam Dr-07   
Media Format :
16/44.1 .WAV
Transfer:
Tascam DR-07 > Audacity > Normalized and tracked

Take a listen!
Cheers
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: dogmusic on April 23, 2011, 01:24:40 AM
I finally had a chance to try out a new SuperLux S502 this afternoon. Here's an excerpt from a recording of a frog pond near our place.

Unfortunately it was really windy. Even with wind screens I had to keep the mics inside the car with the window open.

Superlux S502 > Beachtek DXA-6HD > Tascam DR-05 [24/96, record level: 0]

http://www.box.net/shared/09qg5igc6e
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: hammerhorror on June 19, 2011, 12:59:01 PM
I ordered a Superlux S502 ORTF stereo mic on Friday. Should be here on Monday or Tuesday. You can't go wrong for the price. I have heard some pretty impressive recording samples from this mic.

I plan on immediately running a comp between the S502 and my Schoeps MK4's mounted on an ORTF bar. I will post the results as soon as I can.
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: Chuck on June 19, 2011, 01:08:18 PM
I ordered a Superlux S502 ORTF stereo mic on Friday. Should be here on Monday or Tuesday. You can't go wrong for the price. I have heard some pretty impressive recording samples from this mic.

I plan on immediately running a comp between the S502 and my Schoeps MK4's mounted on an ORTF bar. I will post the results as soon as I can.

I look forward to hearing that comparison.
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: newplanet7 on June 19, 2011, 01:55:45 PM
I ordered a Superlux S502 ORTF stereo mic on Friday. Should be here on Monday or Tuesday. You can't go wrong for the price. I have heard some pretty impressive recording samples from this mic.

I plan on immediately running a comp between the S502 and my Schoeps MK4's mounted on an ORTF bar. I will post the results as soon as I can.

I look forward to hearing that comparison.
Same here!
Thanks for everyone who takes the plunge and tests out unknown/unproven gear.
Bigger ball$ than me.
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: AudioHipster on July 15, 2011, 11:51:07 AM
I would love to hear some sample of the S502 ORTF True Condenser, in the studio so far we have used this mic for drum OH and on a Gibson Acoustic ... both results have an-amazing stereo image and sound... this is one insane SM for the price.  it has a smooth top end and well rounded bass, i have seen some compare it to the CMH8KU (stereo pair SMKH8K) the CMH8KU is not a true condenser but a Electret and is designed especially for the musical instruments of medium and high frequencies. don’t expect huge bass or much at all, gives a nice sizzle on the overheads... cant touch a true condenser as the S502 IMO 

Other lux mic's i have used in stereo the ECM999 make great room mic's flat from below 20HZ to 20K, the CM-H8 (Transformer Balanced) series and R102 MKII mid/side & Blumlein.

Studio News:  we just finished soldering all the Elco pins and hooked up the JH-24 to the DMR 12 console ... this coming week we will be tracking for Gerri Diamond ...CD release... also we are releasing all the old 45 recordings form the Hana Barbra label... as a CD compilation.

Cheers
Doyen
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: NOLAfishwater on February 14, 2013, 10:59:19 AM
wonder if you could switch out the capsules for omni?
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: Miles on February 18, 2013, 08:54:21 AM
Does anyone have experience of the Superlux E524D?
http://www.reddogmusic.co.uk/catalog/product/577053/superlux-e524d

I'm looking for a stereo mic that I can plug directly into my Sony M10 to record harpsichords with.....

The Rode NT4 is beyond my budget... 

Regards,

Miles

Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: Miles on February 18, 2013, 03:11:57 PM
Here's the manual for the E524D
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: F.O.Bean on February 19, 2013, 02:02:30 PM
Looks interesting. Same concept/design as the rode nt4
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: TSNéa on February 19, 2013, 07:35:09 PM
And Audio-Technica AT2022..
http://recordinghacks.com/pdf/audio-technica/at2022_specsheet.pdf
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: Miles on February 20, 2013, 04:25:47 AM
Yes, I was considering the AT2022, as well. It's still twice the price of the Superlux, here in the UK....  Would be nice to hear a comparison between them....
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: ScoobieKW on February 20, 2013, 11:07:59 AM
Miles, Being an XY mic, the E524D will be more suited for close micing, Two separate mics can give you more placement options and patterns, in exchange for a bit more complexity.

I too am curious to hear how it sounds.
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: Miles on February 20, 2013, 04:04:26 PM
Thanks Scoobie.

Most of the recording I'll be doing will be within 2 metres of source.

For separates, the Superlux S241 seem quite suitable?  How would I power them,  though? Is there a pass through unit for adding phantom power?
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: Miles on February 20, 2013, 04:34:14 PM
Is there a pass through unit for adding phantom power?
These? http://www.denecke.com/Products/Audio%20Accessories/audioaccessories.htm
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: ScoobieKW on February 20, 2013, 04:39:04 PM
Is there a pass through unit for adding phantom power?
These? http://www.denecke.com/Products/Audio%20Accessories/audioaccessories.htm

I use the Denecke PS-2 (P48 for two mics) Then you need to have an adapter cable built to convert from balanced to unbalanced audio. Some modify the PS-2 output cable itself.

Mics > Denecke PS-2 > M10 is my main rig.
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: Miles on February 20, 2013, 05:06:54 PM
Thanks.  I'll give this approach some more thought......
Title: Re: SuperLux Stereo mics ...
Post by: kasu64 on April 01, 2018, 08:23:09 AM
Hi all Tapers,

I am using (with others mics)

the cheap (but great) Superlux S502.

You can hear some audios I made with it
for some Belharra Trio Live concerts (Classical Music)

http://bit.ly/belharratrio

or directly :
http://belharratrio.wixsite.com/belharratrio/audios

Recorder was a Zoom F8 (1 concert),
then now, a Sound Devices 788T (all others concerts with
Ortf Mic and MidSide Mic togethers to make a choice after concert...).

These records are left without any Post Production.

Good listening

Kasu64