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Gear / Technical Help => TS Knowledge Base / Archive => Microphones & Setup => Topic started by: Nick's Picks on February 07, 2007, 07:18:42 AM

Title: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: Nick's Picks on February 07, 2007, 07:18:42 AM
Picked up the "new" version of this fantastic club.  There has been some refinements, a new shockmount, a new layout to the POS stock cable (still the same, btw).

Internaly, there are supposed to be some upgrades to the parts in there to affect the sonics.  (this mic is BEGGING to be tweaked by someone who knows better than I do).
The cable now has "upper" and "lower" designation on the Y ends.  I'll test it to see if its accurate.
Pinout on the cable is the same, so custom cables will work for each rev of this mic.

the shockmount....Jury is still out on this.
It looks cool....and its built great on first inspection.  Sturdy aluminum construction.  There is a custom little right angled mount on the bottom, and this is the weak link.  It is held together by a single screw, a small one...and it bears the entire weight of the mic/mount.  Due to the setup and strain on this, it WILL FAIL.  absolutely.
On a good note, it looks cool.  Did I say that?  The mic actually screws into the shockmounts bottom piece and then slides through weave of elastics (ala Sabra).  The problem is that the elastics are too loose to hold it well and too tight to cross the bands for a tighter fit.  Unless the mic is 100% verticle , it will rest against the elastics/metal housing.
Booo!  It looked so cool.
It is modular, so you can unscrew the weak link knuckle and then screw the rest of the mount directly on a stand/clamp with its 3/8th" female ends.  Hopefully, these pictures will show what I've discussed.
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: thegreatgumbino on February 07, 2007, 09:11:24 AM
Great pics, Nick.  I think if anyone is worried about strain on the joint it is best to unscrew it and run directly on your stand as shown in your last pic.  IMO, the mount is really nice.
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: Nick's Picks on February 07, 2007, 09:19:49 AM
you dont find the top part basically useless?
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: thegreatgumbino on February 07, 2007, 10:27:59 AM
you dont find the top part basically useless?


Not really.  I understand your point though.  But, when aren't you going to be running the mic vertical?  IME, it's worked fine.  Yes it could be better, but for the price of this setup & the corresponding quality & output, I think it's more than adequate.  My $0.02.

I think the mount is really better suited for running the LSD2 upside down vertically for vocals / instruments.  That's why the mic is made to screw into the mount now.  Then the top portion of the mount is really only absorbing impacts and not holding it in place. 
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: Nick's Picks on February 07, 2007, 10:38:43 AM
yea, upside down it will be fine..unless yo have to tilt it.
the old mount worked better.
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: Teen Wolf Blitzer on February 07, 2007, 10:57:21 AM
Great pics Nick.  So the mic screws in or do you tighten the mic in to the shock ala the 414's with their shock or does the mic actually have threads?  I'm still not sure if it would be a waste to get one of these when I have LD's already.  Hmmm.  So nice looking though.  What are your opinions of the Peluso's?  I've read mixed reviews.  Hyper more prefered over card? Sorry for the hijack.
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: Nick's Picks on February 07, 2007, 11:05:48 AM
re the pelusos, last year I was running those and this.  kept the mic (sort of), and sold the pelusos because I like the performance and sound of the SP bigboy better.  Its just more fun to work with!

the new mount actually does screw right on to the end of the mic.  I'll post some pics, but you can see the threads in the pics on their www site.
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: Will_S on February 07, 2007, 12:14:18 PM
Shock mount is definitely a bummer.  I was hoping to be able to angle the mic upward when running onstage.  Even running vertical, unless you run upside down I find the mic has a tendency to list a bit to the left or right in mine.   ???  Hopefully the sonics will make up for it.
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: Nick's Picks on February 07, 2007, 12:56:51 PM
ok...
first try.  Screwing the shock-mount on to my bogan super-clamp*.  Just tightening it up...and trying to be gentle on that knuckle yet get a firm purchase on the bolt....and it breaks.  The metal broke, screw bent ...totally shot.
It now requires direct attachment to the aluminum pole, which is fine w/me.  However, the lean sucks.  Not that I think you could hear it in a rock-n-roll environment...but it wont be an effective isolator, imo.
I'm going to buy something else for that duty.  Too bad.  it is rather cool, and I love the screw in bottom.  I'll still futz w/this and see what I can come up with.





* LSD2 strength
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: Nick's Picks on February 07, 2007, 12:57:19 PM
and the lean!  ouch
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: JD on February 07, 2007, 01:04:10 PM
Thanks for the pictures Nick, looks like I'll be modding my shock mount when it comes. Fortunately I have access to a fully stocked machine shop.  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: PH on February 07, 2007, 02:50:43 PM
Nick, what is the exact diameter of the mic? There have got to be plenty of shockmounts that will fit nicely with it.
+T for the great pics and accidental mod
Cheers, Phil
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: Krispy D on February 07, 2007, 03:23:00 PM
nice sticker on that mini me, nick   ;)
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: Nick's Picks on February 07, 2007, 03:27:50 PM
accidental mod.
I love it.
2" diameter.  there are plenty of shock mounts out there.
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: BayTaynt3d on February 07, 2007, 04:40:57 PM
So Nick, do you have an old LSD2 now that you'd sell me?
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: PH on February 07, 2007, 04:46:58 PM
What is the physical diff between version 2 and 3 anyone?
And.....is it called the LSD3 now?

I'm excited to get mine home. Should be here by Monday.
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: Nick's Picks on February 07, 2007, 05:13:24 PM
So Nick, do you have an old LSD2 now that you'd sell me?
nope.
sorry..
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: thegreatgumbino on February 07, 2007, 05:30:33 PM
What is the physical diff between version 2 and 3 anyone?
And.....is it called the LSD3 now?

I'm excited to get mine home. Should be here by Monday.

I didn't realize there were 3 versions.  I thought there were only two?

Version #1
(http://www.pmiaudio.com/images/sp_downloads/lsd2_color.jpg)


Version #2
(http://www.studioprojectsusa.com/images/new_mics/lsd2/lsd2_large.jpg)

Here's what Studio Projects had to say about the upgrades on Version #2.

Quote
With regards to mechanical upgrades, there is no real change other than the change in the grill geometry and the new heavier layer of mesh.
Electronically, the output has increased by several dB, resulting in improved signal to noise. There was also a capacitor change in the high impedance section for sonic reasons.
Overall, the changes result in lower noise, increased sensitivity and improved low end response.
Also, the LSD2 now ships with the newly designed Halo shockmount, which holds the mic much better than the old clamp style mount.
Street price is around $659.99 and they are shipping as of today.
 
If you have any further questions, let me know.
 
Sincerely,
 
Brent Casey
Product Design and Engineering
PMI Audio Group
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: Nick's Picks on February 07, 2007, 05:38:11 PM
the version 3 is something I read ...I thought on SP's site.  I was only aware of one other version as well.
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: ~~~> on February 07, 2007, 10:30:15 PM
You should send post link of this to SP.  They might replace it for ya at least even if you do get a different one.

ok...
first try.  Screwing the shock-mount on to my bogan super-clamp*.  Just tightening it up...and trying to be gentle on that knuckle yet get a firm purchase on the bolt....and it breaks.  The metal broke, screw bent ...totally shot.
It now requires direct attachment to the aluminum pole, which is fine w/me.  However, the lean sucks.  Not that I think you could hear it in a rock-n-roll environment...but it wont be an effective isolator, imo.
I'm going to buy something else for that duty.  Too bad.  it is rather cool, and I love the screw in bottom.  I'll still futz w/this and see what I can come up with.





* LSD2 strength
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: Jamos on February 07, 2007, 10:57:01 PM
Nick you should def. contact PMI tech support.  After posting in the other thread I emailed and asked them about the crappy design of that piece of the shockmount. 

I got a really nice response essentially saying "yeah, our first round of new halo's weren't built to spec as they should have been and there is a replacement part that we will send out to you tomorrow".

I'm not sure exactly what the new piece looks like, but I'll post some pics of it when I have it in hand.

And I'm sure if you sent them the pictures from this thread that they'd definitely hook you up...seemed like nice folks.

I think the saggy band could be fixed by getting shorter bands and replacing the stock one...or tying on some extra pieces more tightly.

I also ordered an extra windscreen, to put on the bottom of the mic when transporting until I can find a suitably sized hardshell case for just the mic and shock.

Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: Jamos on February 13, 2007, 10:14:01 PM
Got the replacement shock mount part from SP today.  It's essentially the same thing as the old one except it's all one piece, not two parts screwed together.  It should fix the problem.  I'd take pics, but the mount is in use at work now...

Also in case anyone's interested, the second windscreen fits perfectly over the rest of the mic body...so with both on there at once, they completely cover the entire mic.  I think it will be handy for safe transport.

/james
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: Nick's Picks on February 14, 2007, 07:56:24 AM
got mine too.
its not a single piece though, its just a better located screw to hold it together.
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: Teen Wolf Blitzer on November 05, 2007, 08:16:50 PM
Hey all.  Well I picked up one of these.  And from playing around with it looks like the shock's loose a bit where Nicks broke.  Can anyone recommend a solid replacement shock for the lsd2?  Or I also read of the replacement part for the shock?  Is that offer still good?  I just don't feel safe running the mic in this shock for fear it's gonna break all the way.  Thanks for any help.
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: thegreatgumbino on November 05, 2007, 09:52:20 PM
Hey all.  Well I picked up one of these.  And from playing around with it looks like the shock's loose a bit where Nicks broke.  Can anyone recommend a solid replacement shock for the lsd2?  Or I also read of the replacement part for the shock?  Is that offer still good?  I just don't feel safe running the mic in this shock for fear it's gonna break all the way.  Thanks for any help.

Email Alan Hyatt about it & they will send you a replacement piece.  I did so and had the piece in a couple days.
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: Nick's Picks on November 06, 2007, 07:07:48 AM
yea, same.
they'll gladly send you one ASAP.
otherwise, the old style shock mount, which you can pick up anywhere (most generic spider style LD shockmount will work).
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: F.O.Bean on November 06, 2007, 09:02:45 AM
so, why dont you all just use it upside down then to take the lean off of it ???
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: Nick's Picks on November 06, 2007, 09:19:47 AM
its just not always practical.  the mic is large...as you know.
running it upside down, at ohh.., say 8' and the capsules are still only at 6'6"

Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: Roving Sign on November 06, 2007, 10:29:14 AM
Are you guys sure your using the upper bands on the shockmount properly...?

You need to cross them like a Sabra Som shock...not just shove the mic between them...(I cant really describe how to do this - so take look at some Sabra pics)

Crossing them will make the mic fit much tighter in the mount and likely resolve the "lean"
Title: Re: Studio Projects LSD2, version 3
Post by: Nick's Picks on November 06, 2007, 02:43:25 PM
impossible with mine.  having owned sabra products, I initially thought that is how it would work. but there was no way in hell it was going to slide through on my try.