M-Audio Luna II Professional Condenser Microphone

The M-Audio Luna II professional cardioid studio condenser microphone updates the award-winning Luna mic, acclaimed for superb sound and excellent performance. Designed in the USA and hand-assembled in limited quantities, Luna II delivers vintage look and sound combined with modern Class-A, solid-state electronics for the best of both worlds.

The large, 1.1-inch ultra-thin, 3-micron, evaporated-gold diaphragm with brass capsule captures nuances with incredible detail. The addition of a -10dB pad extends the maximum SPL to 140dB to handle just about any sound source. The inclusion of a switchable low-frequency roll-off filter rounds out a professional microphone that's great for recording vocals, guitar, piano and more.

Features
- Single-pattern, side-address, cardioid studio condenser microphone

- Vintage sound, modern technology

- Class A FET electronics

- Ultra-sensitive, 3-micron, 1.1-inch evaporated-gold diaphragm

- Large, solid brass capsule

- 10dB pad

- Switchable low-frequency roll-off filter (6dB/octave at 125Hz)

- No more than +/-1dB variation from published curves

- Phantom powered

- Includes shock mount and wooden box

3-Micron Evaporated-Gold Diaphragm
A microphone's ability to capture detail owes primarily to the thinness and uniformity of its diaphragm. The durable Mylar diaphragm in the Luna II is an impressive 3 microns thin--a spec that carries a much higher price tag in most other brands. We also use a high-precision evaporated 24-karat gold process to coat it for conductivity--much more uniform than the sputtered gold or sprayed-on processes used in many other mics. Here, too, this yields higher precision and tolerance within and between Luna II mics. The specs on the Luna II diaphragm and backplate are only possible using computer-controlled manufacturing processes in a state-of-the-art facility.

Solid Brass Backplate
Condenser mic design is based on the changing capacitance between the moving diaphragm and fixed backplate. Where many of today's microphone manufacturers cut corners with a metallized plastic backplate, Luna II features a precision machined solid brass backplate that yields much greater crucial rigidity, precise tolerances, faithful sonic reproduction and warmth. We also tune the backplate for optimal on- and off-axis frequency and pickup response and pattern symmetry.

Beauty is More Than Skin Deep
In addition to providing a distinctive look, the space-age Luna II "lollipop" design is truly functional. It minimizes diffraction from the body, resulting in superior off-axis response. And the body itself is durable solid brass with an attractive polished nickel finish. The Luna II delivers in both performance and looks.

Close Tolerance for Matched Sets
All Luna II microphones are manufactured with a close tolerance of no more than +/-1dB variation from published curves across the entire frequency range. This means that any two or more Luna II microphones qualify as a matched set for stereo recording or surround recording.

Updates to a Classic
The Luna II builds on the critically acclaimed design of the original M-Audio Luna microphone. The new switchable low-frequency roll-off filter gently slopes to cut rumble and stand-transmitted vibrations. The addition of a 10dB pad accommodates high SPLs up to 140dB--enough to handle the intensity of kick drums, brass instruments and guitar amps. Luna II even ships in its own genuine wood case for stylish protection--and, of course, you get a heavy-duty shock mount as well.

M-Audio--The Professional Choice
M-Audio microphones deliver the same commitment to excellence that recording pros have come to trust with our market-leading Studiophile(R) reference monitors, Pro Tools M-Powered-compatible audio interfaces and more. M-Audio microphones bring new tonal options to the sonic palette of even the most sophisticated mic lockers. Models like the M-Audio Sputnik(R) are turning the heads of top audio engineers and press--including winning Pro Audio Review's Reviewer's Pick and Electronic Musician's prestigious Editors' Choice Award. If you're serious about your sound right from the beginning of your recording chain, then you owe it to yourself to give M-Audio microphones a listen.

Technical Info

Specifications
Type: Large-diaphragm condenser

Pattern: Cardioid

Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz

Maximum SPL: 130dB for 0.5% THD

Pad: 10dB

LF rolloff filter: 6dB/octave @ 125Hz

Sensitivity: -36dB @ 1kHz, 0dB=1V/Pa (-36dBV)

Equivalent noise level: 14dB A-weighted

Output impedance: 200 ohms

Recommended load impedance: > 1,000 ohms

Power requirement: > 48V phantom power

Connector: 3-pin male XLR

Size/weight (H x W x D): 8-1/4 x 3 x 2 in.; 1.4 lbs