M-Audio Solaris Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

Sounds as good as it looks.

Item: MDOSOLARIS

Choose a model below and select "Add to Cart"

  • Pricing
    • $299.95
    • List: $349.95
    • SAVE 14%
  • Standard Shipping
    Ground
    free shipping
  • Expedited Shipping
    2 Day Shipping
    $6.99
     | Overnight
    $26.99

what's new?

  • In Stock :: Will Ship Today
  • Pricing
    • $269.95
    • List: $349.95
    • SAVE 22%
  • Standard Shipping
    Ground
    free shipping
  • Expedited Shipping
    2 Day Shipping
    $6.99
     | Overnight
    $26.99

what's warehouse resealed?

Warehouse Resealed

This is typically a customer return. This inventory includes all parts, components, manuals (hard copy or downloadable) and the full factory warranty. However, it is not in absolutely perfect unused condition like our new inventory. This inventory is a great value.

x close

  • Only 1 Left! :: Will Ship Today

  • Limited Inventory

    We only have 1 left. Though our system does indicate availability for this item, there is a chance that the item will not be available. Multiple orders may be placed within a short period before our system can update the availability on our website. If there are any problems shipping this item, you will be notified.

    x close

Click here to read details about our 'Play As You Pay' Installment Payment Plan. Play As You Pay is available only by phone.

Or call 800.ZZOUNDS (996.8637) right now. You get the same low price and shipping discounts online or by phone!

No Sales Tax. (Except NJ)

Seen a lower price? We'll beat it! details

Be a zZounds Spy!


related accessories

Main

On-Stage Tripod/Boom Mic Stand

from $29.95

Main

CBI LowZ Microphone Cable

from $9.95

Main

ART USB Dual Pre

$79.95

Main

ART Tube MP Project Series Microphone Preamp

$69.00

Main

PreSonus Eureka

$499.95
  • Installment Plan:4 payments of $124.98

Main

ART Phantom II Dual Phantom Power Supply

from $44.95

Main

RaXXess Stoppit

from $24.95

M-Audio Solaris Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone reviews

Rate and Review This Product:

8 People rated this product : * * * * * * * * * * 9 out of 10

 

3 People wrote reviews

Read all M-Audio Solaris Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone reviews...
* * * * * * * * * * 9 out of 10 zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.

"Great mic to add to any collection"

Feature:
Excellent! Multi-pattern, roll off, pad, shock mount, a really nice hard case, it's very well stocked.

Quality:
Extremely well made. Sturdy with a good heft. Solid shockmount too.

Value:
I paid $400 for it retail and brand new. Even at that price point it's been a good bargain.

Desirability:
People can't help but give it an extra look before recording on it. Very modern with a touch of old-school. It's hard to keep people from trying o touch it. It just screams "Pro".

Sound:
Sometimes a little too warm, and depending on the preamp, can sound a little hollow, but it's one of my favorite sounding mics. Sounds really good on vocals, dialog, and instruments like the violin and acoustic guitar.

Ease of Use:
Just like any other mic, you do need to know it's strengths and weaknesses, but I've never needed more than some filtering or EQ to really get this mic shining.

Support:
I've had to deal with M-Audio support over their soundcards, but NEVER this mic. I can't say I'm a huge fan of their support though...

Overall:
More than lived up to my expectations, and has become one of my favorite work-horse mics over the last 2 years I've been using it.

Submitted: 4/25/2007

Style of Music: I'm an animation and foley recording engineer.

Did you find this review helpful?

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?
 
 
* * * * * * * * * * 5 out of 10 zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.

"Side by side to other mics, this gets 3rd place"

Feature:
Festures are good. The mic feels solid and the shock mount is well made. No complaints.

Quality:
Mine started making noises after 90 days of very light studio use. Vocals only and always with a pop filter. AFTER it atarted making noises, I unscrewed the mic body and there are a couple of caps soldered in place as jumpers across the resistors (that is, not mounted to a circiut board) also there is a transformer on the circuit board with wires thinner than a human hair (no joke) soldered across to some resistors. This is as flimsy an arrangment as you can get, it is breakage just waiting to happen.

Value:
Really, it doesn't matter how cheap something is... if the sound is wimpy it's not a good value.

Desirability:
The capsule is a dead ringer for the $100 Sterling mic (except it's a dual capsule). The body retainng ring and other parts are exactly the same as the Sterling ST55. I would be willing to bet this is a GrooveTubes budget mic in a different case.

Sound:
I own just over a dozen large diaphram condenser of mics. AKG C414, AT-4033, Studio Projects C5, Rode NTK, Shure - pretty much the standard assortment for a project studio. That said, the Solaris is (by far) the dullest and thinnest sounding condenser I have ever used. In A\B test with everything, the Solaris always comes in sounding noticably thinner and wimpier (I don't know how else to say it) than every other mic in my studio.

Ease of Use:
Again, no complaints. It's pretty straight forward

Support:
I sent the mic back and the guys at M-Audio were pretty helpful over the phone.... but it took over two months to get my mic back it was all dinged up. To be honest, I really dont believe that the mic I got back was the one that I sent in.

Overall:
I can't recommend this mic. IF you're thinking about one, make sure that you compare it side by side with some others in the same range before you buy.

Submitted: 6/20/2008

Style of Music: Everything but rap

3 of 3 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?
 
 

Read all M-Audio Solaris Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone reviews...

iconBecause this item is used at your mouth or ear, it cannot be returned once opened due to health reasons. details

About This Product!
Description
Docs
News
Solaris is a large-capsule condenser microphone that sounds as good as it looks. Beneath the stylish exterior lies the best-sounding solid-state electronics available at any price. Vintage design principles merge with incredibly tight manufacturing standards to yield no more than +/-1dB of deviation across the entire 20Hz-20kHz frequency range-perfect for matched-pair stereo miking. The industry-thinnest evaporated gold diaphragm also delivers incredible sensitivity. Multi-pattern architecture provides flexibility that makes it ideal for just about any recording situation. It's like having three mics in one.

Features

1.1 in. evaporated gold diaphragm

Ultra-sensitive 3-micron diaphragm

Large all-brass capsule

Cardioid, omni and figure 8 polar patterns

20Hz-20kHz frequency response

+/-1dB tolerance across entire frequency range

Class A FET electronics w/ output transformer

-10dB attenuation pad

Low frequency rolloff switch (6dB per octave @ 125Hz)

Includes shock mount and aluminum case

Technical Info

Specifications

Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz

Sensitivity: 16 mV/Pa (-36 dBv)

Maximum SPL for 0.5% THD: 130dB

Equivalent Noise Level: 14dB (A-weighted)

Output Impedance: 200 Ohms

Recommended Load Impedance >1,000 Ohms

Power Requirement: 48-volt phantom power

Connector: 3-pin male XLR
catalog
  • 06/26
    Just delivered to our warehouse!
     Warehouse Resealed, available for immediate delivery. 

what our customers say about zZounds

"The quick processing and delivery is what made this purchase stand out. I HIGHLY recommend purchasing from zZounds. They seem to understand the real meaning of customer service." - customer on June 25, 2009

Free Catalog

First Name Last Name
Address 1 Address 2
City State
Zip Email

Would you like to receive periodic email notices of new items, special buys, and promotions? WE WILL NOT SHARE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS WITH ANYONE ELSE. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Tell us

Is there something you want to tell us? How can we serve you better? Want to see different products? Is this shirt ugly? Let us know!
Sound & Vision Magazine

Sound & Vision offers accessible information on home theater, audio, video and multimedia products.

This is not a free trial offer and you will never get a bill. The subscription is included with your purchase.

Please allow six to eight weeks for subscription to begin. If you'd rather not receive the subscription it can be removed from your cart.