M-Audio Solaris Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

No longer available at zZounds
Don't let its whimsical "lollipop" design fool you -- the Solaris is a serious, sturdily-built large-diaphragm condenser with a flat frequency response.

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

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

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 401-658-5765

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (9 ratings)
Submitted April 25, 2007 by a customer from hotmail.com

"Great mic to add to any collection"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
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.
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.
Features
Excellent! Multi-pattern, roll off, pad, shock mount, a really nice hard case, it's very well stocked.
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.
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.
Manufacturer 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...
The Wow Factor
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".

Musical Background:

I'm an animation and foley recording engineer.

Musical Style:

I'm an animation and foley recording engineer.
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