Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $325
Standard/Professional
$100
$401+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
The M-Audio Sputnik Multi-Pattern Large-Diaphragm Vacuum Tube Condenser Microphone is a studio game-changer, bridging the gap between the revered warmth of vintage tube microphones and modern recording precision. Crafted with a military-grade 6205M vacuum tube, the Sputnik delivers a near-transparent sound, capturing every nuance of your performance with clarity and depth. Its large-diaphragm design, featuring a 3-micron evaporated-gold Mylar diaphragm, ensures a detailed frequency response that complements vocals and instruments alike.
What truly sets the Sputnik apart is its versatility. Switch effortlessly between cardioid, figure-8, and omni polar patterns to suit your recording environment, whether it’s a solo vocal session or a full band arrangement. The microphone also features a -10dB attenuation pad for handling high sound pressure levels and an 80Hz second-order highpass filter to eliminate unwanted low-end rumble.
Encased in a solid brass body with a polished nickel finish, the Sputnik is not only robust but also visually striking. It comes with a dedicated power supply, ensuring optimal performance, and includes a professional shockmount to minimize vibrations, a custom flight case for safe transport, and a soft cloth bag for easy storage.
Designed for both seasoned professionals and aspiring artists, the M-Audio Sputnik stands as a testament to high-quality audio capture, offering a classic tube tone that’s both rich and authentic.
Key Features:
- 3-micron, evaporated-gold Mylar diaphragm
- Military-grade 6205M vacuum tube
- Cardioid, figure-8, and omni polar patterns
- -10dB attenuation pad
- 80Hz 2nd-order highpass filter
- Solid brass body with polished nickel finish
- Dedicated power supply with 7-pin cable
- Professional shockmount
- Soft cloth bag
- Custom flight case
Product specs
| Brand | M-Audio |
| Model | Sputnik Large-Diaphragm Tube Mic |
| Finish | Silver |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | China |
| Categories | Microphones |
FAQs
-
What are the polar patterns available on the M-Audio Sputnik microphone?
-
The M-Audio Sputnik microphone offers three polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8. This flexibility allows you to tailor the microphone's pickup pattern to suit different recording environments and applications.
-
Is the M-Audio Sputnik suitable for recording vocals and instruments?
-
Yes, the M-Audio Sputnik is well-suited for recording both vocals and instruments. Its large-diaphragm tube design provides a warm, rich sound that enhances the natural characteristics of various audio sources.
-
How does the vacuum tube in the M-Audio Sputnik affect the sound?
-
The vacuum tube in the M-Audio Sputnik adds warmth and depth to the audio signal, delivering a classic, vintage tone that is highly sought after in professional studio recordings.
-
What is the primary intended application for the M-Audio Sputnik microphone?
-
The M-Audio Sputnik is primarily designed for studio recording applications, including vocals, acoustic instruments, and ambient sound capture, thanks to its versatile polar pattern options and tube-driven warmth.
-
Does the M-Audio Sputnik require phantom power to operate?
-
No, the M-Audio Sputnik does not require phantom power. It comes with its own dedicated power supply unit, which is necessary to operate the tube circuitry effectively.
Videos
Chad Johnson
Preamp Shootout! DR-680 Vs MixPre - NT3, AT4053b, NT1, NT4, M-Audio Sputnik
Reviews
PROS
-
Comparable sound quality to more expensive brands like Neumann
-
Excellent bass response surpassing many ribbon mics
-
Provides clear, solid mids and immaculate highs
-
Versatile with omni, cardioid, and figure-8 patterns
-
Exceptional clarity and detail, even in bright sound profiles
-
Affordable, offering great value for its price
-
Works well for both vocal and instrument recording
-
Useful well-written instruction manual included
-
Classic tube sound ideal for male vocals and hip hop
CONS
-
Occasional wiring issue with pins 4 & 5 in the XLR connector
-
Second-hand units can be hard to find
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings
261
Great Vocal Microphone
This microphone is amazing, and affordable. It has that classic tube sound, which is great for male vocals, especially hip hop.
Artist usage
Add artist
Garson on M-Audio’s Sputnik microphone: “I use the Sputnik microphones to get a better recording of my acoustic nine-foot concert grand piano. I have a pair of them in order to record the piano in stereo. I use TAMPA preamps with the Sputniks—they are a really excellent combination. I get a great piano sound using these great products together. As soon as I heard my first piano recording with the Sputnik, I heard that it was 30 to 40 percent better than the prior microphones I was using. The Sputniks are warmer and capture the essence of my sound a lot more accurately. My engineer first hooked them up, and he immediately heard the difference between it and the other microphones that I was using—he really seemed very impressed. I’d say that it gives me a more accurate representation of what I actually played. The combination has allowed me to compose a lot of music and I’ve been putting four or five new songs on my MySpace page each week because I’ve been so inspired.”
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use M-Audio Sputnik Multi-Pattern Large-Diaphragm Vacuum Tube Condenser Microphone, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
More M-Audio Condenser Microphones
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Condenser Microphones
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
equipboardGear IQ 4934
-