Pricing and availability

Average Price: $110

Standard/Professional

$100

$401+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Soundelux U195 is a versatile large-diaphragm condenser microphone designed for studios that require exceptional sound quality without the hefty price tag. Crafted with transformer-coupled FET electronics, this mic offers a fixed cardioid polar pattern ideal for capturing the essence of vocals, guitars, drums, and a wide range of other instruments with precision.

One standout feature of the U195 is its dual-mode operation, which allows users to switch between "fat" and "norm" modes, tailoring the bass response to your specific needs. Additionally, the microphone includes a lo-cut switch and a unique variable pad, making it adaptable to even the highest SPL environments. This flexibility ensures that whether you're recording soft vocals or heavy drums, the U195 delivers consistent performance without compromise.

Handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, each U195 features a 1-inch gold-sputtered diaphragm and a proprietary large-output transformer, ensuring low noise and high signal integrity across the entire audio spectrum. The absence of typical FET mic high-end "fizzle" and the incorporation of premium components like Roderstein resistors and polypropylene coupling capacitors make this a reliable choice for both professional and budget-conscious studios.

Key Features:

  • Large-diaphragm condenser microphone with transformer-coupled FET electronics
  • Cardioid polar pattern ideal for a variety of applications
  • Dual-mode operation: "fat" and "norm" modes for bass response
  • Lo-cut switch and variable pad for high SPL situations
  • 1-inch gold-sputtered diaphragm for premium sound quality
  • Proprietary large-output transformer for full audio bandwidth coherence
  • Handcrafted with premium components for durability and performance
  • Frequency range: 10-20kHz
  • Max SPL: 125dB at 0.5% THD
  • Dynamic range: 115dB
  • Phantom powered, requiring user-provided power supply

Product specs

Brand Soundelux USA
Model U195
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Microphones
Electronics Analog, Solid State
Microphone Type Large-Diaphragm Condenser
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Wired/Wireless Wired

FAQs

What is the primary intended application for the Soundelux U195 microphone?

The Soundelux U195 is primarily designed for studio recording applications, excelling in capturing vocals and a wide range of instruments due to its large-diaphragm condenser design.

What polar pattern does the Soundelux U195 use, and how does it affect recording?

The Soundelux U195 features a cardioid polar pattern, which focuses on capturing sound from the front while minimizing noise from the sides and rear, making it ideal for isolated vocal and instrument recordings.

How would you describe the sound signature of the Soundelux U195?

The Soundelux U195 is known for its warm and detailed sound, providing a smooth top end and rich midrange, making it suitable for both vocal and instrumental recordings.

Is the Soundelux U195 suitable for home studio use?

Yes, the Soundelux U195 is well-suited for home studio environments, offering professional-quality sound capture with its large-diaphragm condenser design and cardioid pattern.

Does the Soundelux U195 require phantom power?

Yes, the Soundelux U195 requires phantom power to operate, as it is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone. Make sure your audio interface or mixer provides this capability.

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Soundelux USA u195 FET Condenser Microphone Quick n' Dirty

Video thumbnail for Soundelux USA u195 FET Condenser Microphone Quick n' Dirty by soundpurestudios

Soundelux USA u195 FET Condenser Microphone Quick n' Dirty

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Video thumbnail for Soundelux USA U195 microphone with David Bock - Gearslutz @ AES 2016 by Gearspace Forum

Soundelux USA U195 microphone with David Bock - Gearslutz @ AES 2016

Gearspace Forum

Gearspace Forum

Video thumbnail for Soundelux USA - U195 - AES 2016 by Sound On Sound magazine

Soundelux USA - U195 - AES 2016

Sound On Sound magazine

Sound On Sound magazine

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Soundelux U195.

Comparisons

  • The Soundelux U195 can be found used for $700-900, offering a more affordable alternative to high-end professional mics like those costing around $4k.

    Source
  • The Soundelux U195 is often compared to the Sterling st69, which features a different headbasket design and color but is known as a modding platform.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Soundelux U195's finish varies, with some models featuring polished chrome and others brushed, depending on their production period.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Sterling st69 and st79 microphones can be significantly enhanced with upgrades like a Peluso capsule and FET, making them highly versatile in professional settings.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Soundelux U195 was priced around $1000-1200 new, positioning it as a mid-range option in the professional mic market.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Soundelux U195 is noted for its unique grille design above the headbasket frame, a detail that can help in its visual identification.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Soundelux USA U195

soundonsound.com

The Soundelux U195 impresses as a versatile studio mic, deftly handling vocals, instruments, and amps with its 'Fat/Norm' voicing switch. This feature offers either a bass boost or a balanced high end, mimicking vintage warmth or modern clarity. Its robust design includes a large-diaphragm K67-style capsule and a custom output transformer, ensuring quality sound across various applications. While it sits in a mid-price range, the U195's performance rivals higher-end models, making it a solid choice for private studios. Despite the lack of pattern switching, its dual-voicing sets it apart, with no significant drawbacks noted.

positive

The Soundelux U195

recordinghacks.com

The Soundelux U195 is a versatile workhorse microphone that punches well above its price point. Celebrated for its flexibility and sound quality, it offers a unique "fat" switch that allows users to toggle between darker and airier tones. While it excels across various applications—vocals, guitar, and drums—it is limited by its cardioid-only design. Despite this drawback, it outshines the U87 in many practical scenarios, providing a more musical and pleasing sound. If you're seeking a reliable, adaptable mic for your studio without breaking the bank, the U195 is a compelling choice.

positive

New Gear Review: U195 Large Diaphragm Condenser Mic from Soundelux USA — SonicScoop

sonicscoop.com

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Shing02 uses Soundelux U195

Shing02

Rapper, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Used for NightShift's "Don't Tell Me No", as can be seen in this February 16, 2012 Instagram post. It is specified by NightShift in a comment on another Instagram post dated June 13, 2012.

February 16, 2012, @shing02gram

working @thenightshift

June 13, 2012, @thenightshift

Wanted to try something different from the usual U195 for @shing02gram

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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