M-Audio announces the release of the Sputnik ($699.95) large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone. Sputnik offers a military-grade 6205M vacuum tube, a 3-micron evaporated-gold Mylar diaphragm, solid brass construction, and selectable cardioid, omni and figure-8 polar patterns.
Drawing upon classic vacuum tube design principles, M-Audio mounted the tube upside down to facilitate shorter connections. The Sputnik also employs a socketless design, eliminating the potential for impedance mismatch, signal deterioration and contact corrosion.
The Sputnik features a precision-machined, solid-brass backplate and boasts a dual-backplate design. In addition, M-Audio tunes the backplate for optimal on- and off-axis frequency and pickup response, and for pattern symmetry.
Sputnik includes a professional shock-mount, dedicated power supply, 7-pin mice cable, grounded IEC power supply and a custom flight case.
For more information, visit www.m-audio.com.
