Superlux S502MKII Studio Condenser Microphone

Single-Point Stereo Capture with True ORTF Geometry

The Superlux S502MKII ORTF Stereo Condenser Microphone delivers realistic stereo imaging in a single, pre-aligned package. Two matched 0.5" cardioid condenser capsules are factory-set at the classic ORTF spacing of 17 cm and 110° angle, replicating the interaural distance and head-shadow cues the human ear uses to localize sound. Engineers and field recordists can skip the bar-and-tape ritual of aligning two separate microphones and start capturing wide, natural stereo from the moment the mic is mounted. This single-point stereo condenser microphone is designed for musicians, location sound recordists, and project-studio engineers who need consistent stereo imaging without manual setup.

Matched Capsules, Gold-Evaporated Diaphragms, MKII Refinements

Each capsule in the pair uses an ultrathin 0.5" gold-evaporated diaphragm paired with a low-noise solid-state preamp circuit, delivering a flatter response and improved high-frequency detail compared to the original S502. The matched-pair construction ensures both channels track evenly, which is essential for accurate stereo imaging. A balanced XLR 5-pin output keeps the cable run tidy on a single stand, and the included breakout cable splits the signal cleanly into two standard XLR 3-pin feeds for any preamp, mixer, or recorder.

ORTF Capsule Geometry — Wide, Natural Stereo Image

The ORTF arrangement is the heart of this microphone's appeal. By fixing the capsules at 17 cm spacing with a 110° opening angle, the S502MKII reproduces the directional cues that listeners associate with natural hearing. Engineers get a wide, evenly distributed stereo field with strong localization, depth, and detailed texture, without spending time measuring and aligning two separate microphones on a stereo bar.

• Capsule Type: 2x 0.5" / 12.7 mm condenser with gold-evaporated diaphragm — matched pair for consistent stereo imaging
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid — focused pickup that rejects off-axis spill in live and field settings
• ORTF Geometry: 17 cm capsule spacing, 110° angle — replicates human hearing geometry for natural stereo

Clean, Quiet Signal Path for Studio and Field Use

A wide frequency response and high maximum SPL let the microphone handle everything from delicate acoustic instruments to loud ensembles and drum overheads. The low equivalent noise floor and 117 dB dynamic range give engineers headroom for both whisper-quiet ambience and high-SPL sources without resorting to aggressive noise reduction. 48 V phantom power is the only requirement, so the mic drops into any standard preamp, mixer, or recorder.

• Frequency Response: 40 Hz to 20 kHz — flat, neutral tonality across the audible spectrum
• Maximum SPL: 134 dB (1 kHz, 1% THD) — handles loud sources like drum kits and brass without distortion
• Dynamic Range: 117 dB — captures both quiet ambience and loud peaks in a single take
• Equivalent Noise Level: 15 dB (A-weighted) — quiet enough for nature recording and acoustic instruments
• Sensitivity: -37 dBV/Pa (15.8 mV) — strong output level for clean preamp gain staging

Single-Cable Stereo Output with a Road-Ready Body

The S502MKII keeps cabling simple with a balanced XLR 5-pin output on the microphone body, splitting to two standard XLR 3-pin male connectors via the included breakout cable. A metal chassis and included shockmount protect the capsules from stand-borne vibration, while the carrying case and windscreens make transport and outdoor use straightforward. At roughly 245 g, the microphone is light enough for boom and field setups without adding fatigue.

• Output Connector: XLR 5-pin male (mic) to 2x XLR 3-pin male via included breakout cable — single-cable stereo feed to any preamp or recorder
• Power Requirements: 48 V phantom power, 4.5 mA — standard supply from any mixer or audio interface
• Weight: 245 g — light enough for handheld, boom, and stand-mounted field work

Field Recordists, Location Sound Mixers, and Project Studios

This microphone is the right choice for engineers who need convincing stereo imaging without the time investment of building an ORTF rig from individual microphones. Location sound mixers covering choirs, orchestras, and acoustic ensembles will appreciate the quick setup, while nature recordists gain a compact stereo tool for ambient capture. Project-studio engineers tracking drum overheads, piano, or small acoustic groups get a ready-made stereo image that pairs well with spot mics. Compared to building ORTF from separate small-diaphragm condensers, the S502MKII removes the alignment step entirely and ships with the accessories needed to start recording on day one.

The MKII Refinement of a Proven ORTF Design

The S502MKII builds on the original Superlux S502, refining the capsule and preamp circuit to deliver better directivity, lower noise, and reduced harmonic distortion compared to its predecessor. The matched-pair geometry and gold-evaporated diaphragms carry forward the design that has made the S502 a popular budget ORTF option, while the MKII revisions push the microphone closer to the imaging and detail of high-end stereo rigs at a fraction of the cost.