The Superlux S502 is an affordably-priced stereo microphone that combines a pair of matched cardioid mics, which are arranged in a fixed "ORTF" setup that places the capsules 17cm apart and at an angle of 110° to each other, in a sturdy black metallic casing. The S502 delivers a highly transparent and well-balanced sound, while its simple design also makes it very easy to use. The scope of delivery additionally includes a matching shock mount, two windshields, a short microphone cable with 5-pin female to 2x3-pin male connectors, and a sturdy plastic transport case.
In place of permanently magnetised diaphragms, the Superlux S502 features true condenser capsules equipped with gold-sputtered 1/2" diaphragms and, as mentioned above, a fixed cardioid polar pattern. The mic's maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of 135dB is fully sufficient for ORTF applications, while its frequency response of 40Hz to 20kHz is also a match for the demands usually placed on small-diaphragm microphones. The S502's equivalent output noise in turn is 18dB (A-weighted), and it has a signal-to-noise ratio of 76dB. Connecting to a mixing desk or audio interface is of course quick and easy thanks to the included FM0.6AMM microphone cable.
While the Superlux S502's design admittedly makes it less flexible than two individual microphones, its two-in-one concept provides enhanced practicality in that the user no longer has to spend time arranging the separate mics to achieve an ORTF arrangement. Another convincing argument in the Superlux S502's favour is of course its well-balanced sound, which together with the mic's affordable price makes it a budget-friendly all-in-one solution for achieving an ORTF sound without the laborious task of manually putting together a stereo setup with two separate mics and finding the sweet spot first.
Anyone looking for microphones and headphones with an excellent price-performance ratio will certainly find what they are looking for from Superlux. The company employs experienced specialists and produces its articles at various locations in its own factories in China and Taiwan, where the products are developed, tested, and manufactured under one roof. Everything can therefore be manufactured on site, from the raw material to the finished device, which has a positive effect on the selling price. The products are often praised in test reports for their sound and manufacturing quality. With Superlux products, private users can achieve solid recording and mixing results even without a large budget.
Depending on the signal source being recorded, combining the Superlux S502 with a backup microphone can also pay off. When recording an acoustic guitar, for example, the addition of an extra microphone close to the instrument adds a more intimate feel to the recording and allows the transient oscillation of the strings to be picked up. Of course, the S502 will still deliver an impressive guitar sound by itself, and it will also cut a fine figure when used as an overhead mic, where it will provide an appealing sound with accurate localisation - provided of course that it is positioned correctly!