Anybody have a Icon Space 251 Mic ? How does it sound? - New 251 Clone -

[commanderberti]

https://iconproaudio.com/product/space-251/

thanks for every information

 

[Barry Hufker]

It is a handsome mic, but I couldn't find any mention as to who made the capsule, and to me that is a huge red flag.
Further, the price on Amazon is only $669, which would be too little IMO if there was a really good capsule inside.
https://www.amazon.com/iCON-Audio-Space-251-Microphone/dp/B0CRWL3BBR

 

[SubSpec]

I'm about 90% it's the same folks behind the Violet and JZ mics, i.e. the Latvian half of what used to be Blue. That said, with scant information about where it's produced I wouldn't assume it's actually made in Latvia or to the standards of some of those other brands (which have wide quality variations themselves). All of which to say, I wouldn't take a chance on them myself but would love to hear from anyone who has.

 

[thomasdf]

IMHO it looks ugly, is def made in China with Chinese parts (except that cocorico output cap) by the looks / price of it. Capsule is probably your generic random CK12 inspired wannabe.
Not even 3D rendering can't hide that 7 pin XLR we all know and hate.
It seems pretty much based on @poctop 's PCB design ? Wonder what he thinks of it

Does it sound bad in the end ? I don't know but with that kind of money well spent and considering you've signed up on a DIY forum I am sure you can build a 251 inspired mic that eats this one for breakfast.

 

[garp]

And i am also sure that there will be better breakfast

 

[thomasdf]

Gosh I had another look, the 3D rendering and IA generated and poorly edited pictures... It looks so squetchy, almost like a scam attempt haha. I am never putting my credit card number anywhere near this !

edit : that dude with the guitar standing behind a photoshop-added microphone, looking a 3D rendering of the 7 pin XLR connector of death, in ugly cheesy copper finish, this is all too much haha

 

[garp]

At first i thought it was the last generation of electrical razors, but seriously, a microphone ? My advice for ICON , fire the designers (all of them), make pizzas, sneakers, or ... razors ?

 

[SubSpec]

Welp, the Blue fanboy in me gave in on one of Icon's offerings, the Martian. I was particularly swayed by the mention that it is handmade in Latvia, well mostly by the massive price drop to $149. I figure, it's more or less a Blue Mouse with maybe lower quality control and maybe lower quality materials / components. I won't link to it directly as I don't want to come off as a shill, but there is one more of the Icon Martian I bought still up on Reverb (actually directly from Kellards Pro Audio might save tax money, too late for me though) in case anyone else is equally brave.

 

[pmfalcman]

It sparkles and shines with its well-rounded bottom on a pivotal cable with distinct pins and low, electroplated self noise. And has some '50 and '60 hand made ghosts inside.
Does a man need anything more in life?

 

[ElSmurf]

Just had a fun little stroll around their website. Feels like a one stop shop for building a project studio - in a parallel universe. Very strong communist vibe.

The contact page also says the "global home office" is in Hong Kong.

 

[RuudNL]

If it doesn't look like a M251, it is no M251...
(It seems they use the crazy reed relays for the pattern switching.)

 

[commanderberti]

If it doesn't look like a M251, it is no M251...
(It seems they use the crazy reed relays for the pattern switching.)

no, it seems like a normal relay https://media.distrelec.com/Web/Downloads/ta/_e/znDS2Y_data_e.pdf

 

[RuudNL]

The original M251 didn't have any relays. It is possible to do the pattern switching with a simple switch, no relays needed. (And I know it, because I designed a M251 clone for a microphone company.)