Superlux S502 MK2 test, teardown and improvements

[thomasdf]

from your graph, regarding noise and freq responses they def seem on par !
I wonder how they behave time wise, this is a very important factor.
Did you do some blind A/B listening tests ? That may be the real tie breaker.
Thanks for sharing !

 

[micro1_de]

No, I have not done A/B listening tests. Only my voice. Seems to be very identical.

 

[thomasdf]

I've read numerous reviews mentionning that it is very prone to pick up radio magnetic interferences, did you experience that too ? Thomann reviews mention that a lot, for instance

 

[MicUlli]

I've read numerous reviews mentionning that it is very prone to pick up radio magnetic interferences, did you experience that too ? Thomann reviews mention that a lot, for instance

I think this is not RFI but internally generated disturbances..

 

[micro1_de]

I think this is not RFI but internally generated disturbances..

I think so too. I have 2 amps and have not have any problems.

 

[jp8]

Here are pictures of the capsules in comparision to MK4.

Assuming one could find suitable mic bodies, would these be good donor capsules for some Schoeps CMC6/MK4 clone builds?

Jan

 

[micro1_de]

Hi Jan,

I have only used my MK4 capsules to record. So no experience with the original capsules.
Reiner

 

[MicUlli]

Hi All,

the Superlux S502 MK2 has arrived Here are my first impressions and measurement results.
Subjective sound impressions:
It seems that the capsules are very well matched. With a small UKW radio 1m located exactly in front i am not able to find an audible interchannel difference when i exchange L/R channels.
In comparison with MBHO-capsules i would describe the sound as reluctant (very flat response, no hyped heights).
The noise floor is audible but not unpleasant.
I don't think that the stated sensivity of -36dBV is correct. I would say it is 2dB lower. More about that after exact measurements.
First measurements:
Both capsules have nearly the same polarisation voltage (60,2V and 59,9V).
Nearly the same capsule capacitance: 39pF and 40pF.
Wonderful: both backplate and membrane are seperated from case. This is important to use the real Schoeps circuit. More about that later on.
The mic self noise is moderately low: -116,0dBV(A) and -116,2dBV(A), see attached picture.
BUT: At 20kHz the noise level is too high. Such a high level i only know from OPA Alice circuit designs..

More measurement results will follow...
BR MicUlli

 

[Emmathom]

Hi there, I didn't yet take time to read the whole thread but I will and I can say that this mic is stunning !

I have a pair and used it in many occasions and I'm more than amazed of how it sounds. I've made a few mods (but find the post about them) : replaicing the coupling cap (680pF I guess) by polystyren-copper caps and also one or two electrolitics which voltage was a bit low and sorten capsules' wires...

I've recorded "ambiance" classical ensembles, inside piano, choir... everything is nice and clean.

@MicUlli I'm sure you'll be more than happy with this mic : for me (and for 125€ !) it's a must have.

 

[Emmathom]

I think this is not RFI but internally generated disturbances..

it's about the S502 MkII (better avoid it !)
the S502 "first version" does not suffer from RFI