When I went on my quest for my first top-end large condenser microphone, I wanted the most versatile mic I could get my hands on. I also wanted a mic that would not become yesterday's flavor. I wanted something that would stand the test of time. My budget: Approximately $1,200. Acquaintances consistently recommended the Soundelux U195.
My U195 came with a doughnut shockmount and the typical expensive mic wooden box with the cheesy cherry finish. I quickly put the U195 to work tracking male vocals and have been getting results that sit very well in the mix without needing any EQ. I've used it on acoustic stringed instruments of all types: Six and 12 string guitars as well as mountain and hammered dulcimers. I've even tracked a tin whistle through the U195. It's also been used to record various percussion with great success: Conga, bongos, maracas, and doumbek.
No matter what the source, I find the sound to be dense and meaty with highs that are crisp but smooth, and lows that are full but not muddy. I tend to use it for tracks that I want stand out in a mix. In comparison to mics I am familiar with, such as the Shure SM81 or CAD E series, the U195 possesses incredible depth and dimension that captures much more of the source. The "fat" switch boosts the low ends and makes things a tad darker. I engaged it while tracking kick drum. I found the sound to be everything I want a kick drum to sound like but never achieved recording at home before. The fat switch gives the mic two flavors: Normal gives a modern flat with slightly hyped highs while fat adds a darker low end.
I now find myself playing with ideas on the tracks recorded with the U195 rather than anticipating what will need to be fixed. It's freeing me to be more creative.
Bottom Line: It's versatile as it's very good mic on a variety of sources. It's like having two mics in one with the "fat" switch. Street price is $1,125. Highly recommended.
Link relating to this review: Soundelux Microphones
When I went on my quest for my first top-end large condenser microphone, I wanted the most versatile mic I could get my hands on. I also wanted a mic that would not become yesterday's flavor. I wanted something that would stand the test of time. My budget: Approximately $1,200. Acquaintances consistently recommended the Soundelux U195.