In this video I take a look at the Stellar X2 large capsule condenser microphone made by TechZone audio products. This video is an unboxing, overview and review which includes a selection of raw / unprocessed sample recordings.

Starting with an overview of the outside packaging, I then delve into the outer cardboard box to find an aluminium protective carrying and storage case. Inside this 'miniature flightcase' the first thing to greet me was a leather pouch and plastic bag of paperwork/documentation.

Each mic is tested in-house at the TechZone facility in Southern California and provided with a test completion certificate. These quality checks include a 14 hour burn-in, Polarization voltage, Frequency sweep, Sensitivity, Noise floor and Visual inspection.

Also included is a simple quick start guide with technical support contact details which could be helpful for less technical individuals and a brief summary letter about the microphone with care information, technical specifications and a list of included accessories.
Speaking of accessories the X2 also comes with a reasonable quality shock mount included, plus microphone stand thread adapter and a foam windshield cover.

For my test recordings I used a very simple and raw setup which consists of the Stellar X2 microphone connected directly to an Avid Fast Track Solo USB audio interface via good quality XLR cable with Neutrik connectors. The required 48v phantom power supply is provided by the interface through a switch on the rear and all audio was recorded using Audacity on Windows 10.
I applied no processing or EQ to these test recordings - the only differences between them are the instrumentation or mic placement.

The first test is a simple spoken word one. I simply continue the video by speaking into it and explain the test rig. Then I read a section of text from the information leaflet with and without the foam windshield fitted. The windshield helps to reduce the plosive 'air' effects from close proximity speech.

Following on from this I tried the mic with an acoustic drum kit. For this clip the Stellar X2 is the only microphone active, positioned behind the drum kit, over the drummers right shoulder. It gives a good balance of the whole kit and picks up a surprising amount of kick drum. too.

Changing things up again the next set of tests are vocal and acoustic guitar based. Using just the Stellar X2 as a lone-source we experimented with a number of mic positions, two different acoustic guitars and a variety of songs. The performance and smooth natural sound of the X2 impressed both myself and Tony when we listened back to recordings with it. Its ability to pick up a good balance of vocal and guitar could negate the need for multiple microphones or a DI input from an electro-acoustic guitar and give arguably better results when recording. Get subscribed and watch this space for some more content in this area coming soon!.

Finally I concluded the test recordings with a few electric guitar amplifier clips. For those I mic'd Tony's little Mesa Boogie combo at various distances and positions as shown in the photos. Unfortunately I didn't get any videos of these tests but again - just watch this space!

In conclusion - The Stellar X2 really impressed me. It's a very versatile little microphone (literally, this thing is compact!) in a somewhat generic but very solid housing. The audio quality it delivers is clear and smooth, true to life, and I haven't been disappointed with any of the results in any application I've tried it in yet.


Many thanks to all my musician friends and their bands who helped create those sample recordings.


Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:05 - Full Disclosure
00:44 - Box Overview
01:44 - Case Overview
02:45 - Unboxing
11:58 - Weighing Mic & Mount
13:01 - Test Setup Overview
13:56 - Spoken Word Test
14:50 - Spoken Word Test with Windshield
15:34 - Acoustic Drum Kit Test (Thanks Danny!)
17:04 - Acoustic Guitars + Vocals Test (Thanks Tony!)
18:27 - Acoustic Guitar + Vocal with Reverb
20:05 - Electric Guitar / Amplifier Tests
21:19 - Outro Summary


FULL DISCLOSURE: I was sent this microphone for free in return for making this video review about it. When they reached out to me initially I stated upfront that this would be an unbiased honest video - taking things as I found them - as with any other product video I have made in the past. To their credit the company agreed to this as fine. There is no scripting and they have had absolutely no input in how this video is recorded or put together.
This is the first time I've accepted a product for review in this manner and wanted to ensure I made this very clear.


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Recorded in 4K Ultra-HD using an iPhone 6S.