Guitars, Music Production, Home Studio, and Technology: Studiospares S580 Dynamic Hypercardioid Vocal / Instrument Microphone

Some time ago, I was given a paper / printed edition copy of MusicTech magazine (http://www.musictech.net/)- which is a monthly specialist magazine for producers, engineers and recording musicians.

Over time, I had found myself reading the same issue over and over, each time learning something new; it really is an enjoyable read.

This month, I decided to become a subscriber to the magazine - and looked into a 12 month sub. Nowadays, often, magazine's offer some kind of introductory special offer / free gift etc. and I was quite surprised to find that MusicTech were offering a nice vocal / instrument microphone*1 for anybody signing up for 12 months of magazine subs. Namely, the Studiospares S580 Dynamic Hypercardioid Vocal / Instrument Microphone. *1 - UK customers only.

Was this some cheap gimmick?

Was the free gift actually any good?

Well according to reviews I've seen on the music forums - YES the S580 is a good mic ! I've personally not tried it out yet - as I don't have any spare cables........... but will post my comments soon.

I don't currently own a vocal mic / instrument mic - but I was contemplating purchasing one for capturing the occasional acoustic performance, and some vocals;

Of course, I was looking at the "industry standard" SHURE SM58 - which [by all accounts] is the "go to..." unidirectional (cardioid) microphone..... and a top choice for vocalists.

Whilst the Studiospares S580 is deemed as a "CLONE" of the Shure SM58 - quality is comparable....... I read a number of comments where SM58 owners had A/B'd the S580 / SM58 - and achieved the look and sound but at HALF the cost.

If you were to purchase an SM58 - they retail around £140 GBP - with the Studiospares S580 coming in at around 65% cheaper. £50 GBP.

On both - the frequency response is tailored - with brightened mid range and bass rolloff.

Build quality seems excellent on the S580................... and for my occasional use - it is unlikely to get abused.

Long story - short.......................GET A GREAT MAG AND A SUPERB FREE GIFT !

you get a great magazine / printed copy and delivered to your door
you also get the "digital subscription version" to read on your computer / tablet / phone etc.................
PLUS you get a pretty damn good microphone - which is worth about £50.........

If you sign up for Direct Debit subs - the cost for 12 months is £53.90 - so with the *FREE GIFT* of the microphone - that makes your 12 x printed copies work out at £3.90 / 12 = which is around £0.33 pence per magazine copy. #NOBRAINER

Some conditions apply - but if you are signing up for 12 months anyway - you get to keep the GIFT, and you get a great mag.

If you are interested in this offer - clicky LINKY below with the relevant promotion code filled in. I don't work for the magazine, but I did want to share this great offer with you all !

http://anthem.subscribeonline.co.uk/home/music-tech-magazine?offerCode=GIFTWEB13