TechZone Stellar X2 Mic - Pros & Cons
The video above gives you a chance to listen to the TechZone Stellar X2 microphone. I recorded the whole video on this mic. I believe there's no better way to review a mic than to use it in the same way as most people looking at a mic like this would.
I would say that if you're interested in a microphone of this type, you're likely to be one of the following.
A video content creator looking to upgrade from a USB microphone.
A podcaster.
A voiceover artist.
A singer.
I doubt you'll be using the Stellar X2 in a studio to mic up drums or similar. There are better choices for this.
So take a listen to the video. See what you think.
TechZone's Mission
TechZone claims to be taking a cheap but sturdy microphone shell and then using a simple microphone design and boosting and tweaking the quality by upgrading the components that matter. High tolerance where it counts. Quality WIMA capacitors where they will make a difference. You get the idea.
They also claim that these mics are hand made and that the capsule used is a custom K67 style 34mm variant. Essentially, the same part used to make the Neumann U67 mic and a capsule that sounds virtually identical to the Neumann U87.
Is It Any Good?
In summary, they are building a £200-300 mic that will compete with a £2000-3000 mic. Does it? Simple answer, yes! It's noisier by a good 5-6dB, but the two are difficult to tell apart in a typical listening scenario.
Check out this video from Booth Junkie. He's fortunate enough to own the infamous Neumann U87, so he's able to give you a direct comparison between the two. Even listening on my trusty Sennheiser HD650 headphones, I found it virtually impossible to hear any difference.
Excellent performance is all very well, but it can't be all good news. There's no such thing as a free lunch. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of this mic in a nice simple list. I love lists.
Comparison with Other Mics
I recently recorded a blind test using five microphones I own including the Stellar X2. Below is the sample audio from the Stellar X2. You can also download the original WAV file here to take a proper listen. The video with the full comparison can be found here.
Stellar X2 Pros
Outstanding quality and performance for the money. It competes with microphones three times the price or more.
Excellent 180-degree rejection making this great for podcast and rooms that are not so well acoustically treated.
Simple to set up.
Nice carry case provided.
Small and unwieldy.
Good output level. You definitely won't need any booster with this mic.
Flat frequency response makes it smooth to listen to. Low listener fatigue.
Stellar X2 Cons
Expensive in the UK compared to US prices.
Foam wind protector feels cheap.
Shock mount is the horrible cheap variant provided with forty dollar mics. It's poorly machined and doesn't do much.
No low-cut filter, attenuation or switchable polar patterns. If you’re not happy with what you’ve got, you’re stuck.
It's on the noisy side.
TechZone uses a cheap case from a low-end XLR or USB mic. If you're out to impress a client, this is not going to do it.
Conclusion
So once again, we have a microphone which sounds incredible, let down by accessories. The shock mount is essential for some people. Please don't sell a mic for £280 and provide a useless shock mount! Just don't provide one at all. That would be less insulting.
Other than that, the Stellar X2 feels like a must-have mic for many. It's not as good as a U87, but it's bloody close. If you're in the US, this is a bargain. I'm in the UK, and I feel cheated having to pay almost double for this microphone, but that aside, it's still a great sounding mic for £300. I don't think you'll be disappointed.