Superlux
Superlux R102
Active ribbon (2.5 µm aluminium, phantom powered), figure-8, side-address
Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.
Power Phantom 48 V only.
- Type
- Ribbon
- Pattern
- Figure-8
- Sensitivity
- −40 dBV/Pa
- Among 28 ribbons: more output than 70%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 53%
- Self-noise
- 18 dB(A)
- Max SPL
- 138 dB SPL
- Among 29 ribbons: takes louder sound than 50%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 49%
- Rated range
- 25 – 15k Hz
- Released
- 2007
vs 24 side-address ribbons
More output than 70% of 24 side-address ribbons.
Each stripe is one side-address ribbon with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.
vs 272 mics
Quieter than 32% of 272 mics.
Each stripe is one mic with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.
vs 28 side-address ribbons
Takes louder sound than 48% of 28 side-address ribbons.
Each stripe is one side-address ribbon with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Instruments sources recommend it for most
1 of 2; all under Recommended for.
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the spec sheet, p. 1.
"R102/R102MKII Frequency Response"; relative dB. Distance, room and smoothing not stated.
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
Polar pattern
From the spec sheet, p. 1. Approximate
Full circle, 0° up; one graph for both models. Measuring conditions not stated. The documents do not state the rear polarity; inverted is assumed, as for any pressure-gradient figure-8.
Approximate: reading error up to about 1 dB.
In practice
All specs
| From the spec sheet | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity | −40 dBV/Pa (10 mV/Pa)1 kHz, open circuit. "-40dBV/Pa (10mV/Pa)"; the 2010 guide adds "1,000Hz open circuit voltage". | p. 1 |
| Self-noise | 18 dB(A)also 20 dB(A), less than, 2007 Avlex sheet. "Equivalent Noise Level 18dB"; the weighting is from the 2010 guide, "Equivalent Noise Level (A weighted) 18 dB". The 2007 sheet says "<20dB". | |
| Max SPL | 138 dB SPL0.5% THD, 1 kHz, 1 kohm load; also 140 dB SPL, more than, 2007 Avlex sheet. "138dB SPL (THD ≦0.5% 1kHz)"; the 1 kohm load is from the 2010 guide. The 2007 sheet says ">140dB". | |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 76 dB"S/N Ratio 76dB" (94 - 18). | |
| Dynamic range | 120 dB1 kohm load. The 2010 guide says "Dynamic Range (1 kΩ load) 120dB". | |
| Output impedance | 250 ohmrated. "Rated Impedance 250Ω". The 2007 sheet: "250Ω ±20% at 1,000Hz". | |
| Rated load impedance | 1000 ohmminimum. "Minimum Load Impedance 1000Ω". | |
| Rated frequency range | 25 Hz to 15 kHzalso [20, 15000], 2007 Avlex sheet. "R102: 25-15,000Hz" (R102MKII: 20-18,000 Hz). No tolerance stated. | |
| Current draw | 4 mA"Current Consumption 4mA". | |
| Connector | XLR-3 male"3 pin XLR male". | |
| Weight | 500 g"R102/R102 MKII: 500g(17.6oz.)". | |
| Electronics | Impedance-converting preamplifier with integrated shielding against EMI | |
| Sibling model | R102MKII: gold grille, extended top end (20-18,000 Hz); the same electrical specs otherwise | |
| ApplicationsSuperlux | Broadcast; distant and close miking; electric and acoustic guitars; vocals, brass, toms and kick drum, percussion, strings, acoustic piano; Blumlein stereo | |
| From the user guide (Recording Hacks copy) | ||
| Capsule | 2.5 µm aluminium ribbon, neodymium magnet; replaceable ribbon module"The aluminum alloy ribbon, with a thickness of only 2.5 microns"; "a strong Nd magnet" (p. 2); "Modular capsule design". | p. 2 |
| Powering | phantom 48 V only"R102 series work with 48VDC phantom only" (p. 2). The spec sheet: "48V phantom power". | |
| Polarity | Positive pressure on the diaphragm gives positive voltage on pin 2 with respect to pin 3 | p. 1 |
| Operating conditions | -10 to 50 °C, 0 to 95% relative humidity | |
| From the product page | ||
| Dimensions | 60 × 44 × 196 mmalso [57, 37, 195], 2007 Avlex sheet. "60 × 44 × 196 mm (2.63" × 1.73" × 7.72")": width, depth, height. The 2010 guide: "WxHxD: 60mm x 196mm x 44mm". The 2007 sheet: "57mm x 37mm x 195mm(h)". | p. 1 |
| Finish | Dark grey, black grille"Finish: Dark grey". The 2010 guide: "R102 with black grille" (the MKII has a gold one). | |
| From the user guide | ||
| Supplied accessories | 6 m two-core shielded cable (right-angle); U bracket; A4 plastic carrying case"SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES R102: 6M Two-core shield cable, U bracket, A4 Plastic carrying case". The product page calls the cable "6-meter right angle cable". | p. 5 |
| Optional accessories | MS158 boom stand, PS2A phantom power supply, HM48B and HM58B table arms | p. 6 |
| From the Recording Hacks page | ||
| Released | 2007 | |
Documents
- R102MKII Full Bandwidth Ribbon Microphone / R102 Classical Ribbon MicrophoneR102/R102MKII Interim Catalogue
- R102 / R102MKII user guideP/N LB100R10201EN, Jul 2019
- R102 | SuperluxEnglish product page
- R102 / R102MKII User GuideLB100R10202SU Rev. 1, 2010
- Model R102 Aluminum Ribbon Microphone Specification SheetAvlex, 2007
- Superlux R102 | RecordingHacks.com
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © Superlux, unchanged, with its original address.
Recommended for
By recording guides, engineers and mic makers, for this mic or an earlier version of it.