Picking up where the ML-1 microphone leaves off, the Slate Digital ML-2 is a small-diaphragm condenser microphone that is meant to be used with the VMS (Virtual Microphone System) or the VRS (Virtual Recording Studio). The microphone captures a linear frequency response with minimal distortion, so that it can serve as the unpainted canvas on which you’d apply the digital color of Slate’s microphone emulations. Indeed, paired with the VRS or VMS, the microphone aims to put heretofore cost-prohibitive, holy-grail mic/pre combinations at your fingertips.
Whereas the bundle included with the large-diaphragm ML-1 focuses primarily on vocal microphones, this bundle included with the ML-2 small-diaphragm condenser gives you access to emulations of prized instrument mics (though many of these can be used on vocals). Models of the U47 FET, U67, SM7, SM57, RE20, 414, 421, and other famous microphones are included with your purchase.
This is a condenser microphone; however, Slate has built a Dynamic switch into the hardware that allows the mic to behave like a dynamic capsule, withstanding the high SPLs of drums and guitars while offering the Polar pattern more associated with dynamic instrument mics.
Here, the microphone is offered a la carte. It is recommended you pair the ML-2 with Slate’s complementary preamps or interfaces so that the emulations work to the best of their ability. If you prefer, however, you can use the mic with your existing preamp or interface, but the results may not be the same.Low-Latency OperationNone of the processing included with this microphone should add latency to the audio signal, so if you use a low-latency interface with the microphone, you can track through the VMS software without any audible monitoring delay. This low-latency operation can be achieved through Thunderbolt or high-speed USB, recording at 96 kHz with the lowest possible buffer size.Mac and Windows CompatibleThe software works with Mac and Windows systems. For Mac, it’s recommended you’re running OS X 10.9 or later. For Windows, you’ll need Windows 7 and above. VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX formats are all supported.Overview of Mic Models IncludedS-47F: This model recreates a German FET mic known for rounded highs, hefty mids, and a massive bottom end. Try it on kick drums, bass cabinets, and toms.S-67: Emulating a large-diaphragm tube condenser, the S-67 has smooth, muted highs, a thick midrange, and a big low-end. Try this emulation on everything from guitars and basses to snares and overheads.S-7: This model creates a microphone typically used in broadcasting platforms, one that emphasizes the midrange. Try it on vocals, but expect to elicit suitable tones for kick, toms, snares, basses, guitars, and more.?S-E20: Sporting an even frequency response, yet still boasting a pleasantly rounded tone, the S-E20 models a mic made famous in the 1970s and found on the vocals of singers like Thom Yorke and Stevie Wonder. Drums, guitars, and vocals can all benefit from this model.S-57 Vintage: This model recreates an early 1980s dynamic 57, known for its punchy midrange and smooth treble response.?S-Custom Snare: A modified variety of the S-57, this emulation has been tuned to enhance the sound of snare drums.?S-57 Modern: This model is similar to the S-57 Vintage, but features a smoother midrange and more present highs.?S-112: For a classic kick sound, try this microphone emulation, which provides a rounded midrange for kick presence as well as a fat bottom end.?S-421: This emulation recreates a classic dynamic microphone often used on toms, guitar cabinets, and even horns. It provides a hefty midrange and a punchy bass response.S-Custom Tom: A modified variant of the S-421, this model adds top-end and bass to the sound, scooping out some of the midrange to give you a more polished rack- and floor-tom timbre right at the source.S-414 Normal: This emulation models a classic FET large diaphragm condenser microphone, one with clear and present mids, extended highs, and a fat low end. Try it on overheads, guitars, bass cabinets, toms, and horns.?S-414 Dynamic: Similar to the S-414 normal, this emulation makes use of the ML-2¡¯s Dynamic mode for exceedingly loud sources.?S-12: For a vintage kick drum sound, try this microphone emulation, which provides crisp highs and warm lows.?S-Custom Kick: If you¡¯re craving a little more attack and punch on your kick drum, as well as a modern, more defined low-end, try this model over the S-12.S-121 Normal: This emulation seeks to recreate one of the most venerated ribbon microphones of all time, giving you fat lows and muted highs. Try this on horns, strings, guitar cabs, overheads, drum rooms, and even vocals.S-121 Dynamic: For exceedingly loud sources that deserve ribbon treatment nonetheless, try this model, which makes use of the ML-2¡¯s Dynamic mode.?S-222: Emulating a small-diaphragm tube microphone, this microphone is suitable for drum overheads and acoustic instruments, as it¡¯s bright but not harsh, present yet smooth, and fairly flat in the low end.S-451: Modeling a notable small-diaphragm condenser, this emulation provides a smooth and clear sound that complements overheads, snares, hi-hats, toms, and more.
Slate Digital VMS2 SpecsMicrophonePrimary ApplicationsStudio RecordingForm FactorStand/Boom MountIntended Sound SourcesInstrumentSound FieldMonoCapsuleCondenserCircuitrySolid-StateHigh-Pass FilterNoneGain AdjustmentNoneConnectivityOutput Connectors (Analog)1 x XLR 3-PinOutput Connectors (Digital)NoneWireless ConnectivityNoneBluetoothNoneDigital AudioOperating System SupportWindows, macOS/OS XPowerBus PowerNoneOperating Voltage48 VPhysicalMountingBoom, Floor Mic Stand (with Included Hardware)Mounting Thread SizeNot Specified by ManufacturerIncluded CaseNoneIncluded FiltersNonePackaging InfoPackage Weight0.54 lbBox Dimensions (LxWxH)12.5 x 3.8 x 1.7″S
