Superlux S502

I ordered this mic as for simple curiosity, to record authentic latin-american instruments from Bolivia and Peru. Ayllu group plays authentic music from Ands..and what surprise this was. Full collection of instruments from bass drum (bombo) all the way to highly pitched kenas and charango this microphone covered without any issue whatsoever! Stereo definition from this ORTF setup was clearly presenteded with realistic and clear stereo image with very low self-noise.Sound is much more controlled - no over-brightness (in comparison with all popular Rode NT's).
Small remark goes to bass, namely the "deepness" of bass freq. but for this price something that can easily be forgiven...Manufactured in metal housing, very solid made, with included clip/holder.Be smart and order additional Y-type cable 'cause included cable in package is to short if you intend to use this microphone on higher positions.

Conclusion: buy now, this is excellent addition to your collection of microphones that can give you great results for studio and live recordings.

Use
For drum overhead maily. Also suitable for percussion, acoustic guitar. Very good results in studio as well as live recording.

Clarity
This mic gives very realistic and clear stereo image (ORTF system).
The capsules very good matchedand low noice level. Self noise if very low. Comparing to other SDC - this pair is winner in rpice/prefomance and stereo image.

Pros:
Very good stereo mic for this price, no competitors can beat it.
Quality of Superlux is alvays on top. No any issues during 9 month of usage in studio. Personal advice: to buy additional 6 meter long Y-type cable.

Cons:
Y-type cable included in package is very short. But it is not problem - you can get 6 meter long Superlux cable here, at thomann.

The microphone is very good for my semi-pro use. When I was choosing mike I was listening A/B comparisons with Schoeps 64U, and you couldn’t even find differences. The sound is crystal clear, not too bright, but very sensitive, so in an untreated room, you will have problems. Fixed ORTF form is very practical, you are more inclined to experiment instead of just connecting mono and opening a bear.

I had one problem, one channel (probably capsule) was a bit erratic from start, but superb Thomann intervention fixed it – kudos! Bad factory quality control is probably in line with price, so be just prepared for it and you will enjoy little diamond.

I've used this mic to record orchestras of various sizes and it has delivered very good results, perhaps surprisingly so given its relatively low price. The mic's frequency range, tonal sensitivity and stereo representation ensures a faithful enough rendition of the original audio source.

It's likely that a more detailed sound could be achieved using expensive mics from big name manufacturers, but I think you'd have spend quite a lot more to surpass this mic's quality.

I now have two S502 mics for strategic placement. I had a technical problem with one of them, but Thomann's excellent return/replace policy came to the rescue. Impressive over all.