The Sontronics APOLLO 2 is an absolutely stunning phantom-powered stereo ribbon microphone, representing the pinnacle of British audio engineering. Meticulously hand-crafted in the UK, this masterpiece is designed for top-tier studios, scoring stages, and live concert venues. At its core, the microphone features two highly sensitive, hand-tuned ribbon motors fixed in a true X-Y Blumlein configuration. This geometry captures a breathtakingly accurate and expansive three-dimensional stereo image, making it the ultimate choice for recording orchestras, choirs, grand pianos, and drum overheads with unparalleled realism.
By utilizing 48V phantom power and custom-wound UK-made transformers, the Sontronics APOLLO 2 overcomes the traditional limitations of passive ribbon microphones. It delivers a robust, high-output signal that requires far less gain from your preamps, all while maintaining an incredibly low self-noise floor of just 10dB. Crucially, the Apollo 2 incorporates unique built-in RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) filters into its electronic design—a rarity in ribbon microphones—ensuring your signal remains crystal clear and free from hum or buzz, whether in a high-tech studio or a demanding live broadcast environment.
Beyond its exceptional stereo capabilities, users can also isolate just one of the ribbon elements, allowing the Apollo 2 to perform as a world-class mono figure-of-eight microphone. It expertly blends the smooth, vintage warmth associated with classic ribbons with modern clarity in the upper frequencies, delivering mix-ready tracks that often require zero EQ. Housed in a beautifully rugged, black-anodized body, the APOLLO 2 comes complete with a custom shockmount, a dedicated splitter cable, and a heavy-duty ABS flight case.
KEY FEATURES
- Phantom-powered, active stereo ribbon microphone designed for professional use
- Two highly sensitive, hand-tuned ribbon elements set in an X-Y Blumlein formation
- Built-in RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) filters to guarantee a noise-free signal
- Custom-wound, UK-made transformers providing high output and low noise
- Can be used as a premium mono figure-of-eight microphone by isolating one channel
- Exceptional SPL handling up to 125dB and an ultra-low self-noise of 10dB
- Perfect for stereo room miking, pianos, orchestras, choirs, and drum overheads
- Designed, developed, and lovingly hand-crafted in the United Kingdom
- Supplied with a custom shockmount, a stereo-to-dual-XLR breakout cable, and a sturdy ABS case
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Microphone Type: Active stereo ribbon
- Polar Pattern: Figure-of-eight x2 (X-Y Blumlein configuration)
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 18 kHz
- Sensitivity: 18 mV/Pa (-33 dB ±1 dB, 0 dB = 1V/Pa @ 1 kHz)
- Impedance: ≤ 150 Ohms
- Equivalent Noise Level: 10 dB (A-weighted)
- Maximum SPL (for 0.5% THD @ 1 kHz): 125 dB
- Power Requirements: 48V Phantom power (±4V) required
- Connector: 6/8-pin connector to two 3-pin XLRs (breakout cable supplied)
- Microphone Dimensions: 260 × 65 × 65 mm
- Microphone Weight: 0.74 kg (1.01 kg with shockmount)
