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Are you a sound engineer or musician looking to add something unique to your recordings? Look no further than the Scope Labs Periscope.
This innovative microphone offers a range of features, such as its omnidirectional polar pattern and built-in compressor for parallel compression. Whether you’re recording metal or punk, this microphone can be magical in the right context.
Read on for our comprehensive review of the Scope Labs Periscope – from its dynamic range specs to its suitability for both studio and live recordings.
Key Takeaways
- Innovative and unique design
- Ideal for drums in metal or punk settings
- Not very practical for everyone
- Durable design resembling a copper pipe
Overview
Get ready to experience the unique sound of Scope Labs’ Periscope 2.7 microphone! This innovative design has become popular among drummers for metal or punk settings. It features an omnidirectional polar pattern with a frequency response of 20 Hz – 16 kHz and a dynamic range specs listed as adequate. It also has a built-in compressor for parallel compression.
While there are a few benefits to using this microphone, there are also some drawbacks. Its unique design isn’t practical for everyone and lacks other helpful specs. Furthermore, it isn’t the first choice for tracking vocals in the studio and isn’t recommended for live vocals due to its omnidirectional pickup. While it can be used for guitar amps and bass amps, the results can be hit or miss. Finally, it’s also not suitable for gentle acoustic guitar recordings.
Polar Pattern and Frequency Response
With an omnidirectional polar pattern and frequency response of 20 Hz – 16 kHz, the Scope Labs Periscope 2.7 offers a unique sound. It has a dynamic range that’s adequate, but doesn’t provide other helpful specs.
The most notable feature is the built-in compressor, which allows for parallel compression and adds aggression to recordings. The frequency range is suitable for most applications, but may lack solid low-end capture on bass amps.
The microphone has a lot of potential, but results can be hit or miss. It’s ideal for drums in metal or punk settings, but not recommended for live vocals. Overall, the Periscope is a great choice for creative engineers looking for an aggressive sounding room mic.
Studio Vocals
Although not the first choice for tracking vocals in the studio, the Scope Labs Periscope 2.7 can still be used depending on the track and vibe. It’s important to consider vocal recording techniques and microphone recommendations to get the best results.
The Periscope’s omnidirectional pattern and frequency response of 20 Hz to 16 kHz provide adequate dynamic range. However, other helpful specs are missing. Built-in compressor for parallel compression can be useful for certain styles.
If seeking to capture a more focused sound, other microphone options should be considered. Ultimately, the Periscope may not be the best choice for studio vocals, but in the right context, it could be magical.
Live Vocals
Carrying on from studio vocals, the Scope Labs Periscope 2.7 isn’t recommended for live vocals due to its omnidirectional pickup. That said, its potential usability depends on the track and vibe of the performance.
It may be suitable for performance art or noise rock bands, as it can add aggression, and parallel compression. Although it lacks solid low-end capture, it could be used as a character mic with mixed results.
Acoustics of the venue should be taken into consideration when using the Periscope for live vocals, as it may be too noisy on quieter sound sources.
Ultimately, the Periscope isn’t the first choice for live vocals, so it’s important to check live vocal microphone recommendations before making a decision.
Drums
Try the Periscope for drums to add aggression and parallel compression. For mic placement, it’s best used as a room mic. It’s not your first choice for tracking drums in the studio, but it can be a great alternative for metal or punk settings.
It captures the room sound well, adding aggression and punch, but it can be hit or miss. Make sure you have a decent sounding room, as the Periscope will pick up any unwanted noise. Also, consider adding a compressor in parallel to boost your sound.
In the right context, the Periscope can be magical. However, it’s not for everyone, and its impracticality and cost should be taken into account.
Guitar and Bass Amps
You can get Led Zeppelin-esque guitar tones out of the Periscope, but its potential depends on the music style and arrangement. It may be suitable for certain styles of music, but it’s not a go-to microphone for guitar amp tones.
It’s better suited for unfocused and muddy bass sound, adding aggression and parallel compression. However, it may lack solid low-end capture and results can be hit or miss.
Ultimately, the Periscope is best used as a character mic, rather than a go-to solution for guitar and bass amps.
Conclusion
The Scope Labs Periscope is an excellent choice for any sound engineer or musician. It offers a unique and innovative sound to recordings.
With its omnidirectional polar pattern and built-in compressor, it provides great versatility and a dynamic range. This makes it perfect for aggressive music styles.
Whether you’re recording in the studio or playing live, the Scope Labs Periscope is sure to give you the sound you’re looking for.
I’m thrilled to be able to share my passion for music with others through this audio blog, and I can’t wait to connect with fellow music lovers from all around the world. Let’s rock on!