SoundField SPS-422 (c. 1996–1997)
The SPS-422 is SoundField's four-capsule condenser studio microphone. SoundField was a British company that started out as a government-sponsored research organization and was owned in succession by Calrec, AMS, and Siemens (Mix, Sept 1996, p.143). The four matched condenser capsules sit in a tetrahedral array and collect sound from a three-dimensional field at a single point in space. Studio Sound (Nov 1997, p.35) described it as reaching far beyond the one- or two-capsule designs of conventional studio microphones.
The SPS-422 was a complete system, not just a mic. It was priced at $3,999 including rackmount stand adapter and cable. EQ Magazine (Nov 1997, p.28) listed a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, equivalent self-noise of 14 dBA SPL in cardioid, maximum output of +22 dBu, maximum input SPL of 145 dB at 0.5% THD, and a 100-ohm balanced output.
The four capsules were about more than channel count. The Mix field test (Sept 1996, p.143) credited the design with improved spatial imaging and the elimination of phasing effects that can occur with two spaced microphones - or even two capsules in a single body. SoundField's own advertising pressed the same point: truly coincident stereo imaging, a single point in space, and accurate polar patterns with perfect mono compatibility (Mix, July 1997, p.189).
Documentation on the SPS-422 is thin beyond this mid-to-late-1990s review cycle. What survives shows a tetrahedral-array studio mic at a serious price. Known specs:
- Type: four-capsule condenser, tetrahedral array
- Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Equivalent self-noise: 14 dBA SPL (cardioid)
- Maximum output level: +22 dBu
- Maximum input SPL (0.5% THD): 145 dB
- Output impedance: 100 ohms, balanced
- Price (1997): $3,999 incl. rackmount adapter and cable
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