Arozzi is a Swedish company founded in 2013 with a focus on ergonomic chairs meant for gamers, high-end PC users, and those that could spend hours on end in front of a computer. They have expanded their line of products to include gaming glasses, a race driving simulator setup, the Arena gaming desk, and now with the Sfera Pro they have made their way into microphones. Let's see how their first offering into the world of microphones fairs.
Specifications
- MSRP: $64.99
- Sample Rate: 22kHz to 192kHz
- Bit Rate: 24bit
- Capsule: 2 high quality 14mm condenser capsules
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Cardioid -10dB, Omnidirectional
- Frequency Response: 50Hz - 16kHz
- Sensitivity: 44dB±3dB (1 kHz)
- Max SPL: 120dB (THD: 1% 1kHz)
- 3.5 mm Headphone Jack with Volume Control & Mute Button
- Adjustable Stand
- Custom Design USB Cable & Cable Clip
- 5/8 Inch Thread Mount
- Cable: L-type shielded USB Cable, 5.9ft
As with any microphone, the first question that is brought up is how does it sound? The Sfera Pro performs exceptionally well in the USB condenser mic market within this price range. I'd hazard to say that it is even a solid rival to those priced well above it. I used the mic for daily streaming and communication via various VOIPs and can definitely say that it is a solid step for streamers looking to increase their vocal quality.
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The ability to switch from cardioid, to cardioid at –10dB, to omnidirectional is a nice function that you rarely see in microphones in this price range. The –10dB setting allows for simple noise reduction of your environment without having to resort to a dedicated a noise gate, though it obviously reduces the overall pickup of the Sfera Pro. Its normal cardioid setting is robust and carried my voice well from optimal range to even a good distance further away. Its capture included that deep bass you can only get from a good condenser microphone, especially when you are up near its filter. Omnidirectional is a solid pattern to have for instrument recording or perhaps record a conversation between several people or when conducting an interview. The symbols for all three settings light up as you switch to each one, which is a nice aesthetic touch.
The stand it comes with is solid and offers height adjustment. A clip is also included that mounts onto the base, helping to manage cables and keep everything clean. The cable itself is of a good length coming in at just under six feet, making it simple to wrap around a boom arm or have the mic further from the USB source. It was easy to simply unscrew the Sfera Pro from the stand and attach it to my newer boom arm. The mic is lightweight in design and made for adjusting the boom arm for it a piece of cake.
Another feature that you don't see in most microphones at this price range is the ability to plug in a headset so you monitor your audio. The Sfera Pro has this, with a separate volume control to monitor what you hear as well as an easy-to-use mute button. The current pattern symbol is unlit whenever you mute the microphone, giving you a visual clue to its setting.
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Final Thoughts
As a streamer, microphones are a big thing for me. I currently own four and am always trying to get my hands on more. Over my years of gaming, I've found that generally a condenser microphone is always going to beat a dynamic microphone for quality of sound. Your voice and how it sounds to others is important in day-to-day life and more so when doing things on the internet because more often than not the first thing to represent you is your voice. Whether it's from streaming games and talking to viewers, making sure you heard properly during a crucial moment of trying to acquire a chicken dinner or roleplaying a character in GTAV. The nuances of your voice and what you're trying to say to others matters.
With the Sfera Pro, Arozzi not only makes a solid first step into the world of streaming gear, but they have quickly become a contender in the world of USB microphones in particular. If I were asked about an affordable USB mic to get started with, I would definitely share the Sfera Pro. For the price, it's hard to beat the sound quality and options available on this mic.
Pros
- Quality Condenser sound
- Cardioid or Omnidirectional
- A –10dB Noise Reduction Option
- Lightweight Design/Easily Mountable
- Price Range Quality/Value
- Live Monitoring Via Audio Jack
- Plug & Play/No Software Required.
Cons
- Switching Patterns or Muting Causes A Clicking Noise
- The backend of the microphone doesn't have quite the quality pickup as the front during omnidirectional use
The product discussed in this article was provided by the manufacturer for the purposes of review.
