After decades of experience repairing and restoring some of the world’s rarest and most valuable vintage studio condenser microphones, John Peluso began Peluso Microphone Lab in 2002. His new line of microphones recreated the original sound and performance of studio microphone classics at affordable prices making them accessible to recording studios of all levels. Dedicated to durable build quality with best-in-class audio performance, Peluso would improve the noise floor, SPL and RF rejection by using highest quality components available. Today, Peluso microphones continue to bring vintage sound to new life in studio facilities worldwide.
With the Peluso Stage One (PS-1) John carries his large-diaphragm microphone technology to the stage. Built around a 1” edge-terminated gold-Mylar condenser capsule, the PS-1 delivers detailed clarity with a rich warm tone, while providing the high degree of feedback rejection required in live sound situations.
Sound of the Studio, Built for the Road
Designed to take the abuse of handheld use, the capsule incorporates a machined post that extends into the microphone body, while two soft, flexible silicone disks cradle the element for shock isolation. The rugged metal head basket is lined with a thin windscreen foam designed to minimize wind noise and breath plosives without impacting the PS-1’s full frequency response. Built for a lifetime of on-stage use, the microphone’s electronics are hand-soldered to a heavy-duty through-hole circuit board while the 3-pin XLR-M connector is attached with oversize solder pads.
The PS-1’s supercardioid polar pattern provided excellent off-axis rejection to minimize feedback, while its high-gain 10 mv/pa (-40 dBV) open circuit sensitivity easily drives a wide range of inputs. A custom-wound transformer provides a smooth balanced output and if needed, a switchable 18 dB pad reduces gain to be more in line with the output level of familiar dynamic microphones. With the pad engaged, the PS-1’s max SPL of 145 dB easily handles high SPL screaming vocalists.
Your Sound, Your Way
Its wide 20 – 20k Hz response is flat through the upper midrange where a slight rise adds detail and airiness to the top-end without the typical presence peak seen in many handheld vocal mics. I found the sound to be smooth and natural on both male and female vocals. If more presence is needed, simply dial it in using console EQ. For additional response shaping, the PS-1 has two switchable filters. Engaging the low-end roll off switch gently reduces low-frequency gain to minimize pick up of stage rumble while a separate high-end roll off switch can be engaged to reduce excessive wind and other high-frequency noise.
The three switches are located under the headbasket and are clearly identified with easy-to-read white labels. I prefer this arrangement over having the switches recessed in the microphone’s handle as it prevents unauthorized changes and helps keep dust and gunk from getting into the microphone’s internal electronics.
I found the microphone to be well balanced and easy to hold. The slight taper of the PS-1’s handle offers a streamlined appearance that works with large or small hands. Its black, non-glare finish looks good under stage lights and a small engraved Peluso logo/model number doesn’t distract from the overall sleek appearance. Unlike other handheld mics, the PS-1’s XLR connector is mounted in a machined fitting secured in the handle, adding more stability to the connection.
The microphone includes a plastic stand clamp and 3/8” to 5/8” threaded insert. I thought the stand clamp could be a little more robust for a mic of this caliber. The PS-1 also includes a zipper carry bag.
In-House Talk Out
Like any mic I review, I first set it up in my shop using a small P.A. and talked it out. Right away I noticed the PS-1’s open, natural sound. I engaged each filter and found that with my deeper voice, the low-cut filter tamed a bit of my bottom end. Handling noise was almost non-existent, even when snapping the mic in and out of the stand clamp. Using my in-house setup, I could get considerable gain before feedback due to the PS-1’s excellent off-axis response. I also used the PS-1 as my announce mic at several events and was pleased with the overall sound.
Who Gets It at the Gig
At a recent gig, I tried the PS-1 on the band’s male and female lead vocalists. The band performed a wide range of styles from gentle ballads to high energy pop tunes. The venue had a large hollow stage prone to mechanical noise, and engaging PS-1’s low-cut filter helped tame the stage rumble. For the female vocalist, I switched in the high-cut filter to help smooth her vocal range on the high energy pop tunes. For the male vocalist, I set the high-cut filter flat, which preserved the desired detail in his upper range. As his vocal channel was configured for a dynamic microphone, activating the -18 dB pad matched the PS-1’s output to be more in line with his channel settings.
I was pleased with the sound on both vocalists, but I only had one PS-1. In the end, the male vocalist scored the PS-1, as the female singer wanted to use her wireless mic. Perhaps in the future, Peluso could offer the PS-1 in an interchangeable capsule version for RF applications.
The Verdict
I have always felt that a vocalist’s instrument is their microphone. Having their studio sound onstage is a goal of many discerning singers and the PS-1 brought Peluso condenser technology to the stage. It gave me the clarity and detail expected of a high-end performance microphone, yet exhibited the warm tone associated with Peluso condensers. For a singer looking for natural sound in a microphone that looks as good on stage as it sounds in the studio, the PS-1 is excellent investment for the serious vocalist.
At a Glance
Big Studio Sound, Compact Package
The Peluso Microphone Lab Stage One (PS-1) handheld condenser vocal microphone offers Peluso studio condenser performance in a handheld configuration. It provides the discerning vocalist with a smooth natural sound, combining clarity and details with a rich warm tone.
Peluso Microphone Lab Stage One
PROS
- Smooth natural sound
- Detailed clarity
- High SPL handling
- Versatile filter switches
- Very low handling noise
CONS
- Stand clamp could be more robust
- Pricey
SPECS
- Capsule Type: Condenser w/1″ edge-terminated capsule
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz/20k Hz
- Polar Pattern: Supercardioid, fixed
- Sensitivity: -40 dBV/Pa (10 mV)
- Impedance: 200 ohms
- SPL: 145 dB
- Equivalent Noise: 18 dB(A)
- Power Requirements: 48 VDC phantom power
- Size: 1.75” x 8”
- Weight: 14.75 oz
- Pad Switch: -18 dB
- Roll off Switches: High Pass and Low Pass
- Price: MRSP, $822; Street, $699
MANUFACTURER: Peluso Microphone Lab
MORE INFO: www.pelusomicrophonelab.com
