The Deity S-Mic 2 was a pretty popular microphone when it was released. Excellent quality sound at a price that couldn’t really be competed with at the time. Deity has now announced their next-generation Deity S-Mic 3 ($399) and Deity S-Mic 3S ($349).
One of the biggest changes from what we’ve seen so far is the weight. The Deity S-Mic 3 weighs only 80g, thanks to a new low-weight aluminium alloy. This is a massive saving over the hefty 198g Deity S-Mic 2.
Deity S-Mic 3 – A whole lot lighter but still blocks RF
Despite shedding a significant weight, the Deity S-Mic 3 retains its RF interference-blocking qualities. It’s also still weather-resistant. So, it’s designed to operate in a wide range of environments, from busy trade show floors to the extreme wilderness.
Given the switch from brass to a new low-weight aluminium alloy, I do wonder how it affects the microphone’s durability. The Deity S-Mic 2 was extremely tough, far tougher than many of us will ever need. So, it will be interesting to see how the S-Mic 3 compares.
It features “broadcast quality sound” – although that term seems to be bandied about a lot these days – with a supercardioid pickup pattern. It has a low 12 dBA noise floor, and 130 dB SPL rating to minimise distortion from loud sounds.
Deity S-Mic 3S – Also lost a little weight
The Deity S-Mic 3S has also lost a significant amount of weight. The Deity S-Mic 2S was already a relatively modest 85g. Its light weight was one of its biggest selling points against the Deity S-Mic 2.
Now, however, the new S-Mic 3 weighs less than the old S-Mic 2S. So, the S-Mic 3S has also had to lose a little something. It drops down to an extremely low 44g. This weight loss is also due to switching from brass construction to a lightweight aluminium alloy.
Like the S-Mic 3, the S-Mic 3S has a 12DBa noise floor, 130dB SPL rating, and requires 48v phantom power. It has a 50Hz to 20kHz range, the same as the S-Mic 3 (and S-Mic 2/2S), and features weather resistance.
Price and Availability
The Deity S-Mic 3 is available to buy now for $399, and the Deity S-Mic 3S is available to buy now for $349. Both items have already begin shipping.
