Here we have a proposal from LD Systems, part of Adam Hall Group. So far our experiences with their products have been very good, placing this brand at the top of its price category. They strive to offer good finishes and solutions with current technology, but always at a good price.
The online and computing era is flooding us. From the most basic users to the most professional, you can see the growing embrace of the recording possibilities of computers as the control center. Our home studio is now an achievable reality across very different price ranges. Today's gear consists of a condenser mic that connects to our machine directly via USB. Want it any easier? The setup (sold separately) is complemented on our test bench by the LD Systems HP800PRO studio headphones. A good alternative for listening to acoustic mix references without investing much money or space.
Unboxing
Besides its robust look, what we like about LD Systems is its meticulous attention to detail. Well-prepared boxes that cushion the products, and, inside the pack, the accessories needed to use them properly and completely. We have a solid, well-finished microphone for its price. At first glance it looks like a more expensive mic. It will look wonderful in your studio. This is a condenser mic that connects to your computer via USB.
The most attractive thing here is that it's universal and needs no drivers. Plug and play. It has a cardioid polar pattern and a wide frequency response. We have tested similar alternatives from Samson, specifically the Meteor Mic, which costs 99 €. In that case, though, the look is far less conventional, and the approach is clearly aimed at multimedia recording on the computer.
As for our guest, the LD Systems D1013CUSB, its appearance is more in line with the conventional style of a studio mic. It also includes a shock mount (spider) to hang from our mic stand, with no friction and no direct contact with anything rigid. Although it's ideal for podcast recording, multimedia presentations, and so on, its good signal-to-noise ratio makes it useful even for recording vocals, acoustic guitars, or other sources we want to record in our home studio. A versatile and affordable option that comes with the aforementioned shock mount, its case, and the USB cable. There are also accessories (not included) that fit the mic: the pop filter (D914 LD Systems), the LD RF1 reflection filter, and the LD S5B mic stand.
Conclusions
This is the first time we've seen a product from this brand in studio settings. Previously we had thoroughly explored their live and sound reinforcement gear, cabinets, and portable PA. We found that the philosophy is the same: squeezing the most out of a low-cost piece of gear. In its range, an option worth considering.
