Deity’s next-gen S-Mic 3 cuts half its weight but still blocks interference
May 31, 2024
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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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.
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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