Slate ML2 Microphone FAIL - 3 Returns!

This is the story of how I bought 2 Slate ML2 microphones, and had to send back THREE.
Just to be clear, Slate Digital support and SXPro have been fantastic with communication and sorting the issues out, so this isn't a rant video really. Just an interesting set of events.
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[@huckwalton2307]

Haha. When you say “returns” to engineers, they hear “sends”.

[@HR2635]

got 2... not issue so far.. absolutely noise less, and working like a charm.. awesome mic. Even the ML-2 in itself is VERY good. UPDATE 4 months later: stil working perfectly... ordered 2 more.. brilliant mics

[@HR2635]

I have 6 now.. still no issues.. just pure joy.

[@KingShifty]

I have the same problem with my ML1, bought it a year ago. Thanks for sharing the audio example.

[@jasonjasonjasonjasonjason]

you are definitely not unlucky this is 100% the norm. Also keep in mind any criticism of slate gets deleted, they are very thorough about removing any criticism on any site they can. Their facebook group is great sometimes but it's also a smart way of them controlling the conversation where every time someone asks about vrs8 and I say that I am not happy with mine, those comments ALWAYS GET DELETED. I am afraid of using the 2 ML2s that I have, I don't want to use them. The idea that you can be mid session and it just stops working is horrifying. Also dude I got my 2 ML2 mics about a month ago, and one of the mics had a broken button right out of the box! I asked some people and they told me to keep it because if it sounds good it's not worth the risk of getting a replacement and that one possibly not working. Better to have a working mic with broken button than a working button but broken mic....basically. So no the quality issues have not changed one bit. We all have ticking time bomb ml2s that could break at any moment.

[@calebovich]

I recently bought two ml-2 mics from SX Pro and one of the mics have the exact problem that you describe here. Really frustrating, but glad you resolved your issue.

[@tomgadd]

I bought 2 of the ML2's and both just given me this EXACT issue a few weeks later. Suddenly noise floor pops up to -24db to -30db. I suppose the factory in china installed a defective component..

[@adamsteelproducer]

Seems it’s temperature and moisture based. Take the capsules off, leave it near a heat source. Should clear up. Not ideal but that’s what I’ve found

[@BesharALAzzawi]

I had the exact same issue with my ML2!! Have replaced it, but I am not using it often! I found that any flat small diaphragm condenser can yield great results with the software! I however I like the tone of the ML2 mic on my Flamenco Guitar and Oud

[@StayGoldPony1980]

Actually, I'm living a similar situation with the ML1. Its the second time I send a mic back due to defective manufacturing. As you said, Slate customer service is flawless. It's a shame I can't say the same of their poor quality control.

[@limoneromx3465]

Had that EXACT same issue with the ML-1, twice! So it does happen with the ML-1 as well. They did send me a replacemet on both occasions. Happy customer.

[@henrycolon2200]

this is my 3rd one is so frustrating

[@HR2635]

I do think its worth mentioning that they sound awesome. And I have not had any issues for over 2 years.. OK one mic I dropped on the floor and the plastic switch for normal-dynamic popped out.. just pressed it back in. No problem since. Sound wise and noise wise: no issues. Use them mainly for drums, so high SPLs on all of them.

[@scottykomer9992]

Still an issue. July 2021. I have two and one of them quickly went crappy.

[@Savagegangent]

I hate to tell you but I'm here right now because my ml-1 started making that sound

[@vinimarques2945]

did you fix it?

[@Savagegangent]

@@vinimarques2945 no I ended up sending it back to Sweetwater and instead got the audio Technica at-4050 with a dbx channel strip and processor but kept the ml2 plugins

[@CesarBenzoni]

I'm having the very same issue here, unfortunately...

I agree, Slate support is amazing!! I bought a ml1 and two ml2 mics and wasn very happy and their support was simply great ... i got a tlm193 and two blue hummingbird ( there is a 2 for the price of 1 sale right now) instead and after all i miss the software and the possibilities but i thing the hardware has some faults ... the ml2 were incredibly sensitive to wind and the ml1 had too sharp highs for me ... and it didn't matter which simulation i chose these things remained the same ... i still have alle comparison files btw.

[@firefrets8628]

I recorded with mine literally yesterday and now it has the same issue.

[@henrycolon2200]

This is my 3rd on in two months I'm paying the mic and has not been able to used it is insane .

[@adhorowi]

Same exact issue as in the video. Bought two ML-2, one is broken. No response from Slate customer service but able to replace through distributor. I opened the capsules and they have visibly different parts as well, so seems like they switched components at some point and are still selling faulty ones.

[@bradodrummer5859]

Just picked up 5 of them and the first two I fired up have this same problem.. I guess I need to test all 5 and start sending some back.. frustrating

[@vicenteespi6320]

I bought 2 of the ML2's and one has just given me this EXACT issue. I am so disappointed to read through this comment thread and see that so many people are having this issue. I only had a chance to use them for 2 recordings and they are sound AMAZING which makes this even more awful. Can't they just charge a little more and have some better components? This has now become a super annoying hassle as I am in a different country to where I bought them and everything is on lockdown so I have no idea when I will be able to return this one.

[@lylaznboi01]

I think this explains why these products have been in production for so long. Slate does have great customer service, I'll give them that, but their hardware usually has some issues. I remember them announcing their interface and ML2 a couple of years back and everyone is just waiting for them to be officially released. Now, people are more aware of what's going on. Since it's been out, they really have to do a lot more testing. I know people are still ordering and on back order for the longest time, but hopefully, when they do get it, it's fully functional without any problems.

[@VintageDayDreamMusic]

Jeez you think it wouldn't happen to you. I bought two. I just got them in. One the capsule wasn't threaded correctly so it kept falling off. The other had constant wind noise. I check the cables used other mics on the same input, and nope. Both were faulty. Sweetwater shipped replacements same day.

[@andreikhm]

I have absolutly the same problem with my ML1 and ML2. Started jast few hours ((( Ml1 is clicing, and Ml2 noise...

[@chazzhill-hayr6281]

Shit.... I think I had the same problem with mine, but I've only used it to test things out, and I thought it was just in my head - or my preamp being weird.....

[@juliasmithoficial]

hi Chazz! just bought the ML-2 and I'm also having those "pop" issues sometimes..also I'm using it in Dynamic mode and to work well when I'm singing I must leave gain on my Apollo x4 at 60db. Do you also have those issues? I thought it was my preamp but also tried on the VMS one and have to push it further...

[@desdeelcuartitofeo]

I have a big problem with one of these, I bought two ML-2s and recently one of them makes a noise like a fart ... a long fart that starts with low frequencies going up ... and stops ... right now I try again to capture Noise and shipping to slate, but it does not ... I think the room was wet, but I do not think that's the reason.

[@humhead08]

Been using the VMS-1 system for well over a year with no problems. Maybe a bad production run? Slate sent me a new power supply about a month after I purchased with no request from me(new one just showed up one day). Hope Slate takes care of everyone!

[@adamsteelproducer]

I got an ML1 after this video and that’s been perfect as well, most of the issues I’ve seen have been with the ML2 which is made at a far lower price point

[@dedik8SKB]

Interesting. I have about 6 ML-2's and they all work fantastic. Sorry I stole all your luck, man :(

[@HR2635]

nope I stole some too.. have 6.. no issues for over 2 years now. Stunning mics

[@SicksentZ]

Really disappointed to see this issue has been going on for so long. I wish I’d seen this video a few days ago

[@beeisbad]

Being that this video was from 10/20/18.... I was wondering is your ML2 working good now?

[@zachevans2360]

Just bought 3 of these in Australia and one failed within a month. Same issue. It's a real bummer cause they sound great! I'll get this one replaced but if it keeps happening I'm gonna have to exchange them all for a different product. Can't have mics dying regularly in the middle of tracking.

[@pyratellamarecordingstudio1062]

its a moisture issue. I have 12 of them, and if it gets humid or really cold they get noisy. at least that was my problem

[@adamsteelproducer]

Interesting. I took the capsules off and cleaned the contact points, but to no avail. And if the mics are misbehaving having been in a cold storage room (but not sub zero) that’s worrying as it makes them very hard to rely on in any hard working situation! None of my other mics suffer from this (apart from maybe a valve mic, but once that’s warmed up it’s all good as you would expect)

[@henrycolon2200]

I had the same reply from Slate and my room is a controlled room with a temp 72 to 75 all the time they said that i live in Florida with a lot of humidity but I cant control the temperatures in fed ex trucks @@adamsteelproducer i revived and like 3 days after, it dint work on the first time I connected . my studio is in my house so the temp is always the sane few degrees down or up but not like it will create an issue on a mic I have other mics and they work awesome .

[@alexandrebaroni1057]

Hi. Any advise to buy a new ML2 today? (April- 2020). Any new experience? Problems fixed? Thank you.

[@SicksentZ]

Alexandre Baroni I purchased an ML-1 and it arrived with this problem a few days ago. Trying to get Sweetwater to replace it now 😩

[@xkhours]

Same issue with ML1

[@DipshankarDas]

Hi Adam, are you using ML2's now? Let me know, Thanks!

[@WillJukedTheBox]

Small diaphragm condensers also have a higher noise floor by design.

[@adamsteelproducer]

Not true at all, large diaphragm designs have the higher noise floors

[@WillJukedTheBox]

Hop Pole Studios “The main technical advantage of large diaphragm condenser microphones to this day is their noise performance. Neumann’s TLM 103, for instance, has a self-noise of only seven dB-A. That’s about six dB lower (i.e. half the noise voltage) than the self-noise figure of a state of the art small diaphragm microphone such as Neumann’s KM 184.” - Neumann

[@reubenrowntree6335]

Hi just bought 3 x ML-2 and one turned up like this - mega noise (June '21). Not a good ratio of success by the looks. I'm sure they will replace it but disappointing nonetheless.

[@wenshutang2645]

Hello sir，I want to buy a ML-2 Mic software,Do you have more iLok Transfer number?I can buy it.Thank you!

[@Triumphinchrist1]

I just got mine & I think I hear some phasing on my mic!

[@garyshirinian]

Thx for the info

[@MusicByNumbersUK]

Brought 10 and after a few months... 7 really noisy (random pops too), 2 bit noisy and 1 has a great noise floor. Sigh.. Sending them back.

[@MusicByNumbersUK]

Follow up.. SX Pro were great in dealing with the returns. Unfortunately, My ML1 (which I've used 3 times) has now the same noise as the ML2s had and 2 of the 9 new ML2s have (already in a week) developed the same noise as the first batch.. not a good sign :(

[@SantiagoFerreiraOfficial]

I had the same problem with a ML1, so i sent it back to Thomann.

[@ytnsanw]

Recently? When did you purchase?

[@wenshutang2645]

Hello sir,is there have ML-2 software be sold or Transfer in the iLok ?

[@gibsonsg0123]

Happened to me too... I guess they don't invest in product quality control...

[@stephenk.donnelly9034]

I ordered two ML-2 and an ML-1, had to return two of the three. Hopefully the replacements are OK

[@mastershake9374]

It may be just the camera angle, but the Capsule on the LDC slate looks like it is vertically angled?

[@adamsteelproducer]

Definitely the camera, it’s a side address mic for sure

[@mastershake9374]

@@adamsteelproducer Yes definitely side adressed. I meant if the capsule is at a straight angle inside the body. in the video it looks like it is looking slightly downwards. not the mic, just tha capsule..

[@adamsteelproducer]

Ah gotcha! Yes it must be the light and the angle, because it’s perfectly straight in there :)

[@WideOpenChange]

Will these make good overhead mics for say like a KZbin set?

[@adamsteelproducer]

Like voiceover? Probably not, they’re good but their off-axis rejection isn’t great. For the price though, sure - compared to anything else in that price bracket

[@perrypelican9476]

Probably a bad component. It only takes one. It happens to everyone who is successful with a lot of products. It’s always best to not get excited and run out to buy a totally new product. There are reasons they are less expensive. Maybe they got a great deal on some components. As long as they take care of you, they are cool. This kind of thing happens to everyone at some point. I would make a video only if I was not taken care of because no matter how much we say it’s not a hate thing, it will effect sales. Will that make things better? If slate was not honourable, who cares but in this case everyone who was unlucky will be taken care of either way. So the only loser is slate who I don’t think deserve it. But that’s me. It’s not a right or wrong thing. It’s a close call.

[@WillJukedTheBox]

You just have to push the switch all the way up. The switch is kind of poorly made tbh.

[@adamsteelproducer]

It’s really not that in this case. I tried a few things to no avail

[@rickybrenay6249]

I’ve purchased 6 total. The first 2 I purchased from the first batch are great. I purchased 4 more because I loved the first 2 so much. The 4 I got were bought around Christmas make a crazy popping and had pink noise. One switch feel off. Slate was great with the return and shipped me 4 new ones with in 2 weeks. I just received my 4 mics back from a return. 3 of the switches are wobbly and one feel off.

[@calebovich]

Yup one of my switches fell off too!

[@wenshutang2645]

Hello sir，I want to buy a ML-2 Mic software,Do you have more iLok Transfer number?I can buy it.Thank you!

[@LoveItDirtyOffroad]

Its probably all your eye bugars in the mic 👁 👈

[@virgogreg]

sounds like humidity issue

[@mastershake9374]

unlikely when you are not singing/spitting into the mic

[@jermainesmith6315]

That’s what I’m getting!!

[@shestudiossheila7423]

Great info. You have a cool accent : ).

[@tyerac]

hey man, i think you have the same issue mine had, and that is the capsule was loose. you just have to screw it a few turns to tighten it and voila! I had the exact same issue. Did you try ensuring the capsule was screwed on with your faulty mic's?

[@adamsteelproducer]

Yeah tried that. Glad to hear it fixed your issue, no luck here.

[@jasonjasonjasonjasonjason]

I've went through 3 VRS8 boxes. All have the same problems. When I first got the first one I found some issues and reported them to Slate. Slate said about 2 of them that they are working on fixing. 7 months later Slate now says they can't recreate those bugs and that I'm full of shit. There isn't a word bad enough to describe how I feel about that. I spent so much time gathering info on crashes and recording video of crashes, Slate saying that they want me to do that, and then one day out of the blue they send me a message saying they are unwilling to do support with me anymore. They didn't even bother looking at the long list of crash videos. It's a cruel joke where you buy this faulty product and then have to do massive amounts of quality inspection, only for the company to not look at any of the information you provided and go back on their commitment to fixing the issues. Telling me to either deal with the issues I have or sell it. The quality issues with the ML2 are also across the board with all the hardware. I am beyond disappointed, as someone who started saving for a VRS8 back in 2016.

[@Apollon-rw1vb]

I'm also having the same problem. Ordered 16 mics, 4 are broken. China Product.. what can we expect. Meanwhile Steven enjoys his pool parties and his millions...

[@xlilxillx]

does anyone know how to fix this issue?

[@vinimarques2945]

I wanna know too. Did you fix it?

[@henrycolon2200]

I'm having the same issue this is my 3erd one , the mic came I take out from box connected and is like que warrior fight inside the mic the noise is just insane, then they told me(Slate) that Florida is very hot and there is humidity..... well my studio always have a temp about 72 -75 degrees so they blame the weather LOL ,in Florida really... ? I have another mics and never have an issue like that with them. something that i told them is that FEDEX truck can get nasty hot and cold during that 5 day trip to what ever place they sent them in my case to Florida from California took like a week to receive it, so I'm doing payments and still haven used it.plus the in the middle of appointments to record it didn't look good on me because the costumer didn't care, if they pay a recording session you need to it anyways.But they ask what mic is that and off course it didn't look good .