Takstar SM-18 EL Professional Recording Microphone

• High-sensitivity condenser capsule, accurate pickup pattern, capturing more details.
• Optimized residual noise level, qualified for various recording/livestream environments.
• Wide frequency response, suitable for recording vocal/drum/piano.
• Metal pop screen filters out LF noise, less likely to block your face.
• Dedicated, high-performance shock mount effectively removes vibration noise.

Takstar SM-18 EL — Professional Cardioid Condenser Microphone for Studio Recording

Takstar SM-18 EL is a professional condenser microphone designed for vocal recording, musical instruments, studio production and online broadcasting. Featuring a sensitive 16 mm condenser capsule, cardioid pickup pattern and 30 Hz–20 kHz frequency response, it is suitable for home and professional recording studios.

The microphone offers an optimized equivalent noise level of ≤20 dBA, handles up to 130 dB peak SPL and requires 48 V phantom power. Professional XLR connectivity allows it to work with compatible audio interfaces, mixing consoles and microphone preamplifiers.

A metal pop filter and dedicated shock mount are included to help reduce unwanted recording noise.

Key Features and Benefits

• 16 mm condenser capsule for detailed voice and instrument recording.
• Cardioid polar pattern for directional sound pickup.
• 30 Hz–20 kHz frequency response for a wide range of recording applications.
• ≤20 dBA equivalent noise level for speech and music recording.
• 130 dB peak SPL for dynamic sound sources.
• Metal pop filter to help reduce plosive bursts.
• Dedicated shock mount to reduce mechanical vibration transmission.
• Professional XLR connection with 48 V phantom power.
• Versatile applications including vocals, instruments, podcasts and streaming.

Vocal Recording

Vocal recording is one of the primary applications of Takstar SM-18 EL.

Its condenser capsule helps capture vocal articulation, tonal detail and performance dynamics. The cardioid polar pattern primarily captures sound from the front, helping focus recording on the singer.

The microphone can be used for vocal demos, original songs, music education projects and professional studio sessions.

The included metal pop filter helps reduce plosive noise. Correct microphone placement, room acoustics and input gain settings remain essential for consistent recording quality.

Home Studio Recording

Takstar SM-18 EL is a practical option for home studios using professional XLR recording equipment.

It can be connected to a compatible audio interface featuring an XLR microphone input and 48 V phantom power.

This setup supports vocal recording, acoustic instrument capture and spoken-word production in digital audio workstations.

The included shock mount and pop filter provide useful accessories for preparing a recording position.

Important: SM-18 EL is not a USB microphone. A compatible audio interface is required for computer recording.

Professional Recording Studios

Takstar SM-18 EL can be used in professional and small commercial studios for individual vocal and instrument tracks.

Its frequency response, cardioid pickup pattern and 130 dB peak SPL specification provide flexibility for different sound sources.

The specified equivalent noise level of ≤20 dBA is relevant when recording speech, vocals and acoustic instruments.

The microphone can be integrated into professional recording signal chains using compatible preamplifiers, audio interfaces and mixing consoles.

Acoustic Guitar and String Instruments

Takstar SM-18 EL can be used for acoustic guitar, string instruments and other acoustic sources.

Its 30 Hz–20 kHz frequency response supports the capture of a broad range of instrumental frequencies, while the condenser capsule helps reproduce performance detail.

When recording acoustic guitar, adjusting microphone distance and angle can help balance string attack, body resonance and overall tone.

The cardioid pattern helps focus sound pickup on the selected instrument.

Piano Recording

Takstar identifies piano recording as a suitable application for SM-18 EL.

Its condenser capsule and wide frequency response support the capture of performance dynamics and different tonal components.

Microphone placement can be adjusted according to the instrument, room acoustics and desired sound.

For a wider stereo recording, a studio may use a suitable microphone pair with a compatible multichannel audio interface.

Drum and Percussion Recording

Takstar also identifies drum recording among the microphone's applications.

Its 130 dB peak SPL specification allows SM-18 EL to be used for selected percussion recording tasks with appropriate microphone placement.

The microphone can capture an overall drum-kit sound or individual elements when sound pressure levels remain within its technical limits.

When recording loud sources, monitor microphone placement and audio-interface input gain to avoid distortion.

Podcasts and Interviews

Takstar SM-18 EL can be used for podcasts, interviews, spoken-word programs and educational audio recording.

Its cardioid polar pattern helps focus on the speaker's voice.

The included pop filter reduces plosive bursts, while the shock mount helps limit mechanical vibration transmitted through the stand.

For multiple speakers, individual microphones and a suitable multichannel audio interface are recommended.

Voice-Over Recording

SM-18 EL can be used for video narration, educational courses, presentations, promotional materials, independent content and audiobooks.

Its condenser capsule helps capture articulation, intonation and vocal character.

The metal pop filter is useful for speech recording, while the shock mount helps reduce mechanical noise.

A quiet recording environment with controlled room reflections is recommended for consistent results.

Live Streaming and Online Broadcasting

Takstar explicitly lists online broadcasting among the intended applications of SM-18 EL.

The microphone can be used for music streams, online lectures, spoken-word broadcasts, presentations and video production.

Computer-based streaming requires a compatible audio interface with an XLR microphone input and 48 V phantom power.

The compact metal pop filter helps keep the speaker's face visible compared with some larger external pop-filter designs.

Cardioid Polar Pattern

Takstar SM-18 EL features a unidirectional cardioid polar pattern.

It is most sensitive to sound arriving from the front and less sensitive to sound behind the microphone.

This helps focus recording on vocals or individual instruments and reduce pickup of certain unwanted sounds.

However, a cardioid microphone cannot completely eliminate room reflections, reverberation or background noise.

Low Equivalent Noise Level of ≤20 dBA

According to the manufacturer, Takstar SM-18 EL has an equivalent noise level of ≤20 dBA.

This specification is relevant for recording vocals, speech and acoustic instruments where electronic self-noise may become noticeable.

Overall recording noise also depends on the audio interface, microphone preamplifier, cable and acoustic environment.

Metal Pop Filter and Shock Mount

The standard package includes two useful recording accessories.

The metal pop filter helps reduce low-frequency air bursts caused by plosive consonants.

The shock mount helps isolate the microphone from mechanical vibrations transmitted through the stand.

Together, they simplify the preparation of a recording position for vocals, speech and musical instruments.

XLR Connectivity and 48 V Phantom Power

Takstar SM-18 EL is a professional wired condenser microphone requiring 48 V phantom power.

It can be connected to compatible audio interfaces, mixing consoles and microphone preamplifiers featuring XLR microphone inputs and appropriate power.

Compatibility depends on the equipment's technical capabilities rather than its brand.

For computer recording, an audio interface is required. The microphone does not have a direct USB connection.

Takstar SM-18 EL Technical Specifications

• Model: Takstar SM-18 EL.
• Type: professional condenser recording microphone.
• Capsule: 16 mm condenser.
• Polar pattern: unidirectional cardioid.
• Frequency response: 30 Hz–20 kHz.
• Sensitivity: −36 dB ±3 dB (0 dB = 1 V/Pa at 1 kHz).
• Equivalent noise level: ≤20 dBA (IEC 581-5).
• Peak SPL: 130 dB (THD ≤1% at 1 kHz).
• Output impedance: 110 Ω ±30% at 1 kHz.
• Power requirement: 48 V phantom power.
• Connection: XLR.
• Dimensions: 157 × 55 × 38 mm.
• Weight: approximately 340 g.
• Primary applications: vocal recording, studio production, musical instruments and online broadcasting.

Takstar SM-18 EL Package Contents

The manufacturer's standard package includes:

• Takstar SM-18 EL microphone — 1 pc.
• Shock mount — 1 pc.
• Metal pop filter — 1 pc.
• User manual — 1 pc.

Benefits of Takstar SM-18 EL for the Ukrainian Market

Takstar SM-18 EL is a practical recording solution for Ukrainian singers, musicians, professional and home recording studios, voice-over artists, podcasters, streamers and educational institutions.

The microphone combines professional XLR connectivity, cardioid pickup, low equivalent noise level and useful included accessories.

It can be used for music demos, educational content, speech recording, acoustic instruments and compact studio setups.

ClubTech — Direct Takstar Importer in Ukraine

ClubTech is a direct importer of Takstar products in Ukraine. We supply genuine professional microphones, studio recording equipment, accessories and professional audio solutions.

We offer wholesale and retail sales to individual customers, musicians, recording studios, musical equipment retailers, educational institutions and professional audio companies.

We welcome new dealers, entrepreneurs, music and professional audio stores, system integrators and companies involved in audio equipment sales, system design and installation.

For wholesale buyers, dealers and audio installation contractors, we offer special favorable cooperation terms, individual commercial proposals and opportunities for long-term business partnerships.

ClubTech welcomes new customers and dealers throughout Ukraine.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions About Takstar SM-18 EL

1. What is Takstar SM-18 EL designed for?

Takstar SM-18 EL is designed for vocal recording, musical instruments, studio production and online broadcasting. It can also be used for podcasts, voice-over work and educational audio recording.

2. Does Takstar SM-18 EL require phantom power?

Yes. The microphone requires 48 V phantom power from a compatible audio interface, mixing console or other suitable power source.

3. Can I connect Takstar SM-18 EL to a computer?

Yes, through a compatible audio interface featuring an XLR microphone input and 48 V phantom power. The microphone does not have direct USB connectivity.

4. What is included in the Takstar SM-18 EL package?

The standard package includes the microphone, shock mount, metal pop filter and user manual. An XLR cable and audio interface are not listed in the manufacturer's package contents.

5. Where can I buy Takstar SM-18 EL wholesale in Ukraine?

ClubTech is a direct importer of Takstar products in Ukraine and offers wholesale and retail sales. We welcome new dealers, musical equipment retailers, entrepreneurs, system integrators and audio installation companies under special favorable cooperation terms.