In this review, I will be testing the Scope Labs Periscope omnidirectional microphone.
The Periscope looks like a pipe stolen from an engine room and has a built-in compressor. This might be great news for those of you who are excited by novelty, but let’s see if its performance is as exciting.
Final verdict on the Periscope
There really isn’t anything that truly compares to the Scope Labs Periscope, as it’s a completely innovative and unique design that stands alone.
While most of what I have to say about it is fairly hit or miss, let’s try not to be too negative about its actual function!
The Periscope can be amazing for drums, especially in a metal or punk setting where aggressive is the name of the game. It isn’t the most practical, but when it does work, it gives a whole new life to your recording.
I can’t give it the highest rating, however, because the truth is that it won’t work for everybody.
What I like
- Aggressive sound.
- Magical in the right context.
- Completely and utterly unique.
What I don’t like
- Impractical.
Why you should trust me
I’ve worked with a wide range of microphones over the 15 years spent in the field of audio production and engineering, both in studio environments and on live productions.
Working with names such as Shure, AKG, Neumann, and Sennheiser, among many others, has lent me nuanced insights into the practical application of different mics and what value they provide in various recording scenarios.
Contents
Use these jump links to navigate to the desired section of the review.
Polar pattern and frequency response
The Periscope is an omnidirectional microphone with a frequency response of 20 Hz – 16 kHz. As far as dynamic range is concerned, Scope Labs has chosen to list the specs as “adequate” – whatever that means.
Most other specs that might be helpful in gauging how this particular microphone may perform has simply been left out of the spec sheets, which may be concerning to some.
However, the Periscope was not designed to sound good on paper. It features a built-in compressor to smash whatever signal coming in for instant parallel compression.
The results? Well, they vary, and there isn’t a great way to tell whether the microphone will perform well for a given track or application.
Your best bet is to just leave it on in the room while tracking in hopes that maybe it will bring some magic to your track.
Vocals 2.0
Due to the built-in compressor, the Periscope isn’t going to be your first choice for recording vocals in the studio.
Could it potentially work? Maybe. But it all depends on the track you’re working on and whether the results fit the vibe. You can’t really get too specific with expectations here.
As an omnidirectional microphone, I can’t recommend using this for live vocals, unless you want to equally pick up sounds from the crowd and the rest of the band, which is usually undesirable.
Maybe if you’re doing some sort of performance art, or are a part of a noise rock band. Otherwise, best to leave it at the studio.
Acoustic guitars 2.0
This microphone can be pretty noisey on quieter sound sources, so yet again, the results are going to be hit or miss.
Usually, blowing your acoustic guitars with parallel compression isn’t an appealing sound, but it can feasibly work as a stylistic choice.
If you’re trying to record something fairly gentle, the Periscope definitely isn’t the right choice and I’d recommend you consider a different mic for this application.
Guitar amps 2.5
You can find some fairly usable sounds with the Periscope, especially if you’re trying to emulate a Led Zeppelin-esque guitar tone. Otherwise, you’ll more often opt for another microphone with a bit more focus.
Obviously, it depends on the style of music and the general arrangement of the track, but you probably won’t be reaching for this specific microphone nine times out of ten.
Again, your best bet is to just have it recording for everything, just on the off chance that it brings something to the table you otherwise wouldn’t have thought of.
Bass amps 2.0
If you want an unfocused, muddy, and overly compressed bass sound, this microphone is great! It might make for some tubbiness, but if that’s what you’re into, you won’t be disappointed.
I’m not sure it has the ability to capture a really solid low end, and you might end up using it more as a character mic. Again, the results you yield will be 50/50 in terms of usability.
Drums 4.0
While the Periscope is best used as a room microphone for drums, the truth is that it’s not going to be perfect in every situation.
When it works, however, it really works. It smashes your drums into oblivion and provides some instant parallel compression.
You will need a decent sounding room, though, because you will inevitably hear it in your recording. Its performance tends to be more “interesting” than usable, and is very hit or miss.
All that being said, in the right context the Periscope can add a whole new life and breath to your drum sound, especially in a more aggressive setting such as in metal, punk, industrial, etc.
Build quality 5.0
What can I say, the thing literally looks like a copper pipe ripped out of the engine room of a submarine.
That being said, there isn’t much to knock on it for the durability of its design. Although, the overall aesthetic is very niche.
If steampunk is your cup of tea, then the Periscope might be the best-looking microphone available to you. Otherwise, there isn’t much to say about it.
Compared to other microphones
There truly isn’t any comparison to make with the Scope Labs Periscope, as there is no microphone that does what it does.
The best I can do is share some more popular omnidirectional microphones for you to look through.
However, none of them will yield the same results, as they lack a built-in compressor.
Periscope vs Lauten Audio LA-120
The LA-120 are great for room-miking drums, and are often cited as one of the more popular choices for omnidirectional microphone pairs.
However, they won’t offer any vibe to your music that the Periscope will.
Read my full Lauten Audio LA-120 review
Periscope vs Ear Trumpet Labs Edwina
The Edwina microphone is pleasantly warm, dark, and lush. It won’t provide the brutality that the Periscope will, but it is the more versatile choice.
Find out more about the Edwina microphone
Who is the Scope Labs Periscope best suited for?
The Periscope is best suited for audio engineers looking to beef up their room sound.
Its novel performance can be well worth the investment, but it is tailored towards more aggressive styles of music. Probably not ideal for those of you trying to recreate a Joni Mitchell record.
Video demo
Watch this video by my colleague Fabio, where he puts the Scope Labs periscope microphone to the test.
Recent updates
- June 3, 2024: I’ve updated the text for clarity and accuracy, changed the structure to suit the latest set standard, and added more photos from the test.
- December 9, 2022: I published the original review based on my experience testing this unusual microphone in different recording applications.
