What is it?
Multifunctional recording hardware is nothing new, but this device from audio newcomer Hisong aims to push this to the limits. The S1 is a combined mic and audio interface, but with the added bonus of onboard DSP, minimal latency monitoring and both wired and wireless functionality. Clearly, this ‘all-in-one mobile recording capsule’, as Hisong calls it, is aiming high.
But before we get into how it works, let’s take a look at what you get. AirStudio S1 comes in three different bundles. The core 4-in-1 Musician Kit includes the S1 mic with proprietary wireless IEMs, an adjustable magnetic desktop stand, foam windscreen, USB-C cable, USB-C to USB-A adapter, IEM silicone tips and storage bag. The Creator Kit adds the RX Mini Wireless Receiver for a 5-in-1 package, and finally, the 6-in-1 Master Kit adds both the RX Mini and RX Plus Main Receiver, with the latter including further physical connectivity.
Fundamental to all bundles is the main S1 unit, which, in addition to its mic duties, is also a 2-in 2-out wired USB audio interface. It also includes wireless IEMs and integrated low-latency monitoring. Power comes from the onboard rechargeable battery (up to 10 hours of battery time) or via USB. Meanwhile, the IEMs are stored and charged inside the slide-open mic body. The S1 includes some on-body buttons for setting mic and monitoring options, but the whole ecosystem is primarily managed using the Hisong Link mobile app. Note: There is no desktop app.
The two RX-equipped kits add wireless connectivity between the S1 and your USB-equipped recording device. The RX Mini just provides wireless connection, however, the RX Plus is a more fully-featured rechargeable battery-powered wireless breakout box with two mini jack outputs (line and headphone) as well as a USB-C powering input and on-body level buttons. There’s also a slot-in USB-C shoe for connection to a target device and a cold shoe option for camera top mounting via the included 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable.
Performance
We don’t usually dwell on the unboxing aspect of the products we test, but here we’ll make an exception as the S1 package is excellently conceived. All components come in a bespoke compact toiletries-style carry case. This includes plenty of pocket sections, so even if you buy the Master Kit, all bits slot away neatly for transit.
At just over 12cm long, the S1 is nicely compact, and the use of magnetic coupling to the table top stand or included camera stand adapter makes mounting the mic quick and flexible. The S1 mic is end-addressed with two modes, condenser and enhanced dynamic, which you select using the on/off switch. These provide cardioid and super-cardioid patterns, respectively, and the condenser mode is obviously brighter with a much wider pickup pattern. Both modes handle plosives pretty well, and there’s only low-level proximity, making the S1 good for speech. That said, it definitely sounds good enough to capture other instruments.
The S1 is also available as a Bluetooth music target, allowing you to stream via Bluetooth to your S1 in stereo, and this audio will be blended with the mic source and sent to both RX devices
The onboard IEMs pair automatically with the S1 providing immediate minimal latency monitoring, and the S1’s onboard buttons provide various options including mic mute and level. You’ll find more extensive controls in the Hisong Link mobile app, where you can also choose from a chain of DSP options including EQ, compression, reverb, noise reduction and limiting. These are quite basic single slider designs, but are nonetheless handy for quick changes. What’s more you can also specify processed or unprocessed for the USB output (though not the RX output). The mobile app also includes two handy recording features, OneTrack and DualTrack, designed for RX and USB connection respectively.
The kit has some further interesting functionality. First up, you can use the RX Mini and RX Plus at the same time. So, for example if you wanted to simultaneously send your mic audio to your camera mounted RX Plus and use its mini jack output to record onto the camera track, and at the same time record the S1 output to a laptop or phone all wirelessly, then you can. With the RX Plus in use, you also have both IEMs and a headphone output, again, both outputting simultaneously. Finally, the S1 is also available as a Bluetooth music target, allowing you to stream via Bluetooth to your S1 in stereo, and this audio will be blended with the mic source and sent to both RX devices.
Verdict
It’s clear a lot of thought has gone into this product, with functionality and portability at its heart. But it’s sonically pretty decent too, and although maybe not a first choice for audiophile music users, it still provides a great general purpose solution.
Hands-on demos
HISONG
Alternatives
Specifications
Price |
Musician Kit: £228/€285/$299 Creator Kit: £264/€335/$349 Master Kit: £302/€380/$399 |
Mic Type |
Condenser / Enhanced Dynamic |
Polar pickup |
Cardioid / Super-cardioid |
Frequency range |
20Hz to 20kHz |
Max SPL |
137dB SPL |
Sample rate |
48kHz |
Audio interface |
2-in / 2-out via USB-C, 2-in via RX Wireless |
Battery life |
10 hours main unit, 3.5 hours IEMs |
Dimensions |
124(l) x 48(w) x 29(d) mm |
Weight |
118g |
Contact |
