I am happy to announce, that thanks to my wonderful viewers for requesting I complete it, the little piece of demo music used in this video is now a full song :) Check it out here: distrokid.com/hyperfollow/loveline/what-we-do
I was going to suggest 'What We Do' as a title in the video where you asked for suggestions, so I have to say, I think it's the perfect title...lol. I'll have to check it out!
To me, it just seems that A and B are about the same, whereas C seems a little too hot on the intake. Both A and B capture a fuller, more dynamic sound and again, act as if they were the same mic, whereas mic C seems to be a little too tinny and overall "thinner" dynamics. Not a fan mic C. So, my overall consensus: 1. A or B 2. B or A :D :D :p :p
I am a singer and I am planning to upgrade my home recording setup from usb condensor to xlr one. Will like to know your feedback on the following and which one will be the best one: 1. SE Electronics XA1 2. AKG P120/P220/P420 3. Lewitt LCT240 Pro Note : I don't have a treated room.
I’m not convinced you didn’t just play the same samples three times Mike. 😅 (Or perhaps my ears are bad and o have no business making music!) However, since I need to choose I think I’ll go this way - B, C, A. But genuinely all three sounded great, which goes along with my view that it’s usually the singer and not the gear. 👍
the se X1 comes in the X1S and the X1A flavors (condensers), the latter being closer to what the mic above is I believe, for only $100 and I wouldn't say "normally" comes with a reflection shield, which aren't cheap, so there's an apples and oranges price comparison here. The NT1A, even taking into account the modest extras it comes with, is easily the most expensive one here all things being equal. though they are all inexpensive options for sure. PS (and PSA): the actual tests start at about the 3 min 50 sec mark
Tonally, B sounds the best -- my order of choice is B, C, A. HOWEVER, the female vocal has distortion on all 3 passes in the same spots, leading me to believe that the input levels were too hot on her. It was fine on your vocals. I have the AT2020, and 2 clients have come in with NT1As. Haven't heard the X1 before, but went to a studio that used an SE2200 mic on me, and I hated it. Went home to re-record the tracks on my AKG mic instead. I hope I'm proven wrong on that one.
Hi Rick well spotted on the oddities of the female vocals, the actual cause may surprise you. The actual input gain was well below any distortion, peaking at around -12dB on each mic, and there was no chance of actual mic distortion, as it was sung pretty softly. However, we only had one session available to record, and it happened that Suzi was suffering with some asthma at that point, so her throat was very tight. I've heard it before where this seems like an audio distortion, but it actually this odd gravelly or buzzing sound which comes from the throat! Thanks for listening so carefully! I'll be showing results late next week. Should be interesting!
For Suzi: B, then C, then A ("B" had maybe a touch more sibilance which can be fixed during the mix, but it also seemed so perfectly matched to Suzi's voice). For Mike: A, C, then B (your voice has a softer attack, so to my ear, "A" worked best for you).
B is best sounding, especially mid-high and high Hz, gives too much open voice. But your male voice sounds better on C, actually C gives very good color for both vocals. I choose B here, other is C.
Mic a sounds the best. Its warm, yet pics up sibilance . B is second, not as warm but pleasing non the less. Mic C is harsh, and not as warm. A - B - C.
A was a little smoother on the top end. B had little bit more high end but seemed a little processed and grainy. C has a weird sibilance and more high end harshness.
CAB. I think the first was a little distorted compared with the third, but that the second one sounded muffled right from the start. It made things sound already processed, which isn't really something you want going into print.
which is the case with mics far (far, far) more often than not. as someone who's worked in marketing I can tell you how good something is in terms or quality is only one modest part of what drives the cost. perception is king and fools and their money are parted on a constant basis!
I appreciate blind tests because they prove that the vast majority of people have good enough gear to make pro-sounding recordings -- it's their talent that is sub-par. Lol! I recently heard a vocal track recorded in a top notch studio with high end gear by an experienced engineer... and it sounded like crap. In fairness the song was crap (The typical auto-tuned warbling made to sound lo-fi like it was recorded with a toy microphone on an old cassette recorder. Mind you, it was actually tracked in Famous XYZ Studio though a Telefunken 251 and Neve 1073). Bottom line, having the best signal chain means absolutely nothing (except maybe bragging rights) in the bigger picture of recording. if you can't make a pro-sounding recording with any of the mics in this shootout, then you should give up recording... or work to get better at it. The problem is not your gear!
Well said! I almost completely agree, apart from the 'give up' part! But I get the spirit of it :) I think if you can't get a decent sound with these mics, then understand that you still have some learning to do about tracking/mixing :) Put you wallet away, and roll up your sleeves!
late to the party, but...i liked A for female voice, B for male voice and piano, and thought C was also good for male voice and piano but a little less robust, possibly. Thanks for the video, im off to check out the reveal! :)
I really didn't like any of them.A was bad for males, B was bad for females and C was poppy and fuzzy. Thanks for the test I think I'll stay away from SE X1, Rode NT1A, and AT2020. A demo I heard of the Samson C03 actually sounded better. What do youse guys think?
SO WHAT MİCROPHONES A,B,C ? WHY YOU DON’T Explain .. ı wanna buy one of this mics. And ı like the C ı wanna buy it but you don’t tell me what mic is C ?
Hi, thanks for watching. I'm sorry you misunderstood. I didn't want to say in the video, as I wanted it to be a vote on a blind test. As I explained in the video and in the description, there is another video to reveal which is which. You can see that video here: ruclips.net/video/pXWDIg2LdX4/видео.html
![Best $100 Vocal Microphones [Condenser Mic Shootout - AKG, MXL, SE Electronics]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/UJUtJy0e8io/mqdefault.jpg)
I am happy to announce, that thanks to my wonderful viewers for requesting I complete it, the little piece of demo music used in this video is now a full song :)
Check it out here: distrokid.com/hyperfollow/loveline/what-we-do
I was going to suggest 'What We Do' as a title in the video where you asked for suggestions, so I have to say, I think it's the perfect title...lol. I'll have to check it out!
female vocal:
3:54 - A
5:35 - B
7:15 - C
male vocals:
4:42 - A
6:24 - B
8:04 - C
B C A. Tbh, I really dislike the sound of "A" while the other two sound pretty good.
1. B
2. C
3. A
Enjoy A and C... interested to see which they are!
A,C,B. How do you find out which is which?
To me, it just seems that A and B are about the same, whereas C seems a little too hot on the intake. Both A and B capture a fuller, more dynamic sound and again, act as if they were the same mic, whereas mic C seems to be a little too tinny and overall "thinner" dynamics. Not a fan mic C. So, my overall consensus:
1. A or B
2. B or A
:D :D :p :p
Hi which microphone do you suggest for a female singer with a bit of an extra natural sibilance?
I am a singer and I am planning to upgrade my home recording setup from usb condensor to xlr one. Will like to know your feedback on the following and which one will be the best one:
1. SE Electronics XA1
2. AKG P120/P220/P420
3. Lewitt LCT240 Pro
Note : I don't have a treated room.
AKG P420
I’m not convinced you didn’t just play the same samples three times Mike. 😅
(Or perhaps my ears are bad and o have no business making music!)
However, since I need to choose I think I’ll go this way - B, C, A. But genuinely all three sounded great, which goes along with my view that it’s usually the singer and not the gear. 👍
Great concept - male & female vocals recorded simultaneously. Thanks. I do wish the song sample included greater dynamics. B - C - A for me
the se X1 comes in the X1S and the X1A flavors (condensers), the latter being closer to what the mic above is I believe, for only $100 and I wouldn't say "normally" comes with a reflection shield, which aren't cheap, so there's an apples and oranges price comparison here. The NT1A, even taking into account the modest extras it comes with, is easily the most expensive one here all things being equal. though they are all inexpensive options for sure.
PS (and PSA): the actual tests start at about the 3 min 50 sec mark
Thanks for the clarification Joe! Did you have an opinion on which mic(s) you favoured?
9:04
Tonally, B sounds the best -- my order of choice is B, C, A. HOWEVER, the female vocal has distortion on all 3 passes in the same spots, leading me to believe that the input levels were too hot on her. It was fine on your vocals. I have the AT2020, and 2 clients have come in with NT1As. Haven't heard the X1 before, but went to a studio that used an SE2200 mic on me, and I hated it. Went home to re-record the tracks on my AKG mic instead. I hope I'm proven wrong on that one.
Hi Rick well spotted on the oddities of the female vocals, the actual cause may surprise you. The actual input gain was well below any distortion, peaking at around -12dB on each mic, and there was no chance of actual mic distortion, as it was sung pretty softly. However, we only had one session available to record, and it happened that Suzi was suffering with some asthma at that point, so her throat was very tight. I've heard it before where this seems like an audio distortion, but it actually this odd gravelly or buzzing sound which comes from the throat!
Thanks for listening so carefully! I'll be showing results late next week. Should be interesting!
@@CreativeSauce ya know, I wondered early on if it was a technique issue, but dismissed that! Look forward to the result.
Is that the weird overtone I'm hearing on her vocals? Was wondering what the heck that was. Almost like auto tune. Haha.
Tengo el sE y estaba pensando en comprar el Rode. Pero por lo que oigo, no merece la pena cambiar de micro. Los 3 suenan bien en mi oído inexperto
Thanks for this comparison, Mike! Great test!!
Which is best At2020 or X1a for poetry recording?
For Suzi: B, then C, then A ("B" had maybe a touch more sibilance which can be fixed during the mix, but it also seemed so perfectly matched to Suzi's voice). For Mike: A, C, then B (your voice has a softer attack, so to my ear, "A" worked best for you).
4:42 6:24 8:04
한국 분이 왜 여기서 ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
1) A 2) B 3) C To be honest, they are all good
B is best sounding, especially mid-high and high Hz, gives too much open voice. But your male voice sounds better on C, actually C gives very good color for both vocals. I choose B here, other is C.
Broke it down to Male and Female different tones. Male 1.B 2.A 3.C.. Female 1.C 2.B 3.A
Good thinking for sure. Different mics suit different tones ;:)
What a great review!
Mic a sounds the best. Its warm, yet pics up sibilance . B is second, not as warm but pleasing non the less. Mic C is harsh, and not as warm. A - B - C.
A - AT2020, B - SE X1, C - NT1A? :)
A was a little smoother on the top end. B had little bit more high end but seemed a little processed and grainy. C has a weird sibilance and more high end harshness.
whats this microphone is “B”?
I think that A had the least High end. I'm on laptop speakers and the other 2 vocals were a bit harsh
CAB. I think the first was a little distorted compared with the third, but that the second one sounded muffled right from the start. It made things sound already processed, which isn't really something you want going into print.
It would be great to hear more dynamic vocals. Great comparisson!
Tough choice but I think A B C
Is A a sE?
So, what mic is B sir?
1. C
2. A
3. B
Quite subtle differences between them...
Agree! It's interesting when you arnt going by brand name or model. People may surprise themselves when they are revealed!
@@CreativeSauce Can't wait, Mike!
which is the case with mics far (far, far) more often than not. as someone who's worked in marketing I can tell you how good something is in terms or quality is only one modest part of what drives the cost. perception is king and fools and their money are parted on a constant basis!
A / SEX1
B/ 2020
C/RHODE
Nice voice Mike!
Cheers Jason! :)
B. Sounds the best
C second
A the worst
Many people seem to agree on this!
C or B ...A sounded good but there was a distinct difference
Wich one is a wich one is b
we have enjoyed, well worth its money
A,C and B
Can you please suggest cheap and best microphone to record incubus / Brandon Boyd style vocals at home. I mean singing.
b cual es
b which mic?
To me B sounds better than the others. C is the second and last will be A.
1st C, 2nd B, Third A
I appreciate blind tests because they prove that the vast majority of people have good enough gear to make pro-sounding recordings -- it's their talent that is sub-par. Lol! I recently heard a vocal track recorded in a top notch studio with high end gear by an experienced engineer... and it sounded like crap. In fairness the song was crap (The typical auto-tuned warbling made to sound lo-fi like it was recorded with a toy microphone on an old cassette recorder. Mind you, it was actually tracked in Famous XYZ Studio though a Telefunken 251 and Neve 1073). Bottom line, having the best signal chain means absolutely nothing (except maybe bragging rights) in the bigger picture of recording. if you can't make a pro-sounding recording with any of the mics in this shootout, then you should give up recording... or work to get better at it. The problem is not your gear!
Well said! I almost completely agree, apart from the 'give up' part! But I get the spirit of it :) I think if you can't get a decent sound with these mics, then understand that you still have some learning to do about tracking/mixing :) Put you wallet away, and roll up your sleeves!
B (i think its Rode), C, A
1B 2C 3A
Hahaha at the end of this video! ^^
late to the party, but...i liked A for female voice, B for male voice and piano, and thought C was also good for male voice and piano but a little less robust, possibly. Thanks for the video, im off to check out the reveal! :)
Hey folks, the reveal video is here: ruclips.net/video/pXWDIg2LdX4/видео.html
thanks
They all sound the same to my ear dammit.
I'm glad I purchased the AT 2020
It's hard to distinct when listening to singing
So did I....
3:54 5:35 7:15
C is the best. Super cool vid!!
I would say:
1 - B;
2 - A;
3 - C
But it was surprice))
I don't understand ..i"m same
what mic should i get? for vocal recording? i got a budget of £200
I really didn't like any of them.A was bad for males, B was bad for females and C was poppy and fuzzy. Thanks for the test I think I'll stay away from SE X1, Rode NT1A, and AT2020. A demo I heard of the Samson C03 actually sounded better. What do youse guys think?
CBA
C-B-A
Good choice!
FemaleVOX = A, C, B
MaleVOX = C, B, A
(but not that much in it..!)
5:07, 8:29
Просто без слов
Very close to my ears, but here goes,
B
A
C
Lol .... Avalon Design VT-737SP
I’m an immature 12 year old so don’t make fun but
SE X 1
Really
I can’t hear much of a difference
B or A
C
this is kind of hard & subtle.
Yes, especially considering the price difference!
For female, BAC. For male, ABC
B A C. Rode NT1A -1 место, SE X1-2 место, AT2020- 3 место.
Where's the reveal video? 1- AT, 2-SE, 3-Rode
2 and 3 might be swapped, sibilance on 3 is harsher which is common on both depending on vocalist.
ruclips.net/video/pXWDIg2LdX4/видео.html
A. Rode
B. Lewitt
C. S.e.
Does sE electronics x1a microphone have tube? Is sE electronics x1a microphone tube microphone?
Yah
@@thebesttimeswithelena2695 actually no
None of them actually
You got a good budget then.
C,B,A
Ok, my ears seem officially busted:/ Anyways, I'm interested how the Rode will end up, since I use it :D
Lol, I must have heard it all 100 times in editing... all I can say is, it's close!
i would like the video but its at 420 likes
SO WHAT MİCROPHONES A,B,C ? WHY YOU DON’T Explain .. ı wanna buy one of this mics. And ı like the C ı wanna buy it but you don’t tell me what mic is C ?
Hi, thanks for watching. I'm sorry you misunderstood. I didn't want to say in the video, as I wanted it to be a vote on a blind test. As I explained in the video and in the description, there is another video to reveal which is which.
You can see that video here: ruclips.net/video/pXWDIg2LdX4/видео.html
CBA (I think)
B
Роуд и х1 хороши
*two zero two zero*
B A C
4:42
6:24
8:04
1. B
2. C
3. A
CBA
5:22 7:05 8:44