My tier list for mics I own would probably be: S - U87, Sennheiser MKH 416, AEA KU5A, Earthworks Ethos, TLM 103 A - SM7B, RE20, RØDE NTG3, TLM 102, Austrian Audio OC818, AKG C414, KMS 104, Lewitt 840, Beyerdynamic m160 B - AT2035, AKG P220, RØDE NT1-A C - MXL 990 D - Blue yeti E - Logitech desktop mic, _Rock Band_ mic F - Laptop mic
Thoughts on the Ethos so far? Would it work well for desktop usage in an untreated room? I've been looking at reviews of the Icon Pro and Ethos and it seems like the Icon Pro does a rather poor job rejecting external noise but the Ethos comes closer when compared to dynamics such as the SM7B and RE20. (The RE20 seemed to have the strongest noise rejection from what I've been hearing). Also what have you been using for your videos, sounds great btw!
The AKG Perception P100 has a frequency response that practically matches that of the U87AI, and I would place it at S-tier, IMHO. And for $200 or less, it's the best-sounding un-modified microphone out of the box for less than $1,000, for sure, Neumann TLM103 and U87AI for $1,000-$3,000 range.
I totally agree with the placement of the sm7b. I don’t think it’s a bad mic, I just think it’s overrated and overpriced for what it is. For that price, I’d rather get a mic that has a much more natural and detailed sound.
Thanks! Yeah, the C tier was more informed by both the overhyped-ness but also the fact that on my voice its just overly dark, it could very well be higher for someone with a different voice
The 7B includes a great design to regulate proximity effect, internal damping to negate handling noise, amazing plosive control, and a humbucker which can really matter in a pinch. So it's not just about its price--it's about its usability in a broadcast setting. I think you're overlooking all of that, and so did this ranking.
The first time I was at a professional session (this was circa 1977 at a big NYC studio) they presented the vocalist with a line-up of pretty much everything they had - a shoot-out on mic stands all lined up in an arc. To my recollection these included at least one U67, probably a U87 (a personal fave), among others. The winner for this particular voice was a Sennheiser (now owner of Neumann btw) 441, pointed at the ceiling with the voice going over the top. A great mic and an interesting choice for your tier. They've gotten pricier recently, about $1K new. Continue to love the Lewitt 440 pure I bought this year ($269 with shock mount and pop filter!). Lewitt was founded by AKG people when AKG moved to shut down the Austrian plant. So, yeah, it seems to have a lot of AKG C214 / C414 dna. Among the best sounds I've ever heard came through AKG C28s (I think that's the number). Check out videos on the net of Neil Young at the BBC in the 70's doing Old Man and Heart of Gold - the AKGs were both the pencil capsule on the guitar and the goose neck capsule on vocals. BBC used them extensively and IMHO they always sounded great. (Of course it was Neil and a pre-war D-45, so the Realistic Crystal mic from Radio Shack would probably also have impressed.) My problem with mics has always been that they tend to capture the way I sound. Cheers
Nice take!! Didn’t know that about Lewitt, that makes a lot of sense since they have very similar profiles. Thank you for the detailed comment, a great read!
I own a 7B . I hear you . It dosn't blow me away. It is great for a not so perfect room. But I think you got it right. Got a Akg C214 Also and a nt1-a. But I love the akg the most . Akg is the newest member of the family . My live mics . Shure beta 87 A and the rock SM 58.
The Neumann U87 and AKG C414 leading the pack? Absolutely! These mics are behind many superstars' vocal recordings, for good reasons. But to fully exploit their capabilities, you need a really well treated room, and outstanding singers/engineers. This is for the pros. - So how about the others? I recently compared the TLM 102, TLM 107, SM7B, RE20, NT1-A, SM57, Lauten LS208, Mojave MA-50, Warm WA-87, Aston Origin, and Aston Spirit. Always using the same conditions (imperfect room), voice (mine), and song (mine). IMHO, for this setup, the TLM 102 and SM7B take the cake. (Get the EA4 spider for the TLM, and engage the presence boost if you want to brighten up your SM7B.) Many others tend to have too uncontrolled lows, too unnatural sounding mids, and/or too accentuated (and often sibilant) highs. Some of these issues can be fixed with processing (EQ etc.), but often only to a certain degree. So in MY personal tier list, the TLM 102 and SM7B would clearly make it to the A level. :-)
Yes those two seem to be the main point of controversy for my list! You're absolutely right though, especially with the u87, it takes a certain level of room to run that thing properly, so you may not be able to get the most out of it in most scenarios.
There's a sale on sweetwater on Shure sm7b, I could get it too, but I went with the rode nt1 cuz it's a condenser and even tho I do not sing, I want that detail. And shure sm7b was sounding kinda boxy or dark as u said, and I think my voice has more low end and low mids, so it might not be suitable for me, I've always admired the Nt1 Hah! Been a journey, thank you bro💕 you and podcastage have been a real help💯
Hey I'm new to your channel - solid content - well done. Respectfully, if a portion of your target audience are home recordists with moderate budgets utilizing untreated spaces, IMHO, minimally, the SM7B (polar pattern & noise rejection) is a wonderful tool to add to their Mic locker... especially if the vocal to be recorded is loud, forceful, projected, etc. Believe me, I've recorded tunes at home where I try to use the 7B for something and after my efforts I'm like, 'this thing sucks.' However, I found over time that the key - secret daisy chain - is a Neve style preamp into a UA 1176 or similar. When I discovered the appropriate daisy chain for that Mic it is shocking how good it performs. Please know I still dont use it for a lot of things lol but when other mic choices aren't working out for vocals, sometimes I'll grab that 7B and it serves me so well. I'm commenting because i felt bad for the 7B and the lowly teir it ended up in lol. Will watch more of your vids soon. thnx
6:00 man, totally agree, I mean...Yorke completely owns the RE20 there, I always listen to 'All I need' it sounds even better than the condenser he switches to. I don't totally agree with your opinion regarding the SM7b, it is pretty dark and colored, but I've test against many condenser and it makes a lot of condensers sound wonky and thin in comparison. For me, the RE20 and the SM7b are just in the same category, I would love getting the RE20 and keep both. I would also go crazy for the MD441, it is so freaking smooth, but man...isn't it expensive? it would be hard to justify, with that price tag I would go for a good clone of the AKG C12 or some diy U47 15:00 I would love to try the C214, it seems as the Lewitt is better in some ways, almost competing against the modern C414, but still I believe my Lewitt is amazing but a little bit over the top because of the "airy" sound and kind of poor control over the esses, it is also really hot and picks up a lot of room sound, but to my surprises, hearing some comparisons, the C214 is worse for esses. Man, and regarding the at2020, I can't take it, when I hear comparisons using it, I feel my ears are stabbed. Surprisingly, I remember watching some covers by a teenage girl and she owned the mic, totally suited her voice.
Nice! Yeah I can get why my opinion on the SM7B may not be the most popular, just a bit overly dark for me is all, and when you combine it with its tendency to be used in places where other mics may be more appropriate, I just thought I'd take it down a notch lol and yes the MD 441 is hella expensive!! One of the most expensive dynamics I've seen its crazy
@@AudioHaze But I get most of your opinions, I see people buy the sm7b just for the looks, it doesn't suit everyone. P.D. Man, loving your videos as always, I trust in you and your RUclips career, wish you the best and happy holidays 🥳
The RE20 is an absolute classic and 100% deserves all the hype that the SM7B gets. More detailed and better for vocals than the SM7B and it’s also more versatile. I use it all the time as a kick in mic and I even mic up guitar and bass cabs with it.
It should be better. You need to keep in mind the "reference gear" that everyone gaslights you to use aren't actually based off science but rather the pressure from the community that kept on obsessing on the u87, genelec 1030s and etc. There are products out there that ARE sonically better than these with even lower pricetags, just coming with a smaller reputation because lesser people use them. I genuinely think the audio engineering community is realtively far, far compromised in terms of intellect per-se and how much actual science and objective, open-minded analysis gets excluded out in favor of some petty community favors and wishes.
Largely agreed except for the placement of the SM7b - I don't find it nearly as dark and muddy in most applications. It would sit solidly in my High B, low A tier. Especially if your recording environment is less than ideal.
SM7b in C tier, this is the way. For me the AT2035 absolutely lives up in A tier for the price. It feels like the affordable alternative to the TLM102. Reaches nice and low with a smooth high end, without all the harshness you usually find in this price rage (NT1-A) plus high-pass and pad switches if you need them. Pretty handy for a cheap(ish) mic! It's ended up as my main condenser and even replaced my NT1 as a mainstay. Kitten chaos has become your box throw, really enjoyed this. Very happy to have found an audio channel up there with Podcastage but with a voice reference like my own. Hope you keep finding success here on youtube!
The TLM 102 through a 1073 is amazing. I recently bought a Rode k2 and it is also great. Very silky sound. I already have a Blue Blueberry that I run through a Blue Robbie tube preamp and it’s simply stunning sound. Really any mic from 400 dollars all the way up you can get professional recordings. It’s mixing and mastering that add the magic.
This is where I drop by and give my impressions on Behringer's SM57 clone: I think I got a bootleg. It made handling noise if you even thought about touching it. Foam wind screen, dual layer pop filter, it would pop without a plosive, forget wind instruments no matter the signal chain. The sticker, the texture, did not match Behringer's own pictures. The two wires going from connector to capsule were thinner than the average hairs of my beard.
Great video! I found that three components that I use makes more difference than which mic I use, and I have a lot...and they are 1. a DBX286 for amping, compression, de-esser and expander gate. 2. Aphex Exciter with big bottom...makes a big difference in harmonics and timber...good luck in finding one, but it has been replaced with the Aphex channel processor which unfortunately is $1000. Too bad Aphex doesn't make an exciter for the DBX 286 for less than $300. 3. MOTU M2 because of the low cost and the great LED bars which can show the level of a playback on the right bar and the input recording level on the left bar simultaneously, which enables one to adjust the recording input level with a previous recording.
Great videos...a DBX286 is a must have for better sound and noise suppression, and they are not that expensive, and there are a lot of videos on setting one up...see Julian Krause's videos on the DBX286. The Aphex Exciter gives the audio a lot more punch, but that probably wouldn't be beneficial with mic reviews.
Haha yep! Actually the 3d printer is mine, I used to use it back when I was in architecture school, still use it sometimes to prototype stuff. Its a pretty awful one though, one of the super old unwieldy ones before 3d printers got more affordable
@@AudioHaze I have a 3D printer, a 3D labs cube. It’s a polished design and easy to use but the filament keeps getting jammed. Plus it’s slow and expensive to run. Whoever says 3D printers will replace factories never used one.
Keep in mind this isn't how good the mics are for everyone, this is specifically for him and his voice. The sm7b and re20 are equals to everyone but you just need to figure out which one is for you. I wish I could get a re20 but I got a sm7b for $275 so I can't complain especially since it would be over $500 for the re20 with a shock mount and everything.
I subscribed the moment you said the sm7b was overhyped. I've been saying this for a long time. It's ~good~, but not as phenomenal as it get hyped to be when I think there are so many other great mics that (in my opinion) sound more appealing on a lot of voices, like the electro-voice.
Beyer fans are feeling left out in the cold... But fun video. I used the C214 when I was first getting serious about recording, it made me a treble junkie for life!
The md441 was used by stevie nicks of fleetwood mac's gold dust woman in a live version. What a performance and sound scape they made in that track absolutely in my top 10 favourite productions the sound scape is just stunning
Thank you for this video! I’ve been wanting something like this for a WHILE~ you did a great job and I love that you covered so many different ranges of mics. It’s 2021 and it needs to be addressed that good mics really have moved to a lower price range. Great videos man, keep it up :) AND CONGRATS ON SPONSORS AND STUFF!!!
I actually took the stereo pair of c214's out of the drum mic set to use as vocal mics in the studio one day and used them as my go-to's ever since. Great allrounder, sounds great on male and female vocals and even surprised me as like a second cab mic or room mic for some of that mentioned sparkle. Can't go wrong with those.
You said alrounder but for me it has one of the strongest character of mic ive heard. I kinda love it (especially on female vocals) but its hard for me to imagine that it fits in every situation.
Amazing video! Chose my microphone with the help of your videos💕, still watching your videos, they're awesome✨ I've recorded one of my best songs on the C414 2½ years ago in a professional studio, it's a really good mic but I'll be able to praise it even more when I get my mic (which I'll be receiving this week), to know how my voice actually is (how much low end how much highs it has got) on the Nt1😍
Your "cat"?? You mean, Studio Assistant! Also, the RE20 is my goal mic. Just can't justify the price yet. Maybe if my channel grows some. lol Currently rocking the SM57, with a bit of EQing.
as a proud user of the NW-800 it does have bad room rejection but oh my good for the price its a fantastic deal and great for someone getting started whos a bit unsure
You're 100% right about the SM7B. It might be the most overrated mic in existence. It's a muddy, boomy gain hog with hardly any clarity in the top end. The SM7B's reputation comes from people lumping it in with the vintage SM7 -- a legendary (and vastly superior sounding mic.)
Awesome list man ! I have the rode nt1 and I love it , should I use windscreen or pop filter when recording classical guitar knowing that my room is not treated? If I want to upgrade which mic you recommend for me ? (vocal & classical guitar)
Well, a pop filter and windscreen aren't going to help with reflections too much, but work with what you have! If you gotta record in a closet do it (unless its depressing and makes the take worse!). I personall have been loving the 440 Pure on voice and acoustic guitar, it is quite bright though. It sort of depends on whether you want a sparkly mic or a darker one you know.
Brotha you have it down! Needed this video and I’m glad you put the time in cause it shows. Ready to start this RUclips journey I’ve always wanted, I have a black cat as well She just turned 1, she’s my lil black pantha
@@AudioHaze keep up the videos man, I can tell you’re doing what you love. Already watched a couple of your videos I’m excited to see what you come out with 😎 and I wish I didn’t have to spay mine because id love to have a kitten of hers as well but man, having a cat in heat was a pain lmao
I can get on board with you backing your choice for a voice mic in the RE20 over the SM7B but as someone who bought an SM7B I have to say the difference between the two is razor thin. I could make a good argument that either mic is better and tbh, there are some days where I'd rather have a RE20 but to have it three whole tiers away from its brother broadcasting mic is.. well, a HOT take, for sure.
I really think there's quite a substantial difference in tone between the two! I did a whole review comparing both of them, I think the sound signatures of both are vastly different
they just put out a TLM 102 with a shock mount for $800. i'm thinking they saw your video hahah. does this change your rating in any way? the biggest problem you had with the TLM 102 was that it wasnt home studio friendly. also a agree with you about the sm7b. ive owned it for many years
I personally think the SM7B sounds friendly and warmer, like two friends sippin a warm cup of coffee by the fire together. The RE20 allows through far too much bass from your voice making it sound like a bad EQ, and the S sounds are very harsh making my ears bleed but maybe I just have sensitive ears. So personally I'd swap the SM7B with the RE20. Good video otherwise.
Well, maybe sm7b is good mic, but i agree with c tier for that. For sm7b you need very good preamp, that can cost like 2-4 sm7b... And this mic not so good with background noise rejection.
I am sorry man, but AT2020 at the same level as an SM7b and the NT1a higher and the RE20 on S, I like your videos but I hardly disagree on some stuff here I personally would set the SM7b and Re20 both on A tier, they fit on a lot of voices and you can do pretty great stuff with EQ on them. For me they are both the broadcast top dynamics. NT1a is probably the pain of my existance, very sharp metalic highs and a lot of bedroom recordings I mixed with it, so I am like super biased. D Tier for me, objectivly probably a C Tier. AT2020 is for me a similar story, pretty popular but I dont like the sound, D Tier too. With the rest I kinda agree, I personally would set the 103 a tier higher but yeah your choice, I like the 103 because it's V Shaped but still smooth. And one mic is missing on the S Tier, the XM8500 >:D
Ah got it, yeah to each their own, I understand! I think an important thing to take into account here is also the price point though! If this wasn't weighted, perhaps the AT2020 would be lower, but for $100, I really think its hard to beat imo, and yes the XM8500 sounds great but I wouldn't want to rank something I haven't had significant enough experience with :)
And I personally think C tier is _too_ high for the SM7B. Honestly don't understand what people see in that mic. Countless mics in it's price range sound better.
Hello, I'm thinking on buying a microphone, I do mostly RAP and METAL singing. The two options I'm thining about are the RODE NT1-A and the Lewitt 440. Any advice?
You trashed my Neumann TLM 102 and my Shure SM7b which nearly made me cry. I take it as a personal insult. Then.........a kitten appeared. More praise for my TLM 102 and more kittens in your videos. I thought that we had an agreement.
Dear Audiohaze: I think you are def bias to high end mics, The Aston spirit was tested by the best of UK eng/producers blind to get the best sound. pretty bold to put the spirit in such a low class, vocal mics aside I would never recommend a dynamic in 2022. my opinion. the Blue bird from 2008 off a an ensemble thunderbolt using logic will destroy vocals used off a focusrite and a dynamic mic of any choice on any day and twice on Sunday.instruments are 1 thing , vocals and why a mic was built is another.Love your channel and thank you.
You are not consistent. On one hand you criticize the TlM102 for the high price of it´s shockmount and on the other you rank the MD441 pretty high although it´s way too expensive for what it offers. Don´t get me wrong, I do like the 441 a lot, it´s a great mic but it´s nearly as expensive as the C414 and that is a no-go. And by the way: The SM7B is also way too expensive for what it offers. Why don´t you criticize that? Neumann was and still is a premium brand with a great image. And of course you pay many extra-bucks just for that Neumann diamond. But the same goes for Mercedes, BMW, Rolls Royce and many other brands. And apart from this the Neumann shockmount is the prettiest all around. It´s nearly a piece of art and so to me it´s worth it.
I agree with SM7B as a middle ground mic. Its decent. Not perfect. Definitely not buying the hype since I know of the better mics out there. SM7B lacks in high frequencies. Boosts the lows. This is what the kids like now days.
I’ve seen that the SM7b and the RE20 are kinda similar, maybe because they are both dynamic microphones, but I was wondering if according to you the RE20 is better because you don’t have to EQ it that much for it to sound better, but what if I have no problem with that? With some post processing EQ? Is there any substantial difference between them that makes one preferable over the other more than just the original eq curve?
I think they sound substantially different from the get go yes, not to mention the RE20 is a bit easier to power. Of course, you're welcome to change either in post, but both will take to EQ in pretty different ways. You could feasibly match their tones with an EQ, but its never going to be an exact match. Personally, when I process the RE20, it takes about 5 minutes of treatment before I'm happy :)
You took an A or even S tier mic and put it in C tier because most people overrate it? Or most of its users don't know how to use it? How is that the mic's fault? How does that reflect even remotely on the actual quality of the mic? You basically rated its users and not the mic itself. (Consider: If the U87 were only $400 and everyone in their bedroom were buying one and using it terribly such that most U87 recordings out there sounded like garbage, that wouldn't make it a C tier mic.)
sm7b deserve an A or at least a B cmon man think about it you were going to say that a neewer nw 800 which costs 20 dollars is equal to a legendary microphone such as the sm7b
The C214 is way too bright and not great sounding for the price... I actually have found the P420 to be relatively neutral with a little boost on the highs and is definitely affordable for a multipattern mic... Every Lewitt mic I have ever heard slices my ears with high end...
My most despised word of 2021: monetize 🤬🤬🤬As for your 2021 mic tier list (whatever that means); since I'm a newbie to home studio recording I still have a lot to learn about mics. And I think due to my age, my hearing isn't what it used to be, whether it be a mic that cost an arm and a leg or one that cost $10 at Walmart, I'd have a hard time distinguishing the better sounding between the two. These old ears might not be able to detect good mic quality, but at least I can stll rely on them to detect good music, for example: Radiohead, Hozier, and Olivia Rodrigo. 🎅🏼🎸🎅🏼 Merry New Year and Happy Christmas! (OMG!! 😻😻You have a black cat!! 😻😻Are you an ailurophile like me?!? 😻😻My black feline's name is Shadow, he's a male, and loves my cuddles!! 😻😻)
Hahaha yeah I get it, "monetize" is such a passive word these days, right up there with "passive income". Ah thats awesome one of my old cats was named Shadow!! She was so sweet :)
I agree with quite a few of your placements. Which is surprising me, given how subjective this topic is. I agree with the TLM102 on B-Tier, I agee with the AKG C214 on A-Tier, I agree with the RODE NT-1a on B, and surprise, even the NT1 on A-Tier. (Yes, i'm a sucker for its sound, but I still agree its not quite there, when it comes to vocals. Not the S-Tier yet.) I agree with the AT2020 on C-Tier, i TOTALLY agree on the Sennheiser MD441 on A-Tier (it sounds amazing! - nice to see others finding it finally), i agree on the Aston Spirit on B-Tier and I agree on the SM57 on C-Tier and the SM58 on B-Tier. On a related note to the SM57 and SM58: I'd probably put the Beta 58A on B-Tier as well, tho a bit above the SM58.
One might argue, the Neumann U87 in it's own right is overhyped, as you did put it with the Shure SM7B. Why the heck is that, you might ask. Well: Think about it. You find this microphone in pretty much all studios, which can afford it. Ask yourself, why. You hyped it with sentences like "its legendary" - or "you all heard it on one of your fav recordings" - but thats exactly the point I was going for. It has a elitist hype around it. Just because it has been used forever, doesn't necessarily mean, it belongs in S-Tier NOWADAYS. Still, i agree with your placement. The sound out of this thing is off the charts - at least for brighter male voices and female voices. Lets agree on a certain coloration it puts on the voices. It certainly isn't flat, which is apparent with the Hump it's response graph has around 10kHz, no matter which pickup pattern you choose.
Just because of this, i'd choose the Earthworks Audio SV33 over the Neumann U87 in that price range already. But I also feel like the SV33 is cleaner in the high frequencies. I need to emphasize: cleanER. It's not like the U87 was a mess up there or anything. Far from it, actually. Still, the way small diaphragm microphone capsules work, give the SV33 a bit more stable top end. And if you are a sucker for the Neumann Sound - why don't you just get the TLM103 instead? Its almost impossible to ever spot a difference between the U87 and the TLM103, if you really manage to get the exact same volume out of both microphones.
As for the Neewer NW-800. Your wish to not put it in F-Tier because of the low price was a right choice - but only with these microphones on their own. You can get 18-25 dollar microphones that will whipe the floor with the NW-800. Try the Behringer BA85A. Honestly, try a few really cheap dynamic microphones. They will put the NW-800 in its place. To me, anythin below 40-50 Dollars is out of reach for condenser microphones. They get too noisy. Because of this, I personally would still put the NW-800 on F-Tier.
As for the Shure SM7B - yes, it's overhyped. Heck yea, it is. And people shove credits from its predecessors on it to boot, naming it "The Michael Jackson Microphone". I'm always like: Oh, you mean on the Thriller Album? That was the SM7. And it sounded a whole lot different.
Sounds great for the price, I never tested how it actually sounds, but I've heard some comparisons and the only issue with the mic seems to be the poor control for plosive sounds. It would be as good as an SM7b if that issue gets fixed.
Happy to see that we made it on your microphone tier list 2021! Many thanks and happy new year!
Fancy seeing you here! And happy new year :)
Hey Lewit,
How about supporting an Arabic voice?
A mic will do!
@@AlaDdin199 lol get a job
@@brennendehexe7934 LOL
My tier list for mics I own would probably be:
S - U87, Sennheiser MKH 416, AEA KU5A, Earthworks Ethos, TLM 103
A - SM7B, RE20, RØDE NTG3, TLM 102, Austrian Audio OC818, AKG C414, KMS 104, Lewitt 840, Beyerdynamic m160
B - AT2035, AKG P220, RØDE NT1-A
C - MXL 990
D - Blue yeti
E - Logitech desktop mic, _Rock Band_ mic
F - Laptop mic
Rock band mic is at least A tier come on now
If you put a TLM 103 as an S-Tier mic you should put in the C414 XLS
@@tuneunleashed Nah. Really didn't sound as good to my ears.
Thoughts on the Ethos so far? Would it work well for desktop usage in an untreated room? I've been looking at reviews of the Icon Pro and Ethos and it seems like the Icon Pro does a rather poor job rejecting external noise but the Ethos comes closer when compared to dynamics such as the SM7B and RE20. (The RE20 seemed to have the strongest noise rejection from what I've been hearing). Also what have you been using for your videos, sounds great btw!
The AKG Perception P100 has a frequency response that practically matches that of the U87AI, and I would place it at S-tier, IMHO. And for $200 or less, it's the best-sounding un-modified microphone out of the box for less than $1,000, for sure, Neumann TLM103 and U87AI for $1,000-$3,000 range.
I totally agree with the placement of the sm7b. I don’t think it’s a bad mic, I just think it’s overrated and overpriced for what it is. For that price, I’d rather get a mic that has a much more natural and detailed sound.
Thanks! Yeah, the C tier was more informed by both the overhyped-ness but also the fact that on my voice its just overly dark, it could very well be higher for someone with a different voice
I agree with your thoughts regarding the sm7b. I own both the RE20 & RE27 nd and would choose both over the sm7b.
Are there any other dynamic mics for consideration in the same league as these 2?
The 7B includes a great design to regulate proximity effect, internal damping to negate handling noise, amazing plosive control, and a humbucker which can really matter in a pinch. So it's not just about its price--it's about its usability in a broadcast setting. I think you're overlooking all of that, and so did this ranking.
The first time I was at a professional session (this was circa 1977 at a big NYC studio) they presented the vocalist with a line-up of pretty much everything they had - a shoot-out on mic stands all lined up in an arc. To my recollection these included at least one U67, probably a U87 (a personal fave), among others. The winner for this particular voice was a Sennheiser (now owner of Neumann btw) 441, pointed at the ceiling with the voice going over the top. A great mic and an interesting choice for your tier. They've gotten pricier recently, about $1K new.
Continue to love the Lewitt 440 pure I bought this year ($269 with shock mount and pop filter!). Lewitt was founded by AKG people when AKG moved to shut down the Austrian plant. So, yeah, it seems to have a lot of AKG C214 / C414 dna.
Among the best sounds I've ever heard came through AKG C28s (I think that's the number). Check out videos on the net of Neil Young at the BBC in the 70's doing Old Man and Heart of Gold - the AKGs were both the pencil capsule on the guitar and the goose neck capsule on vocals. BBC used them extensively and IMHO they always sounded great. (Of course it was Neil and a pre-war D-45, so the Realistic Crystal mic from Radio Shack would probably also have impressed.) My problem with mics has always been that they tend to capture the way I sound. Cheers
Nice take!! Didn’t know that about Lewitt, that makes a lot of sense since they have very similar profiles. Thank you for the detailed comment, a great read!
Daamn, it has been some time since the last time I watched your content and you've definetely improved the quality. Keep going and doing your thing!
AH thank you so much!! I've been trying :)
I own a 7B . I hear you . It dosn't blow me away. It is great for a not so perfect room. But I think you got it right. Got a Akg C214 Also and a nt1-a. But I love the akg the most . Akg is the newest member of the family . My live mics . Shure beta 87 A and the rock SM 58.
The Neumann U87 and AKG C414 leading the pack? Absolutely! These mics are behind many superstars' vocal recordings, for good reasons. But to fully exploit their capabilities, you need a really well treated room, and outstanding singers/engineers. This is for the pros. - So how about the others? I recently compared the TLM 102, TLM 107, SM7B, RE20, NT1-A, SM57, Lauten LS208, Mojave MA-50, Warm WA-87, Aston Origin, and Aston Spirit. Always using the same conditions (imperfect room), voice (mine), and song (mine). IMHO, for this setup, the TLM 102 and SM7B take the cake. (Get the EA4 spider for the TLM, and engage the presence boost if you want to brighten up your SM7B.) Many others tend to have too uncontrolled lows, too unnatural sounding mids, and/or too accentuated (and often sibilant) highs. Some of these issues can be fixed with processing (EQ etc.), but often only to a certain degree. So in MY personal tier list, the TLM 102 and SM7B would clearly make it to the A level. :-)
Yes those two seem to be the main point of controversy for my list! You're absolutely right though, especially with the u87, it takes a certain level of room to run that thing properly, so you may not be able to get the most out of it in most scenarios.
There's a sale on sweetwater on Shure sm7b, I could get it too, but I went with the rode nt1 cuz it's a condenser and even tho I do not sing, I want that detail. And shure sm7b was sounding kinda boxy or dark as u said, and I think my voice has more low end and low mids, so it might not be suitable for me, I've always admired the Nt1
Hah! Been a journey, thank you bro💕 you and podcastage have been a real help💯
You made my day, happy I could help with your set up :)
Hey I'm new to your channel - solid content - well done. Respectfully, if a portion of your target audience are home recordists with moderate budgets utilizing untreated spaces, IMHO, minimally, the SM7B (polar pattern & noise rejection) is a wonderful tool to add to their Mic locker... especially if the vocal to be recorded is loud, forceful, projected, etc. Believe me, I've recorded tunes at home where I try to use the 7B for something and after my efforts I'm like, 'this thing sucks.' However, I found over time that the key - secret daisy chain - is a Neve style preamp into a UA 1176 or similar. When I discovered the appropriate daisy chain for that Mic it is shocking how good it performs. Please know I still dont use it for a lot of things lol but when other mic choices aren't working out for vocals, sometimes I'll grab that 7B and it serves me so well. I'm commenting because i felt bad for the 7B and the lowly teir it ended up in lol. Will watch more of your vids soon. thnx
Why is he calling it daisychain?
B-cam: lord of cinematic / A-cam: looks like a webcam hahah
😂😂 okay I guess I should use the $200 camera as the A cam then
6:00 man, totally agree, I mean...Yorke completely owns the RE20 there, I always listen to 'All I need' it sounds even better than the condenser he switches to.
I don't totally agree with your opinion regarding the SM7b, it is pretty dark and colored, but I've test against many condenser and it makes a lot of condensers sound wonky and thin in comparison. For me, the RE20 and the SM7b are just in the same category, I would love getting the RE20 and keep both.
I would also go crazy for the MD441, it is so freaking smooth, but man...isn't it expensive? it would be hard to justify, with that price tag I would go for a good clone of the AKG C12 or some diy U47
15:00 I would love to try the C214, it seems as the Lewitt is better in some ways, almost competing against the modern C414, but still I believe my Lewitt is amazing but a little bit over the top because of the "airy" sound and kind of poor control over the esses, it is also really hot and picks up a lot of room sound, but to my surprises, hearing some comparisons, the C214 is worse for esses.
Man, and regarding the at2020, I can't take it, when I hear comparisons using it, I feel my ears are stabbed. Surprisingly, I remember watching some covers by a teenage girl and she owned the mic, totally suited her voice.
Nice! Yeah I can get why my opinion on the SM7B may not be the most popular, just a bit overly dark for me is all, and when you combine it with its tendency to be used in places where other mics may be more appropriate, I just thought I'd take it down a notch lol and yes the MD 441 is hella expensive!! One of the most expensive dynamics I've seen its crazy
@@AudioHaze But I get most of your opinions, I see people buy the sm7b just for the looks, it doesn't suit everyone.
P.D.
Man, loving your videos as always, I trust in you and your RUclips career, wish you the best and happy holidays 🥳
The RE20 is an absolute classic and 100% deserves all the hype that the SM7B gets. More detailed and better for vocals than the SM7B and it’s also more versatile. I use it all the time as a kick in mic and I even mic up guitar and bass cabs with it.
It should be better. You need to keep in mind the "reference gear" that everyone gaslights you to use aren't actually based off science but rather the pressure from the community that kept on obsessing on the u87, genelec 1030s and etc. There are products out there that ARE sonically better than these with even lower pricetags, just coming with a smaller reputation because lesser people use them. I genuinely think the audio engineering community is realtively far, far compromised in terms of intellect per-se and how much actual science and objective, open-minded analysis gets excluded out in favor of some petty community favors and wishes.
Largely agreed except for the placement of the SM7b - I don't find it nearly as dark and muddy in most applications. It would sit solidly in my High B, low A tier. Especially if your recording environment is less than ideal.
Yeah I can get that! I think the SM7b can work wonders for certain vocal ranges as well
Nah, SM7B is a completely overated, mid-tier mic. Countless mics in it's price range outperform it.
@@Skrenja *shrug* ok.
SM7b in C tier, this is the way.
For me the AT2035 absolutely lives up in A tier for the price. It feels like the affordable alternative to the TLM102. Reaches nice and low with a smooth high end, without all the harshness you usually find in this price rage (NT1-A) plus high-pass and pad switches if you need them. Pretty handy for a cheap(ish) mic!
It's ended up as my main condenser and even replaced my NT1 as a mainstay.
Kitten chaos has become your box throw, really enjoyed this. Very happy to have found an audio channel up there with Podcastage but with a voice reference like my own. Hope you keep finding success here on youtube!
Thank you so much my friend! Kitten chaos makes for a good video but does certainly affect recording sometimes lol
The TLM 102 through a 1073 is amazing. I recently bought a Rode k2 and it is also great. Very silky sound. I already have a Blue Blueberry that I run through a Blue Robbie tube preamp and it’s simply stunning sound. Really any mic from 400 dollars all the way up you can get professional recordings. It’s mixing and mastering that add the magic.
Facts! Will have to check out the Rode K2, super unfamiliar
This is where I drop by and give my impressions on Behringer's SM57 clone: I think I got a bootleg. It made handling noise if you even thought about touching it. Foam wind screen, dual layer pop filter, it would pop without a plosive, forget wind instruments no matter the signal chain. The sticker, the texture, did not match Behringer's own pictures. The two wires going from connector to capsule were thinner than the average hairs of my beard.
Great video! I found that three components that I use makes more difference than which mic I use, and I have a lot...and they are 1. a DBX286 for amping, compression, de-esser and expander gate. 2. Aphex Exciter with big bottom...makes a big difference in harmonics and timber...good luck in finding one, but it has been replaced with the Aphex channel processor which unfortunately is $1000. Too bad Aphex doesn't make an exciter for the DBX 286 for less than $300. 3. MOTU M2 because of the low cost and the great LED bars which can show the level of a playback on the right bar and the input recording level on the left bar simultaneously, which enables one to adjust the recording input level with a previous recording.
Wow what a great and unique set up! Jealous, my equipment is super basic in comparison lol
Great videos...a DBX286 is a must have for better sound and noise suppression, and they are not that expensive, and there are a lot of videos on setting one up...see Julian Krause's videos on the DBX286. The Aphex Exciter gives the audio a lot more punch, but that probably wouldn't be beneficial with mic reviews.
A 3D printer and a giant Cisco videoconferencing appliance? You’ve got a techie in the family.
Haha yep! Actually the 3d printer is mine, I used to use it back when I was in architecture school, still use it sometimes to prototype stuff. Its a pretty awful one though, one of the super old unwieldy ones before 3d printers got more affordable
@@AudioHaze I have a 3D printer, a 3D labs cube. It’s a polished design and easy to use but the filament keeps getting jammed. Plus it’s slow and expensive to run.
Whoever says 3D printers will replace factories never used one.
Keep in mind this isn't how good the mics are for everyone, this is specifically for him and his voice. The sm7b and re20 are equals to everyone but you just need to figure out which one is for you. I wish I could get a re20 but I got a sm7b for $275 so I can't complain especially since it would be over $500 for the re20 with a shock mount and everything.
I subscribed the moment you said the sm7b was overhyped. I've been saying this for a long time. It's ~good~, but not as phenomenal as it get hyped to be when I think there are so many other great mics that (in my opinion) sound more appealing on a lot of voices, like the electro-voice.
The Neumann U87 was the replacement for the U67 tube condenser. The tube used in the U67 was discontinued.
Beyer fans are feeling left out in the cold... But fun video. I used the C214 when I was first getting serious about recording, it made me a treble junkie for life!
The md441 was used by stevie nicks of fleetwood mac's gold dust woman in a live version. What a performance and sound scape they made in that track absolutely in my top 10 favourite productions the sound scape is just stunning
Thank you for this video! I’ve been wanting something like this for a WHILE~ you did a great job and I love that you covered so many different ranges of mics. It’s 2021 and it needs to be addressed that good mics really have moved to a lower price range. Great videos man, keep it up :) AND CONGRATS ON SPONSORS AND STUFF!!!
THANK YOU MY FRIEND
I actually took the stereo pair of c214's out of the drum mic set to use as vocal mics in the studio one day and used them as my go-to's ever since. Great allrounder, sounds great on male and female vocals and even surprised me as like a second cab mic or room mic for some of that mentioned sparkle. Can't go wrong with those.
good to hear,ordered one a couple hours ago
You said alrounder but for me it has one of the strongest character of mic ive heard. I kinda love it (especially on female vocals) but its hard for me to imagine that it fits in every situation.
Amazing video!
Chose my microphone with the help of your videos💕, still watching your videos, they're awesome✨
I've recorded one of my best songs on the C414 2½ years ago in a professional studio, it's a really good mic but I'll be able to praise it even more when I get my mic (which I'll be receiving this week), to know how my voice actually is (how much low end how much highs it has got) on the Nt1😍
Ah that’s awesome!! Enjoy the new mic and so happy I could help :)
The SM7 is D tier for me! But C is good too!!
The Sennheiser MKS4 shockmount for MK4 and MK8 also fits TLM102, 103 and 107 at half the price of the Neumann shockmount.
Your "cat"?? You mean, Studio Assistant! Also, the RE20 is my goal mic. Just can't justify the price yet. Maybe if my channel grows some. lol Currently rocking the SM57, with a bit of EQing.
Hahaha so sorry, I didn't mean to diminish her role!! Clearly she's doing important work, will watch my wording lol
as a proud user of the NW-800 it does have bad room rejection but oh my good for the price its a fantastic deal and great for someone getting started whos a bit unsure
Yeah you can use it for some pretty creative stuff actually! Love that little mic haha
I love your vids, man. Honest and to the point.
Eyyy thanks! I try my best
This was a fun video thanks man
Your take on the 7b was on point. Beyond overrated for what it is. The streamer hype is real
You're 100% right about the SM7B. It might be the most overrated mic in existence. It's a muddy, boomy gain hog with hardly any clarity in the top end. The SM7B's reputation comes from people lumping it in with the vintage SM7 -- a legendary (and vastly superior sounding mic.)
i wonder where the Shure Beta 58 A would sit. Great vid btw !
Thank you!! Hmmm, probably a little higher than the 58? So maybe high B tier?
Love my RE20 and SM57 + clown nose and a high quality, high gain preamp. Both great for my voice.
Awesome list man ! I have the rode nt1 and I love it , should I use windscreen or pop filter when recording classical guitar knowing that my room is not treated? If I want to upgrade which mic you recommend for me ? (vocal & classical guitar)
Well, a pop filter and windscreen aren't going to help with reflections too much, but work with what you have! If you gotta record in a closet do it (unless its depressing and makes the take worse!). I personall have been loving the 440 Pure on voice and acoustic guitar, it is quite bright though. It sort of depends on whether you want a sparkly mic or a darker one you know.
My fav mic is the neumann kms105...it's so flat and so smooth...almost already equalized to tame the nasty resonance of the voice
Brotha you have it down! Needed this video and I’m glad you put the time in cause it shows. Ready to start this RUclips journey I’ve always wanted, I have a black cat as well She just turned 1, she’s my lil black pantha
Eyyyy nice! Yeah I got two :) didn't plan on having two black cats but the one I adopted was pregnant and I didn't know lol
@@AudioHaze keep up the videos man, I can tell you’re doing what you love. Already watched a couple of your videos I’m excited to see what you come out with 😎 and I wish I didn’t have to spay mine because id love to have a kitten of hers as well but man, having a cat in heat was a pain lmao
I can get on board with you backing your choice for a voice mic in the RE20 over the SM7B but as someone who bought an SM7B I have to say the difference between the two is razor thin. I could make a good argument that either mic is better and tbh, there are some days where I'd rather have a RE20 but to have it three whole tiers away from its brother broadcasting mic is.. well, a HOT take, for sure.
I really think there's quite a substantial difference in tone between the two! I did a whole review comparing both of them, I think the sound signatures of both are vastly different
I'm curious where you'd put the AT4040
they just put out a TLM 102 with a shock mount for $800. i'm thinking they saw your video hahah. does this change your rating in any way? the biggest problem you had with the TLM 102 was that it wasnt home studio friendly. also a agree with you about the sm7b. ive owned it for many years
Hmmm, Yeah I would say with shock mount and at a nice affordable package, it would be high A tier
i love the a and b cam transition! lol NT1 ftw my og
Hahaha thanks! NT1 is a damn solid choice can't go wrong
Would be fun to see you do this with some Telefunken,other Neumann, Manley, reference, Sony, Eden, Shute beta 58, etc
I personally think the SM7B sounds friendly and warmer, like two friends sippin a warm cup of coffee by the fire together. The RE20 allows through far too much bass from your voice making it sound like a bad EQ, and the S sounds are very harsh making my ears bleed but maybe I just have sensitive ears. So personally I'd swap the SM7B with the RE20. Good video otherwise.
Didnt Watch the video yet, but the b cam looks really good to me, probably because it has such good lighting ^^
Ah thank you so much!! I had to do some color correction too :)
I need a mic(or settings/filters) that picks up when I mutter/talk to myself but not picking up my AC or keyboard,
May I ask what did you use to compile these tier lists?
How do I tighten the re20 because it drops down rather than staying in place like yours
Would you recommend buying production music live's mixing and mastering course to learn mixing and mastering?
Oh I’m not sure, never looked into anything like that. Wouldn’t be able to accurately give feedback :/
what a lovely cat! Where would you put Samson q2u as an XLR?
Thanks! Bly's the best studio assistant :) I wouldn't know unfortunately! Haven't had the chance to check it out yet
Well, maybe sm7b is good mic, but i agree with c tier for that. For sm7b you need very good preamp, that can cost like 2-4 sm7b... And this mic not so good with background noise rejection.
I am sorry man, but AT2020 at the same level as an SM7b and the NT1a higher and the RE20 on S, I like your videos but I hardly disagree on some stuff here
I personally would set the SM7b and Re20 both on A tier, they fit on a lot of voices and you can do pretty great stuff with EQ on them. For me they are both the broadcast top dynamics.
NT1a is probably the pain of my existance, very sharp metalic highs and a lot of bedroom recordings I mixed with it, so I am like super biased. D Tier for me, objectivly probably a C Tier. AT2020 is for me a similar story, pretty popular but I dont like the sound, D Tier too. With the rest I kinda agree, I personally would set the 103 a tier higher but yeah your choice, I like the 103 because it's V Shaped but still smooth.
And one mic is missing on the S Tier, the XM8500 >:D
Ah got it, yeah to each their own, I understand! I think an important thing to take into account here is also the price point though! If this wasn't weighted, perhaps the AT2020 would be lower, but for $100, I really think its hard to beat imo, and yes the XM8500 sounds great but I wouldn't want to rank something I haven't had significant enough experience with :)
And I personally think C tier is _too_ high for the SM7B. Honestly don't understand what people see in that mic. Countless mics in it's price range sound better.
Hello, I'm thinking on buying a microphone, I do mostly RAP and METAL singing. The two options I'm thining about are the RODE NT1-A and the Lewitt 440. Any advice?
Guys don't get distrokid, they will remove your songs at some point and straight up lie to you about it, saying it's spotify's decision
Would love to see some ribbon mics make it into the mix of your biz❤
The microphone I use wasn’t even on the list, I use a Audio Technical BP40
just because I haven't reviewed it!
U don’t rank sm7b same as me. Reeeee!
we must fight in cage match!!
You trashed my Neumann TLM 102 and my Shure SM7b which nearly made me cry. I take it as a personal insult. Then.........a kitten appeared. More praise for my TLM 102 and more kittens in your videos. I thought that we had an agreement.
lol but I featured plenty of kittens I thought you would be pleased :(
@@AudioHaze The kittens yes. Slamming my mic babies no.
How hard is it to put the cat out of the room and shut the door before you start recording?
Great Video!!
Dear Audiohaze: I think you are def bias to high end mics, The Aston spirit was tested by the best of UK eng/producers blind to get the best sound. pretty bold to put the spirit in such a low class, vocal mics aside I would never recommend a dynamic in 2022. my opinion. the Blue bird from 2008 off a an ensemble thunderbolt using logic will destroy vocals used off a focusrite and a dynamic mic of any choice on any day and twice on Sunday.instruments are 1 thing , vocals and why a mic was built is another.Love your channel and thank you.
The B cam actually looks pretty good
Thanks!
You are not consistent. On one hand you criticize the TlM102 for the high price of it´s shockmount and on the other you rank the MD441 pretty high although it´s way too expensive for what it offers.
Don´t get me wrong, I do like the 441 a lot, it´s a great mic but it´s nearly as expensive as the C414 and that is a no-go.
And by the way: The SM7B is also way too expensive for what it offers. Why don´t you criticize that?
Neumann was and still is a premium brand with a great image. And of course you pay many extra-bucks just for that Neumann diamond. But the same goes for Mercedes, BMW, Rolls Royce and many other brands.
And apart from this the Neumann shockmount is the prettiest all around. It´s nearly a piece of art and so to me it´s worth it.
Hey Audiohaze, could you do a review of the Austrian Audio OC18 and maybe a comparison?
You may enjoy a review that's coming out soon ;)
This is a respectable list
Thanks Ian!
I agree with SM7B as a middle ground mic. Its decent. Not perfect. Definitely not buying the hype since I know of the better mics out there.
SM7B lacks in high frequencies. Boosts the lows. This is what the kids like now days.
Hahaha I like the idea of the kids being addicted to dark, warm microphones as if it were a drug lol
personally I would have put the 102 higher I've used the nt1a and nt1 and it sounds better than both
AT2035 is smoother than the AT2020..
the re20 sounds too scratchy and I don't like the highs imo
the sm7b just sounds so smooth and soft and a nice bass when you lift the mids/highs
Danke!
Thank you so much Rainer! You're entirely too kind
Can you do another one with alot of more microphones?
Yeah for sure! Wants I get a few more reviews under my belt we'll do another
I’ve seen that the SM7b and the RE20 are kinda similar, maybe because they are both dynamic microphones, but I was wondering if according to you the RE20 is better because you don’t have to EQ it that much for it to sound better, but what if I have no problem with that? With some post processing EQ? Is there any substantial difference between them that makes one preferable over the other more than just the original eq curve?
I think they sound substantially different from the get go yes, not to mention the RE20 is a bit easier to power. Of course, you're welcome to change either in post, but both will take to EQ in pretty different ways. You could feasibly match their tones with an EQ, but its never going to be an exact match. Personally, when I process the RE20, it takes about 5 minutes of treatment before I'm happy :)
@@AudioHaze Ohh I get it, awesome, thank you for your explanation dude
Bro tlm 102 - if you want the shock Mount you have to buy it with the shock Mount set 😂
Yo! I would like to know what mic you would prefer for audio recording (Vocals) in this list would like to be under $1000 range
Great, insightful critique! Too bad about the cat.
The cats all good and healthy! Unless you just mean you don't like cats lol
would have loved to see an earthworks mic in there
Me too! Unfortunately I haven't had the pleasure to test it out
I love my Lewitt440 Pure.
When will you review the TLM 103?
When I can afford it, ya boys no big shot
@@AudioHaze haha fair enough
Nice. Where is sE? Se2022 is a great mic!
Where would the Audio-Technica AT2035 go?
To me, right around the AT2020, I find them pretty similar
not a lot of people talk about the sony c100
I wonder why
$$$ Quite honestly I have no reference for how it sounds, very unfamiliar with Sony mics and the price point makes it hard to attain I think
Nw-800… is asss.. but I’ve gotten some spicy recordings outta it
You took an A or even S tier mic and put it in C tier because most people overrate it? Or most of its users don't know how to use it? How is that the mic's fault? How does that reflect even remotely on the actual quality of the mic? You basically rated its users and not the mic itself. (Consider: If the U87 were only $400 and everyone in their bedroom were buying one and using it terribly such that most U87 recordings out there sounded like garbage, that wouldn't make it a C tier mic.)
sm7b deserve an A or at least a B cmon man think about it you were going to say that a neewer nw 800 which costs 20 dollars is equal to a legendary microphone such as the sm7b
late comment, sorry father but i have a biast for the re20 after adult swim played bodysnatchers randomly one day
Hahah I mean I have the same bias because Radiohead as a whole so I get it
The C214 is way too bright and not great sounding for the price... I actually have found the P420 to be relatively neutral with a little boost on the highs and is definitely affordable for a multipattern mic... Every Lewitt mic I have ever heard slices my ears with high end...
Weird! Different strokes for different folks I guess :)
I had an RE 20. I thought it was really drab. The RE27ND is way better. A Tech Zone X2 is way closer to a U87!!!!
Were would the mic frm mi iPhone headphones go ?
lol F tier with price weighted into the equation
3:51 CAT
My most despised word of 2021: monetize 🤬🤬🤬As for your 2021 mic tier list (whatever that means); since I'm a newbie to home studio recording I still have a lot to learn about mics. And I think due to my age, my hearing isn't what it used to be, whether it be a mic that cost an arm and a leg or one that cost $10 at Walmart, I'd have a hard time distinguishing the better sounding between the two. These old ears might not be able to detect good mic quality, but at least I can stll rely on them to detect good music, for example: Radiohead, Hozier, and Olivia Rodrigo. 🎅🏼🎸🎅🏼 Merry New Year and Happy Christmas! (OMG!! 😻😻You have a black cat!! 😻😻Are you an ailurophile like me?!? 😻😻My black feline's name is Shadow, he's a male, and loves my cuddles!! 😻😻)
Hahaha yeah I get it, "monetize" is such a passive word these days, right up there with "passive income". Ah thats awesome one of my old cats was named Shadow!! She was so sweet :)
hey could you link all the mics in the description please? or atleast put the names
Hey! Absolutely, give me 20 or 30 minutes and I’ll do this
@@AudioHaze sweet thanks
I'm in love with your kitten
Me too
Great vid
Thanks!!
Curious to know where the Se V7 would place here
I'll need to check that mic out! I haven't had the pleasure but I see many people asking :)
How about the Stellar X2?
Unfortunately I wouldn't know! Trying to stick with microphones I've spent a good amount of time with.
Thanks!
I agree with quite a few of your placements. Which is surprising me, given how subjective this topic is. I agree with the TLM102 on B-Tier, I agee with the AKG C214 on A-Tier, I agree with the RODE NT-1a on B, and surprise, even the NT1 on A-Tier. (Yes, i'm a sucker for its sound, but I still agree its not quite there, when it comes to vocals. Not the S-Tier yet.) I agree with the AT2020 on C-Tier, i TOTALLY agree on the Sennheiser MD441 on A-Tier (it sounds amazing! - nice to see others finding it finally), i agree on the Aston Spirit on B-Tier and I agree on the SM57 on C-Tier and the SM58 on B-Tier. On a related note to the SM57 and SM58: I'd probably put the Beta 58A on B-Tier as well, tho a bit above the SM58.
One might argue, the Neumann U87 in it's own right is overhyped, as you did put it with the Shure SM7B. Why the heck is that, you might ask. Well: Think about it. You find this microphone in pretty much all studios, which can afford it. Ask yourself, why. You hyped it with sentences like "its legendary" - or "you all heard it on one of your fav recordings" - but thats exactly the point I was going for. It has a elitist hype around it. Just because it has been used forever, doesn't necessarily mean, it belongs in S-Tier NOWADAYS. Still, i agree with your placement. The sound out of this thing is off the charts - at least for brighter male voices and female voices. Lets agree on a certain coloration it puts on the voices. It certainly isn't flat, which is apparent with the Hump it's response graph has around 10kHz, no matter which pickup pattern you choose.
Just because of this, i'd choose the Earthworks Audio SV33 over the Neumann U87 in that price range already. But I also feel like the SV33 is cleaner in the high frequencies. I need to emphasize: cleanER. It's not like the U87 was a mess up there or anything. Far from it, actually. Still, the way small diaphragm microphone capsules work, give the SV33 a bit more stable top end. And if you are a sucker for the Neumann Sound - why don't you just get the TLM103 instead? Its almost impossible to ever spot a difference between the U87 and the TLM103, if you really manage to get the exact same volume out of both microphones.
As for the Neewer NW-800. Your wish to not put it in F-Tier because of the low price was a right choice - but only with these microphones on their own. You can get 18-25 dollar microphones that will whipe the floor with the NW-800. Try the Behringer BA85A. Honestly, try a few really cheap dynamic microphones. They will put the NW-800 in its place. To me, anythin below 40-50 Dollars is out of reach for condenser microphones. They get too noisy. Because of this, I personally would still put the NW-800 on F-Tier.
As for the Shure SM7B - yes, it's overhyped. Heck yea, it is. And people shove credits from its predecessors on it to boot, naming it "The Michael Jackson Microphone". I'm always like: Oh, you mean on the Thriller Album? That was the SM7. And it sounded a whole lot different.
What about rode NT 2a ?
Not sure! Never got a chance to try it out yet
What about the mv7
Heard great things! But I wanted to keep it to mics I've reviewed or used in the studio
Sounds great for the price, I never tested how it actually sounds, but I've heard some comparisons and the only issue with the mic seems to be the poor control for plosive sounds. It would be as good as an SM7b if that issue gets fixed.
@@Angelo-vb6dg hey thanks homie got one coming in🤙
The B cam has better lighting
This is true