Dude. I used to look for videos like these when I was a beginner and was so frustrated NO ONE kept it simple. This right here? GOLD. No intro, no outro, Straight to the point, GREAT arguments and amazing pace. THANK YOU for this video and please keep making more. Again, this is GOLD.
Exactly. Clean. To the point. I’ve always looked for outliers. Those mics with exceptional value that no one has discovered….yet. I picked up my sE VR2 ribbons for less than half of what they’re going for now. I still have a full compliment of JTS NX series mics I picked up for 40-60% the cost of an SM58. Most singers (but not all) who are given them to try at sound check choose them for the gig. There is so much affordable gear out there that punches well above its weight that you can pretty much do 90% of what you’re trying to achieve for a modest outlay Remember, when it comes to quality, assuming you have a half Ok microphone, the order of importance is 1. Performance 2. Mic position / placement 3. Instrument 4. Room 5. Mic 6. Pre / signal chain 7. Converters A good performance cut on a wax cylinder is going to be more appealing than a soulless performance at some famous studio.
i thought it was maybe attention span or adhd or something, but its not apparently, its people going on and on about useless crap. (i likely dont have ADHD) (i just wonder when somebody wont shut up and wont get to the point.... orr someones talking way too much and is feeding too much infomation too quickly[my teacher])
Usually my ADD makes me skip into videos extremely fast, but yours I can watch from beginning to end with minimal issues! That audio interface vid was gold too
Wait, that's honestly what you came away with from a video giving opinions vs true, side by side comparisons with audio examples on multiple sources? Wow... 👀
@@Dracomies Im excited to see! if you got iPad I’d love to see a video breakdown of what interfaces work best with iPad as in latency app compatibility etc. I know most newer ones work fine but I got an old fast track pro and the latency is bad but I think it’s cause iPad don’t have the drivers. But with you having a lot of good gear it would be interesting to see! Keep up the good work!
Hot takes here, but I agree with everything you said, with one slight difference: With the U87, it can still be worth getting IF youre a studio that already has all the other mics you mentioned and are looking to expand your mic selection. This is especially applicable since brand power sometimes makes a difference in how people perceive your level of professionalism. Personally though, I would prefer to get the Lewitt LCT 1040 because for a similar price it gives a lot more options.
I agree here. Despite my comments in the vid. It took me a while to understand this but if I was a studio who needed to service 700 voiceactors (as an example) what is the ONE microphone that would make all 700 sound good/acceptable/great. Probably the U87. I think there is truth when I say that a mic 'can' sound better than a U87 at a fraction of the cost. But - as you mentioned - the big selling point of the U87 is its versatility.
@@Dracomies Having the tools customers/clients want or expect, often deters them from trying to push blame in your direction. It helps them rationalize what they are paying you. And, on very rare occasions, improves the work. Rarely to a level anyone but us notices.
There is no mic that is really that versatile, certainly not the U87. You only get real versatility with EQ and with a variety of mics with different off-axis sounds, to do things that EQ cannot do. (Because you can't EQ the on- and off-axis sound separately.) The U87 has an overall FR curve that's pretty good for a variety of sources, but not ideal for most of them. Neumann's engineers chose a particular FR curve that de-emphasizes the high frequency response of the K67 capsule, but does it in a crude way. The capsule has a broad resonance peak in the treble, and they chose to roll off the treble. But that doesn't just bring down the peak and flatten the mic. It also affects higher frequencies, so you get less high-frequency extension. (Very high frequencies drop off.) That's bad when you want to capture the high frequencies in, say, cymbals. There's also a bass roll off that's good for many sources, but not for others, and only perfect for a few things. For most things, you'll want either a little more bass extension or a little less. You can mostly more or less fix these things with EQ, but if you're willing to use EQ to get the effects you want (and know how) there are LOTS of fine mics that are similarly versatile, most of them costing much, much, MUCH less than a Neumann U87, and some of them sounding very much like a U87AI, if that's what you really want, with a little EQ. Like most conventional condenser mics, the U87 has a particular sound largely determined by how the off-axis sound differs from the on-axis sound, which is mostly down to the physics of its K67 capsule design (and fairly acoustically transparent headbasket). For close miking things on-axis in a relatively dead room, most decent condenser mics can be EQ'd to sound much like the others. In live rooms, with reverberant sound hitting the mic off-axis, and/or with multiple instruments arrayed in space, the off-axis sound matters. A U87 sounds different from a U47 or a C12, and EQ can't make any of them sound just like the others. The Townsend Sphere emulating mic (and plugin) can often do a pretty good job of that, though, because it captures the sound hitting the back of the mic separately from the sound hitting the front, and can EQ them differently to approximate the off-axis sound of different mics. The U87 is not nearly as versatile as the Sphere, which is an expensive mic but still a fraction of the price of a U87. The u87 is a ridiculously expensive mic for what it is. It is not the be-all and end-all mic, and calling it especially "versatile" is just misleading. It is no more versatile than many much cheaper mics that sound pretty much like it, but with somewhat different overall FR curves. The U87 is a pretty imitable mic, because its K67 capsule is fairly easily copyable, and has been copied quite well, and its circuit is good but really not all that special; it can be slavishly copied (and has been in boutique mics) or bested by any reasonable standard other than slavish copying. This worshipful mystique about classic Neumann mics is kind of disgusting. (BTW Neumann engineers don't talk like Neumann fanboys. They're kind of annoyed by being handcuffed to their old designs as if they were somehow the pinnacle of mic engineering.) If you want versatility, buying a U87 is not the way to get it. Spending the same amount of money on a number of fine mics with different kinds of capsules (large and small, center-terminated and edge-terminated, single and dual diaphragm, different polar patterns, etc.) is a much better way. And above all, learn to use EQ! Or fix the acoustics of your space before throwing money away on expensive mics, which can't fix bad acoustics. Get some bass traps, especially, because most "unidirectional" mics are close to omnidirectional at low frequencies, and the "room mode" low-frequency resonances will get into your recordings unless you radically EQ the bass out.
@@paulw.3967having worked in a studio for a few years, I can tell you it's not entirely an unwarranted reputation. The u87 didn't work for everyone, but between it and the neumann km184 they did cover hundreds of voice over actors for documentaries, commercials and audio books, without needing more than the tiniest bit of eq. Not sure I could say the same for any other mics in our arsenal, and we had about 60 of them. Were there much cheaper mics that worked nearly as well for specific actors /singers with some eq? For sure. But it wasn't just confirmation bias making those two mics in particular "just work". And it was a mastering studio I worked in, with several awards to its name. My boss was very big on very close, critical listening and backing up audio instincts with repeatable results and frequency responses. I own a couple of mics that have supposedly the same capsule and.. They don't sit the same in a mix and they don't have the same universal usability. There's more to it.
Nice video but one thing I would disagree on, if you intend to record vocals in an untreated home studio don't get the AT2035 over the AT2020. The AT2035 is too sensitive for that and will pick up way more ambience and room reverb, which is more difficult to clean up. Condenser mics in general suck for this though so you'd probably be better off with a dynamic mic like the SM-7B.
@@DracomiesI thought the Wave 1 was discontinued. I got lucky and bought it before the sale ended, and it was like $50 on its own. With EQ, it punches way over the price I paid for it.
When i first started doing RUclips as a hobby. my father (Who had a band that would play gigs at bars all over) gave me a couple of Behringer XM8500's and an old band interface that fortunately had an dual channel rca output that i used an rca to aux cord to link to my mic port on my PC. though the old and loud band interface crapped out my two 8500's still are being used today. RIP dad you saved me a lot of money gifting me these affordable goated microphones!
Rocking the xm8500. Legit one of the best microphone recommendations video one can see. Have been looking for some different mics to try out so I am saving this video for later
XM8500 has no business being $20 and sounding as good as it does. I feel like the next step past the XM8500 are mics like SEV7, SEV7MK, maybe the RODE M2.
This video is well meaning but this is only one person's opinion on all these microphones. If you have a cheaper microphone like an AT2020, use it. I don't agree that "they should never be recommended" without even considering the application. If you're starting out and you manage to find one of those AT, MXL or Rode mics on the used market for a bargain price, and you want to record, then get it. Don't let someone tell you you can't make music or practice your art because you have the "wrong" gear. Don't be self conscious because of the gear you use. The point is to make music with whatever you have. If the perfect mic or instrument existed, EQ and other signal processing wouldn't exist. Make something good and when someone asks "What kind of microphone did you use?" Answer "You tell me." If the microphone is so important, then what you used should be obvious to anyone listening, right? Don't worry about it.
I have to respectfully disagree. When you break it down, there are better ways to spend your $100. Don't get me wrong, if you already own an AT2020, make the most of it! But if you're in the market for a new mic, I'd say look elsewhere. The AT2020 has some notable flaws and harsh sibilance. For the same price, you can find mics that outperform it. It's like settling for a meh pair of shoes when you could get a great pair for the same price. Again, if you own it, sure. If you don’t own it, don’t buy it. There’s better options.
@@Dracomies I think it would have been good to say in the video, as you said here, that if you already have the microphones on the "do not buy" list, to make the most of them. It's clear from the comments there are some insecure folks that are viewing your opinions, finding their mic purchases on the list of "undesirables" and they are now feeling unsure they can do what they want because they have the "wrong" microphone. I'm not hanging all their insecurities on you or this video, and I know the intent here is to help. Good intentions notwithstanding, I just wanted to point out to some of those folks that not having "the best" microphone at a particular price point will not prevent one from writing and recording a great song or a great voice acting performance. The video was good. I just have a different take. However I'm happy we can discuss and disagree in a civil manner.
Got my AT2020 when these podcasters were still in diapers! Funny, I bough a 2020 for a buddy this year - looking at the order now, it was a 2035 - did't get a change to test it. I still use the 2020 and it definitely needs a screen.
@@JacanaProductions Diapers 😂 Yeah, the young ones are really spoiled for choice these days. Back in the day you bought a "good mic" and you learned to use technique and equipment to overcome shortcomings... because every mic has flaws depending on what source you're trying to capture. With all the choices these days, looking for the "perfect" mic is a never ending quest. Best use what's at hand and get on with it.
blanket statements like “don’t get this mic, it’s not good. get this, it’s better” don’t really do anyone any favours. mics sound different on different people because no 2 voices are the same.
The overall statement is valid. For example I have both the AT2020 and 2035. If I were told for just $50 the 2035 is better quality I would find that helpful.
@@johnjson they were just fine bro. If you’re not topping the charts it hardly makes a difference anyways. A clean mix will work for anyone just starting
@@SeverancePay500 why not shoot for a better sounding mic if you can get something for the same price? I'd rather get something that's better even if some of these are "fine"
As an owner of the NT1-A, who totally loves the mic and uses it for all kinds of sources, and has never had an NT1 to compare it to, what are the main differences you notice? And what is it about the NT1-A that makes you say not to buy it, in favor of the NT1 instead? Very curious. Great video, thanks!
If you do have a deeper voice and don't have a very sibilent voice (like me) it's actually an awesome mic still. I like how it sounds on my voice to this day. That's the most important part that you like how it sounds in *your* application. If you use it in a studio with female vocals the NT1 would probably be a wayyy better choice due to the more neutral sound signature (like modular7even717 is pointing out).
I use my NT1a pair for micing acoustic guitars. They work great for picking up sounds details, much better than NT1's, IMHO, which sounds dead flat straight to HO. I think almost all microphones have a use case, it just depends on your budget and sensibility 🤷
Thanks for this video. I love when people cut through the hype surrounding equipment and give more reasonable alternatives. I can't count how many times I've seen musicians on Twitch streaming their guitar from their bedroom with a U87. I would recommend Aston Microphones for quality mics that punch way above their cost. To get started the Aston Stealth is a good SB7B replacement for about $100 less, and the Aston Spirit is an excellent LBC for $379 usd.
Man this has been the best video I've seen yet on this topic. I've been researching which mic I want to get and have watched dozens of videos... This is the only one I needed. Thanks, keep it up!
Great video! Straight to the point. Personally, I'll stick with my Blue Yeti. Got it at a heavy discount when I bought it (half it's current price here in Brazil), I like the different cardioid condenser options on it, and Logitech G-hub has a lotta functions I find useful.
samson QTU was what i grabbed on a random whim when i needed a desktop USB-capable mic, and the XLR connectivity was enough to convince me that it was something to keep around. lo and behold, when i got it home, it sounded better than any other mic i’d used up to that point. even with the popguard removed, a bit of distance and proper angle makes it work perfectly.
I see no mention for the Shure Sm57 or Sm58 in this video. Are they worth it? Which is the more versatile out of the two (podcast, singing, instruments)?
Great video, thanks! How come there is no Lewitt LCT 440 Pure? The 440 Pure is definitely very competitive and goes head to head with some of your top picks.
im guessing its because they are not as well-known. i tried searching them up on my country's Amazon and its literally doesn't exist here. if i were to buy from another country or on Amazon the shipping doesn't go to Vietnam or the cost of shipping is insane
@@CosmoBubblegum. yes, but they are pretty well known in the US... and the channel is from the US... so I think that's not the reason... My guess is that the industry is super traditional... I think the lct 240 pro for 99 dollars sounds much better than the blue amber... plus it looks good and feels more valuable... he also mentions boothjunkie and he is actually raving about lewitt... and talking about mics for podcasts... there was a review about the new lewitt ray on forbes recently... so I would not say that they are not well known these days...
Lct 440 pure sounds digital artificial smooth ,don't sound natural , and it doesn't sound full n rounded, very top heavy with thin sound, yah but in its budget its one of the best, better than nt1a
IMO you really only need one mic. The good old Shure SM57. Put it on vocals, put it on drums, put it on guitars, put it on amps, put it on anything and it’ll sound great.
i'm currently using a Behringer XM8500 microphone, and I’m debating whether to buy an M-Track Solo or a Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen as my audio interface. I’m aiming for clean, noise-free audio. Which one would you recommend for long-term use? Or should I consider upgrading to the Shure MV7 instead? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I might be late to this (just got recommended by RUclips haha) but man this was one of the best if not the best mic video I've watched (and I've seen hundreds of them). Like others mentioned straight to the point and easy to understand with a huge variety of good alternative mics to the usually recommended ones in other peoples videos that offer even better value (and comparable or better sound quality).
Yes. Julian Krause has a video that says exactly how to use any parametric EQ plugin to make the XM8500 sound very much like an SM7b, for about a twentieth the price. (At least for the kind of simple talking stuff that most people want an SM7b for.)
the u87 is a great mic but for vocals i can't get my head around why so many people buy it. sure it depends on the voice but often times the 87 just doesn't do the trick for most voices, there are better options out there
Absolutely great video! I need a suggestion now after going across so many mics I’m confused. I’m looking for a budget microphone setup for recording videos. My requirements are quiet simple : 1) Budget under $100 (Brand new / Used I’m okay with anything) 2) The mic will be out of shot while recording the video mostly for RUclips/ Instagram 3) I’ve no idea how audio works hence the voice should have good clarity and should sound fuller with just little processing. Thanks for the help!
I get that the MXL 990 doesn't sound good at all at stock, but i think people buy this microfone because it's a awesome mod plataform. For like $100 you can make it sound as good as a u87
I stay away from condenser mics because of room echo so maybe it's because I'm on the opposite side of the mic world, but I've never heard of modding them. I'll have to look that up since I'm looking to make a treated space soon for one. Thanks for letting us all know.
@@lucas_laux Absolutely. It isn't the best mic for those things, but it surely can do a little bit of everything if you know how to mic position and EQ/compress it. And never forget: "The best mic is what you have."
If you get into mic modding or building, you can make some really great mics for very cheap. My favorite mic us a used donir behringer B2 pro body with a CK-12 capsule. The whole thing was about $200 and blows every other one of my mics out of the water.
I was a bit sad you said not to get the AT2020 - buuuuut it was in favour of the obviously better AT2035 which actually makes sense. To be honest, though, I use my 2020 for video calls and so its not working hard. And I didn't know about the 2035 when I bought it either. But the 2020 is the favourite of all the mics I own (and I have an EV N/D-757 in the drawer).
Personally, I love their headphones, but hate the 2020. There's just something about it I absolutely despise. There are far better sounding mics in that price range. I don't know why so many people recommend it. It sounds horrible. NT1 or Aston Spirit sound way better. NT1 needs a bit more eq help than the Aston Spirit, but both provide a good quality sound where the at2020 to me sounds like a cheap $20 mic.
already cant take this p0s seriously the audio technica AT2020 was used on a billie eilish on album which made millions of dollars its a literally very respected microphone in the industry, the fact youre crapping on it makes you sound uneducated
@@Skrenja THIS. A U87 usually doesn't sound much different from a decent Chinese-made $150-$200 mic with a K67-type capsule, give or take a little EQ. Neumann's K67 condenser capsule (used in the U87) is one of the easier capsules to copy, and there are pretty good Chinese copies (from Takstar and Beijing 797 Audio) for about $40. (If you want to go all out, you can get an essentially perfect copy from Arienne Audio for $200.) K67-type capsules naturally have a bright frequency response, and the Neumann U67 & U87 have EQ built into the mic to roll off the highs a few dB. Many Chinese-made mics have a K67-type capsule with a similar frequency response and a flat circuit, or one that rolls off the highs some, but not as much as Neumann's circuits. If you use those mics, you can make them sound much more like a multi-thousand-dollar Neumann just by doing Neumann-style EQ in your DAW, rather than in hardware. There is nothing wrong with using EQ to make a K67-based mic less bright. That's what Neumann's engineers did in the hardware. Doing it in software accomplishes the exact same thing, with the benefit of introducing a tiny bit less noise. BTW, for build quality I'm really impressed with AKG Perception 200 and 400 (or P220 / P420) series mics, which use K67 style capsules from one of the aforementioned Chinese companies, I forget which). They're a little too bright, but that's easy to fix. And SKRENJA IS RIGHT ABOUT ACOUSTICS. If your acoustics suck, no amount of money spent on mics will fix it, and EQ can't fix it either. If you only have a few thousand dollars to spend (like most people if they're LUCKY), you're way better off spending most of that on fixing your acoustics than blowing it on an overpriced German mic. Neumann has made great contributions to mic technology... mostly in the past... but the U87 especially is among the mics that have been most successfully copied for much lower prices. (It's easier to copy its K67 capsule reasonably well than, say, the CK12 capsule in an AKG C12 microphone. The latter is a real pain in the ass to manufacture and there are no good cheap copies.) BTW I agree that the U87 is versatile. But so is an AKG Perception 420 (which sounds very much like it but a little brighter and with better bass extension) for less than a tenth the price.
the KSM32 is an absolute POWERHOUSE of a microphone, same price as the sm7b, MILES BETTER, the only mic under 1k that can genuinely compete with and out-perform the U87 and TLM 102 other than maybe the Austrian Audio OC18. I recommend that mic above all others.
So many people don’t know anything about mics have never tried many but insist on needing to spend huge money. Personally I love the sE2200A. I got it new for under $200 on a close out cause they upgraded something. Now it’s a lot more. I’ve wanted to try the v7s for my portable writing rig. Good vid man
I loved the video and the advice. As an (ahem, and get off my lawn) older guy, I’d love it if you kept the camera on the alternatives for about twice as long as you do. Same for the very funny inserts. I needed to use the pause/play button and the “
I agree with this video, except that, there's no "bad" mics in this video, just some are over priced, and some are under priced. I've recorded pro-level tracks with the neewer, and I've recorded with a u87 and everything in between. The microphone is much less important than the skill, but the takeaway here is that you can get fantastic quality at nearly any budget, and if you understand sound you can make any mic work for your needs. With that said, these days, I've reduced my collection to 3 mics, I have an atx 40 dynamic, I have a behringer dynamic that I put in an excelvan housing to give it a condenser mic look and feel on stage, and I have an mxl 2001a transformer condenser. I don't need any more mics, don't want any more mics, and there's not a single studio situation I've encountered that these mics can't handle. Even drums. Behringer on the kick, atx on the snare, and the mxl as an overhead with a stereo imager plugin, and its butter on a biscuit. The combination works great as an amp mic array, all three work well as a vocal mic, two of three work great as a live vocal mic, all three work great as an instrument mic (acoustic, violin, cello, etc)... there's not been a situation I've needed or wanted another mic after I downsized my collection.
This is a great comment! And you're absolutely right. None of these mics are bad................well...the Neewer is bad though...but for the most part these mostly can be worked with. But yeah, some are definitely what I would call...opportunity costs. ie the mics I mention over them generally were at the same pricepoint and one I'd veer towards. But yes, all of these mics are viable. :P
That was phenomenal sir. Clean and to the point. Bravo 👏 I’ve always looked for outliers. Those mics with exceptional value that no one has discovered….yet. I picked up my sE VR2 ribbons for less than half of what they’re going for now. I still have a full compliment of JTS NX series mics I picked up for 40-60% the cost of an SM58. Most singers (but not all) who are given them to try at sound check choose them for the gig. There is so much affordable gear out there that punches well above its weight that you can pretty much do 90% of what you’re trying to achieve for a modest outlay Remember, when it comes to quality, assuming you have a half Ok microphone, the order of importance is 1. Performance 2. Mic position / placement 3. Instrument 4. Room 5. Mic 6. Pre / signal chain 7. Converters A good performance cut on a wax cylinder is going to be more appealing than a soulless performance at some famous studio. I also look for other people’s _broken dreams_ There is so much used gear out there, when you’re a tech, and when you buy enough of it, and average out the purchases that weren’t ideal, I fitted myself out for less than a third of the discounted / street price budget I drew up. Pro tip. If you like Rode, have a look at BeezNees mics. A little more expensive, but I have a couple of his cheaper units I purchased used, and they are phenomenal value, with excellent customer service.
U87 is a great mic but the price is inflated by it's ubiquitousness and brand name. I preferred the valve powered Sontronics Mercury which is around half the price and comes in a bulletproof metal suitcase with a lifetime warranty
Good stuff and 3 more to add to the budget list... the Neat Microphones King Bee 2, Neat Worker Bee 2, and Music Villa MV3. For a combo USB/XLR mic - go for the Rode NT1 5th Generation for around $250 .
Go for the classic NT1 4th gen instead of the signature. You find them cheaper now since the price drop with the signature. The classic 4th gen is a bit smoother or say, more precise in frequency response and therefor the better tool.
Your strong words worked on me, and I’m here to comment. Love my mxl and at2020. They each have their place and I don’t agree that with saying they shouldn’t be recommended
I think there's 2 approaches. Someone who already has it. Then sure, use what you have. But approach 2 is someone else who hasn't bought it. They have $100. They are deciding. Then, no it's a simple answer. Don't get the AT 2020. It's 2024, way better mics than those sorry to say.
@@Dracomies I guess there’s a couple ways to look at it. If someone has $100 they could get a used at2020 and an older interface that still sounds good. If they have $300+ then get the newer stuff
I got a presonus pd70 as a cheaper alternative to the sm7b and has been so good. I haven't used or know how a sm7b would sound but before the pd70 i owned a newer nw800 (dogshit mic) and the upgrade from that cheap mic to the presonus was mind blowing. Now the presonus is a bit gain heavy and need a lot of gain for it to work. But it's really clear and sharp and gives it a really nice warm tone to my voice, and doesn't pickup other sounds other than my voice. I'm looking to get a new shotgun mic as well to have as a B mic for my camera and the At875R is really attractive for just that!
PD70 imo veers towards thin when it comes to dynamics. Hear how it compares to other dynamics on 3 people here: ruclips.net/video/IVB6JRPfJjc/видео.html
@@Dracomies I've never felt it bright or thin how it sounded in the video linked, i even boost the high's and remove a bit of low when mixing the mic even. Really interesting to hear this comparison, already bought it and still loving it though 😂😂
It's brighter and thinner in comparison to other dynamics for dang sure. // You boost the highs on the PD70? What headphones do you use to monitor your audio. There may be a disconnect. It's either that or your voice is naturally more deeper than the average cat :P @@SoundKillerOfficial
@@DracomiesOn a similar tangent tho (based on the manufacturer lol), you might want to consider the Revelator Condenser/Dynamic as another substitute for the Blue Yeti. They're both, like, half off at the moment ($80-100), great build quality, and both have onboard DSP which is great for the streamer/content creator-types as well lol
@@Dracomies Have you tried EQing it? Brightness or thinness is often trivially fixable with appropriate EQ. Room EQ Wizard (free software) can often be really handy for measuring the differences between mics and EQing them mostly away. (Anybody reviewing mics should learn to use REW to get some objective data. You don't need an anechoic chamber or even a calibrated measurement microphone to measure the differences between mics, to make one sound more like another. And with an inexpensive measurement mic, you can do some pretty good measurements of mid to high frequency stuff; you get some anomalies in the bass without an anechoic chamber, but for condenser mics it's usually pretty easy to understand what's the mic and what's a room mode causing a bump in the low frequency FR.)
85% you are correct but after a certain price, the gear simply doesn’t matter, billie eilish did her breakout album on an at202, food for thought, go by taste
I think the rules are different in singing and admittedly this isn't my field of expertise. But an AT2020 shouldn't be recommended for voiceover in 2024, it needs to stop.
Lewitt LCT 240 on sale for under $100 has been the best deal I've ever had. Bright but not sibilant, good rich warmth and bass, and smooth mids. Very clear and crisp, almost too crisp that I can pick up "mouth sounds" if I want to. Great microphone and highly recommended.
Well.. don't buy these microphones for which context? Lead Singing? Back Singing? Streaming?.... I'm using The Rode NT1A and I'm making great vocal records! It depends on voice, recording environment, ...etc. Every microphone is great for a specific job and voice in my opinion. Thnx for the vidéo!
I was quite suspicious to all these kinds of videos that simply tell you "Don't buy these, buy those". But after a while for experiencing several picks from my own points, I realize how stupid I was. He's right, man. Believe what he said. IT REALLY HELPS.
5:41 Hey, that's the microphone that I use! I remember upgrading to it from my Samson Q2U when I decided it was time, and it's been doing me really well in terms of what I like to do (that being making music).
I've been using a Shure SM57 with a Triton Audio Fethead and it's been my go-to for any and everything between voice work, podcasts, Discord calls, and guitar recording (acoustic and amplifier). Extreme versatility and it really should cost ~$150 between the mic and preamp.
I have never used the USB microphones but largely agree with your analysis of the XLR microphones. The XM8500 suffers from handling noise and depending on the use case it may be better to buy a $100 handheld from Shure, AKG, EV, Sennheiser, etc. I really like the KSM32 but do prefer the U87. It is subjective and voice dependent. You are paying a lot for a German handmade through-hole constructed microphone from a premium manufacturer, it is highly sought and the other patterns are very useable on other sources in addition to voice. You certainly don’t need to have it but it is a great microphone to own.
Yes, for handheld applications, the XM8500 can suffer relative to a $100 mic with better internal shockmount. But conversely it can sub for a $400 "broadcast" mic, with a bit of EQ. (You don't usually hand hold an SM7b.) Through-hole construction isn't necessarily better than SMD unless you're modding (as I do) or re-capping. It's nice, and if I paid $3000 for a mic I'd certainly want to be able to replace the capacitors in 25 or 50 years... but for most people, mics with mostly SMD circuits (that cost way less) are fine. Multipattern mics aren't usually all that, though; most of them are optimized for cardioid and aren't really great in figure-8 or omni. For figure 8 you may want a ribbon, which has less phasing issues due to the shorter distance around the side of the ribbon, and for omni you likely want an omni SDC. One funny thing about multipattern is that the on-axis frequency response is usually pretty different in different polar patterns, and best in cardioid. To me, that's usually a bad thing, but for some people who are afraid of just using EQ it's a good thing, because it gives them options with different EQ implications without admitting they're using EQ.
@@paulw.3967 in the context of broadcast or podcast of course handling noise is of little relevance and the XM8500 become a more attractive option sonically. It seems as though many in those groups prefer to use a more “broadcast” looking option vs. handheld stage microphones so likely won’t consider it. Aside from modding, repair, etc. I prefer using through hole leaded parts as often higher quality components are available e.g., film caps, older higher performance JFETs, etc. Yes the performance is a compromise regarding noise, frequency response and even the pattern itself to a certain extent when using multipattern condenser microphones. All of them will exhibit variation in frequency response with a change in pattern. I suppose the physical limitations of combing the front and rear capsule output could be compensated using a DSP or something similar but I’ve not seen anything practical that does that. The compromises must be acceptable as many of us still use them in addition to ribbons and SDCs. if you need one, you need one and Neumann multipattern LDCs are a respectable option.
Awesome! Make sure you buy a windscreen with it. It sounds much less sibilant with it and helps with plosives. And bring the mic about 3 fingers away. Watch my Sm7B video on proper mic technique with dynamic mics. That mic is awesome and is about as good as $100 dynamics :D
I use the Onstage ones but yip it benefits greatly from one. www.amazon.com/Stage-Ball-Type-Microphone-Windscreen-Black/dp/B0002GXF8Q@@lunascomments3024
I have XM8500 for 2 years I think, I recorded shit ton of stuff with it, both vocals and electric guitar. It's a must have mic, I can't recommend it enough.
KSM32 - thank you so much! However - the WA87 R2 is on sale at Andertons for a bit less than the KSM32 (a black one) I've also seen for a good price - v small home studio. got basstraps, about 9 classic dynamics (No RE-20 yet), Avantone CV-12 and WA47 tube mics are here already. I don't have a 'normal' LDC - I must decide ;-) My next project wants Bob Marley style vocals
Besides my dynamic mic for music gigs and streams, I got my Mackie EM-USB which was available with discount for 80 EUR. I decided to go with a USB mic, because I can only apply phantom power for two of the slots on the scarlett focusrite 4i4 interface. Really good mic, you can stand far away and it recognizes you. The downside: The front volume panel which disallows anit-vibration mounts by its nature.
Ima be honest I've had a MXL 990 for a long time it sounds decent but picks up so much background noise unless your in a controlled environment and can do some post processing it wont sound great tbh it just how alot of condenser mics are dynamic is easier to work with in my opinion. but a really good mic that you can pick up used is the Shure SM58 its a fantastic mic for live streaming and voice overs its been around forever and its the industry standard. if u wanna spend a little more i recommend the SEV7
Haha am happy my KSM32 passed. This couldn't have come on my suggested videos at a better time. I was actually considering upgrading my mic to something U87ish lol. Subscribed.
I don’t even know why this video was recommended to me but now I just want to buy a microphone. I don’t even need one, lol. Absolutely the best review video I’ve ever seen.
Thanks dude. Putting the Fifine K688 on my list, was looking for a good XLR mic but am not ready to spend SM7B money just yet. EDIT: After some looking around, I found the AT2020 which is better than the Fifine at nearly the same price and I might go for that. Can't go wrong either way
I was on set for a broadcast show with the 875r as a 2nd boom op. It’s great. Limitations are dynamic range, no horror films and not as forgiving if you can’t be as close you normally are booming that being said it would rarely be a problem . 95% of the time it’s great on set. I would recommend over sennheiser.
It's one of the things I noticed about the AT875R too :P , it's a horrible video microphone because it won't pick you up far away. I remember it sat in my cabinet for years. One day I grabbed it as a last resort to a place I was traveling to. Brought it up close and realized it rejects everything. It's fantastic for rejecting ambient noise about and it became my travel mic. It shines as a voiceover mic but isn't the best for video :P
Wish I’ve seen this earlier. Throwing my 2020 to neverland and getting a 2035. Out NT1, 2035 and blue which one would you buy? It’s for rap vocals in a not so treated studio
I tried the Samson Q2U in place of the Blue Yeti, and the voice quality was crap. I instantly hated it. Blue Yeti's voice quality is much more lively and versatile. It captures all the minute details which is required for the likes of RUclips videos. Samson Q2U sounded like any other no-name dynamic mic. It is way too expensive for what it offers. Although you can directly connect the Q2U to any PC/laptop, the built-in electronics is of sub-par quality. To get the full potential out of the Q2U, you need a good quality USB interface. Factor that into the cost and Blue Yeti is way ahead of the race here.
I think this is more of an issue with mic technique than the mic itself. Imo the Q2U blows away the Blue Yeti. When speaking with all dynamics you want it about 3 fingers away.
@@Dracomies I accept the mic technique reasoning here, but I found no improvement in using Q2U over any off-brand dynamic mic. I'd rather get the cheapest no-name dynamic mic I can find and have rest of the money in my pocket.
To your credit and point, the XM8500 is a better sounding mic than the Q2U. Both of these mics heavily benefit from a clown nose (wind filter) as it helps with sibilance. But I agree that something like an XM8500 would be better.@@BharathRamMS
I saw the NW-800 in the first few seconds and almost started shouting in the comments, glad I finished the video. Good video. Rode Video Micro was extremely surprising though.
Yeah, more expensive doesn't always = more better. I need to pick up some microphones here soon for my rock music. You really can't go wrong with a Shure SM 57 for micing up a guitar/bass guitar amplifier. For vocals/acoustic guitar another microphone would be needed , maybe even two. It can become an expensive rabbit hole but doesn't need to be that way.
Love my CAD E100S. Only paid $300 back in the day, and worth every penny. Really didn't like the sound on the AT2020 or 2035. Samson Meteor is still my go-to super cheap USB mic. Guess maybe I just prefer Samson sound? Would love to hear more on your take on shotgun mics. They seem like a good alternative to other mics while staying out of the way, but it's hard to discern which are even good (other than the one you already mentioned).
yeah I love the E100s (but it's a hard blind-buy) recommendation because of the issues. I wonder whether it's a supply chain issue as to why the E100s isn't around anymore. Unfortunately the E40 and E100SX and E50 and E100 sound nothing like the E100s.
the problem with the blue yeti is its multi pattern versatility for niches like ASMR content use on the entry level. i've yet to find anything that comes even close to feeling "worth it" because you easily triple the investment just to get comparable stereo/omni setups. the stereo in particular is a must have and those microphones are either flashy dogshit (hyperx quadcast) or are in a different pricing tier. if theres a model you know of that i can recommend to people in that space that'd be amazing!
Was just about to say the same. I don't have the Yeti yet (currently trying my best with a cheap dynamic Shure, lol), but it's literally the first thing on my list in terms of upgrades. There are better stereo choices obviously, but with what it's packing in a single unit for the price, it's practically a steal. That said, as you mentioned, it is a niche looking for some very specific qualities about mics. Qualities that I imagine might just as well be anti-features in some more common use cases.
I have had my MXL 990 for over 10 years and it has served me well. Unless MXL has changed the way that they build the mic, my opinion is that it is a good mic.
This is how I like comparisons: - Straight to the point. - Gives just enough information to inform the viewer as to why you made the decisions. - Doesn't waste time explaining in detail. - Leaves specifics to for the viewer to find out themselves, if they're interested. This one's getting bookmarked for later reference.
Thank you for the kind words!! :D This video was probably done like 40 times haha, I had to redo it and cut it down and cut it down. But yeah these weren't randomly chosen. A lot of reasons as to why I chose these were included, ie the KSM32 and E100s are the same price and the KSM32 blows it away. The Blue Ember is $69 and blows away all MXL mics. SeV7 MK is a good alternative to SM7B. etc etc. There's research on it but not directly shown in this vid but the conclusions are put in this vid.
No matter what mic you use... the sound of your mic preamp makes all the difference. That's the bottom line. As long as your mic covers the pro frequency spectrum it all comes down to which PRO PREAMP your using. I recommend just two. Avalon VT 737 SP or Focusrite ISA 430 MKII
You should have put a multipattern mic in that last lot too I just sold my ksm32 because my at4050 covers mostly the same ground. Maybe tlm107 over tlm103, etc. I also have a Miktek C7e but would try the United Twin87 as an alternative.
@@Dracomies I am a recording guy, and record voiceactors often, and there are plenty of variations of patterns "they" use. Some cardioids are much wider than others. And you yourself use hypercardioid mics! And figure 8 is a godsend if you need to shrink a room and also eliminate the sounds on the side. There are folks who talk into RE635's and RE50's and other omni broadcast dynamics and they go on tv.
The Equitek E100S is discontinued, sure, but what about the currently available E100SX? Any opinions? PD, congrats on the blown up video! keeping it simple sure does the trick. Seems like everyone's loving it in the comments. Except for that remyrad guy lol. whats his deal?
Man i bought that Audio Technica 2035 like back in 2012 and Its been by far a better mic than any other mic ive used...Love that microphone...and to mention ive never seen 1 bad review on it either....Helluva pawn shop find! 🤑
Dude. I used to look for videos like these when I was a beginner and was so frustrated NO ONE kept it simple. This right here? GOLD. No intro, no outro, Straight to the point, GREAT arguments and amazing pace. THANK YOU for this video and please keep making more. Again, this is GOLD.
Exactly. Clean. To the point.
I’ve always looked for outliers. Those mics with exceptional value that no one has discovered….yet.
I picked up my sE VR2 ribbons for less than half of what they’re going for now. I still have a full compliment of JTS NX series mics I picked up for 40-60% the cost of an SM58. Most singers (but not all) who are given them to try at sound check choose them for the gig.
There is so much affordable gear out there that punches well above its weight that you can pretty much do 90% of what you’re trying to achieve for a modest outlay
Remember, when it comes to quality, assuming you have a half Ok microphone, the order of importance is
1. Performance
2. Mic position / placement
3. Instrument
4. Room
5. Mic
6. Pre / signal chain
7. Converters
A good performance cut on a wax cylinder is going to be more appealing than a soulless performance at some famous studio.
Same here, this is the video that every person looking to buy a microphone should see
i thought it was maybe attention span or adhd or something, but its not apparently, its people going on and on about useless crap.
(i likely dont have ADHD) (i just wonder when somebody wont shut up and wont get to the point.... orr someones talking way too much and is feeding too much infomation too quickly[my teacher])
yieap, looks like
Love people like this that respect other's time
Bro jumped out of nowhere and gave best mic advices ever
Usually my ADD makes me skip into videos extremely fast, but yours I can watch from beginning to end with minimal issues! That audio interface vid was gold too
Thank you!! I intentionally cut out a lot out of the video to make it more to the point :D
bro just dropped the greatest video on microphones ever what the heck
Wait, that's honestly what you came away with from a video giving opinions vs true, side by side comparisons with audio examples on multiple sources? Wow... 👀
@@lordhammerwindyes
@@lordhammerwindWhat makes a recording or piece of gear good is almost 100% subjective. Tech specs are only part of the equation.
@@AlienSpyFul Stick to VIDYA GAMEZ.
@Skrenja If you wanna go molecular--- GOOD SONGWRITING>ALL ELSE
Straight to the point appreciate it. I already have an audio technica 2020 for 10 years but now i know what to upgrade to on my budget.
Nice!! You're definitely going to notice a difference between AT2020 and a KSM32! :D
@@Dracomies Im excited to see! if you got iPad I’d love to see a video breakdown of what interfaces work best with iPad as in latency app compatibility etc. I know most newer ones work fine but I got an old fast track pro and the latency is bad but I think it’s cause iPad don’t have the drivers. But with you having a lot of good gear it would be interesting to see! Keep up the good work!
Those 2020’s aren’t bad tho. Super durable for condensers.
@@JonathanWoodall fr i love mine with the right noise cancelling software. has great lows
Homeboy jumped right to the point with a quickness!
Fantastic overview thanks! The best bang for buck mics for me are SM57 (dynamic) and AT2035 (condensor). Can't go wrong with those!
the way this video is structured is so rare to see nowadays, absolutely goated
Thank you! :D
No preamble, no nonsense, straight to business. Nice.
Hot takes here, but I agree with everything you said, with one slight difference:
With the U87, it can still be worth getting IF youre a studio that already has all the other mics you mentioned and are looking to expand your mic selection. This is especially applicable since brand power sometimes makes a difference in how people perceive your level of professionalism.
Personally though, I would prefer to get the Lewitt LCT 1040 because for a similar price it gives a lot more options.
I agree here. Despite my comments in the vid. It took me a while to understand this but if I was a studio who needed to service 700 voiceactors (as an example) what is the ONE microphone that would make all 700 sound good/acceptable/great. Probably the U87. I think there is truth when I say that a mic 'can' sound better than a U87 at a fraction of the cost. But - as you mentioned - the big selling point of the U87 is its versatility.
@@Dracomies Having the tools customers/clients want or expect, often deters them from trying to push blame in your direction. It helps them rationalize what they are paying you. And, on very rare occasions, improves the work. Rarely to a level anyone but us notices.
There is no mic that is really that versatile, certainly not the U87. You only get real versatility with EQ and with a variety of mics with different off-axis sounds, to do things that EQ cannot do. (Because you can't EQ the on- and off-axis sound separately.)
The U87 has an overall FR curve that's pretty good for a variety of sources, but not ideal for most of them. Neumann's engineers chose a particular FR curve that de-emphasizes the high frequency response of the K67 capsule, but does it in a crude way. The capsule has a broad resonance peak in the treble, and they chose to roll off the treble. But that doesn't just bring down the peak and flatten the mic. It also affects higher frequencies, so you get less high-frequency extension. (Very high frequencies drop off.) That's bad when you want to capture the high frequencies in, say, cymbals.
There's also a bass roll off that's good for many sources, but not for others, and only perfect for a few things. For most things, you'll want either a little more bass extension or a little less.
You can mostly more or less fix these things with EQ, but if you're willing to use EQ to get the effects you want (and know how) there are LOTS of fine mics that are similarly versatile, most of them costing much, much, MUCH less than a Neumann U87, and some of them sounding very much like a U87AI, if that's what you really want, with a little EQ.
Like most conventional condenser mics, the U87 has a particular sound largely determined by how the off-axis sound differs from the on-axis sound, which is mostly down to the physics of its K67 capsule design (and fairly acoustically transparent headbasket).
For close miking things on-axis in a relatively dead room, most decent condenser mics can be EQ'd to sound much like the others.
In live rooms, with reverberant sound hitting the mic off-axis, and/or with multiple instruments arrayed in space, the off-axis sound matters. A U87 sounds different from a U47 or a C12, and EQ can't make any of them sound just like the others.
The Townsend Sphere emulating mic (and plugin) can often do a pretty good job of that, though, because it captures the sound hitting the back of the mic separately from the sound hitting the front, and can EQ them differently to approximate the off-axis sound of different mics.
The U87 is not nearly as versatile as the Sphere, which is an expensive mic but still a fraction of the price of a U87.
The u87 is a ridiculously expensive mic for what it is. It is not the be-all and end-all mic, and calling it especially "versatile" is just misleading.
It is no more versatile than many much cheaper mics that sound pretty much like it, but with somewhat different overall FR curves.
The U87 is a pretty imitable mic, because its K67 capsule is fairly easily copyable, and has been copied quite well, and its circuit is good but really not all that special; it can be slavishly copied (and has been in boutique mics) or bested by any reasonable standard other than slavish copying.
This worshipful mystique about classic Neumann mics is kind of disgusting. (BTW Neumann engineers don't talk like Neumann fanboys. They're kind of annoyed by being handcuffed to their old designs as if they were somehow the pinnacle of mic engineering.)
If you want versatility, buying a U87 is not the way to get it. Spending the same amount of money on a number of fine mics with different kinds of capsules (large and small, center-terminated and edge-terminated, single and dual diaphragm, different polar patterns, etc.) is a much better way.
And above all, learn to use EQ!
Or fix the acoustics of your space before throwing money away on expensive mics, which can't fix bad acoustics. Get some bass traps, especially, because most "unidirectional" mics are close to omnidirectional at low frequencies, and the "room mode" low-frequency resonances will get into your recordings unless you radically EQ the bass out.
@@paulw.3967having worked in a studio for a few years, I can tell you it's not entirely an unwarranted reputation. The u87 didn't work for everyone, but between it and the neumann km184 they did cover hundreds of voice over actors for documentaries, commercials and audio books, without needing more than the tiniest bit of eq. Not sure I could say the same for any other mics in our arsenal, and we had about 60 of them.
Were there much cheaper mics that worked nearly as well for specific actors /singers with some eq? For sure. But it wasn't just confirmation bias making those two mics in particular "just work". And it was a mastering studio I worked in, with several awards to its name. My boss was very big on very close, critical listening and backing up audio instincts with repeatable results and frequency responses.
I own a couple of mics that have supposedly the same capsule and.. They don't sit the same in a mix and they don't have the same universal usability. There's more to it.
Nice video but one thing I would disagree on, if you intend to record vocals in an untreated home studio don't get the AT2035 over the AT2020. The AT2035 is too sensitive for that and will pick up way more ambience and room reverb, which is more difficult to clean up. Condenser mics in general suck for this though so you'd probably be better off with a dynamic mic like the SM-7B.
I like your style. Simple, honest, to the point.
Blue Snowball gang here. Get hyped!
OMG it's the Boothjunkie!!! Love your content good sir!! :D
@@Dracomies HyperX Quad-Cast S RGB here, because for streaming :D and for studio i use an Shure SM7B
@@DracomiesI thought the Wave 1 was discontinued. I got lucky and bought it before the sale ended, and it was like $50 on its own. With EQ, it punches way over the price I paid for it.
@@grape5465 my quadcast s broke after 2 years with a usb problem what should I get for streaming?
now THAT is a classic RUclipsr mic from back in the day!
When i first started doing RUclips as a hobby. my father (Who had a band that would play gigs at bars all over) gave me a couple of Behringer XM8500's and an old band interface that fortunately had an dual channel rca output that i used an rca to aux cord to link to my mic port on my PC. though the old and loud band interface crapped out my two 8500's still are being used today. RIP dad you saved me a lot of money gifting me these affordable goated microphones!
I've never used KSM32 but I've listened to the audio samples on Thomann and was shocked how smooth and full it sounded
Total classic. Bought mine two decades ago when I didn't know squat about mics, and it's still one of my top three.
Rocking the xm8500. Legit one of the best microphone recommendations video one can see. Have been looking for some different mics to try out so I am saving this video for later
XM8500 has no business being $20 and sounding as good as it does. I feel like the next step past the XM8500 are mics like SEV7, SEV7MK, maybe the RODE M2.
@@Dracomieshey bro, do u have any recommendations sound card that's fit with xm8500 ? thanks
This video is well meaning but this is only one person's opinion on all these microphones. If you have a cheaper microphone like an AT2020, use it. I don't agree that "they should never be recommended" without even considering the application. If you're starting out and you manage to find one of those AT, MXL or Rode mics on the used market for a bargain price, and you want to record, then get it. Don't let someone tell you you can't make music or practice your art because you have the "wrong" gear. Don't be self conscious because of the gear you use. The point is to make music with whatever you have. If the perfect mic or instrument existed, EQ and other signal processing wouldn't exist. Make something good and when someone asks "What kind of microphone did you use?" Answer "You tell me." If the microphone is so important, then what you used should be obvious to anyone listening, right? Don't worry about it.
I have to respectfully disagree. When you break it down, there are better ways to spend your $100. Don't get me wrong, if you already own an AT2020, make the most of it! But if you're in the market for a new mic, I'd say look elsewhere. The AT2020 has some notable flaws and harsh sibilance. For the same price, you can find mics that outperform it. It's like settling for a meh pair of shoes when you could get a great pair for the same price. Again, if you own it, sure. If you don’t own it, don’t buy it. There’s better options.
@@Dracomies I think it would have been good to say in the video, as you said here, that if you already have the microphones on the "do not buy" list, to make the most of them. It's clear from the comments there are some insecure folks that are viewing your opinions, finding their mic purchases on the list of "undesirables" and they are now feeling unsure they can do what they want because they have the "wrong" microphone. I'm not hanging all their insecurities on you or this video, and I know the intent here is to help. Good intentions notwithstanding, I just wanted to point out to some of those folks that not having "the best" microphone at a particular price point will not prevent one from writing and recording a great song or a great voice acting performance. The video was good. I just have a different take. However I'm happy we can discuss and disagree in a civil manner.
Got my AT2020 when these podcasters were still in diapers! Funny, I bough a 2020 for a buddy this year - looking at the order now, it was a 2035 - did't get a change to test it. I still use the 2020 and it definitely needs a screen.
@@JacanaProductions Diapers 😂 Yeah, the young ones are really spoiled for choice these days. Back in the day you bought a "good mic" and you learned to use technique and equipment to overcome shortcomings... because every mic has flaws depending on what source you're trying to capture. With all the choices these days, looking for the "perfect" mic is a never ending quest. Best use what's at hand and get on with it.
blanket statements like “don’t get this mic, it’s not good. get this, it’s better” don’t really do anyone any favours. mics sound different on different people because no 2 voices are the same.
The lack of any test recordings for an idea of how the mics sound isn't great either
The overall statement is valid. For example I have both the AT2020 and 2035. If I were told for just $50 the 2035 is better quality I would find that helpful.
@@SeverancePay500 depends on what you're doing. some of the suggested mics would not be as great for making music
@@johnjson they were just fine bro. If you’re not topping the charts it hardly makes a difference anyways. A clean mix will work for anyone just starting
@@SeverancePay500 why not shoot for a better sounding mic if you can get something for the same price? I'd rather get something that's better even if some of these are "fine"
As an owner of the NT1-A, who totally loves the mic and uses it for all kinds of sources, and has never had an NT1 to compare it to, what are the main differences you notice? And what is it about the NT1-A that makes you say not to buy it, in favor of the NT1 instead? Very curious. Great video, thanks!
The nt1 s more neutral sounding, the nt1-a is harsh and siblant at the higher frequencies.
If you do have a deeper voice and don't have a very sibilent voice (like me) it's actually an awesome mic still. I like how it sounds on my voice to this day. That's the most important part that you like how it sounds in *your* application. If you use it in a studio with female vocals the NT1 would probably be a wayyy better choice due to the more neutral sound signature (like modular7even717 is pointing out).
@@modular7eveni don’t find the NT1A harsh or sibilant at all. its a great sounding mic. very detailed and clean.
I use my NT1a pair for micing acoustic guitars. They work great for picking up sounds details, much better than NT1's, IMHO, which sounds dead flat straight to HO.
I think almost all microphones have a use case, it just depends on your budget and sensibility 🤷
AT2035 "just costs $50 more than the AT2020"
Pretty big difference when the AT2020 is $99 😂🤤
I sincerely hope this video lands on the recommendations for anyone starting out with microphones. This is gold that I wish I saw starting out
Hello Lithuania
Thanks for this video. I love when people cut through the hype surrounding equipment and give more reasonable alternatives. I can't count how many times I've seen musicians on Twitch streaming their guitar from their bedroom with a U87.
I would recommend Aston Microphones for quality mics that punch way above their cost. To get started the Aston Stealth is a good SB7B replacement for about $100 less, and the Aston Spirit is an excellent LBC for $379 usd.
Man this has been the best video I've seen yet on this topic. I've been researching which mic I want to get and have watched dozens of videos... This is the only one I needed. Thanks, keep it up!
Great video! Straight to the point.
Personally, I'll stick with my Blue Yeti. Got it at a heavy discount when I bought it (half it's current price here in Brazil), I like the different cardioid condenser options on it, and Logitech G-hub has a lotta functions I find useful.
been using an SM58 for years now its great😊
samson QTU was what i grabbed on a random whim when i needed a desktop USB-capable mic, and the XLR connectivity was enough to convince me that it was something to keep around.
lo and behold, when i got it home, it sounded better than any other mic i’d used up to that point. even with the popguard removed, a bit of distance and proper angle makes it work perfectly.
I see no mention for the Shure Sm57 or Sm58 in this video. Are they worth it? Which is the more versatile out of the two (podcast, singing, instruments)?
Great video, thanks! How come there is no Lewitt LCT 440 Pure? The 440 Pure is definitely very competitive and goes head to head with some of your top picks.
I just wanted to ask that same question...
im guessing its because they are not as well-known. i tried searching them up on my country's Amazon and its literally doesn't exist here. if i were to buy from another country or on Amazon the shipping doesn't go to Vietnam or the cost of shipping is insane
@@CosmoBubblegum. yes, but they are pretty well known in the US... and the channel is from the US... so I think that's not the reason... My guess is that the industry is super traditional... I think the lct 240 pro for 99 dollars sounds much better than the blue amber... plus it looks good and feels more valuable... he also mentions boothjunkie and he is actually raving about lewitt... and talking about mics for podcasts... there was a review about the new lewitt ray on forbes recently... so I would not say that they are not well known these days...
Lct 440 pure sounds digital artificial smooth ,don't sound natural , and it doesn't sound full n rounded, very top heavy with thin sound, yah but in its budget its one of the best, better than nt1a
IMO you really only need one mic. The good old Shure SM57. Put it on vocals, put it on drums, put it on guitars, put it on amps, put it on anything and it’ll sound great.
i'm currently using a Behringer XM8500 microphone, and I’m debating whether to buy an M-Track Solo or a Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen as my audio interface. I’m aiming for clean, noise-free audio. Which one would you recommend for long-term use? Or should I consider upgrading to the Shure MV7 instead? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
I might be late to this (just got recommended by RUclips haha) but man this was one of the best if not the best mic video I've watched (and I've seen hundreds of them). Like others mentioned straight to the point and easy to understand with a huge variety of good alternative mics to the usually recommended ones in other peoples videos that offer even better value (and comparable or better sound quality).
The best video I've seen in a while, no into, no outro, straight to the point, clear on what to get, literal perfection
I have the XM8500, I've had it for 6, maybe 7 years now and with just a simple EQ you can make it sound ridiculously amazing! Huge vouch!
Yes. Julian Krause has a video that says exactly how to use any parametric EQ plugin to make the XM8500 sound very much like an SM7b, for about a twentieth the price. (At least for the kind of simple talking stuff that most people want an SM7b for.)
Really wish these kinds of simple, to the point videos were available a few years ago. Great work!
V7 user here, and I am DEFINETLY happy with my purchase! 100% worth it.
the u87 is a great mic but for vocals i can't get my head around why so many people buy it. sure it depends on the voice but often times the 87 just doesn't do the trick for most voices, there are better options out there
That's what I'm saying too!!!
Absolutely great video!
I need a suggestion now after going across so many mics I’m confused. I’m looking for a budget microphone setup for recording videos. My requirements are quiet simple :
1) Budget under $100 (Brand new / Used I’m okay with anything)
2) The mic will be out of shot while recording the video mostly for RUclips/ Instagram
3) I’ve no idea how audio works hence the voice should have good clarity and should sound fuller with just little processing.
Thanks for the help!
I get that the MXL 990 doesn't sound good at all at stock, but i think people buy this microfone because it's a awesome mod plataform. For like $100 you can make it sound as good as a u87
I stay away from condenser mics because of room echo so maybe it's because I'm on the opposite side of the mic world, but I've never heard of modding them. I'll have to look that up since I'm looking to make a treated space soon for one. Thanks for letting us all know.
mannn i bought a mxl 990 to make recordings at home, i use waves plugins, do u think i can make ac guitar and voice sound good??
@@Just1n2802yes noise is a problem… im experimenting in my bedroom, i like to record ac guitar after midnight cuz its silent in my neighborhood
@@lucas_laux Absolutely. It isn't the best mic for those things, but it surely can do a little bit of everything if you know how to mic position and EQ/compress it.
And never forget: "The best mic is what you have."
If you get into mic modding or building, you can make some really great mics for very cheap. My favorite mic us a used donir behringer B2 pro body with a CK-12 capsule. The whole thing was about $200 and blows every other one of my mics out of the water.
Subbed because this is the most direct and useful microphone guide I've seen.
I’ve owned several of these, not saying you’re wrong, but definitely a lot of hot takes here
Keep making shit like this, man. Subbed.
what he said
I was a bit sad you said not to get the AT2020 - buuuuut it was in favour of the obviously better AT2035 which actually makes sense. To be honest, though, I use my 2020 for video calls and so its not working hard. And I didn't know about the 2035 when I bought it either. But the 2020 is the favourite of all the mics I own (and I have an EV N/D-757 in the drawer).
Oh for sure! It's something I noticed all the voiceacting Discords were telling all new voiceactors. Pay the extra $50 and get the 2035 over the 2020.
Personally, I love their headphones, but hate the 2020. There's just something about it I absolutely despise. There are far better sounding mics in that price range. I don't know why so many people recommend it. It sounds horrible. NT1 or Aston Spirit sound way better. NT1 needs a bit more eq help than the Aston Spirit, but both provide a good quality sound where the at2020 to me sounds like a cheap $20 mic.
Agree! I get triggered when people say AT2020. SO many other microphones to consider over it these days! :P@@russellwiley7869
already cant take this p0s seriously
the audio technica AT2020 was used on a billie eilish on album which made millions of dollars
its a literally very respected microphone in the industry, the fact youre crapping on it makes you sound uneducated
thank you for your videos! to the point, super clear, not here to sell us anything, it's super appreciated
Great video thanks! Was gonna buy AT 2020 but this made think again.
Me too bro. I think gonna buy c414 from ali. What did you decide?
agree especially sm7b part. Most people don't need a 600$ mic set for daily usage.
Interesting stuff about the MK V7, anyone tried it next to a SM7B to see what the difference is? Tried googling for answers but had little joy.
so happy to see no complaints about the warm audio stuff
U87 is a amazing microphone with exceptional build quality, and is a very versatile very good investment in my opinion.
For that price you could probably fully treat your recording space, which would be a better investment for 99% of people getting into recording.
@@Skrenja THIS. A U87 usually doesn't sound much different from a decent Chinese-made $150-$200 mic with a K67-type capsule, give or take a little EQ. Neumann's K67 condenser capsule (used in the U87) is one of the easier capsules to copy, and there are pretty good Chinese copies (from Takstar and Beijing 797 Audio) for about $40. (If you want to go all out, you can get an essentially perfect copy from Arienne Audio for $200.)
K67-type capsules naturally have a bright frequency response, and the Neumann U67 & U87 have EQ built into the mic to roll off the highs a few dB.
Many Chinese-made mics have a K67-type capsule with a similar frequency response and a flat circuit, or one that rolls off the highs some, but not as much as Neumann's circuits.
If you use those mics, you can make them sound much more like a multi-thousand-dollar Neumann just by doing Neumann-style EQ in your DAW, rather than in hardware.
There is nothing wrong with using EQ to make a K67-based mic less bright. That's what Neumann's engineers did in the hardware. Doing it in software accomplishes the exact same thing, with the benefit of introducing a tiny bit less noise.
BTW, for build quality I'm really impressed with AKG Perception 200 and 400 (or P220 / P420) series mics, which use K67 style capsules from one of the aforementioned Chinese companies, I forget which). They're a little too bright, but that's easy to fix.
And SKRENJA IS RIGHT ABOUT ACOUSTICS. If your acoustics suck, no amount of money spent on mics will fix it, and EQ can't fix it either.
If you only have a few thousand dollars to spend (like most people if they're LUCKY), you're way better off spending most of that on fixing your acoustics than blowing it on an overpriced German mic. Neumann has made great contributions to mic technology... mostly in the past... but the U87 especially is among the mics that have been most successfully copied for much lower prices. (It's easier to copy its K67 capsule reasonably well than, say, the CK12 capsule in an AKG C12 microphone. The latter is a real pain in the ass to manufacture and there are no good cheap copies.)
BTW I agree that the U87 is versatile. But so is an AKG Perception 420 (which sounds very much like it but a little brighter and with better bass extension) for less than a tenth the price.
Yeah, it’s an incredible mic, but I feel like the actual value in having a U87 is… having a U87 lmao
the KSM32 is an absolute POWERHOUSE of a microphone, same price as the sm7b, MILES BETTER, the only mic under 1k that can genuinely compete with and out-perform the U87 and TLM 102 other than maybe the Austrian Audio OC18. I recommend that mic above all others.
100% agree. This is the mic you can buy for $300 used that will compete with all $1000 and up mics
What? Why? What’s better? How? Why does price matter so much? What sounds do you like? What criteria? How did you use them?
Perhaps there are many reasons, the point of the video was to be concise.
So many people don’t know anything about mics have never tried many but insist on needing to spend huge money. Personally I love the sE2200A. I got it new for under $200 on a close out cause they upgraded something. Now it’s a lot more. I’ve wanted to try the v7s for my portable writing rig. Good vid man
I loved the video and the advice. As an (ahem, and get off my lawn) older guy, I’d love it if you kept the camera on the alternatives for about twice as long as you do. Same for the very funny inserts. I needed to use the pause/play button and the “
real helpful been half a year since I got my mic
Last year I got a slightly used KSM32 for 220. Tracked a whole EP worth of acoustics and vocals with it. Killer.
I agree with this video, except that, there's no "bad" mics in this video, just some are over priced, and some are under priced. I've recorded pro-level tracks with the neewer, and I've recorded with a u87 and everything in between. The microphone is much less important than the skill, but the takeaway here is that you can get fantastic quality at nearly any budget, and if you understand sound you can make any mic work for your needs. With that said, these days, I've reduced my collection to 3 mics, I have an atx 40 dynamic, I have a behringer dynamic that I put in an excelvan housing to give it a condenser mic look and feel on stage, and I have an mxl 2001a transformer condenser. I don't need any more mics, don't want any more mics, and there's not a single studio situation I've encountered that these mics can't handle. Even drums. Behringer on the kick, atx on the snare, and the mxl as an overhead with a stereo imager plugin, and its butter on a biscuit. The combination works great as an amp mic array, all three work well as a vocal mic, two of three work great as a live vocal mic, all three work great as an instrument mic (acoustic, violin, cello, etc)... there's not been a situation I've needed or wanted another mic after I downsized my collection.
This is a great comment! And you're absolutely right. None of these mics are bad................well...the Neewer is bad though...but for the most part these mostly can be worked with. But yeah, some are definitely what I would call...opportunity costs. ie the mics I mention over them generally were at the same pricepoint and one I'd veer towards. But yes, all of these mics are viable. :P
That was phenomenal sir. Clean and to the point. Bravo 👏
I’ve always looked for outliers. Those mics with exceptional value that no one has discovered….yet.
I picked up my sE VR2 ribbons for less than half of what they’re going for now. I still have a full compliment of JTS NX series mics I picked up for 40-60% the cost of an SM58. Most singers (but not all) who are given them to try at sound check choose them for the gig.
There is so much affordable gear out there that punches well above its weight that you can pretty much do 90% of what you’re trying to achieve for a modest outlay
Remember, when it comes to quality, assuming you have a half Ok microphone, the order of importance is
1. Performance
2. Mic position / placement
3. Instrument
4. Room
5. Mic
6. Pre / signal chain
7. Converters
A good performance cut on a wax cylinder is going to be more appealing than a soulless performance at some famous studio.
I also look for other people’s _broken dreams_ There is so much used gear out there, when you’re a tech, and when you buy enough of it, and average out the purchases that weren’t ideal, I fitted myself out for less than a third of the discounted / street price budget I drew up.
Pro tip. If you like Rode, have a look at BeezNees mics. A little more expensive, but I have a couple of his cheaper units I purchased used, and they are phenomenal value, with excellent customer service.
U87 is a great mic but the price is inflated by it's ubiquitousness and brand name. I preferred the valve powered Sontronics Mercury which is around half the price and comes in a bulletproof metal suitcase with a lifetime warranty
Good stuff and 3 more to add to the budget list... the Neat Microphones King Bee 2, Neat Worker Bee 2, and Music Villa MV3. For a combo USB/XLR mic - go for the Rode NT1 5th Generation for around $250 .
Go for the classic NT1 4th gen instead of the signature. You find them cheaper now since the price drop with the signature. The classic 4th gen is a bit smoother or say, more precise in frequency response and therefor the better tool.
Your strong words worked on me, and I’m here to comment. Love my mxl and at2020. They each have their place and I don’t agree that with saying they shouldn’t be recommended
I think there's 2 approaches. Someone who already has it. Then sure, use what you have. But approach 2 is someone else who hasn't bought it. They have $100. They are deciding. Then, no it's a simple answer. Don't get the AT 2020. It's 2024, way better mics than those sorry to say.
@@Dracomies at2020 is $50 used all day long lol
@@dillansgarage yeah. Still not worth getting. I'd pay a bit extra for the ones I mentioned. But you do you
@@Dracomies I guess there’s a couple ways to look at it. If someone has $100 they could get a used at2020 and an older interface that still sounds good. If they have $300+ then get the newer stuff
I got a presonus pd70 as a cheaper alternative to the sm7b and has been so good.
I haven't used or know how a sm7b would sound but before the pd70 i owned a newer nw800 (dogshit mic) and the upgrade from that cheap mic to the presonus was mind blowing.
Now the presonus is a bit gain heavy and need a lot of gain for it to work. But it's really clear and sharp and gives it a really nice warm tone to my voice, and doesn't pickup other sounds other than my voice.
I'm looking to get a new shotgun mic as well to have as a B mic for my camera and the At875R is really attractive for just that!
PD70 imo veers towards thin when it comes to dynamics. Hear how it compares to other dynamics on 3 people here: ruclips.net/video/IVB6JRPfJjc/видео.html
@@Dracomies I've never felt it bright or thin how it sounded in the video linked, i even boost the high's and remove a bit of low when mixing the mic even. Really interesting to hear this comparison, already bought it and still loving it though 😂😂
It's brighter and thinner in comparison to other dynamics for dang sure. // You boost the highs on the PD70? What headphones do you use to monitor your audio. There may be a disconnect. It's either that or your voice is naturally more deeper than the average cat :P @@SoundKillerOfficial
@@DracomiesOn a similar tangent tho (based on the manufacturer lol), you might want to consider the Revelator Condenser/Dynamic as another substitute for the Blue Yeti. They're both, like, half off at the moment ($80-100), great build quality, and both have onboard DSP which is great for the streamer/content creator-types as well lol
@@Dracomies Have you tried EQing it? Brightness or thinness is often trivially fixable with appropriate EQ. Room EQ Wizard (free software) can often be really handy for measuring the differences between mics and EQing them mostly away. (Anybody reviewing mics should learn to use REW to get some objective data. You don't need an anechoic chamber or even a calibrated measurement microphone to measure the differences between mics, to make one sound more like another. And with an inexpensive measurement mic, you can do some pretty good measurements of mid to high frequency stuff; you get some anomalies in the bass without an anechoic chamber, but for condenser mics it's usually pretty easy to understand what's the mic and what's a room mode causing a bump in the low frequency FR.)
85% you are correct but after a certain price, the gear simply doesn’t matter, billie eilish did her breakout album on an at202, food for thought, go by taste
I think the rules are different in singing and admittedly this isn't my field of expertise. But an AT2020 shouldn't be recommended for voiceover in 2024, it needs to stop.
Thank you sooooo much ! Take care, my friend
Lewitt LCT 240 on sale for under $100 has been the best deal I've ever had. Bright but not sibilant, good rich warmth and bass, and smooth mids. Very clear and crisp, almost too crisp that I can pick up "mouth sounds" if I want to. Great microphone and highly recommended.
Well.. don't buy these microphones for which context? Lead Singing? Back Singing? Streaming?.... I'm using The Rode NT1A and I'm making great vocal records! It depends on voice, recording environment, ...etc. Every microphone is great for a specific job and voice in my opinion. Thnx for the vidéo!
I was quite suspicious to all these kinds of videos that simply tell you "Don't buy these, buy those". But after a while for experiencing several picks from my own points, I realize how stupid I was.
He's right, man. Believe what he said. IT REALLY HELPS.
5:41 Hey, that's the microphone that I use! I remember upgrading to it from my Samson Q2U when I decided it was time, and it's been doing me really well in terms of what I like to do (that being making music).
I've been using a Shure SM57 with a Triton Audio Fethead and it's been my go-to for any and everything between voice work, podcasts, Discord calls, and guitar recording (acoustic and amplifier). Extreme versatility and it really should cost ~$150 between the mic and preamp.
I have never used the USB microphones but largely agree with your analysis of the XLR microphones. The XM8500 suffers from handling noise and depending on the use case it may be better to buy a $100 handheld from Shure, AKG, EV, Sennheiser, etc. I really like the KSM32 but do prefer the U87. It is subjective and voice dependent. You are paying a lot for a German handmade through-hole constructed microphone from a premium manufacturer, it is highly sought and the other patterns are very useable on other sources in addition to voice. You certainly don’t need to have it but it is a great microphone to own.
Yes, for handheld applications, the XM8500 can suffer relative to a $100 mic with better internal shockmount. But conversely it can sub for a $400 "broadcast" mic, with a bit of EQ. (You don't usually hand hold an SM7b.)
Through-hole construction isn't necessarily better than SMD unless you're modding (as I do) or re-capping. It's nice, and if I paid $3000 for a mic I'd certainly want to be able to replace the capacitors in 25 or 50 years... but for most people, mics with mostly SMD circuits (that cost way less) are fine.
Multipattern mics aren't usually all that, though; most of them are optimized for cardioid and aren't really great in figure-8 or omni. For figure 8 you may want a ribbon, which has less phasing issues due to the shorter distance around the side of the ribbon, and for omni you likely want an omni SDC.
One funny thing about multipattern is that the on-axis frequency response is usually pretty different in different polar patterns, and best in cardioid. To me, that's usually a bad thing, but for some people who are afraid of just using EQ it's a good thing, because it gives them options with different EQ implications without admitting they're using EQ.
@@paulw.3967 in the context of broadcast or podcast of course handling noise is of little relevance and the XM8500 become a more attractive option sonically. It seems as though many in those groups prefer to use a more “broadcast” looking option vs. handheld stage microphones so likely won’t consider it.
Aside from modding, repair, etc. I prefer using through hole leaded parts as often higher quality components are available e.g., film caps, older higher performance JFETs, etc.
Yes the performance is a compromise regarding noise, frequency response and even the pattern itself to a certain extent when using multipattern condenser microphones. All of them will exhibit variation in frequency response with a change in pattern. I suppose the physical limitations of combing the front and rear capsule output could be compensated using a DSP or something similar but I’ve not seen anything practical that does that. The compromises must be acceptable as many of us still use them in addition to ribbons and SDCs. if you need one, you need one and Neumann multipattern LDCs are a respectable option.
I bought the RE-20 a few years ago and solved all problems. I can even use it as a hammer to nail down stuff no issue
7 minutes of lifetime incalculable experience. what a wisdom. cannot thank you enough. I will buy XM8500 as my starting mic.
Awesome! Make sure you buy a windscreen with it. It sounds much less sibilant with it and helps with plosives. And bring the mic about 3 fingers away. Watch my Sm7B video on proper mic technique with dynamic mics. That mic is awesome and is about as good as $100 dynamics :D
@@Dracomies oh do you mean mic foam? we called it foam here. I already heard xm8500 need foam from a YT videos too.
I use the Onstage ones but yip it benefits greatly from one. www.amazon.com/Stage-Ball-Type-Microphone-Windscreen-Black/dp/B0002GXF8Q@@lunascomments3024
I have XM8500 for 2 years I think, I recorded shit ton of stuff with it, both vocals and electric guitar. It's a must have mic, I can't recommend it enough.
How is sm57?
KSM32 - thank you so much! However - the WA87 R2 is on sale at Andertons for a bit less than the KSM32 (a black one) I've also seen for a good price - v small home studio. got basstraps, about 9 classic dynamics (No RE-20 yet), Avantone CV-12 and WA47 tube mics are here already. I don't have a 'normal' LDC - I must decide ;-) My next project wants Bob Marley style vocals
Besides my dynamic mic for music gigs and streams, I got my Mackie EM-USB which was available with discount for 80 EUR. I decided to go with a USB mic, because I can only apply phantom power for two of the slots on the scarlett focusrite 4i4 interface. Really good mic, you can stand far away and it recognizes you. The downside: The front volume panel which disallows anit-vibration mounts by its nature.
Ima be honest I've had a MXL 990 for a long time it sounds decent but picks up so much background noise unless your in a controlled environment and can do some post processing it wont sound great tbh it just how alot of condenser mics are dynamic is easier to work with in my opinion. but a really good mic that you can pick up used is the Shure SM58 its a fantastic mic for live streaming and voice overs its been around forever and its the industry standard. if u wanna spend a little more i recommend the SEV7
Would you recommend using these in USB or XLR mode
I got my U87ai with the case and shockmount for half price pretty much brand new. Couldn't be happier with it.
Quick and simple explanations, love this video
Haha am happy my KSM32 passed. This couldn't have come on my suggested videos at a better time. I was actually considering upgrading my mic to something U87ish lol. Subscribed.
KSM32 is the goat. Whenever I see a KSM32 with expensive mic shootouts I'm thinking, "just use that. That's enough!" :P
@@Dracomies I love it. I think I just had FOMO, wondering what’s better out there.
I don’t even know why this video was recommended to me but now I just want to buy a microphone. I don’t even need one, lol. Absolutely the best review video I’ve ever seen.
Wish I saw this video before getting the mxl 770. Great video 🙏
Thanks dude. Putting the Fifine K688 on my list, was looking for a good XLR mic but am not ready to spend SM7B money just yet.
EDIT: After some looking around, I found the AT2020 which is better than the Fifine at nearly the same price and I might go for that. Can't go wrong either way
What mic are you using to record this?? It sounds wonderful
I was on set for a broadcast show with the 875r as a 2nd boom op. It’s great. Limitations are dynamic range, no horror films and not as forgiving if you can’t be as close you normally are booming that being said it would rarely be a problem . 95% of the time it’s great on set. I would recommend over sennheiser.
It's one of the things I noticed about the AT875R too :P , it's a horrible video microphone because it won't pick you up far away. I remember it sat in my cabinet for years. One day I grabbed it as a last resort to a place I was traveling to. Brought it up close and realized it rejects everything. It's fantastic for rejecting ambient noise about and it became my travel mic. It shines as a voiceover mic but isn't the best for video :P
Wish I’ve seen this earlier. Throwing my 2020 to neverland and getting a 2035. Out NT1, 2035 and blue which one would you buy? It’s for rap vocals in a not so treated studio
Buy all 3. Record. Listen with headphones. Pick the winner. I can't answer this for you; will be different from person to person.
@@DracomiesI’m getting the 2035 but asking which one would you get for you. For future reference
I tried the Samson Q2U in place of the Blue Yeti, and the voice quality was crap. I instantly hated it. Blue Yeti's voice quality is much more lively and versatile. It captures all the minute details which is required for the likes of RUclips videos. Samson Q2U sounded like any other no-name dynamic mic. It is way too expensive for what it offers. Although you can directly connect the Q2U to any PC/laptop, the built-in electronics is of sub-par quality. To get the full potential out of the Q2U, you need a good quality USB interface. Factor that into the cost and Blue Yeti is way ahead of the race here.
I think this is more of an issue with mic technique than the mic itself. Imo the Q2U blows away the Blue Yeti. When speaking with all dynamics you want it about 3 fingers away.
@@Dracomies I accept the mic technique reasoning here, but I found no improvement in using Q2U over any off-brand dynamic mic. I'd rather get the cheapest no-name dynamic mic I can find and have rest of the money in my pocket.
To your credit and point, the XM8500 is a better sounding mic than the Q2U. Both of these mics heavily benefit from a clown nose (wind filter) as it helps with sibilance. But I agree that something like an XM8500 would be better.@@BharathRamMS
Blue Ember or Lewitt LCT 240 for female vox?
I saw the NW-800 in the first few seconds and almost started shouting in the comments, glad I finished the video.
Good video.
Rode Video Micro was extremely surprising though.
Thank you for the kind words!! Oh it's not the Micro. It's the Go 2.
Ahhhh, thank you for the correction! @@Dracomies
Yeah, more expensive doesn't always = more better. I need to pick up some microphones here soon for my rock music. You really can't go wrong with a Shure SM 57 for micing up a guitar/bass guitar amplifier. For vocals/acoustic guitar another microphone would be needed , maybe even two. It can become an expensive rabbit hole but doesn't need to be that way.
On the used market, they all cost next to nothing. I got a mint condition, barely used blue yeti x for under 40€.
Excellent overall information with any fluff!!!👍🏽
Love my CAD E100S. Only paid $300 back in the day, and worth every penny.
Really didn't like the sound on the AT2020 or 2035.
Samson Meteor is still my go-to super cheap USB mic. Guess maybe I just prefer Samson sound?
Would love to hear more on your take on shotgun mics. They seem like a good alternative to other mics while staying out of the way, but it's hard to discern which are even good (other than the one you already mentioned).
yeah I love the E100s (but it's a hard blind-buy) recommendation because of the issues. I wonder whether it's a supply chain issue as to why the E100s isn't around anymore. Unfortunately the E40 and E100SX and E50 and E100 sound nothing like the E100s.
the problem with the blue yeti is its multi pattern versatility for niches like ASMR content use on the entry level. i've yet to find anything that comes even close to feeling "worth it" because you easily triple the investment just to get comparable stereo/omni setups. the stereo in particular is a must have and those microphones are either flashy dogshit (hyperx quadcast) or are in a different pricing tier.
if theres a model you know of that i can recommend to people in that space that'd be amazing!
Touché! Yeah ya got me. I think for sure that is the way to go, I didn't think of that.
Was just about to say the same. I don't have the Yeti yet (currently trying my best with a cheap dynamic Shure, lol), but it's literally the first thing on my list in terms of upgrades. There are better stereo choices obviously, but with what it's packing in a single unit for the price, it's practically a steal.
That said, as you mentioned, it is a niche looking for some very specific qualities about mics. Qualities that I imagine might just as well be anti-features in some more common use cases.
I have had my MXL 990 for over 10 years and it has served me well. Unless MXL has changed the way that they build the mic, my opinion is that it is a good mic.
It is. This video means well but imo is a little too dismissive a little too quickly.
This is how I like comparisons:
- Straight to the point.
- Gives just enough information to inform the viewer as to why you made the decisions.
- Doesn't waste time explaining in detail.
- Leaves specifics to for the viewer to find out themselves, if they're interested.
This one's getting bookmarked for later reference.
Thank you for the kind words!! :D This video was probably done like 40 times haha, I had to redo it and cut it down and cut it down. But yeah these weren't randomly chosen. A lot of reasons as to why I chose these were included, ie the KSM32 and E100s are the same price and the KSM32 blows it away. The Blue Ember is $69 and blows away all MXL mics. SeV7 MK is a good alternative to SM7B. etc etc. There's research on it but not directly shown in this vid but the conclusions are put in this vid.
No matter what mic you use... the sound of your mic preamp makes all the difference. That's the bottom line. As long as your mic covers the pro frequency spectrum it all comes down to which PRO PREAMP your using. I recommend just two. Avalon VT 737 SP or Focusrite ISA 430 MKII
You should have put a multipattern mic in that last lot too
I just sold my ksm32 because my at4050 covers mostly the same ground. Maybe tlm107 over tlm103, etc.
I also have a Miktek C7e but would try the United Twin87 as an alternative.
You might be a musician. For most voiceactors they never use the multipattern polar pattern.
@@Dracomies I am a recording guy, and record voiceactors often, and there are plenty of variations of patterns "they" use.
Some cardioids are much wider than others.
And you yourself use hypercardioid mics!
And figure 8 is a godsend if you need to shrink a room and also eliminate the sounds on the side.
There are folks who talk into RE635's and RE50's and other omni broadcast dynamics and they go on tv.
For general chatting i use the Zoom ZDM-1, quite happy with it.
The Equitek E100S is discontinued, sure, but what about the currently available E100SX? Any opinions?
PD, congrats on the blown up video! keeping it simple sure does the trick. Seems like everyone's loving it in the comments. Except for that remyrad guy lol. whats his deal?
E100sx isn't a replacement or substitute for the E100s. They sound nothing alike. The E100sx is like a muffled Mackie Em91C.
Got a Blue Ember by your recommendation. Best 80$ ever spent on a microphone 👌🏽👌🏽
They're $40 now! But yeah they're great mics!
Thanks for keepin it real!
Solid mic recommendations.
Man i bought that Audio Technica 2035 like back in 2012 and Its been by far a better mic than any other mic ive used...Love that microphone...and to mention ive never seen 1 bad review on it either....Helluva pawn shop find! 🤑
Solid microphone. I actually know a few voiceactors that have booked some bigtime projects with that mic alone. :D