Damn, that is impressive for $37. This could be the new super budget buy for game streamers, Discord chatters and such and such, especially for the on-camera crowd. The Maono does make a case for itself with the included accessories tho. BTW I liked the tips about the windscreens and shock mounts.
The Xenyx pre-amps in the UM2 are just awful. Spend about $10 more and get the UMC22 also from Behringer and get the MIDAS pre-amps instead. Have a little more? Consider the Arturia Minifuse 1 for about $100. All that aside, this mic sounds better than nearly every other mic you compared it to.
IMO out of the mics in this video, this mic sounds better than everything but the Zoom ZDM-1 and the Rode Podmic (the mackie also beats it). That says a LOT.
WOW. Had to listen to the blind test a several times and came up with same conclusion. For me, on my system, MICS #1 and #3 were the winners. Mic 3 had a bit more in the high range while #1 was a bit more subdued. Both sound great. When you factor in the prices, winner winner chicken dinner! No matter which one you chose you don't lose. LOL. Like you said depend on the voice there may be a preference but just... wow... Thanks for a really solid review.
All microphones sound great! But I will choose Zoom ZDM-1, because I have a Handy Recorder and I will keep buying the brand. Especially because they have many years experience and products for everybody. Choose the microphone that fits best for you.
Whoa that Zoom ZD-1 was pretty damn good in the mic shootout. And yes the main featured mic sounds really good for $37, I bet it'd sound even better with a windscreen on it to round it out a bit.
Does the XM8500 sound that good out of the box or are there audio tweaks I have to make on my computer for it to sound that good? Does the XM8500 work with Elgato Wave XLR and will the Elgato XLR Cable work with the mic?
To me, from someone who used a blue snowball and phone combo… unless my podcast and RUclips channel are bringing in thousands… The Zoom or FiFine mics are good enough. With a little bit of mixing, I don’t hear the difference between that and expensive mics…. Especially for beginners.
To my ears on my setup, this mic similar to the Elgato Wave DX. maybe not as bright right out the box, but some may prefer that. and for the price? this thing sounds awesome!
Surprised at how well this mic does and compares to the other tested mics. Not sure if its just a me thing but i've never really like the Røde PodMic sound, like its just missing a bit of body to it.
I just got one. Sounds great on my voice, I'm gonna try to use it as an internal bass drum mic as well because it has some good characteristics and a darker tone.
The test starts out as a mono guitar test, then turns into L + R with a middle lead. 3 separate takes then panned. To see what it would sound like in that situation. Most musicians aren’t going to stick to mono.
@@AudioHotline Thank you for your explanation. In a band scenario, is this process repeated with multi-band members recording a song or jamming live on stage, or is each instrument recorded in mono (with the exception of the drums). I know that stereo can be arranged by the sound engineer phasing different channels and so-forth to achieve the effect. Enjoy your channel and loved the video. I own about 20 mics myself lol (yes, a bit obsessed lol). Take care and stay funny. Love the humor.
IMO the Behringer XM8500 is best suited for use as an instrument mic. Otherwise, it's a great cheap throw away mic for Karaoke KJ's so if some drunkard smashes it you don't have to cry about spending another $100 on an SM58, or even the $59 it costs to get a PGA58/57. Also, their boomy low end and grainy top end lend very well to harsh metal vocals. My band's original EP's from 2010 to 2012 or so were all recorded with both an LDC and a Behringer XM8500. All the guitar cabs were likewise either an XM8500 paired with an SM57 off axis, or a Sennheiser e609 paired with an XM8500 off axis. Some were quad tracked with one of each for both guitars. I also ran a Zoom multi-FX/Amp sim pedal into an ART tube MP Studio preamp for literally everything.
*EDIT* LMAO He mentioned the same thing lol. *EDIT* For mics like this, I just buy a suspension shock mount meant for a condenser, and aim the business end at the sound source... *shrugs* It works for my Zoom ZDM-1, and it would probably work for this mic.
I actually just picked up this microphone along with a CAD Connect CX2 interface ($59) which does 24/192 recording and it's pretty darn good. I'm now shopping for a boom arm for the mic since the desk tripod thing doesn't position the mic well for me.
FiFine actually hit me up right before releasing this video, because they saw my comment on Bark's Channel, and asked if I wanted them to send me one 😂. I said I already bought one and that I am about to release it... so they offered to do a giveaway with me. I'll be giving 3 of these away SOON! So if you do end up liking it, definitely enter that giveaway! I am also going to give away a few of the new K669C mics... but I am not as excited about that yet because I haven't heard it. I am hoping it's good though!
I'm definitely entering the giveaway. Tried thing is cool. Also...During the blind comparison I could pick out the podmic and xm8500 with one ear tied behind my back (I said what I said). They're polar opposites. The 8500 is really dark and the podmic is really thin.
I always measure. They are the exact same distance away from my mouth. It would kind of defeat the purpose of the test if I didn’t measure. The Rode PodMic just sounds like that. With processing, or a lower voice, it sounds better. The new xlr/usb version does sound a bit better though.
Nice video, Bronson. The two mics that sounded markedly different from the rest to me were the Podmic and the FiFine K688. The Podmic drew attention to itself in a poor way, with its characteristic accentuated top end, while the K668 had a lot more broadcast-like sizzle than the others. I'd have to go back to compare the Maono and K669D head to head, but in my own tests with both mics the FiFine has just a slight edge, money aside. The Maono includes the stand and decent XLR cable, so it that's important to a newbie it's the best value by a hair.
My jaw dropped when you said 37$... Thats just INSANE the audio you get, FIFINE is killing the game with these new drops
Damn, that is impressive for $37. This could be the new super budget buy for game streamers, Discord chatters and such and such, especially for the on-camera crowd. The Maono does make a case for itself with the included accessories tho.
BTW I liked the tips about the windscreens and shock mounts.
The Xenyx pre-amps in the UM2 are just awful. Spend about $10 more and get the UMC22 also from Behringer and get the MIDAS pre-amps instead. Have a little more? Consider the Arturia Minifuse 1 for about $100. All that aside, this mic sounds better than nearly every other mic you compared it to.
Any criticisms that could be levied against this mic are basically whipped by the price tag. I was suitably impressed.
IMO out of the mics in this video, this mic sounds better than everything but the Zoom ZDM-1 and the Rode Podmic (the mackie also beats it). That says a LOT.
Very useful review Bronson! Could you pls also give your BBSAR rating for K688, ZDM-1, and PD100 as well? Thanks.
😘
WOW. Had to listen to the blind test a several times and came up with same conclusion. For me, on my system, MICS #1 and #3 were the winners. Mic 3 had a bit more in the high range while #1 was a bit more subdued. Both sound great. When you factor in the prices, winner winner chicken dinner! No matter which one you chose you don't lose. LOL. Like you said depend on the voice there may be a preference but just... wow... Thanks for a really solid review.
All microphones sound great! But I will choose Zoom ZDM-1, because I have a Handy Recorder and I will keep buying the brand. Especially because they have many years experience and products for everybody.
Choose the microphone that fits best for you.
Whoa that Zoom ZD-1 was pretty damn good in the mic shootout. And yes the main featured mic sounds really good for $37, I bet it'd sound even better with a windscreen on it to round it out a bit.
The mic has an internal pop filter if you take the time to unscrew it.
if you haven't already, take a look at the teyun q12 interface. its $30!
Does the XM8500 sound that good out of the box or are there audio tweaks I have to make on my computer for it to sound that good? Does the XM8500 work with Elgato Wave XLR and will the Elgato XLR Cable work with the mic?
To me, from someone who used a blue snowball and phone combo… unless my podcast and RUclips channel are bringing in thousands… The Zoom or FiFine mics are good enough. With a little bit of mixing, I don’t hear the difference between that and expensive mics…. Especially for beginners.
Okay, this one is pure FIRE! But, I need some budget alternative options for shotgun mics now, as well :')
To my ears on my setup, this mic similar to the Elgato Wave DX. maybe not as bright right out the box, but some may prefer that.
and for the price? this thing sounds awesome!
Surprised at how well this mic does and compares to the other tested mics. Not sure if its just a me thing but i've never really like the Røde PodMic sound, like its just missing a bit of body to it.
I just got one. Sounds great on my voice, I'm gonna try to use it as an internal bass drum mic as well because it has some good characteristics and a darker tone.
very detailed and high quality review. That actually helped a lot! ur hella underrated, immediately subscribed
How did you get stereo out of a single mono mic using the electric guitar?
The test starts out as a mono guitar test, then turns into L + R with a middle lead. 3 separate takes then panned. To see what it would sound like in that situation. Most musicians aren’t going to stick to mono.
@@AudioHotline Thank you for your explanation. In a band scenario, is this process repeated with multi-band members recording a song or jamming live on stage, or is each instrument recorded in mono (with the exception of the drums). I know that stereo can be arranged by the sound engineer phasing different channels and so-forth to achieve the effect. Enjoy your channel and loved the video. I own about 20 mics myself lol (yes, a bit obsessed lol). Take care and stay funny. Love the humor.
Dude you're the best mic reviewer on the planet
Love you loads, been following you for a long time
Link for the shock mount you used? I see a few that get hit or miss reviews on Amazon
Awesome content!! Thank you for making such a thorough review on this new mic👍💯
The K688 Actually was my favorite. Very nice!
i was not convinced until you did the kitty pur test
Will there ever be a condenser microphone that looks this cool
No
Earthwork icon pro
I love how it looks like a black Icon Pro ;)
Love it on your voice
IMO the Behringer XM8500 is best suited for use as an instrument mic. Otherwise, it's a great cheap throw away mic for Karaoke KJ's so if some drunkard smashes it you don't have to cry about spending another $100 on an SM58, or even the $59 it costs to get a PGA58/57. Also, their boomy low end and grainy top end lend very well to harsh metal vocals. My band's original EP's from 2010 to 2012 or so were all recorded with both an LDC and a Behringer XM8500. All the guitar cabs were likewise either an XM8500 paired with an SM57 off axis, or a Sennheiser e609 paired with an XM8500 off axis. Some were quad tracked with one of each for both guitars. I also ran a Zoom multi-FX/Amp sim pedal into an ART tube MP Studio preamp for literally everything.
*EDIT* LMAO He mentioned the same thing lol. *EDIT* For mics like this, I just buy a suspension shock mount meant for a condenser, and aim the business end at the sound source... *shrugs*
It works for my Zoom ZDM-1, and it would probably work for this mic.
I actually just picked up this microphone along with a CAD Connect CX2 interface ($59) which does 24/192 recording and it's pretty darn good. I'm now shopping for a boom arm for the mic since the desk tripod thing doesn't position the mic well for me.
XLR to USB doesn't work in this, whyyy
Like an XLR to USB cable?
Sadly, those cables usually suck… BUT you can get some pretty inexpensive audio interfaces now!
you said this isn't the ideal choice for instrumental recording.
Which mic would you recomend? still budget oriented - cost/benefit oriented
Edit: Oh wait, you do include a foam at the 5:30 mark. It does sound better with a foamy.
Bro I'm watching this on my tv. Am I going crazy or does this mic actually sound pretty good? I gotta put some headphones on. 🤦🏾♂️
It's surprising dude!!! Damn solid mic!
FiFine actually hit me up right before releasing this video, because they saw my comment on Bark's Channel, and asked if I wanted them to send me one 😂. I said I already bought one and that I am about to release it... so they offered to do a giveaway with me. I'll be giving 3 of these away SOON! So if you do end up liking it, definitely enter that giveaway!
I am also going to give away a few of the new K669C mics... but I am not as excited about that yet because I haven't heard it. I am hoping it's good though!
I dig it
I'm definitely entering the giveaway. Tried thing is cool. Also...During the blind comparison I could pick out the podmic and xm8500 with one ear tied behind my back (I said what I said). They're polar opposites. The 8500 is really dark and the podmic is really thin.
Impressive, considering its price range.
I don't need this mic but I sure as heck want to buy it simply because it's so cheap and sounds so good! I hope to win the giveaway 🤩
You forgot to test your mom coming in your room and yelling at you to take out the trash. (for background noise)
still rocking with the good old cheap XM8500 :D
1+ 4
Sounds surprisingly good on guitar
that guitar test was much needed subbed.
purrrfection!
The rode podmic was too far away as it sounded way thinner than the other mics
I always measure. They are the exact same distance away from my mouth. It would kind of defeat the purpose of the test if I didn’t measure. The Rode PodMic just sounds like that. With processing, or a lower voice, it sounds better. The new xlr/usb version does sound a bit better though.
Is it better then a snowball because I wanna upgrade
Specs wise yes.
Anyone know what windscreen they used at 15:45?
I am using this windscreen:
amzn.to/3qiCjIV
Accent on 69 is so cringe😕
Great video - as always! 😎
The Maono PD400x pop filter is also a perfect fit if any of you happen to own one👍🏻
Dear God this sounds better than the PD70.
Nice video, Bronson. The two mics that sounded markedly different from the rest to me were the Podmic and the FiFine K688. The Podmic drew attention to itself in a poor way, with its characteristic accentuated top end, while the K668 had a lot more broadcast-like sizzle than the others. I'd have to go back to compare the Maono and K669D head to head, but in my own tests with both mics the FiFine has just a slight edge, money aside. The Maono includes the stand and decent XLR cable, so it that's important to a newbie it's the best value by a hair.