CAD U1 USB Dynamic Microphone Review/Test

Ladies and Gentleman. I do not like to badmouth a microphone or a company, but in this case I don't think I have any other choice. I tested out the Cad U37, and had an issue with the microphone being too hot (too loud). I assumed that this was a manufacturing error. I got a request from a viewer to test out the CAD U1, and I jumped at the opportunity because it has such good ratings for a $20 microphone.

I ran into the exact same problem as the CAD U37. The microphone is too hot. I set my microphone input gain at 1% and I was still clipping at 3 feet away from the microphone. On top of that, this microphone has no shielding, so you will be picking up radio waves and all sorts of noise. I have even seen people wrapping it with wire to ground it and eliminate a buzz. 

I understand. This is only a $20 microphone, so you can't expect amazing quality, but this is just absurd. Call me crazy, but if you're selling a microphone, regardless of the price, it should be useable. I should note that I have tested these mics out on Mac computers (which it says it is compatible with) and I think that may be a big issue. If I ever get a PC, I will revisit this microphones, but as of right now, I cannot tell you enough: DO NOT BUY A CAD USB MICROPHONE!

Bandrew Scott

Bandrew Scott is the founder and host of the youtube channel Podcastage, where he posts reviews of audio gear, and shares tips and tricks to improve the audio of your Podcast, YouTube Channel, or Live Stream.

He also founded the Geeks Rising podcast network, which is home to amazing education, wellness, and pop culture podcasts such as Tourette’s Podcast, Sunshine & Powercuts, and On The Subject.

Bandrew also runs his own show titled the Bandrew Says Podcast. On this show he analyzes the latest news to determine how it affects the content creation ecosystem, and shares that to help creates remain aware of how the platform they use is changing.