NW-700

NW-700 vs. NW-800 vs. NW-1500 Comparison (Versus Series)

NM-700

  • Price: $23.00
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 16kHz

NM-800

  • Price: $27.00
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 26kHz

NW-1500

  • Price: $33.00
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 16kHz

Today we are comparing three microphones from the same company in order to determine which is the best microphone.

The microphones are the Neewer NW-700, NW-800, and NW-1500. When we look at the specifications, they all share the exact same performance. Also, when we test them next to each other they all have VERY similar performance. 

The only time that we could tell a difference in the performance was during the music test, and the differences were very slight. The NW-700 & NW-1500 sounded fairly similar, but the NW-800 stood out in this area. 

The NW-800 had slighter better presence and high end, which ultimately led to better sound quality and clarity for the acoustic guitar and the vocals. In all honesty, you can get any of these microphones and be fine, but since I have to pick a winner, I select the BM-800 due to the slightly better performance during the music test.

Buy the NW-800
US: http://amzn.to/1VMzeKB
UK: http://amzn.to/1WkD3Fe

Buy the NW-700
US: http://amzn.to/1VMzdX7
UK: http://amzn.to/1NJxUj8

Buy the NW-1500
US: http://amzn.to/1VMzcSV
UK: http://amzn.to/1NJxWYh

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Versus Series: NW-700 vs BM-700

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NW-700 BM-700
Cost $23.00 $27.00
Microphone Type Condenser Condenser
Frequency Response 20Hz - 16KHz 20Hz - 20KHz
Polar Pattern Cardioid Cardioid

When looking at the specifications, you may think that the BM-700 should have been the microphone that came out on top, but when listening to the actual sound produced by each microphone the NW-700 is the real winner.

The NW-700 had a much tighter low end and provided more accurate audio reproduction. This led to less booming with the acoustic guitar and vocals, and much better electric guitar sounds.

Both microphones require a minimum of 4.5v to work well, but can run using a full +48v of phantom power without damaging them. Either microphone would be a fine addition to your cheap microphone collection, but if you only have the budget for one, I would recommend the NW-700.

Buy the NW-700: http://amzn.to/1oeCLm6
Buy the BM-700: http://amzn.to/1ThRwQB

Can You Record Music With a Cheap Mic?

I have received comment after comments asking me if the mics that I test out are capable of recording music and sounding good. Rather than testing all the microphones I have tested, I selected 3 to test out. The SF-920, the NW-700, and the SM48. All of these mics are $30 or less and I did a couple tests on them.

  1. I recorded an overdriven guitar with the mics (I should note that the amps volume is not very loud).
  2. I recorded a clean guitar with the mics to show you more of what the mic is capable of doing on an amp.
  3. Lastly, I recorded a Ukulele to show you how this thing functions with acoustic instruments.

To sum up, I believe that the Neewer NW-700 performed the best on the clean guitar and acoustic instrument, and the SM48 performed the best on the overdriven guitar. However, if either of these mics are out of your price range, you will probably be okay picking up the SF-920. So the answer to "Can You Record Music With a Cheap Mic?" is YES!

Neewer NW-700 Microphone Review & Test

Tuesday means podcast gear review. Today I'm testing out the Neewer NW-700. I will share a hunch I have with you. I think that this is the exact same microphone as the Excelvan BM-700. 

What's in the Box?

Let's go ahead and look at what comes in the box when you order this microphone:

  1. Cardioid Condenser Microphone (XLR)
  2. Microphone Shock mount
  3. Microphone Cable (XLR to 3.5mm)
  4. Ball Pop Filter
  5. User Manual / Spec Sheet

It pretty much has everything you will need to start recording except for two things, 1) microphone stand, and 2) audio interface. Don't worry, the mic stand is only $13, and the audio interface is only $6. 

Performance / Features

This is an cardioid condenser microphone with a frequency response from 20Hz - 16KHz. And guess what. It sounds pretty dang good, especially for a $22 microphone kit.

I do want to mention that this microphone REQUIRES some power to function. It does not require full 48V of phantom power, but a minimal amount of voltage. I have tested it out and it works perfectly fine off the 5v provided through a usb audio adapter. I do not have a computer with a built in microphone input, but I have been told that this microphone sounds terrible when plugged directly into your computers microphone input.

Conclusion

This is a great microphone kit. It sounds great and it's super cheap. I highly recommend it for voice overs or starting a podcast. The great thing is, it is an XLR microphone, so if you would like to upgrade to a better interface in the future, you are able to do so. This is a downside to all USB microphones, and why I prefer XLR mics like this. 

To simplify, $22 and you'll be on your way. Throw in another $13 for the stand and another $6 for the usb adapter, and you are looking $41 for a complete solo recording set up. If you are on a budget and need something to start, this is the mic for you.

If you do have any questions about the microphone, let me know in the comments and I will answer them as soon as possible. Thanks for watching. Bye.

NW-700 on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1VJXgCE
USB Audio Adapter on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1NRL9xh