Today we're looking at a handheld dynamic microphone from Beyerdynamic, the TG-V70D.
For this review, I have the mic connected directly to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd gen, with the gain set at 2:00. I have done no post processing on the audio, it is all raw, but the audio was slightly boosted in final cut pro X to simply make the audio easier to listen to.
If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back $200.00 on Amazon
What's In the Box
Microphone
Microphone Mount
5/8" to 3/8" Adapter
Documentation (including frequency response & sensitivity of the actual mic you bought)
Carrying Pouch
Specifications
Frequency Response: 25Hz - 18kHz
Polar Pattern: Hyper-Cardioid
Sensitivity: ~-49dB
Impedance: 280-ohms
Performance / Features
The build quality of this mic is basic but robust. It has a standard tapered metal handle and a sturdy feeling metal mesh grill, which has a good amount of foam on the inside to attempt to reject some plosives.
The frequency response is listed as 25Hz - 18kHz. The frequency response on this mic begins to gradually roll off the bass at around 250Hz, and then starts a drastic roll off around 150Hz. The low mids are flat, and then in the high mids we start to see a boost beginning at around 1.5kHz. This boost ends up peaking betwen 7-8kHz, and then begins a consistent roll off from 8 -18kHz.
The polar pattern of this mic is hyper-cardioid. The 90-degree rejection on this mic is great. You have almost no low end, and the volume significantly decreases. When you get around to 180-degrees some low end returns, but the higher frequencies seem to disappear. In the tests I conducted, it did an excellent job at rejecting keyboard noise and acoustic guitar noise when they are in the null spots of the polar pattern.
The overall performance of this mic is great. On electric guitar you're getting a tight low end without any muddiness, on the acoustic you get a nice body with a bit of shimmer on the high end, and on vocals you get amazing clarity with full low end which you can adjust by utilizing the proximity effect.
Pros
Very detailed tone without sounding harsh
Prominent proximity effect that can be used to your advantage
Hyper Cardioid Polar Pattern assists in background noise rejection and feedback rejection
Minimal Handling Noise
Great Build Quality
Cons
Proximity effect can be a detriment if mic technique is poor
Not the best at rejecting plosives
Some may find it expensive in comparison to entry level live mics
Conclusion
I think this has become my new favorite handheld dynamic microphones. This thing cut right through mix on the vocals due to the presence and treble boost, and it also picked up minimal ambient noise, even when I was playing the acoustic guitar about 1 foot off-axis. The proximity effect also allows you to offset some of the detail, or beef up your voice if you have a thin voice. If you do not have good microphone technique, you will need to be careful on this thing because the proximity effect on this mic can be dangerous.
If you have any additional questions about this microphone, leave them on the youtube video, and I will try to reply ASAP.
Buy the Beyerdynamic TG-V70D
US: https://amzn.to/2qkivlS
UK: https://amzn.to/2IFSllc
CA: https://amzn.to/2HmUe6X
DE: https://amzn.to/2II0CoR
Buy the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (2nd Gen)
US: http://amzn.to/2vDFbzK
UK: http://amzn.to/2w8O2f6
CA: http://amzn.to/2wKGKfG
DE: http://amzn.to/2hbtxsV