Versus

MXL-770 vs MXL-990 Comparison (Versus Series)

MXL-770

  • Price: $65
  • Frequency Response: 30Hz - 20kHz
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Max SPL: 137dB
  • Impedance: 150-Ohms
  • S/N Ratio: 74dB

MXL-990

  • Price: $78
  • Frequency Response: 30Hz - 18kHz
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Max SPL: 137dB
  • Impedance: 110-Ohms
  • S/N Ratio: 78dB

Today we're comparing two microphones from MXL; the MXL-770 and the MXL-990. They do look similar on paper, but there are some very important differences that I found when listening extremely closely to the microphones.

First off, the build quality of these mics is very similar. They both have a full metal construction, and a metal grill. They do feel a bit on the light side when comparing them to more expensive condenser microphones. The 770 is quite a bit larger than the 990, and also has a -10dB pad switch and a bass rolloff switch to help when recording loud instruments. Due to the 770 providing additional options, I will declare the 770 the winner of the build quality.

The frequency response is where the main difference shows up. The MXL-770 ranges from 30Hz - 20kHz, and the MXL-990 ranges from 30Hz - 18kHz. This would lead you to believe that the former would have a more prominent high end, but that's not what I found. I found that the 990 lacked quite a bit in the low end, and the higher frequencies were a bit harsh/shrill. The 770 had a much fuller low end without sounding overly muddy, the high end was not overbearing, and overall it provided a much smoother sound. Therefore, I am declaring the 770 the winner of the frequency response section as well.

The polar patterns of both mics is very similar, and there's no winner here. The Max SPL is also the same for both microphones, so there is no winner here.

Therefore, the winner of today's Versus Series is the MXL-770. To my ears, this microphone just provided an all around better tone. It had a well rounded low end and a decent amount of high frequencies without becoming unbearable, all while providing a very smooth and natural sound. I do want to note that for these comparisons, I am VERY nitpicky, and either of these microphones will likely perform well for any beginner's home studio. It really just comes down to what your personal preference is. 

Buy the MXL-770
US: http://amzn.to/2jpxjeP
UK: http://amzn.to/2iquk7h

Buy the MXL-990
US: http://amzn.to/2jdsveG
UK: http://amzn.to/2iNrAPg

Buy the Focusrite Scarlett Solo
US: http://amzn.to/2jBSauD
UK: http://amzn.to/2iqltTj

 

AT-2020 vs. AT-2035 Comparison (Versus Series)

Audio Technica AT-2020

  • Price: $100
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Sensitivity: -37dB
  • Dynamic Range: 124 dB
  • Impedance: 100-Ohms
  • S/N Ratio: 74 dB

Audio Technica AT-2035

  • Price: $150
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Sensitivity: -33dB
  • Dynamic Range: 136dB
  • Impedance: 120-Ohms
  • S/N Ratio: 82dB

Today we're looking at two microphones that are very similar. The Audio Technica AT-2020 and the Audio Technica AT-2035. When comparing these microphones on paper, you may think that they are very similar, and they in all honesty, they are very similar. There are some very important differences if you are looking to record professional audio.

The build quality of both mics is excellent. Full metal construction that feels extremely durable. However, the AT-2035 does have the added functionality of a -10dB pad and bass rolloff switch built in.

The frequency response of both microphones is listed as the exact same, but if you look at the visualization of the AT2020 & AT2035 response, you can see that the 2035 has a slightly larger boost between 10-15kHz, which provides it slightly better presence. When you listen carefully to the performance on the instruments, you can hear this slight improvement. 

The polar patterns of both mics is very similar, and there's no winner here.

When looking at the sensitivity, we see that the AT2035 has a slightly higher output. What this means is, if the EXACT same signal is played into both microphones, the AT2035 signal will be ~4dB louder. This can make a huge difference. The AT2035 also has a better dynamic range meaning it can handle audio signals that are 12dB louder before breaking up.

When it comes to the S/N (signal-to-noise) ratio, we once again see that the AT2035 is the winner. This specification basically tells you that the signal (voice or instrument) that you are recording will be louder compared to the line noise.

Therefore, the winner of today's Versus Series is the Audio Technica AT2035. To my ears it has a slightly better tone, it generates a louder and cleaner signal, and is all around a better package, and if I had to choose between the two, I would choose the 2035. However, if you are just recording at home and doing voice overs for youtube, you can probably get away with just purchasing the AT-2020. 

Buy the AT2035
US: http://amzn.to/2b9Fbj9
UK: http://amzn.to/2aFhJew

Buy the AT2020
US: http://amzn.to/2b9EWEZ
UK: http://amzn.to/2bbu5LW

Behringer C1u vs Samson C01u Pro Comparison (Versus Series)

Samson C01u Pro

  • Price: $90.00
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
  • Resolution: 48kHz

Behringer C1u

  • Price: $60.00
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 40Hz - 16kHz

Today I compared two USB microphones to determine which performs better and which one you should. Those two mics are the Samson C01u Pro and the Behringer C1u.

First thing I noticed when comparing the mics is the internal interfaces. The Samson c01u provides much better volume, and a cleaner preamp. Also, I was able to set my microphone input MUCH lower (17% vs ~75%) on the Samson, which means I can have more control over the sound, and also, by keeping the gain lower, I avoid hiss generated from the internal preamps.

When we got to music test, it was once again apparent that the Samson outperformed the Behringer. The acoustic, vocals, and electric all sounded more natural with better presence and clarity. On top of this, the Samson did better with noise cancellation abd also has a headphone port for latency free monitoring.

In every situation, the Samson C01u outperformed the Behringer which led me to crown it this episodes victor. It is $30 more, but it is definitely worth the extra money.

Buy the Samson C01u Pro
US: http://amzn.to/1VbV5um
UK: http://amzn.to/1YBQ6kD

Buy the Behringer C1u
US: http://amzn.to/1So4fTS
UK: http://amzn.to/1Sfrjir

BM-700 vs. BM-800 vs. BM-8000 Comparison (Versus Series)

BM-700

  • Price: $29.00
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz

BM-800

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

BM-8000

  • Price: $26.00
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz

Today we are comparing three Excelvan microphones to determine which is the best. The mics are the BM-700, BM-800, and BM-8000.

The construction of the microphones bodies is the exact same. The only difference is the microphone capsules enclosure on top, but this doesn't seem to effect the sound too much.

In all honesty, the microphones performance was nearly identical. There were some very small differences in EQ's between the microphones, but nothing too noticeable. The BM-700 did seem a bit boomy, and had a bit hotter of a signal which led to some clipping, but other than that, not much difference.

It was difficult to pick, but after very close analysis of the sound, I think that BM-800 is the winner. It provides a slightly cleaner sound, and better tone. Also it saves you a few dollars as well. Hope this helped you decide which microphone is right for you.

Buy the BM-700: http://amzn.to/1qACnzD
Buy the BM-800: http://amzn.to/1MmSsDd
Buy the BM-8000: http://amzn.to/1S9BR81

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Versus Series: BM-800 vs NW-800

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BM-800

  • Price: $28.00
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid

NW-800

  • Price: $27.00
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 16kHz
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid

In the second installment of the Versus Series, we had a much closer match. Based on the specifications, once again the BM-800 should have won. But when it comes down to actual performance, the victor was the NW-800.

The sound quality between these two microphones was very close, however, the NW-800 provided a slightly cleaner tone. This was apparent in the acoustic guitar performance, as well as electric guitar performance. 

Although the NW-800 is limited in the frequency response arena, I believe that it makes up for in a tighter, and less boomy low end, and cleaner all around tone. 

Buy the NW-800: http://amzn.to/1pFyYiK
Buy the BM-800: http://amzn.to/22e7FKa