Behringer C-1u USB Microphone Review/Test

Today I am testing out the USB version of I microphone I have already tested. Today I am testing out the Behringer C-1u USB Microphone.

If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back $60 on Amazon.

What's In the Box

  1. Microphone
  2. Microphone Stand Mount
  3. 5/8" to 3/8" Mic Stand Adapter
  4. USB Cable
  5. Driver CD & Podcasting / Audio Editing Software
  6. Documentation 

Performance / Features

The build quality is pretty good. It has an all metal body and a metal grill, but it does not feel like high quality metal. The USB cable is your standard rubber cable, so there's nothing special there, and the microphone stand mount is made of a cheap plastic. Lastly, there is a light on the front that turns green to indicate that it is plugged in and receiving power.

This microphone has a 16mm condenser microphone capsule and provides a frequency response of 40Hz - 16kHz (40Hz - 20kHz for the XLR version). It provided a decent sound in every situation we put it through; vocals, electric guitar, and acoustic guitar. There weren't any frequencies that stuck out as harsh, and it didn't sound like any freq's were missing. 

The C-1u also has a Cardioid polar pattern. We heard quite a significant drop off as we got farther away from the microphone. However, as we moved around the microphone, it still tended to pick up a bit of noise around the sides and back. The microphone did perform well with eliminating the background noise of the keyboard.

Pros

  • Decent sound
  • Good at eliminating background noise
  • Plug & Play
  • Cheap

Con

  • Poorly built microphone mount
  • Difficult to trouble shoot
  • Low output volume

Conclusion

This is nothing more than a decent, middle of the road microphone. It sounds decent in every situation, but that's about it. It will not provide top of the line audio, but it will get you recorded for youtube. I did find that it had a relatively low output volume (had to set at 75% input gain to get decent volume). This can lead to issues with hiss/buzz, so if that's a concern of yours, this microphone is not for you. 

This microphone is basically for anyone who is just looking for a super easy, plug and play microphone to get audio that's good enough for chatting and voice overs. It is not for people who want to make professional videos/music or people who want to eventually upgrade their microphone with additional gear.

If you have any additional questions about this headset, leave them in the comments on this site or on the youtube channel, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Buy it on Amazon (US): http://amzn.to/25ENGHa
Buy it on Amazon (UK): http://amzn.to/1oAn4oV

Takstar SGC-598 Shotgun Mic Review

Today I am testing out a microphone that helps improve your camera's audio. The Takstar SGC-598 Shotgun Microphone.

If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back $30 on Amazon.

I do have to note that this is an active microphone and requires a single AA battery in order for the microphone to work.

What's In the Box

  1. Microphone
  2. Windscreen
  3. Carrying Pouch
  4. Documentation 

Performance / Features

The build quality is decent. The entire build is made of plastic and nothing feels too sturdy. The cable is also permanently attached to the front of the microphone (which seems like odd placement to me) and also eliminates the possibility to attach a longer cable, or replace the cable if the provided one goes bad.

There are three switches on the side.

  • Power On / Off
  • +10db Audio Boost
  • Low Cut Switch

The frequency response is listed as 50Hz - 16kHz which is a pretty decent response. It does seem to lack a little bit in the low end, leaving audio sounding a bit weak. But this is nothing you wouldn't expect out of a $30 microphone.

The mic offers a cardioid polar pattern which is what you would expect. It is not as directional as I would have liked. It still picks up quite a bit of audio as you move around the side and back of the microphone, but the majority of audio is picked up directly in front of the mic.

Pros

  • Decent sound
  • Cheap
  • Portable
  • Improves camera's audio
  • +10db boost / Low cut options

Con

  • Poor build quality
  • Permanent cable (poorly placed)
  • No mic stand mount
  • Lacks low end
  • Wide polar pattern

Conclusion

This is in no way a top of the line shotgun microphone. It will not provide you excellent audio, or clean sound. What it will do is provide decent audio, which is a huge improvement over most cameras internal microphones. So if you are a vlogger and you want to improve your camera's audio, or if you're just trying slightly increase your videos audio, this is a good option for $30.

If you have any additional questions about this headset, leave them in the comments on this site or on the youtube channel, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Buy it on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1TcSKO6

Razer Seiren Pro Elite USB Condenser Microphone Review / Test

Today I am testing out an absolute beast of a microphone. The Razer Seiren Pro Elite.

And if you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back approximately $225 on Amazon.

What's In the Box

  1. Microphone
  2. Microphone Stand
  3. USB Cable
  4. 5-Pin to Dual 3-Pin XLR Splitter
  5. 3.5mm Extension Cable
  6. Documenation
  7. 1-Year Warranty

Performance / Features

The build quality of this mic is excellent. It has an all metal stand. Metal body. Metal grill. There are a few scattered pieces of plastic in the build, but nothing that raises concerns. Basically, everything feels well built. 

Front: The front has an LED display that shows mic gain, headphone gain, and current polar pattern. Directly below that is the headphone volume control and a microphone mute button.

Back: There are two dials on the back. The top dial is the polar pattern selector that allows you to switch between all 4 different polar patterns. The bottom dial controls the microphone gain.

Bottom: The bottom has the 5-pin XLR Jack, Microphone Mount, USB Port, Headphone Port, and a high-pass filter button which allows you to cut troublesome low frequencies.

The frequency response alters with each polar pattern, but the documentation lists that it the microphone is capable of 20Hz - 20kHz performance. It seemed to accurately represent the instruments being tested on it, and sounded very nice on the voice.

The polar patterns available on this microphone are as follows.

  • Stereo (generates stereo L-R signal)
  • Cardioid
  • Omnidirectional
  • Bidirectional

Each polar pattern serves it's own purpose and performs relatively well. I think that this microphone would hold it's own if it were placed against ~$100 USB microphones with each polar pattern. Basically, the performance is not stellar, but it is everything that most entry level folks will need.

I should also note a few other things.

  • Sample Rate: 192kHz
  • Bit Rate: 24-bit
  • Both 3-Pin XLR's require Phantom Power to Work

Pros

  • Excellent build quality
  • ULTRA LOW NOISE FLOOR
  • Versatile polar patterns
  • Great frequency response

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Bulky

Conclusion

Overall, the microphone sounds great. Each polar pattern works well, and the overall tone is accurate and nice sounding. I do think that this microphone is for a very specific group of people though, and it is surprisingly, not gamers.

For gamers, this microphone will be overkill. Most gamers use a cardioid polar pattern and that's it. You can get an ATR-2100 for $60 and be perfectly fine. You will most likely not use any of the other settings. I also don't think that this microphone is for professional musicians. 

I think the people who will benefit most from this mic are amateur musicians, and youtube musicians. It will allow you a LOT of microphone versatility for a relatively low cost. It may seem expensive, but if you think about the cost of getting 4 decent microphones to match this microphone's performance, it suddenly seems like a much more reasonable price.

If you have any additional questions about this headset, leave them in the comments on this site or on the youtube channel, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Razer Seiren: http://amzn.to/1SbI4gb
Razer Seiren Pro: http://amzn.to/1Uef1fM

 

,

Versus Series: BM-8000 vs NW-1500

,

These two mics have very different numberings, but they are placed in the exact same body. Again, the Excelvan out shines the Neewer in terms of specifications, however, unlike the last three versus series, the Excelvan actually wins.

Not only is the Excelvan about $10 cheaper than the Neewer microphone, but it has a much better sound. The frequency response captures all the way up to 20kHz, and the low end is not overly boomy.

All around the BM-8000 is a better sounding microphone, and it saves you so money too!

Buy the BM-8000: http://amzn.to/1QPnbXZ
Buy the NW-1500: http://amzn.to/1M0DLVR

BM-8000

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

NW-1500

  • Price: $38.00
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz - 16kHz
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Samson Meteorite USB Microphone Review / Test

Today I am testing out another rather cheap USB microphone. The Samson Meteorite.

If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back $40 on Amazon.

What's In the Box

  1. Microphone
  2. Microphone Stand
  3. Documentation 

Performance / Features

The build quality of this microphone is nothing special. It is an all plastic body and the permanently attached cable feels like it was pulled of a cheap iPhone charger. The microphone stand (if you can even call it that) is a plastic base with an indentation to place the microphone in. It has a magnet to help secure the microphone and it also allows you to tilt the microphone to place it in the best position.

There is also a light on the front of the microphone. It glows blue to indicate that it is plugged in and receiving power and it blinks red if the signal gets to loud and begins to clip. 

The frequency response of this mic is 20Hz - 20kHz, but you wouldn't be able to tell. The 14mm capsule seems to create a very tinny and small sound. It is not conducive to recording any instruments. 

The polar pattern is listed as cardioid so it should have done fairly well with noise cancellation. However, when testing it against the keyboard, it picked up a LOT of noise. This issue could have been resolved by adding a microphone stand adapter to the mic, allowing you to get the microphone off your desk, but as this is not an option, it did HORRIBLY at avoiding background noise. 

Pros

  • Portable
  • LED Indicator for Clipping

Cons

  • Thin sound
  • Picks up lots of background noise
  • Poor build quality
  • No mic stand mount

Conclusion

I cannot recommend this microphone. It is a bit too expensive for what it is. It does not allow for decent placement, it picks up lots of background noise, and the build quality is not good. If you were considering this microphone which costs $40, I would recommend saving another $10, and picking up the Samson Meteor, which is all around a MUCH better microphone.

If you have any additional questions about this headset, leave them in the comments on this site or on the youtube channel, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Samson Meteorite: http://amzn.to/1YO5wmt
Samson Meteor: http://amzn.to/1P708Dv

,

Versus Series: BM-800 vs NW-800

,

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

Blue Spark Condenser Microphone Review / Test

Today I am testing out a mic that I have been dying to try out. The Blue Spark.

If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back $199 on Amazon.

WARNING: This microphone will require phantom power to function. So if you plan on purchasing this, make sure to purchase a phantom power supply, or make sure your audio interface is capable of providing sufficient voltage.

What's In the Box

  1. Microphone
  2. Metal Pop Filter
  3. XLR to XLR Cable (certain packages)
  4. Shock Mount (5/8" to 3/8" Stand Adapter NOT Included)
  5. Documentation

note: I do not believe that all Blue Spark microphones come with an XLR cable. 

Performance / Features

The build quality of this mic is awesome. It has an all metal body and a nice metal grill. The shock mount is a nice sturdy metal and performs it's job without any problems. The windscreen has a very fine mesh to help eliminate plosives as well. The XLR cable is a very nice and high quality cable and the box is a nice wooden box which will provide sufficient protection while storing the microphone.

The frequency response of this mic is 20Hz - 20kHz, and you can hear every bit of this in the microphone. The sound is incredibly full without having any excess boominess in the low low end. The acoustic guitar, voice, and electric guitar all sounded great on this mic.

There is a button on the back that activates a FOCUS MODE, which slightly alters the EQ of the microphone and provides slightly improved clarity through boosting mid & high frequencies, and gently rolling off frequencies around 100Hz.

The Spark provides a Cardioid polar pattern which performs very well for voice & guitar. It picked up very minimal background noise while providing the freedom to move around the microphone a bit. As I got farther away from the microphone, you could hear a decrease in volume, and the largest drop in velocity seemed to appear between the 1-2 foot mark.

Lastly, this requires FULL +48v PHANTOM POWER! 

Pros

  • Full frequency response
  • Great vocal/guitar sound
  • Does not pick up excess background noise
  • Nice shock mount
  • Nice wind screen
  • Focus button to add Clarity

Cons

  • None?

Conclusion

I have to say. This is my favorite XLR mic that I have tested out to date. I couldn't find anything that I didn't like about it at the price that I paid. I do want to recommend that you shop around. I found this for $70 less than the normal price tag.

This microphone will not be for everyone. It will be for people who are more serious about recording music, voice overs, etc. It will require additional investment in an audio interface that provides +48v phantom power, and some people may not like that. If you want a plug and play microphone, there are plenty of other options for you to choose from. If you are in the $200 price range, and you're looking for a good XLR condenser microphone, I would highly recommend this one. 

If you have any additional questions about this headset, leave them in the comments on this site or on the youtube channel, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Buy it on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1YWlPz1

 

Aspen Mics HQ-S (HQ-SPK) Lavalier Microphone Review

This time I am back with a review of a stereo Lavalier mic as well as a complementary piece of gear that allows this mic to function as an extension of your smart phone. I am testing out the Aspen Mics HQ-S & Aspen Mics HQ-SPK. 

If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back between $45-$50 and it is available through the links at the bottom of the article.

WARNING: This microphone will has a standard operating voltage of 2.0 - 10.0 volts. This means it requires a minimum of 2.0 volts to work, and if you exceed 10.0 volts, you risk damaging your microphone. 

What's In the Box

  1. Stereo Lavalier Mic (w/ 54-inch cable)
  2. Lapel Clip
  3. Two Foam Windscreen's
  4. TRRS Adapter (if you purchase the SPK kit)
  5. Metal Carrying Case
  6. QA Check List
  7. 5-year Warranty

Performance / Features

The build quality of this lavalier microphone is fairly standard for a lav mic. It has a rubber cable 54-inch cable, a metal microphone capsule, and a metal lapel clip. The lapel clip is significantly smaller than most cheap lav mics which is helpful when attempting to conceal it on your clothing.

The metal carrying case is also a nice addition as I have not received a Lav mic that included a way to carry/store the microphone. 

The frequency response of this microphone is 20Hz - 20kHz. Even when clipped to your shirt, far away from the sound source, you get very nice presence unlike some cheaper mics I have tested.

As per usual for a Lav mic the polar pattern is Omni-Directional which means you will pick up a bit of ambient noise. So just keep that in mind when planning out your shoots or recording environments. 

As I mentioned, the standard operating voltage is 2.0 - 10.0 volts. So you need to stay with in this range in order to get good results out of the microphone.

Pros

  • Very nice sound
  • Smart Phone Compatible
  • Full frequency response
  • Small Lapel Clip
  • Metal Carrying Case
  • 5-Year Warranty

Cons

  • Standard Rubber Cable
  • Omni-directional polar pattern picks up ambient noise (but is required for a lavalier mic to work well, so it's not really a con)

Conclusion

This is a pretty rad little lavalier microphone. I think the sound reproduction was great, and the smartphone capabilities are a huge plus because it essentially provides you with a wireless microphone. I was also able to use this microphone across every single platform I tested with very nice results.

I should note that just like most other lavalier microphones, this is omni-directional, so it will pick up a bit of ambient noise. Therefore, it is important to take into account when planning where you will be using this microphone. 

I would basically recommend this to anyone who is looking for a lavalier microphone for interviews, or vlogs. It is a great price, and it works very well on the smartphone, camera and computer. 

If you have any additional questions about this headset, leave them in the comments on this site or on the youtube channel, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Aspen Mics HQ-S: http://amzn.to/1TgdJAG
HQ-SPK: http://aspenmics.com/col...
TRRS Adapter: http://amzn.to/1TgdSUH

Excelvan BM-8000 Condenser Mic Review

I am back with another review of one of the mass produced Chinese microphones that are insanely cheap. This time, it is the Excelvan BM-8000.

If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back $29 on Amazon.

WARNING: This microphone will require phantom power to function. So if you plan on purchasing this, make sure to purchase a phantom power supply, or make sure your audio interface is capable of providing sufficient voltage.

What's In the Box

  1. Microphone
  2. Metal Pop Filter
  3. XLR to 3.5mm Cable
  4. Shock Mount (5/8" to 3/8" Stand Adapter NOT Included)
  5. USB Soundcard
  6. Documentation

Performance / Features

The build quality on this microphone is relatively nice. It is an all metal body, and metal grill, but it still feels relatively cheap. With the form factor of this microphone, the neck seems like a weak structural point, so I would be careful. The mic cable seems decent enough, the shock mount does it's job, and the USB Soundcard is a piece of junk (only providing 2.43v to the microphone.

The specifications sheet lists the frequency response as 20Hz - 20kHz, which is great. When doing the music test, it seems like the low end is boosted quite a bit. This makes the acoustic guitar sound a bit boomy, but the vocals sound nice. 

The polar pattern is listed as "Uni-Directional" but it does tend to pick up audio all the way around the microphone. As you move around the back of the mic, the high end drops off exponentially. The mic did perform well at eliminating background noise when we did the keyboard test. 

I should note that this microphone will not perform at it's best if it receiving subpar voltage. It requires a minimum of 4.5 volts to sound decent. So keep that in mind. If you are only utilizing the provided soundcard, you will lose performance in terms of frequency response, noise, and over all fidelity.

Pros

  • Cheap
  • Good vocal sound
  • Good shock mount
  • Full frequency response (with Phantom Power)

Cons

  • Boomy low end with acoustic
  • Soundcard lacks sufficient power
  • Incorrect documentation?

Conclusion

This is a pretty good deal for $30. The audio quality sounds pretty good if you plan on doing voice work. It will pick up a bit of background noise, but other than that, it's a good option. If you do plan on purchasing this microphone, I implore you to pick up a phantom power supply & a boom arm. With that set up, you should be good to go.

If you have any additional questions about this headset, leave them in the comments on this site or on the youtube channel, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Excelvan BM-8000: http://amzn.to/1RVRlLg
Phantom Power: http://amzn.to/1QASfYc
Boom Arm: http://amzn.to/21kRVrR

Blue Snowball USB Mic Review

Today, due to popular request, I tested out the Blue Snowball Usb Microphone. Earlier this year, I tested out the Blue Snowball iCE, and still, the requests kept rolling in for the regular snowball. 

If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back $50 on Amazon.

What's In the Box

  1. Microphone
  2. USB Cable
  3. Table Top Stand
  4. Documentation

This microphone also comes with a 2-year warranty.

Performance / Features

The build quality is decent. It's a plastic body, and it feels relatively cheap. The grill is actually metal which adds a nice touch, but it still feels like a sub par product. The actual microphone stand on the other hand feels much nicer than most table top mic stands that I have encountered. The problem that I have with table top microphone stands is they offer no shock absorption, so it will pick up noise every time you bump the table.

On the back of the microphone there are three settings as follows:

  1. Cardioid Polar Pattern
  2. Cardioid Polar Pattern with 10db Pad
  3. Omnidirectional Polar Pattern

The specs sheet (user manual) does not provide any listed frequency response, but a website I found SoundOnSound.com listed the frequency response as 40Hz to 18kHz. When listening to the examples you can tell that the frequency response differs depending on the microphone capsules you are utilizing.

When using the Cardioid microphone capsule, you seem to have a relatively full frequency response. Once you switch to the omni directional setting, the low end gets cut out and the audio becomes very tinny and unnatural sounding. 

Pros

  • Relatively cheap
  • Decent sound on Cardioid setting
  • Simple to use

Cons

  • Desktop Microphone Stand
  • USB Microphone
  • Omnidirectional Capsule unusable for professional audio

Conclusion

This is a decent microphone. It is relatively cheap, sitting around $50, and it honestly sounds like a $50 microphone. The cardioid setting is useful, but once you move to the omnidirectional setting, the audio becomes unusable if you plan on releasing the audio.

I don't think that I can recommend this rendition of the microphone to anyone, unless you are dead set on using the omni directional pattern. If you're not planning on using the omni pattern, just stick with the blue snowball ice. Also, I would only recommend this microphone if you are looking for a simple and easy to use solo podcasting microphone. If you're planning on recording multiple people, or game (with lots of noise in the background), I do not think this microphone is right for you.

If you have any additional questions about this headset, leave them in the comments on this site or on the youtube channel, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Blue Snowball: http://amzn.to/21kQ71X
Blue Snowball iCE: http://amzn.to/1QARj6c

,

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

Audio-Technica ATR2500-USB Mic Review / Test

Today I reviewed another USB microphone from Audio Technica. This time, the ATR-2500 USB Condenser Microphone. This is part of the ATR series, which Audio Technica describes their affordable line of microphones. But that clearly does not translate into poor quality when it comes to audio.

If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back $75 on Amazon.

What's In the Box

  1. Microphone
  2. USB Cable
  3. Microphone Mount
  4. Table Top Stand
  5. Documentation
  6. Life Time Warranty

Performance / Features

The build quality of the microphone is nice for about 90%. The remaining 10% feels like cheap plastic. The microphone stand is cheap and does not feel sturdy enough to hold the microphone stand, and the microphone mount provide no shock absorption.

The specs sheet says that this microphone provides 30Hz - 15kHz, which does not look like the best, but when listening to the microphone, I think it sounds perfectly fine. It seems like they made up for the lack of high frequencies through clever EQ of the microphone.

The microphone has a cardioid polar pattern, which is fairly directional. When testing it out, it seems like the pick up pattern is about 180-degrees. So anything in front of the mic it will pick up, and anything behind it, it will only pick up low frequencies of. When testing this out on the keyboard test, we heard a LOT more of my voice versus the keyboard, but you could still hear a bit of clicking in the background. During the distance test, we heard a bit of a drop off in volume as the distance increased, but it was not as drastic as a dynamic microphone. 

Pros

  • Nice sound
  • Good build quality
  • Provides EVERYTHING you need to record
  • Decent sound isolation

Cons

  • Horrible Microphone Mount
  • USB Microphone

Conclusion

All things considered, I think that this is a fairly nice microphone. The acoustic guitar and voice sounded really nice through this microphone, and the electric guitar sounded great as well. There was a bit of background noise picked up when typing on a keyboard. I think if you buy this microphone your best bet would be to invest a few extra bucks on a shock mount, a pop filter, and a proper microphone stand and then you would be good to go.

I would recommend this mainly for podcasters or musicians who will be controlling the recording environment a little more than a live streamer would. With proper attention paid to the location of the microphone and the audio treatment in the room, this will be a microphone that you could use for podcasts or youtube covers for years to come.

If you have any additional questions about this headset, leave them in the comments on this site or on the youtube channel, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Buy it on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Thnc8P

Bad Aax UM-600 Condenser Mic Review

Today I am testing out another USB microphone that comes with absolutely everything you will need to start recording. It is the Bad Aax UM-600 USB Microphone Kit.

If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back $50 on Amazon.

What's In the Box

  1. Microphone
  2. USB Cable
  3. Shock Mount Mount
  4. 5/8 to 3/8” microphone stand mount
  5. Pop Filter
  6. Padded Mic Pouch

Performance / Features

The build quality of this microphone is nice. It has an all metal body and metal grill and has some nice weight to it. The mic stand is a sturdy metal, the shock mount is metal, and the microphone storage pouch is only decently padded. 

The frequency response is 20Hz-18kHz, which is a pretty nice frequency response. Vocals sounded pretty nice on this microphone. Electric guitar sounded a bit muddy. Acoustic guitar sounded slightly muddy as well. This can be easily resolved by adding a quick low cut on your EQ to control the boomy sound.

The microphone has a cardioid polar pattern, which is fairly directional. When testing it out, it seems like the pick up pattern is about 180-degrees. So anything in front of the mic it will pick up, and anything behind it, it should cancel out. When testing this out on the keyboard test, we heard a LOT more of my voice versus the keyboard, but you could still hear a bit of clicking in the background. During the distance test, we heard a bit of a drop off in volume as the distance increased, but it was not as drastic as a dynamic microphone. 

Pros

  • Nice sound
  • Good build quality
  • Provides EVERYTHING you need to record

Cons

  • Not great with sound isolation
  • A bit boomy in low end
  • Lacks documentation
  • USB Microphone

Conclusion

So all around, I think that this is a good mic. If you know me, you know I am not a big fan of USB microphones because of the lack of customization options. But, if you are looking for a decent sounding starting microphone, this is a great option. It's only $50 and you can start recording for that amount and get pretty decent audio quality and then run a quick low cut in your DAW to clean up the low end and you'll be good to go. All around a nice microphone. 

If you have any additional questions about this headset, leave them in the comments on this site or on the youtube channel, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Buy it on Amazon: http://amzn.to/20PAsUQ

Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Mic Review / Test

Today I am testing out a microphone that I was incredibly excited to get my hands on. The Audio Technica AT-2020. This whole series of microphones is supposed to be great, and my first impression is good.

As per usual, I do need to include a disclaimer that this is an XLR Condenser microphone. That means that you need a proper audio interface for your computer, and you need proper phantom power (+48v) for this microphone to function properly.

If you are interested in this microphone, it will set you back $99 on Amazon.

What's In the Box 

  1. Microphone
  2. Microphone Mount
  3. 5/8 to 3/8” microphone stand mount
  4. Padded Mic Pouch
  5. Documentation

Performance / Features

The build quality of this microphone is excellent. It has an all metal body and metal grill and has some nice weight to it. The mic mount is a nice sturdy metal, and the microphone storage pouch is very nicely padded for protection.

The frequency response is 20Hz-20kHz, which is everything you will need out of a microphone. I think that the acoustic guitar sounds very nice and clean. Vocals sound crisp on this microphone. Electric guitar sounds nice as well. I think it does extremely well in the low end by picking up those frequencies while controlling them and avoiding an overly boomy sound.

The microphone has a cardioid polar pattern, which is fairly directional. When testing it out, it seems like the pick up pattern is about 180-degrees. So anything in front of the mic it will pick up, and anything behind it, it should cancel out. When testing this out on the keyboard test, we heard a LOT more of my voice versus the keyboard, but you could still hear a bit of clicking in the background. During the distance test, we heard a bit of a drop off in volume as the distance increased, but it was not as drastic as a dynamic microphone. 

Pros

  • Great sound
  • Nice build quality
  • Full frequency response
  • Not overly boomy in the low end

Cons

  • Not great with sound isolation

Conclusion

So all around, I think that this is a great microphone and I found it very difficult to find any negatives for this microphone. 

I would not recommend this microphone to someone who is not concerned with getting high quality audio, or willing to invest in a proper Audio Interface. If you are just doing voice overs for gaming videos and are on a budget, this is not a microphone for you. If you're starting a little home studio, and want to record higher quality audio, this is a great starter mic. 

If you have any additional questions about this headset, leave them in the comments on this site or on the youtube channel, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Audio Technica AT2020: http://amzn.to/1ScCehb
Behringer UM2: http://amzn.to/1WYlPMI  

Blue Icicle XLR to USB Mic Converter/Mic Preamp Review / Test

Today I am testing out another "cheap" microphone interface. This time it is a device by Blue Microphones that is designed for a single microphone; The Blue Icicle.

What's In the Box 

  1. Blue Icicle
  2. 6-Foot USB Cable

Performance / Features

The build quality is not that great. It is a plastic enclosure, and it feels very light. The volume knob is plastic as well, and it is wobbly. 

The design is incredibly simple, on one end is the XLR connector to plug your microphones XLR cable into. The other end has a USB port to connect the device to your computer. On the body is a single knob that controls your microphones input volume, and lastly the word ICICLE lights up when it is connected to the USB port.

The Icicle is listed as providing +48v of phantom power and when measured, I showed +44.4v of power making it through the XLR Cable. This power should be sufficient to power most, if not all, condenser microphones. 

Pros

  • Cheap Interface
  • Good sound
  • Low amount of noise
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Cheap build quality
  • No Latency Free Monitoring

Conclusion

This device is pretty cool. It powers condenser microphones and it has a very low amount of noise. The NW-1500 sounded great through it. I don't think you need this if you are just going to be using a dynamic microphone though, I think you would be fine with just a simple XLR to USB Cable. Other than that, this is a nice option for a single XLR Condenser microphone user who wants to record to their computer.

If you have any additional questions about this headset, leave them in the comments on this site or on the youtube channel, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Blue Icicle: http://amzn.to/1SoI6o7
Behringer UM2: http://amzn.to/1WYlPMI  
XLR to USB Cable: http://amzn.to/1QCXZU8

Audio Technica ATR2100-USB Mic Review / Test

Today I'm testing out maybe my favorite USB microphone that I have tested out to date. The Audio Technica ATR2100-USB

The reason I like this microphone so much is because of a very special attribute...it has a USB plug as well as an XLR plug! That means that you can use this microphone to record directly on to your computer, then take it down to your bowling alley and use it on the PA to sing some Lynyrd Skynard Karaoke. In all seriousness, this is an AMAZING feature because it allows you to grow and upgrade to an audio interface with a better preamp and more control over your microphones sound.

What's In the Box 

  1. Microphone
  2. Microphone Clip
  3. Microphone Stand
  4. USB Cable
  5. XLR to XLR Cable
  6. Documentation

Performance / Features

The build quality of this microphone feels decent. It has a metal body, but the grill feels like it's plastic, or at least it is metal that is coated in plastic. There is an LED light on the front to indicate the microphone is plugged into the USB port and is receiving power, and directly below that there is an on/off switch that feels somewhat flimsy.

On the bottom of the microphone we have a USB port to connect the microphone to your computer. There is a headphone jack to allow for latency free monitoring and audio playback when it the microphone is connected to your computer through the USB cable. There is a headphone volume control. And lastly there is an XLR plug which allows you to plug your microphone into an amplifier, mixer, or preamp.

(note: the headphone jack does not work when the microphone is only plugged in using an XLR cable. It also does not work if you are connected to an XLR cable and the usb cable is plugged into a charger. However, it does work if you have the XLR cable plugged in and the USB cable plugged into your computer).

The mic has a Cardioid Polar Pattern, and it is decent at cancelling background noise. When I was typing on the keyboard it did pick up a bit of noise in the background. So it is not the best at cancelling out noise, but it still sounds pretty good!

The frequency response is 50Hz - 15kHz which is plenty for a starting podcaster or voice over artist. Voice sounds incredibly crisp and clear through this microphone and acoustic guitar sounds full and wide as well. I think it does fall a little flat when recording electric guitar though.

Pros

  • USB Microphone & XLR Microphone (allows room to expand and grow)
  • Nice build quality
  • Good sound
  • Latency free monitoring (in USB Mode)
  • Decent at noise cancellation

Cons

  • No microphone gain control

Conclusion

This is hands down my favorite USB microphone that I have tested out yet. This is because of the microphones versatility. It provides great sound through the USB function, and it still allows you to grow and get better microphone preamps, or even use the microphone in a live situation. With that being said, I wish I could recommend this to everyone who is just starting out as solo podcaster or anything. It's an amazing product and I'm glad that I finally got around to testing it out.

If you have any additional questions about this headset, leave them in the comments on this site or on the youtube channel, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Audio Technica ATR2100-USB: http://amzn.to/1nSfAy5

Behringer Ultravoice XM8500 Review/Test

Today I'm testing out another cheap Dynamic Microphone. This time it is the Behringer Ultravoice XM8500.

Being that this is a Dynamic microphone, it does not require phantom power to function. That means that you should be able to utilize an XLR to USB cable (which I demonstrate in this video).

What's In the Box 

  1. Plastic Storage / Carrying Case
  2. Microphone
  3. Microphone Clip
  4. 5/8" to 3/8" Mic Stand Adapter
  5. Documentation

Performance / Features

The build quality of this microphone feels pretty sturdy. It is an all metal body and a metal grill and it has some nice weight to it. 

The mic has a Cardioid Polar Pattern, and it is incredibly directional. As you get off access, the amount of pickup drops exponentially. It rejects background noise incredibly well (you could hardly hear the keyboard), so if you are going to be using a mic in a loud area, this may be a good option.

The frequency response was not listed, but it sounds comparable to the frequency response of the SM58, with slightly boosted mid frequencies. Let's be honest. If you're buying a $20 microphone, chances are, you're not too concerned with the specifications, you're more worried about if it sounds good or not. Well, I think this microphone sounds good.

Pros

  • Extremely Cheap
  • Nice build quality
  • Decent sound
  • Good at Isolating sound

Cons

  • Lack of Documentation
  • Muddy low end

Conclusion

In all honesty, this is a nice sounding microphone for $20. There are it's draw backs, but you have to remember; It's $20! If you are on a budget and are looking for a durable microphone, this is a great option. It works with an XLR to USB cable, so all you need is the Mic, a Stand, and the Cable and you're good to go.

If you have any additional questions about this headset, leave them in the comments on this site or on the youtube channel, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Behringer XM8500: http://amzn.to/1S7zvWv
Pyle PDMIC58: http://amzn.to/1S7zwtD
USB to XLR Cable: http://amzn.to/1lMypB6 (not the cable used, but same type of cable)

Behringer U-Phoria UM2 USB Audio Interface Review / Test

Today is the first review I am completing of an Audio Interface. I am diving into these devices because the USB Audio Adapters that I have been recommending have been altered and no longer provide sufficient voltage to power certain mass produced condenser microphones. So today I am starting with the $30 Behringer U-Phoria UM2 Audio Interface. This is a 2-input / 2-output USB device so you can connect an XLR or 1/4" sound source to your computer.

What's In the Box 

  1. Interface
  2. USB Cable
  3. Quick-Start Guide

Performance / Features

The build of this thing is all plastic and it does not feel durable. The input jacks feel a little bit loose and the gain controls are a bit wobbly as well. However, if you keep this on your home studio desk, I don't think you will have any trouble with this thing. You just need to be careful with this thing.

The interface offers two inputs. The first input is a combo jack, meaning it can accept an XLR cable or a 1/4" cable. The second input is strictly a 1/4" cable. Next to each input there are two lights, the first is to let you know that the interface is picking up the signal, and the second light will blink red when you are clipping (too loud).

We also get +48v Phantom Power on this thing. There is a switch on the back that allows you to toggle the power on/off. I measured the voltage pass through when the power was switched on and I measured ~+46v. So this should be able to provide sufficient voltage to most, if not all, condenser microphones.

The interface provides two outputs as well. The first output is a 1/4" headphone output jack on the front. The second is an RCA output on the back so you can connect this to studio monitors, or an amplifier. 

When it comes to noise, this thing gets pretty noisy once we pass 75% on the gain knobs. Fortunately, when using a condenser microphone, I doubt you will get above 60%. However, if you're using a dynamic microphone, you may need to crank the gain and you may get stuck with some nasty hiss.

Pros

  • Extremely Cheap
  • +48v Phantom Power
  • Gain Control Knob
  • Clipping Indicator Light

Cons

  • Plastic build quality
  • High Noise Past 75% Gain

Conclusion

I really like this interface. I think it's a great starting interface since it is so cheap. It offers a single XLR input so you can plug in your condenser microphone and get a full +48v. I would recommend this to anyone who is considering getting a USB Soundcard to power a condenser microphone. Those soundcards are not designed to power microphones, therefore you will have to invest in a phantom power supply, and that takes your total cost to around $25-$30. You might as well just purchase this interface instead. It provides more features and was designed to actually work with your microphone. 

If you have any additional questions about this headset, leave them in the comments on this site or on the youtube channel, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

 

Sabrent USB Adapter Warning

There's not much to say right now except, do not buy a Sabrent USB Soundcard if you plan on using it with a condenser microphone (BM700, BM800, NW700, NW800, NW1500, etc.) They changed the audio chip inside which dropped the voltage pass through by 1.5v causing a huge decrease in performance. Some people have even claimed that their microphones don't work at all. So please hold off on buying this if you're using it for a condenser microphone. 

NOTE: It should work great if you are using a DYNAMIC microphone that requires no voltage. I still think it's a great option for that. 

Pyle-Pro PDMIK1 Dynamic Mic Review/Test

Today I am testing out the Pyle-Pro PDMIK1 Dynamic Mic. The first thing to note about this microphone is that it costs about $4 on amazon.

What's In the Box 

  1. Dynamic Uni-directional Microphone
  2. 6.5-foot XLR to 1/4" Microphone Cable

Performance / Features

The build quality is what you would expect from a cheap microphone, but I do think that feels slightly better than the SF920, 930, & 940. There is also an on/off switch which feels better than most other switches I've come across. But when it comes down to it, it is a $4 microphone and it's built like it. I would not test this mics durability and expect it to still work.

The frequency response is listed as 50Hz - 15kHz which is pretty nice for such a cheap microphone. However, I feel like it was lacking a bit of presence when I tested out the acoustic guitar. For electric guitar I think it sounded fine, and for voice it sounds decent as well. I do HIGHLY recommend getting a pop filter though as there is little to no built in filter to keep the mic from picking up every plosive.

It is a uni directional polar pattern which is what you would expect from a dynamic microphone. It does great with this and picks up very little room noise. You could hardly hear the keyboard over my voice, and when I stopped talking, there was still very little keyboard noise. Also, as we got farther away from the microphone the amount of sound the microphone picked up dropped significantly.

Pros

  • SUPER CHEAP
  • Decent sound
  • SERIOUSLY! IT'S ONLY $4!
  • Great at Isolating Sound Source / Doesn't Pick up Background Noise

Cons

  • Plastic build quality
  • Picks up lots of plosives
  • Lacks presence with acoustic instruments

Conclusion

Honestly, I think this is a great starter microphone, or if you are on an extremely tight budget. That's who I recommend it to: beginners or people who don't have much disposable income. Just keep in mind what you are buying; a $4 microphone. You will need to invest in a pop filter and stand, and if you have a designated microphone input on your computer, it may work since this is a Dynamic microphone and does not require any voltage to function. Also, chances are it will not be very durable, so be careful with it.

If you have any additional questions about this headset, leave them in the comments on this site or on the youtube channel, and I will try to reply ASAP. 

Pyle-Pro PDMIK1: http://amzn.to/1ZId8ew
XLR to 3.5mm Cable: http://amzn.to/1ZIdfXx
1/4" to 3.5mm Adapter: http://amzn.to/1ZIdrpL