AKG D5 Review – Supercardioid Dynamic

8.2/10

AKG D5 is a cheap but rugged supercardioid mic. It offers similar but slightly superior sound to Shure SM58. Tighter pick up pattern also gives it more flexibility to deal with gain before feedback. This mic can thus be considered as a more viable, cheaper alternative. However, it does suffer from the same disadvantage, which is the lack of detail. When comparing to more advanced handhelds, D5 may kind of sound inarticulate but as a…

Audio-Technica AT2035 Review – Best Affordable LDC

9/10

AT2035 is an inexpensive back electret condenser from Audio Technica that boasts pretty clear and balanced sound with low noise floor. This mic is a veeery good tradeoff between price and quality and hence, an ideal choice for home studios where budget is a factor. AT2035 has cardioid polar pattern and large diaphragm that actually works for both vocals and instruments. Having said that, the essential features of pad and low pass make it an…

Shure MV5 Review – Portable USB microphone

7.8/10

This device reminds us of legendary ‘Elvis Microphone’ except it is digital… and, it is packed with new features! Shure MV5 is a solid USB mic that boasts very decent quality at reasonable price (probably the best in up to $100 category). It is portable and highly compatible with Windows, Mac, iPad, iOS, iPhone and Android. Although it may lack the clarity of more expensive mics, the difference is not that huge. On a positive…

Apogee MiC 96k for Mac, iPad & iPhone review

4/10

Apogee MiC 96k behind the simple look offers a polished performance alongside with native Apple compatibility. This device brings a smooth experience for users of iPhone, iPad, Mac and new iPod. However, Microsoft Windows and likely other operating systems are not supported. As the name suggests the mic supports up to 96k sampling rate via 24 bit DAC. Paired with Core Audio interface it also results in a very low latency and can give demanding…

CAD U37 – budget USB mic unbiased review

7/10

CAD U37 is a very cheap USB mic and while some may not take it seriously, it actually offers the best bang for the buck. Despite having some disadvantages, overall quality is quite decent. This mic is mainly designed for situations that don’t demand maximum performance. Particularly, it will be a great choice for Skype, amateur videos and even gaming. Musicians who make simple covers for YouTube will also probably find it suitable. If this…

Top 10 Best Headworn Mics for Wireless Systems Review

Headworn mics provide unrestricted freedom of motion while cancelling a great bit of noise due to their close proximity to the mouth of the talent. They are invaluable for live shows and stage performance that involves moving around, dancing or even gesticulating. Being partly concealed they are less distracting for the audience. With both hands free, speakers also find it easier to hold audience’s attention. In order to use headworns it is necessary to have…

Sennheiser e935 Review – Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

9.6/10

Editor's Choice

Sennheiser e935 is a very powerful but inexpensive handheld. It has a beautifully balanced sound and clarity of a condenser mic. On the other hand, it is quite unpretentious and works wonderfully for both female and deeper male voices. As a cardioid microphone, it sounds more natural than its supercardioid brother e945 and that is expected. What we find most striking is the level of feedback rejection – it is simply incredible… Works not only…

RØDE NTG4+ Review: Semi-pro short shotgun

9/10

NTG4 Plus is the latest short shotgun from Rode, which features digital controls, rechargeable lithium battery and improved sound quality. It is positioned in between the classic but inexpensive NTG2 and professional NTG3. However, in terms of price, it still fits into the entry category, so consider it a very good investment! The usage is a total breeze, and believe it or not, it won’t leave you indifferent. Whether you are a professional or just a beginner, NTG4+ has…

10/10

Editor's Choice

Introduction. NT1 is a new all-purpose LDC from Rode with a truly exceptional sound. It resembles the appearance of older NT1-A, however, the inside has been redesigned from scratch. Comparing to predecessors the sound has become clearer, purer and far more natural, showing a tremendous improvement in every single aspect! As a large diaphragm mic, it also has a very neutral response, which is a privilege of expensive professional units. Particularly, it is very similar to…

9.8/10

Editor's Choice

Shure KSM9 is a professional on-stage condenser mic. This model is renowned and remains a favorite choice of many musicians. It offers a natural, open sound, with a very balanced low-end, beautifully smooth midrange and brilliant highs. Giving just enough brightness to put you in line or slightly ahead of the instruments, I find it working great for all types of voices too. As expected from professional equipment, you’ll get that superior quality and low noise levels. The unique…

Rode VideoMic Pro Compact – DSLR Mic Review

8.5/10

Rode VideoMic Pro VMP is a compact professional mic that perfectly sits on any DSLR camera while leaving minimum footprint. For an average consumer it may seem somewhat expensive, but it is Rode and it pays out with quality. If you want to achieve a decent sound for your recordings this would be a must have addition, as even high-end cameras sound terrible with their in-built mics. Not only can this model deliver a clean…

Shure PG Alta Drum Kit 7 Review (PGADRUMKIT7)

10/10

Editor's Choice

Here come the latest 7-piece drum mics from Shure, which rely on their new model range called “PG Alta” or simply “PGA”. Those microphones are highly cost-effective and yet retain that professional quality for which Shure is renowned. If you cannot afford premium sets of drum mics and still want to get every bit of quality, then PGADRUMKIT7 will be your best investment. For only about $500, you are offered a complete package with a…

Rode NT-USB: USB Recording Microphone Review

9.5/10

Rode NT-USB is one of the best USB mics that beats anything in the under $200 range. It brings exceptional for USB quality without the need for special drivers or any additional 3rd party equipment. Neither is it overly expensive as it offers a solid and durable build, not skimping on quality components. The design is well thought out and provides for a handy headphone monitor and a pair of solid controls. It also comes with a well-fitted pop shield and…

Audix OM-7 Hypercardioid Microphone Review

7.6/10

Audix OM-7 is a hypercardioid microphone /w dynamic capsule designed specifically for live performance. It’s been out for some while and I happened to hear only positive reviews, which seemed to me rather exaggerated back then. But recently, I was able to test it all out myself and comparing with other models, the results got me astounded… It is hard to believe how much better can this guy make you sound on stage! Sound & quality…

Audio-Technica AT8035 Medium Shotgun Review

7.6/10

Audio-Technica AT8035 is a 14.5” highly directional, medium shotgun. It is a cheap but powerful tool, invaluable for filming wider scenes or walk ‘n talk dialogues, especially where you find a short shotgun’s reach lacking. Whereas the maximum effective reach for short shotguns is only 2 feet, medium shotguns can effectively work from up to 4 feet distance. This model has a light weight, and it can be effectively used with most of booming techniques….

Sennheiser MKE 600: The Best Short Shotgun Review

9.5/10

Editor's Choice

Sennheiser MKE 600 is a fantastic quality, 10” short-range shotgun. Although considered an entry model, which is available at rather modest price, it has just about professional performance! Moreover, I’d say this mic is probably the best raw performer in its range. This is not only about the quality but also about the design. It may appear modest, but it’s certainly more convenient than both AT897 and Rode NTG2. It also performs great in both close and open areas without relying on…

Audio-Technica AT897 Short Shotgun Review

7.9/10

Audio-Technica AT897 is another 11” short shotgun that is very similar to NTG-2. Both mics have identical size and construction and both cost roughly the same money. The quality is very similar too but they have slightly different sound or call it “tone”. Although this isn’t obvious from the frequency pattern, NTG-2 tends to add some mud on low end, especially when miked indoors. On the other hand, AT897 sounds brighter but tends to get…

RØDE NTG2 Condenser Shotgun Microphone Review

8/10

RØDE NTG2 is an entry-level 11” short-range shotgun that boasts an accurate sound while providing superb amount of rejection. The model is quite lightweight though it still offers a solid look and feel, and just as you would expect from RØDE, it is a high-quality piece of equipment. NTG2 is actually one of the most popular models today due to its remarkable overall quality and affordable price. Also, by far it has the narrowest pickup…

Azden SGM-1X Short Shotgun Microphone Review

5/10

Azden SGM-1X is a cheap full size shotgun that can be mounted on both camera and pole. It measures 12.3 inches long and offers a very decent sound rejection. Its main advantage is the price: those who need high directionality but low on budget simply won’t find anything better. Indeed, this model costs half the price, quarter or even a tenth of the price of a professional shotgun with a similar directional pattern. Although I…

Audio Technica AT829CW Lavalier Microphone Review

8/10

Audio Technica AT829CW is a quality lavalier mic designed specifically for AT body-pack wireless transmitter. If you do not have one yet, you may also get it in bundle with transmitter. This makes a very good all-purpose combo that I recommend above all for the price. Note: the mic uses a unique four-pin connector that is different from XLR, so it won’t work with devices from other vendors. However, although XLR is technically more compatible,…

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Author: Peter

AKG D5 Review – Supercardioid Dynamic

Audio-Technica AT2035 Review – Best Affordable LDC

Shure MV5 Review – Portable USB microphone

Apogee MiC 96k for Mac, iPad & iPhone review

CAD U37 – budget USB mic unbiased review

Top 10 Best Headworn Mics for Wireless Systems Review

Sennheiser e935 Review – Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

RØDE NTG4+ Review: Semi-pro short shotgun

Rode NT1 Cardioid LDC Microphone Review

Shure KSM9 Condenser Microphone Review

Rode VideoMic Pro Compact – DSLR Mic Review

Shure PG Alta Drum Kit 7 Review (PGADRUMKIT7)

Rode NT-USB: USB Recording Microphone Review

Audix OM-7 Hypercardioid Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT8035 Medium Shotgun Review

Sennheiser MKE 600: The Best Short Shotgun Review

Audio-Technica AT897 Short Shotgun Review

RØDE NTG2 Condenser Shotgun Microphone Review

Azden SGM-1X Short Shotgun Microphone Review

Audio Technica AT829CW Lavalier Microphone Review

Microphone Guide

Review: Best Wireless Mics to date – For pros & Noobs!

Best mics for budget filmmaking and video production

Top 10 Best Headworn Mics for Wireless Systems Review

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