Showing posts with label microphones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label microphones. Show all posts

Audio-Technica AT4021 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Review

Audio-Technica AT4021 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
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This is a sweet little small-diaphragm condenser. It is near-ruler-flat from 20-20KHz. Getting those extremes -- 15K-20Hz and especially 20-50Hz -- is unusual in an affordable cardioid SDC.
I like this mic for general acoustic ensemble or instrument recording because of the extended low and high-end (really sweet lows). It is very popular on acoustic guitars, and wherever you want to capture the shimmer up top (choirs, drum overheads). I've gotten agreeable full-range jazz drum kit tracks by setting one up level with the top of the kick, a foot out in front of the kit.
Another mic to consider at this price/performance point is the Shure SM81 Instrument Microphone (it has just the slightest bit of color compared to the 4021, and a narrower frequency range, but it is a classic clean bright sound for this kind of thing). You can find sound samples of this and other comparable mics by searching for SDC microphone shootout on the web.
You may also be weighing this against Rode NT5 Matched Pair Recording Condenser Package (or you were back when this was $250). I think the 4021 sounds a tad better than the NT5 as a single mic, a little less hyped upper mid. But if you are planning on using two as a stereo pair, you might prefer the NT5 matched pair, because its off-axis response is more suitable for stereo recording. The off-axis response of the 4021 is pretty interesting -- it stays flatter for the mid- and higher-frequencies, and drops off for the lows. That's backwards from many mics. It means it's more forgiving about placement for something like an acoustic guitar or cymbal. But it also means your stereo image will smear towards the center with coincident stereo miking techniques, except for the low frequencies (exactly where coincident imaging is less effective anyway).
So if you use a pair of these for stereo, set up non-coincident, ORTF or even as you might place omnis. I get really pleasing results with a 4021 pair inside a grand piano, in an ORTF configuration nearly centered inside with one pointing to the high hammers and one pointing to the low strings at the back of the piano.

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Rode NTK Tube Condenser Microphone Review

Rode NTK Tube Condenser Microphone
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Great mic - excellent sound. I have been a pro voiceover artist for over 30 years and have dealt with a variety of studio mics. In building my own studio I really wanted a front end that had a clear and smooth full-range sound. The R0de NTK was recommended to me by another "big voice" artist, and completely lives up to the recommendation. Everyone I have talked to says it's about the best value out there. If you have cash to blow, you can get a "noyyyyyymannnnn" (raise eyebrows here), or you can enjoy the sound of this mic and take the extra $3200 and spend it on more gear. The hard plastic padded case for the mic and power supply are a nice touch. Don't forget to buy a shock mount for it!
Enjoy -

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RODE NT1A Cardioid Condenser Microphone Review

RODE NT1A Cardioid Condenser Microphone
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If you are in to producing/engineering and want a super mean condensor mic without spending alot of cash, this is one to get; very cheap with an extremely expensive sound. It does not have any polar switches or any built in eq's, but most all DAW's do have eq's and phase reverse abilities. Plus, its better to cut freq's that are there, then to try and boost freq's that aren't there; the latter is impossible actually. I'm telling you, don't let the price tag throw you off; this baby makes everything sound good. I've used it on vocals, acoustic guitars, drums as an overhead/ride mic as well as a room mic for ambience. I also have a matched pair of NT 5's that are also absolutely amazing. Rode is a great Australian company that makes amazing mics with a 10 year warranty; yep...10 years. Get one, you won't be dissapointed. Remember though, bad acoustics = bad recording sound.

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The original NT1 was voted "Best Microphone at Any Price" by the editors of Electronic Musician magazine. The NT1A delivers performance usually associated with higher priced microphones. Features: large capsule (1") with gold-plated membrane; cardioid polar pattern; ultra low noise, transformerless circuitry; state of the art surface mount electronics; heavy-duty satin-nickel finish; internal shock mounting system; gold plated output connectors; true condenser (externally biased); full frequency response. The NT1A will blow you away! Ultra low-noise, transformerless circuitry.Cardioid polar pattern.Large capsule (1") with gold-plated membrane.Surface mount electronics.Heavy-duty satin-nickel finish.Internal shock mounting system.Gold plated output connectors.True condenser design (externally biased). WARRANTYAll RODE products are warrantied for 1 year from the date of purchase. Your purchase may be registered ?on-line? or by mailing the warranty card. The RODE Warranty covers parts and labour that may be required to repair the microphone during the warranty period.The Warranty excludes defects caused by normal wear, modification, shipping damage or failure to use the microphone as per RODE's Instruction Guide.

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Audio Technica AE5400 Handheld Condenser Microphone Review

Audio Technica AE5400 Handheld Condenser Microphone
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I purchased this microphone as a gift to a very talented Vocalist. I looked at many brands and models. After giving this microphone, I received several demo tapes on which it was used. Amazing! What a difference over the 58 wired and wireless he was using. One big attraction is the ability to use the microphone in either flat or low roll off modes. This extends the utility dramatically. I'm glad I went this way.

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M-Audio Solaris Multipattern Condenser Microphone Review

M-Audio Solaris Multipattern Condenser Microphone
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Happy with product, only took about a week. It actually came with a shock mount which that wasn't list to come with it. Thanks

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The Solaris is a large-capsule condenser microphone that sounds as good as it looks. Beneath the stylish exterior lies the best-sounding solid-state electronics available at any price. Vintage design principles merge with incredibly tight manufacturing standards to yield no more than +/-1dB of deviation across the entire 20Hz-20kHz frequency range. The industry-thinnest evaporated gold diaphragm also delivers incredible sensitivity. Multi-pattern architecture provides flexibility that makes it ideal for just about any miking situation--included capturing vocals, guitar, piano, drums and live events. It's like having three mics in one.

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Shure PG14/PG30 Wireless Headset System, M7 Review

Shure PG14/PG30 Wireless Headset System, M7
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Great range. Light weight. Headset and bodypack transmitter are very comfortable. The bodypack clips to your clothing, therefore I did not need a neoprene belt. The wind sock tends to slip off the mic, but that is not a big deal.

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Audix OM6 Song Writer Dynamic Vocal Microphone Review

Audix OM6 Song Writer Dynamic Vocal Microphone
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I have had this mic for well over a year now, and I am thrilled with it.
In a live setting, this mic really helps vocals sit a little higher in the mix. In other words, I have noticed that my vocals come through in a more defined way that allows it to be heard over the music.
As for build quality, the mic is solid, sturdy, with a nice feel. (and while we are on the subject, she's pretty easy on the eyes as well... that counts too, right?)
I also have a modest home studio, and since I do not yet own a condenser mic, have used this mic to record vocals into Logic9 via the Apogee Duet. This thing sounds great in a recording capacity as well- and although I would love to record with a condenser, the Om6 dynamic is probably a better option anyway, since I don't have any kind of soundproofing in the room where I record. (Condensers pick up EVERYTHING... the neighbor's dog, traffic, the clock the wall... everything...)
Anyway, my impression, not being a "golden-eared" sound expert, is that this mic is true to my voice, and sounds natural. It also sounds nice recording my accoustic, and while I have played a little bit with hooking it up to the amp/electric, mostly I have recorded my guitar and vocals.
Finally, unlike other close contenders (the shure58 being one of them), this mic is made in Oregon, as opposed to being built overseas. I have also been told that should the mic get damaged in some way, Audix will replace the "innards" for a reasonable fee...
I am so impressed with this mic, that I will always look to Audix first when mic shopping. (And no, I don't work for Audix;)...I am merely impressed with the OM6, and want more folks to know... Great dynamic mic!
The bottom line is that both in a live and recording capacity, I am so glad to have this mic around.

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AKG C214 Condenser Microphone Review

AKG C214 Condenser Microphone
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Nice Sounding Microphone. Interestingly I find it to have a similar frequency response to many stage-vocal condensers in that it has a distinctive curve meant to flatter its sound source--flat until 1000hz. This is not a neutral microphone but rather a microphone that accentuates. Your opinion may vary but I think it sounds nice. When the bass cut is selected, and without the -20db pad, it reminds me of a Neumann KMS 104. AKG makes nice mics and for the price it is a nice addition to a collection. I bought this microphone to use in conjunction with a Shure Beta-57 on a guitar cab for live work but also recording. The price, pad, and the frequency curve were its selling points. But it sounds good on anything with a voice.

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Rode NT2000 Vocal Condenser Microphone Review

Rode NT2000 Vocal Condenser Microphone
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Everyone should have a multi-pattern mic around for utility purposes and this is the one I chose after demoing a half-dozen of interest (I had particularly high hopes for the Blue Mics). Aside from one super-expensive, and unnamed mic, the Rode NT2000 was actually my favorite by quite a margin. As I regard this type of mic as a utility piece, I was looking for a mic that was fairly neutral on voice/cardioid and without too heavy a proximity effect, airy and crisp on omni, and had to have an attentuation switch.
The NT2000 has all that, plus a rugged build. I've been very pleased since purchase, having used it for voice, acoustic guitar (could probably use a warmer mic here), cab miking on electric, bagpipes, recording ambience, and percussion. I'm especially pleased with the mic's ability to capture detail in high sound pressure conditions.
The NT2000 has continuously variable patterns, not a fixed selection of patterns. It has a variable pad, not a simple cut type attentuation switch, which really helps in nailing the sound without having to compromise the mic's position. Finally, the high-pass filter is also continuously variable. All go a long way in making this a HIGHLY adaptable mic.
After my demos, I went in to buy one mic, got an offer I couldn't refuse on two, and walked away poorer but happier! You won't be able to equal that price, as it was something of a favor, but the price here is good.
Although I love NT2000's sound and capabilities, I'm not wild about the controls (pattern, etc.). These aren't knobs you grab and turn - they're thin and flat. They have an edge pattern, but I can't turn them reliably by trying to grab the edges. I have to put my thumb on the knob surface and rotate it that way. It works and the knobs won't get accidently moved, but it's not exactly the height of convenience.
Great multipurpose mics.

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Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone, Cardioid Review

Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone, Cardioid
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If you are looking for a microphone for voice-overs or broadcast use, THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO BUY.
The Shure SM-5 and SM-7 microphones are the best voice mics ever made. The large SM-5 is no longer made, so you can only find it used, but the SM-7 is just as good.Either one, you have the best.
Don't let the price fool you. I have brought this in to studios that have $3000 Neuman condenser mics and they laughed when I said I wanted to use my $300 Shure mic instead.I told them to put up both mics and do an A/B test while I spoke into each of them. The three other audio engineers in the studio had to agree, the Shure was better and it was a night and day difference, not hard at all to decide it was best.
This mic has a warmth and rich sound no other mic can give you.
Even industry publications like MIX MAGAZINE and RadioWorld have done reviews where they did the same tests and said the same things about this mic in comparison to the expensive condenser mics...
--------------------------------------------
from MIX MAGAZINE, March 1998, page 53:
Eric Paul has made a career out of recording country giants like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and many others: "My favorite overall microphone for voices is the Shure SM-5. If they can't get a Shure SM-5, they can still get Shure SM-7s, which are still available. If you've tried out three very expensive tube mics and you aren't happy with any of them, then the next step should immediately be a Shure SM-7. I will almost always guarentee you that if the expensive mic doesn't work, an SM-7 will. For some reason, people sound better on them."----------------------------------------------
from RADIO WORLD, February 18 1998, page 62:
Joe Stack, director of engineering for ABC radio said: "When I worked at WATH in Athens, Ohio, I had someone call and offer me ten RE-20s for the three SM-5s we had. I turned him down." ------------------------------------------
from EQ MAGAZINE, July 2006 issue:
The SM7 is perhaps most famous for being used as the vocal microphone on Michael Jackson's Thriller engineered by Bruce Swedien. -----------------------------------------------
Some interesting facts about the SM-7..."When we were doing "Off The Wall", "Thriller" and "Bad" I ended up with 6 Shure SM7's. That is a fantastic mike." - Bruce Swedien
The Red Hot Chili Peppers have used the SM 7 on vocals on every album they have done.
You can see James Hetfield from Metallica singing into a Shure SM 7 on the "Some Kind Of Monster" DVD.
----------------------------------------
Another thing I have noticed in the studio, is that some of my other mics require gating and downward expanders on the mics to get rid of room noise, but the SM-7 doesn't need it. It is quiet all by itself.
And to save many hours trying to edit out mouth noises, clicks and smacks from voice-over talent that use expensive CONDENSER microphones, just have them use the SM-7 next time, and no more wasted time editing out mouth noises anymore.Throughout the years on the Howard Stern Show, they have replaced and tried all sorts of microphones, from the Electrovoice RE-20 to Neuman mics. But if you notice, the Co-host, Robin Quivers, STILL uses the Shure SM-7 and refuses to change to any of the other mics. You can see throughout the years on the TV show that although the mics are always changing for everyone else, Robin ALWAYS has the SM-7 to this day.
Since the Howard Stern Show has moved to Sirrius Sattelite, the show had to buy new microphones, (couldn't take them with from CBS) and everyone seems to be using the same mics they did before. Robin has another SM-7 so she really likes this mic! It looks different now, because she has the larger windscreen that now comes with the SM-7.


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Audio Technica AT4050 Condenser Microphone Review

Audio Technica AT4050 Condenser Microphone
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I've been using this microphone for years. I have two of them, actually. I didn't buy them as a matched pair, so one is a bit brighter sounding than the other. That can be an advantage, as I use the darker mic for overly bright sound sources, and vice-versa. I've used these mics with good results in my project studio, on vocals, guitars, and hand percussion, and actually earned a major film festival award for music I created in that studio. I think the mics sound particularly good on female voices (as a number of reviewers have noted). The figure-of-eight pattern offers the flattest response curve, and I almost always use that for vocals. (The cardioid and omni pattern give more treble/upper mids boost--useful for some applications, but a little harsh on my voice.)
Bottom line: This is a well-made, versatile microphone that will do pretty much anything you ask of it.

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The Audio Technica AT4050 multi-pattern condenser microphone is like getting three completely different microphones for the price of one! Meet the studio condenser that captures every nuance. With three switchable polar patterns, the large-diaphragm Audio-Technica AT4050 exhibits a remarkable combination of qualities: high-SPL capability with transparent and airy uppers/mids complemented by rich low-end qualities. Its dual large diaphragms are gold-vaporized and aged for consistent, outstanding performance. A precision-machined, nickel-plated brass acoustic element baffle provides rock-solid element stability and exceptional sensitivity. Ideal for studio use and live sound productions with vocals, piano, strings, drum overheads, guitar amps, and more. Audio Technica AT4050 Features Transparent uppers/mids balanced by rich low-end qualities combine with advanced acoustic engineering for extensive performance capabilities and highest quality Dual-diaphragm capsule design maintains precise polar pattern definition across the full frequency range of the microphone The 2-micron-thick, vapor-deposited gold diaphragms undergo a five-step aging process so that the optimum characteristics achieved remain constant over years of use Three switchable polar patterns: omni, cardioid, figure-of-eight Transformerless circuitry virtually eliminates low-frequency distortion and provides superior correlation of high-speed transients State-of-the-art surface-mount electronics ensure compliance with A-T's stringent consistency and reliability standards Switchable 80 Hz hi-pass filter and 10 dB pad Custom shock mount provides superior isolation

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Rode SVM Stereo Condenser Microphone Review

Rode SVM Stereo Condenser Microphone
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I have a Canon HG10 High Definition camera that I use for recording my small kids and family events. The camera's built-in sound was just poor. With my default mic, the targets could barely be heard, and whenever the cameraman spoke the sound was overly pronounced. So I researched many mics over months and decided on this one.
The sound is superb, but you have to make sure you know what you are working with. Different mics are better for different situations. I am not an expert but here are the rules of thumb I have picked up.
*Super-Cartoid Stereo Mic*
The Rode Stereo mic is a "Super Cartoid Stereo Mic". It yields high-quality sound at a close range, less than 8 feet or closer is best . It emphasizes sound in front, and de-emphasizes sound from behind (i.e. the cameraman) It does not do well at long range.
*Shotgun mics*
Shotgun mics (i.e. Rode VideoMic directional Video Condenser w/microphone) on the other hand do well at isolating sound at long ranges. However, the sound will never be as good as a well-placed Supercartoid stereo mic. Those are good for school plays, football games, and such.
*Bonus*
It also comes with a Dead-cat wind guard, and it works great! Even in very gusty wind no sound is made from the wind.
*Tips for good sound*
For absolutely super quality sound with ANY mic you must get really close! Just think of those boom mic guys who hold the mic right inches over the actors heads! You have several options.
1- Stand as close as possible
2 - Buy a wide-angle lense for your camera (Canon WD-H43 0.7x Wide Angle Converter for HV20 & HV30 Camcorders). I did this and it makes a huge difference. The lense allows you to get much closer to the subject and the sound is super.
3 - Buy an extension cable and mini-tripod. This is only practical in some situations, but is not expensive. I did this when I wanted to film thanksgiving dinner. I placed the mic close to the table, just out of shot. I placed the camera far away, and then ran a 15' cable between the mic and camera. I got a great shot and top-notch sound.
4 - Buy a boom pole (Rode Mini Boompole Microphone Boom Pole) and have a friend hold it over the subject's head when filming. This is not practical since I do not own a boom pole and I do not have any friends. But Rode does sell a boom pole for this mic that requires no adapters.
*Warranty*
My 4-year old accidentally knocked the mic off a table and broke a small aluminum part. I contacted Rode and was amazed at how incredibly kind, accommodating, and prompt they were in helping me out.
Be sure to register your mic to get a 10-year warranty!
***---***---***---***---***---***---***---***---***---***---***---
**UPDATE**
Since writing this post I actually got the other mic; the RODE shotgun mic: Rode VideoMic directional Video Condenser w/microphone
Since I now own and use both, I have more to add.
The SVM is of much better construction than the Video Mic. The SVM uses aluminium, while the less expensive Video Mic uses plastic.
I use them interchangeably now, and though I wish I could say that the more pricey RODE SVM is plain better than the RODE Video (shotgun) mic, they are actually different tools for different jobs.
Here are situations for using each mic:
Use the RODE SVM (Super-Cartoid Stereo Mic) for:
-The camera person is talking (the camera person comes though balanced and clear)
-Indoor quiet settings (amazing, beautiful clear sound)
-Outdoors where you want superior ambient sound (crashing of the waves, seagulls, people talking in the background, etc)
-Concerts or live performances (or other really loud settings where you want to capture the full sound)
-Voice overs (if you get inches away from the mic the sound is nearly as good as a professional DVD voice over)
Use the RODE Video Mic Shotgun Rode VideoMic directional Video Condenser w/microphone for:
-The camera person will NOT be talking much. (the camera person's voice loses clarity, and is a little muffled.)
-Indoor Parties (where you want to catch the subject talking, and exclude other sound)
-Outdoor Fairs or the beach (where you want to catch the subject talking)
Bottom line, The SVM does do a good job capturing a subjects voice in a noisy setting, but the Video Mic does it better. Otherwise the SVM is superior in all regards.

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VocoPro IR-9000 Infrared Dual Rechargeable Wireless Microphone System Review

VocoPro  IR-9000 Infrared Dual Rechargeable Wireless Microphone System
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Bought this after a few tries on other products and kept returning them. This one is very high quality in built and as soon as I plugged it in and turned it on, I realized the quality is top notch... so impressive. I'm glad i went with this one... the microphone is very very good!!! Highly recommended!

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Rode NTG2 Condenser Shotgun Microphone Review

Rode NTG2 Condenser Shotgun Microphone
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I purchased the NTG-2 as a voiceover mic to use for audiobook production and VO recording. I'm running the mic through the preamps on an M-Audio ProjectMix I/O and into Pro-Tools M-Powered 8. I run the incoming signal through the Waves SSL Channel plugin for some light compression, and that's it. I rarely need to EQ.
The resulting tone is clean and clear without being too intimate. If I get too close, it tends to get a little boomy and the low-mid ranges are a touch muddy. However, if I position the mic about 12-18 inches from the mouth of the VO artist, and slightly above the axis of the mouth, the sound quality is stellar. On male voices, in particular, the mic lends a depth and warmth that is often desirable for certain types of voice work. As would be expected with a mic of this type, the proximity effect is fairly pronounced.
Being a shotgun mic, it does an excellent job filtering out much of the background noise if your space is not sound-proof. (For instance, I'm using a small booth in which one wall is an exterior wall with very little sound insulation. Even when cars and trucks drive by, the mic won't register the sound.) It's an excellent choice for small project studios in homes. The mic does a good job of not catching every single saliva slurp or tongue noise while keeping the voice sounding natural.
The included wind screen is a little on the wimpy side, and it's unfortunate that the mic doesn't come with a shock mount...but that's not uncommon for mics in this price range. Likewise, I wish the mic had come with a decent hard case rather than the pleather zippered pouch that comes with, but again, that's not uncommon in this price range.
I've used four very different mics for VO work: a Studio Projects C100 Large Diaphragm Condenser, an AKG C1000 small diphragm condenser, a Heil PR40 Large Diaphragm Dynamic, and the Rode NTG-2. I was using the Heil almost exclusively until I got the NTG-2. Now this is my first-call mic for 80% of my VO sessions. For the price, it really can't be beat for high-quality spoken word recording.
Pros:
* Great Mic for the Price
* Narrow Pickup Pattern to reduce noise
* Clean and clear tone
* Natural sound
Cons:
* Can get a little boomy in low-mid ranges if speaker is too close
* Pronounced proximity effect
* No shock mount/case included


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Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone Review

Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone
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For recording my voice (baritone), it does a great job. For extra warmth that means close-miking, which in turn means not popping your p's, etc. If you hold it close to your mouth but don't directly face it end-on, that's easily done (or get a pop filter). [...].
The microphone electronics are extremely quiet - the audio is sampled at 18 bits.
It comes with a warranty which is easily extended to 10 years for free.
The real-time headphone monitoring is a great idea and works well.
It's a bit heavy (part of being built like a tank), and you need to think a little about how you're going to mount it, since some cheap desktop stands can barely manage it.
Some things to keep in mind are:
1) It likes close-miking (at least for male voices)
2) It is USB-only
3) It is a on the bit large and heavy side.
If those don't bother you, and the price is in your range, then you will probably like it a lot.

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Shure ULXS24/BETA87A Handheld Wireless System, M1 Review

Shure ULXS24/BETA87A Handheld Wireless System, M1
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This is a great wireless mic! I have used this mic in a room for 130 people and a much larger venue for 1,000 people and the mic performed perfectly! I also use another Shure wireless mic (ULXS24/SM58 type head) and I have not noticed a sound quality difference yet. The BETA 87A head is supposed to be better and that is why it is more expensive. I'm sure it is... but I have not noticed a huge sound difference yet! Nevertheless, I'm very happy with both mics! I also use a set of 4 mics from a cheaper brand and although the mics have a solid metal body, the mics tend to drop off sound 4-5 times during a typical use of one hour. The Shure mics are definitely worth the bigger price as they have NEVER dropped off once!

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Shure PGX14/93 Lavalier Wireless System, L5 Review

Shure PGX14/93 Lavalier Wireless System, L5
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I got this at a local Guitar Center in Pasadena, CA. the label sign said $648 and they realized it was mispriced. In stores it's actually $399.99 and he gave me 10% off because I really wanted the lower model PG14 which they don't carry in stores.
At our church, we rent out a school auditorium where there's no sound padding. We currently have a Shure wireless handheld (looks like a Pg14 + handheld but I think it's some older model) and a Sennheiser wireless lapel system that's been giving us a lot of interference/feedback.
First I tried the new AKG wireless presenter set and it had a lot of pops and feedback even though we adjusted the squelch and other areas.
So we tried this PGX14/WL93 system and this past Sunday there was no feedback, pops, in interference. We only experienced the clean and clear interference-free sound that comes from Shure.
On the base unit, I mounted it on top of our other Shure (which was set to channel) 1 and pressed channel and it seems like channel 9 was the only available option (7, 8, 9 at first, but now just 9). I think this is fine as we won't be adding more wireless systems, as of yet.
Once we popped in the 2 AA batteries into the transmitter unit I brought the unit over to the wireless base and hit "auto-sync". I wasn't sure if it was 1 tap or hold so I held it and it synced. After that, everything worked beautifully.
I appreciated that the body transmitter was easy to use. Hold the top button for power (green), push once for mute (orange), and again for unmute (green). On the side there's a gain switch for mic (high), 0 (medium), -10db (low). the "0" level was the best because mic was too loud and pitchy.
The lavaliere mic was great. I originally thought it would pick up too many other ambient sounds since it's a condenser mic but even with the band playing in the back the speaker was the only voice captured in the mic. there were no pops from "p" sounds and it did not have ruffling sounds on the shirt/jacket (I did not put on the wind screen which is quite big and odd looking). All we received was clear sound.
The other good thing about this model (transmitter) is that you can use 3 different lavaliere mics: WL93 (which it came with), the higher end WL185, or the lower end PG185 which comes with the PG14/PG185.
WL93: $80, WL185: $100. PG185:$40.
Having loved the countryman, I am now completely fine with the above options. Countrymans break and cost $400+ just to replace the mic (yes just the mic!). I don't know how the lower end PG185 is, but I assume it's Shure clear. So for $40-$100 to replace a lavaliere mic, I would gladly choose this over and over again! And Shure will be the brand of choice over and over again.

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