30 YEARS in the Making - CAD E100SX Review and Comparisons with 19 mics! | Booth Junkie

Thanks to CAD Audio for sharing this mic with us!
Check the latest price here: geni.us/ja2sj
Or visit the CAD Audio page: geni.us/CADe100SX
All the comparison mics (available new): (Affiliate Links)
- CAD e300 s - geni.us/2K0jT
- CAD e50 - geni.us/vavDz33
- CAD m179 - geni.us/EJcRg
- Neat King Bee II - geni.us/JmxCq
- Audio Technica AT 2020 - geni.us/mX3acMW
- Lewitt LCT 440 Plure - geni.us/bj-440
- Lewitt LCT 540 Subzero - geni.us/lct540
- Rode NT1 - geni.us/r-nt1a
- Stellar X2 - geni.us/SOY9Bf
- Stellar X2 Vintage - geni.us/OALQU
- Stellar X3 - geni.us/u3BT3
- Austrian Audio OC18 - geni.us/bj-oc18-sw
- Neumann TLM 103 - geni.us/UQuOfog
- Neumann U87Ai - geni.us/h64t5qA
- Lewitt LCT 1040 - geni.us/6NpLVv
All recorded through this interface: geni.us/5w8L
========================================================================
Thanks to all my KZbin Friends who graciously allowed me to use their content.
Please subscribe to them.
- DIY Perks: / diyperks
- EposVox: / eposvox
- Gerald Undone: / geraldundone
- Podcastage: / podcastage
- Sound Speeds: / soundspeeds
- Tom Buck: / tombuck
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============ Table of contents =================
INSTRUCTIONS
00:00 A History of the E 100 line
03:47 Mikes e100 review
06:26 Cad e1002 line
08:01 Mikes e1002 review
14:10 "Mikes" e100s Review
12:23 Specifications
16:54 VS Original CAD e100
19:04 VS CAD 100 (2)
20:31 VS CAD e100s
23:11 VS CAD e350
25:45 CAD e300S
29:09 VS CAD e50
31:20 VS CAD m179
34:30 VS Neat King Bee II
36:08 VS Audio Technica AT 2020
37:13 VS Lewitt LCT 440 Pure
39:09 vs Lewitt LCT 540 Subzero
41:04 VS RODE NT1
42:38 VS Tech Zone Audio Stellar X2
44:15 VS Teach Zone Audio Sellar X2 Vintage
46:01 VS Tech Zone Audio Stellar X3
47:24 VS Austrian Audio OC18
49:49 VS Neumann TLM 103
52:13 VS Neumann U87 Ai
55:07 VS Lewitt LCT 1040
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Thanks!
#miccomparision #cadaudio #cade100sx

[@BoothJunkie]

Thanks to all my KZbin Friends who graciously allowed me to use their content. Please subscribe to them DIY Perks: kzbin.info EposVox: kzbin.info Gerald Undone: kzbin.info Podcastage: kzbin.info Sound Speeds: kzbin.info Tom Buck: kzbin.info

[@EposVox]

Bahahahaha that intro, love it!

[@cbdemented]

What were you, like 16 then? hehe

[@WantedArgonianMale]

Just impulse bought the E100Sx on sale for $200, as I need to upgrade my $30 AT2020 clone. Hope it's everything I ever wanted!

[@WantedArgonianMale]

@@Dreampunkx Yes it is much nicer than the cheaper condenser I had.

[@libertyDude1775]

I hope you had a blast making this video. Because it was absolutely amazing & total blast to watch. Thanks Mike! For this & everything you have done. Can't express enough how much you have help us over the years.

[@Podcastage]

Can you share a link to that boom operator listserv?

[@SoundSpeeds]

It was a waste. A bunch of faked pictures of him supposedly screaming into microphones but you could tell he was just opening his mouth. No strain in his face or neck. 4Chan helped bury his threads then Anonymous deleted them.

[@CancunAndy]

Are we sure that dud on usenet wasn't Bandrew?

[@ZonderZout]

Perhaps I'm a little late to the party, but looking for a replacement mic as a voice over I stumbled over many mic comparisons and then I found this gem. This was such a nice and cosy joy to watch. I loved every bit of and every mic in it. Also, really love your voice! Subscribed!

[@johnheiser2604]

Thanks. I have the E100SX on order from Amazon USA arriving in Australia next week. That's what is available so I can't wait to try it out.

[@aidinmurtha5544]

I started my voice over journey about a year and a half ago picking up a CAD E100S based off your videos and I can't be happier with how it's treated me these past 18 months. It was such a forgiving mic when I was first getting started and I feel like I've really been able to grow with it and get more out of it as I've improved as a voice actor. Loved this video and all your content and just wanted to say thanks for all you do : )

[@markcalaway6249]

I love how my two favorite reviewers work together to have a bit of fun. #boothjunkie #podcastage

[@joewieseavoicetalent]

Hey Mike. Great interview on Anthony Pica’s podcast. I was in his group and recommended he interview you and it was a long time coming. As always I love what you do!!! Thanks man!

[@CONTENTCREATORCORPS]

Fantastic walk down memory lane. Great review again, Mike. Likely the next mic in my roster. I rue the day I sold my OG E-100...

[@TheHypeCom]

You had way too much fun with that intro. I absolutely adore it!

[@ragtag8226]

So awesome to finally hear how an e350 sounds. I have a few e100 and e200's but have yet to pull the trigger on the e350 because I could never find an example of the sound, despite it's high resale value. Thanks Mike for all the great content!

[@hisroyalsucculence]

The e100Sx sounds fantastic. Surprised that I preferred it over almost all of the over CAD mics. Thanks for the review!

[@VOByRobbins]

Wow, Mike, killer comparisons!!! LOVE this "shootout" --- great work!!!

[@bearnecessitiesvoiceoverll7400]

Great breakdown of the history of the mic. I also love the Podcastage cameo!

[@danielgloor8401]

Funny and interesting ! 😳😂🎤👍 thank you Mike ! It was a pleasure to listen the CAD story and yours ! 😜

[@InspiredMoney]

Loved seeing how the e100 progressed over the years. The throwback videos were great too.

[@Neurodivergent]

Awesome, and thanks for including the NT 1 in your comparisons!

[@seansiegler]

Thanks as always Mike! I just noticed that CAD had a new mic and straightaway came here to see if you had anything to say about it and as usual you do not disappoint! Although now I want a Lewitt LCT 1040 after hearing it! Some day... in a distant future.

[@Kragatar]

Love the nostalgic trip down internet memory lane. Those were the best days of the internet, when it was small, esoteric communities of like-minded people, before everything congealed into a few monopolies that mash everyone together into a mess of clickbait and trolls.

[@QuantumGamingUploads]

Like with everything is this world things get out of hand.

[@MrSteelypan]

Loved the video Mike. I’m a UK broadcaster and always enjoy your postings. Special guest was great ;-)

[@shanecochran8544]

After watching your videos I got the lewitt 540 sub zero and use it for all of my vo projects and absolutely love it!

[@stevefenner8449]

Gotta say I was surprised at how crisp, clear, yet balanced with low end the comparison between the E300s and E100sx was. I will be looking for one now thanks to your reviews, mainly because I do use the TL103 and U87ai as my main units....thanks for this fun video and look forward to future ones as well 👍

[@joeschwartz2636]

ty for the insightfull review, your becoming one of my favorite voiceover hosts

[@viewtifuljosh1]

Great Video, loved the sketch portions too.

[@Mamadordeculosprofesional]

Oh! So this is the guy that's always in the Nosleep Podcast credits! Pleasant surprise to find you while looking for a review hahaha. Have a nice day, dude!

[@dickginkowski6071]

I came back and listened to this again. I think the e100sx isn't muddy but more smooth. Congrats.

[@Chosenorc]

Legend! And to believe I discovered you just because I don't like my Twitch sound... After seing some of your videos I am in a different world... Can't wait to learn more about voice-over...especially live...

[@SenpaiDarkLord]

I love the character you gave this video

[@Digital.Done.Right.]

Lovely vid Mike and fun as well..stay true and happy

[@johnheiser2604]

Great comparision. Thanks. I have the Rode and the Cad is on order. Can't wait to try it out.

[@BrakeZalmo]

I'll be super exited on watch this in 20 years

[@faillaunchfinch]

Oh my god.. I'm fairly new to the whole.. gear/microphone addiction and review thing..LOL.. Just randomly had this video suggested and clicked on it while I was working on some things, and it was so cool to see Matt/DIY, Adam, Gerald, Bandrew, Allen and Tom in their early work along with yours.. just wanted to say thank you for including all of that. (and all the information and advice you've all given)

[@Thecando]

Very cool! Thanks Mike.

[@JimMcNicholas]

it sounds really great, i would love to get one of these.

[@ThrobbGoblin]

Even when I'm not looking for a new mic, I still have to stop by and watch Mark Hammil review microphones every now and then. Such a good channel.

[@davidabair2280]

I have the original E-100 that I bought in the 90's and I never changed the battery. I still use it for my vocals!

[@datajake1999]

It was interesting hearing young Mike, and I like the collaboration that started at 10:13.

[@thebunn]

Super cool retrospect and comparison! Have a pair of E100s. The batteries were to increase the voltage of the preamp to increase the dynamic range. It allows for things like putting them in a kick drum and they don't distort. Anyhow, really rad watch!

[@paulk.dicostanzo2279]

I thought he might turn this occasion into a holiday, and I wasn’t disappointed.

[@clayteasouth]

I still have my two cad e100 from 1990’s. I’m going to keep them.

[@rectape]

Great episode

[@johnheiser2604]

I put my cans on pushed it through to the tv and sat back. What a comprehensive review. I really enjoyed the Lewitt Pure 440 comparison most of all. But Bro... Like wow Bro. Heavy daze er days.

[@darrellevans5027]

Thanks, I just ordered one! Currently on Sale for the holidays if anyone's hunting!

[@VOByRobbins]

I have to say that 1040 Lewitt vs the new E100sx is a great comparison, how you can dial in the 1040 for different uses--- brilliant, but the E100sx holds up well with all of your mics --- impressive!!!! I'm thinking I could sell most of my mics and get the 1040 and have everything I need-- wow.

[@waterlandaudio5687]

What a marathon! It was so good that I listened twice - not to everything, just a few of the comparisons. I'm intrigued by the end-to-end process that starts in the recording studio and ends at my ears, so I compared the listening experience using inexpensive Bluetooth earbuds and a pair of studio-grade headphones. The characteristics of the microphones were reasonably well represented on both, however my preferences changed slightly. For instance, on the earbuds (which I use for most of my casual listening) I preferred the Rode over the Lewitt, but on the headphones it was the other way round. I'm not sure this proves anything I didn't already know because, as with most things, everything is relative.

[@TheDosMiguel]

The Lars snare!!! Like he just mic’d up a coffee can!

[@joewieseavoicetalent]

JUST ORDERED THE NEW CAD E1OOSX BABY

[@donnelson8524]

LOL well done with the Yinzer accent :-D I was wondering if you'd do an episode of Mullet Talk ;-) ...aaaaand also THANK YOU so much for your review and for all the amazing work you do to help us just starting out. I've learned so much and am grateful to you.

[@paulward1586]

Shocked how similar the LCT 1040 sounded in the dark tube mode to the E100SX!

[@paulward1586]

It has slightly more clarity than the LCT1040 in "dark mode", but they do favor each other. A little EQ could probably eliminate the difference as perceived in a mix!

[@ericmichaelhopper]

The e100sx is smoother than all of them to my ear from this video. Will be testing it in person soon when mine arrives. I have the original e100 and love it.

[@TheDosMiguel]

Wooo hoooooo!!!! Let’s go Mike!!!

[@NKWTI]

I have the very first one from 1992, still working to perfection

[@fredbrucker121]

I can totally hear the "Yinzer" in your "old" video!! 😁

[@illson72]

I've been using my e100 from the 90s til a month ago . Decided to buy 2 new mics.

[@calvincurry8496]

I still have a e 300 and a e 100 from about 2003. Love them

[@maximeheberttalbot4505]

Hey Mike! I just saw there’s a new mic coming from CAD, in the Equitek series! Its really cheap! I hope cad will send you one so we get a review haha! The frequency response kinda looks like the one from a tlm102! Interesting!

[@PhatNutz]

the intro was treasure 👍

[@spec-productions5733]

As an audiobook consumer, it would be fantastic if more narrators adopted a warmer, darker, (fatter?) mic like the new E100SX (or the NT1). (BTW, have you ever tested the TLM 193?) Even when bright mics sound better with more air and presence, the sibilance that accompanies it gets fatiguing with long form listening. As the listening time increases, fatigue is held at bay with warmer, darker mics, and the experience is overall, more enjoyable. Perhaps the move toward presence-boosted mics are to help singers punch through the mix (or voiceovers on top of music and other audio effects). But for long-form stand-alone voice listening, bright mics can be brutal... to the extent that I now listen to the narrator's sample clips specifically for how sibilance is handled. Unfortunately, I've opted out of an increasing number of audiobooks to avoid being punished (and perhaps I'm more sensitive than average). But that's just me. Thanks for the outstanding review. There are precious few talking head vids out on KZbin of an hour in length that make the hour disappear so quickly, then realize it's over already. Big thumb's up. :-)

[@marcchapleau8343]

The LCT 440 might be a good alternate choice for me, after my Stellar X2

[@marcchapleau8343]

The dramatization sequences are hilarious:D

[@edclevel402]

This is a tour-de-force! And that Delaware County accent? SPECTACULAR . 😆😆

[@mrfluffybunnypants]

Nice Job Mike. Your old school video sounds more like your Baltimore days, than Pittsburgh though!

[@joewieseavoicetalent]

lol Mike, wtf. I have a cad e100s. I got it based on your reviews a couple years ago. It’s my favorite mic that I own so far.

[@LBJedi]

PLEASE tell me that Pixburgh dialect was real! Always happy to hear the mother tongue🤣

[@CancunAndy]

Mike, dat accent! I feel like Im back on da East Coust! Cheers from Cancun!

[@sa-k]

Hearing Mike's voice for one hour, what a blessing mate, but seriously that’s one of the greatest comparisons videos in KZbin :)

[@ZeketheZealot]

I managed to pick up an e300s on sale as my first mic right after they discontinued. I really like how it works with my voice; my natural tone isnt as deep as yours, and it sounds really complimentary. Cumbersome as hell though.

[@NiccKennedy]

Are we going to see any more Booth Flunky and Booth Bro-sky throwback videos? Great skits Mike!

[@legacyShredder1]

Lars's snare on St. Anger is one of the most hated sounds in recorded metal history. That skit got me. I cried a little.

[@OMTEKNO]

Every mics are good on your voice 😁

[@dennissmeltzer4394]

Great job as usual. Just wish you had a couple shotgun mikes since so many use them for VO.

[@DJHolte]

I've been using the E100S for a number of years now as my VO mic, and it's... okay. It does the job fairly well. But it has a tendency to deliver audio with some nasty harshness from time to time, causing me extra time in post-production. So perhaps the SX would eliminate those problems, I dunno. However, when I get some money to spend on equipment again, I am probably going to switch to a shotgun mic (knowing, of course, the inherent issues with those, and the importance of placement). I think it'd just be better for my current setup.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Dude, I totally knew you used to have long rocker hair!

[@sirsabol]

Hilarious look back at your earliest videos... The Pittsburghese was strong in the blonde bombshell known as Microphone Mike! 😂 😂 😂

[@Doodles-W3BOO]

Greeting Earlthlings!!!! Bandrew... PODCASTAGE

[@rSb.Benjaminz]

Stoner Mike is legendary 🤟🏼

[@paulengle5784]

Awesome video. I’m not sure why Cad would release a fourth generation model that has a completely different sound. To me, if it has a completely different sound, it should release under the model line that most closely matches that sound or as a new product. Maybe this was a cost-cutting measure, but this feels like an unforced error.

[@jannbautista4480]

Street Mike Bro, he's sounds cool bro

[@FiveEars]

Thanks Mike. Love the price of the e100Sx I found ($200 CAD), so I picked one up. Beauty for baritones. I like that it is closer to the e100 flavour than the e100s-ibilance. However, as I was doing some mic comparisons of my own, I noticed that the e100Sx has an inverted phase from all my other mics!? What? My direct comparisons (single recording, separate channels) sound way more congruent with both mics in the same phase - lol. Did you notice that on your e100Sx? Is this a Equitek thing or an e100 thing, or just the Sx, or just mine?

[@NKWTI]

This may sound really stupid to engineers and studio snobs, but I've been working with tons of different mics for years, and I really feel that the CAD e100 line is so unique and such a hidden gem because they are priced closer to the mid price range, but I really feel they can compete with Nuemann in a lot of applications, namely voice over work. They have a lot of genuinely similar qualities, and I'm not talking about other mics that try to "clone" Nuemann, the CADs are just naturally very unique sounding, and you can only get a feel for it if you've worked with them for a while, but I feel they also have a very similar smoothness and a certain warmth that is just as good as Nuemann's. It's rare when a mic can be both highly detailed and gritty sounding while also being smooth and warm. Again, I get that this sounds dumb to say out-loud, but I really do think all of the CAD e100s are a more affordable way to have that Nuemann level of quality. Do they sound different from some CADs out of the box? Sure, absolutely, the frequency responses of the CADs are different with each release, but when you mix with a CAD, that thing can easily compete with Nuemanns, and they sure as fuck can give the whole AKG 414 line a run for their money, that I can say with confidence, even if people disagree about the Nuemann comment.

[@thomasjdurfee]

LOL. Totally phat video, my dude.

[@HungryForTastyFoodAndComicArt]

the video has been eating too much ice cream after too much pizza???

[@CONTENTCREATORCORPS]

The U87 was first released in '67, I think...

[@Alexandra-Rex]

That intro 😄

[@cobrajackson619]

It's like a barbell, awesome

[@Billitteri]

Thanks for this, Mike! Great comparisons and it was also fun to see young Gerald, Bandrew, and Allen (and you)! I'm curious if you had any odd experiences with the E100Sx while you were setting up these comparisons. I picked one up last week, and when it's plugged into my Motu M4 and phantom power is on, there's a buzzing sound I haven't heard with any other mics. I've swapped the mic and I'm still hearing it. It doesn't happen on other interfaces, and no other mic has the issue on the Motu. AND, I found that if I turn on phantom power on ch2, the issue goes away (unless there's a mic plugged into ch2, which is weird). It doesn't sound like interference to me, as it's a consistent 45hz buzz. Because of the weird way ch2's phantom power fixes the issue, I'm thinking there may be something wrong with my M4. Thanks again, Mike. Great as always!

[@BoothJunkie]

I've not experienced anything like that. I can't think of a time I've had a 45hz buzz/hum. I've hads ground loops at 60hz, but nothing at 45, and nothing like that with the Sx.

[@Billitteri]

@@BoothJunkie Thanks for the quick response! I'm certain it's not a ground loop, because it even happens with my laptop on battery power, with nothing but the interface and the microphone connected. Since I've tried two copies of the E100Sx, I think I'll explore Motu's support. If nothing else, I can always return the Sx, but I actually really like the sound of it with the high-pass filter engaged, so I'm hoping I can resolve it. Either way, thanks again! I just found your channel a few months ago, and your content has been a massive help as I work to build my pvc booth and kick off my VO journey. I really appreciate what you do!

[@davidairozo8965]

Hi Mike I had that same problem with mine but I didn't try the channel 2 phantom power with mine. I just sent the first one back and got another one and the same buzz with both. I ran mine through an Audient EVO 8 and I don't have a problem with other mics so I sent that one back as well. But I will say I did like the sound of this mic with high-pass on. In short I don't believe my interface was having a problem so just thinking it's weird science.

[@Billitteri]

@@davidairozo8965 Hey David. I worked with Motu and they swapped out my interface. I got the replacement a few days ago and got around to testing it today, and I'm not having the buzzing issue anymore. I did find that my mic has a hum of its own when the case isn't properly grounded. It was a very different sound, but it got worse when I put my hand very close to the case. I took off the front panel and found that one specific wire hummed excessively when I got close to it, but when I put the front panel back on, the hum went away and I haven't heard it since (unless I take the panel off again). Something to do with the grounding of the mic itself, I guess, but since my issues are gone, I'm going to keep mine. Having taken it apart a bit, I can see that both the microphone's case and the small circuit board inside are wired to pin 1 of the XLR connector. From my very VERY limited understanding of mic design after researching my issues, I believe a lot of engineers just call this the pin 1 problem, and while it's confusing to me still, it has to do with how (or whether) pin 1 of the xlr jack (which is the grounding shield in the cable) is connected to the microphone casing and the circuit board in the mic. There's a big debate on the proper way to wire a microphone apparently, but I THINK the way this mic is wired, it creates a loop that can feed interference back into the circuitry. I could be wrong about that. Either way, I'm not having those issues anymore and I'm really happy with the sound I'm getting out of it haha.

[@davidairozo8965]

@@Billitteri Interesting. When I heard this noise I just thought it was a QC issue with the mic . I am confused that other mics I have don't make noise so I might try another one because I did like the audio quality I was getting. Thanks for sharing your info good stuff, have a great day Mike.

[@HamidShibataBennett]

My first real mic was an E100… wish I still had it!

[@soulmanager]

Hey Mike, I am a huge fan, you may be my favorite KZbinr on the topic of microphone reviews and voice over tips and tricks, please keep doing that great job that you do. I am bothering you over here because I recently bought a CAD E100, yes, the very first model in the E100 series, but it doesn't come with the batteries and I've been told that these are not just simple squared 9V batteries, but that they are somehow special and difficult to come by. Would you be able to provide me with any guidance on how to get a set of working batteries for my CAD E100 Microphone before it arrives in a couple of weeks? I would greatly appreciate your input and advice on this. Much love and respect from Costa Rica, and you are most welcome to come and visit and be our guest.

[@eternalism8274]

i just swapped e100 round badge batts, Energizer 8.4 V NiMH. 2 x $17. Very easy to insert. Commonplace batts.

[@CMO__]

Hey MIKE. I just got this ES100SX as my first microphone ever (nice holiday gift I received). Now I need to get a interface, cables and other stuff(?) Do you have a recommended interface or basic products I need to get this baby up and running?

[@cursedblake]

It’s got switches and junk on it. All the advice I needed

[@no1slisteninganyway]

Mike, Gerry isn't getting her done any more on Compuserve. He's on KZbin as "Gerald Undone."

[@marcchapleau8343]

The CAD 100 SX and the Stellar X3 sounds exactly the same!

[@spider1g5]

My issue is sounding monotone (in my own ears at least) when reading lines casually. I'm going to be testing microphones and upgrade to something better than a zoom h1n (just need one good payday)

[@QuantumGamingUploads]

So if we sound like Mickey Mouse we may need darker tone microphones. Thanks Mike. I didn't like the Rode NT1 when I tried it. I like the stellar x2 more but I am thinking of trying the Vintage one as it sounds fantastic.

[@dickginkowski6071]

I am wary (weary?) of the reference to the e100sx as "darker" and that seems to be borne out by all of the comparisons. I think "warmer" is more accurate. Some of these microphones seemed "cool" or "cold" by comparison. I think the NT1 was an interesting comparison as it is a fairly flat mic with a little boost. The TLM103 was also interesting -- the e100sx made the Neumann seem awfully cold. The e100sx didn't sound terribly "muddy" (like the Aston Element) but rather "warm" and by no means fatiguing. I ordered one this week. With quite a bit of dental work I developed a sibilance issue and am hoping the e100sx can help with that. We'll see.

[@thesilencer6736]

Hi, how are you finding the e100sx?

[@dickginkowski6071]

@@thesilencer6736 It is a competent studio quality microphone. Warm but not too muddy and pretty good with sibilance.

[@soulmanager]

Hey Mike, have you had a chance to review the new CAD Equitek's E50 and E40? What are your thoughts if you have?

[@Kragatar]

"Look at all those switches, bros!" 🤣

[@luk7n]

I wish you could test the E100SX with MKH416 as it is a hypercardiod

[@jeanpaul7126]

Hello Very interesting thanks. Can you please tells us what audio interface do you use ? Thanks 😀