Are Expensive Microphones Worth It? Diminishing Returns and Mics.

[@MishaPitsenko]

When you say, "as long as the audio is not distracting" I find that the more I get into audio, the more of an audio snob I become. Anyone else experience this?

[@libertyDude1775]

Snob? No. Aware? Yes. I'm not an audiophile, nor will I ever be. But I do noticed things now, to distraction, that I never used to care about (or notice). The plosive rumble, along with processing gates opening & closing, are most distracting to me these days.

[@piotrgraniszewski8544]

It's been the opposite for me. The more I listen to various music genres and mixing styles, the more listening equipment I have, the more abstract and subjective the sound becomes. I used to be a snob in the beginning.

[@GeertDelmulle]

Oh, no, not me... Now, where is my NT1? That other mic sounds terrible... ;-)

[@timbeaton5045]

@@piotrgraniszewski8544 Yep. Me too, and in my case I think was due to the arrogance of (my) youth. I would read reviews, and spout those as if i knew what i was talking about. I recently bought a couple of cheap CAD pencil condenser mikes* for using as overheads for drum recording, but used them as a stereo pair on a guitarist singer/songwriter's acoustic guitar. And they sounded fantastic. I have learnt to listen with my ears, and not my prejudice. Although, of course, with age, my ears are not what they once were. Bloody loud guitarists in bands i have played with have seen to that. * they were on sale for approx £60/$70. bargain!

[@redscott7179]

oh absolutely. I'm aware of it, but it's a hobby. If your audio has good levels, and no obvious problems (plosives, background noise, recorded zoom call), it's probably plenty for 95-99% of your audience. Content is the #1 issue after that. The money you spend on the rest is primarily for yourself imo

[@thestingyham1188]

Bander, a great idea for a video for you: Many podcasters are buying a Shure SM7B or Procaster, etc., and feel the need to shell-out for a Cloudlifter, etc., along with an audio interface? Why? For their needs, isn't a cheap behringer mixer enough? Then they don't have to buy the additional equipment like a Cloudlifter, right?

[@Jouzujoe]

As an owner of a cheap behringer interface, the Cloudlifter is essential for one reason: Gain. Cheap preamps will force you to work at 100% with the sm7b, which is the area where self-noise is the worst. 20db of clean gain can save you having to buy another interface - but to your point, yes you could buy something that requires less gain and not shell out for either.

[@BasicFilmmaker]

LOL! Ricola!! True. Same with cameras to a large degree. If it looks good, fine. You don't need an $8000 camera for a talking head video. The common viewer doesn't know, doesn't care, and as long as it looks good and sounds good, it doesn't matter what you are using.

[@enado18]

Thanks for going through so many microphones over the years to give this fantastic piece of advice. This is by far the #1 video for anyone into recording stuff. Venerations, St-Bandrew! :P

[@harwin7430]

Been using a SM57 (with an A81WS) and King Bee for a bit now. Haven't seen a reason to upgrade from them yet outside of wanting to impulse buy a shiny new mic. Almost impulse bought a SM7B/Aston Stealth recently, but ended up using that money to sound treat my room. I think it made a much bigger difference than a new mic (especially with the king bee, but it's not perfect yet). Although to be honest I don't know why I've spent this much so far when I don't even intend to make any money off my recordings or music haha. I just had so much extra money after I quit smoking I guess I just wanted to splurge on one of my hobbies. Thanks for all the content Bandrew.

[@chivatech]

I shit you not I’m using the $23 beringer xm8500 for my podcast and I’m still blown away with the sound. I have the SM7B coming in this week and I’m excited to hear the difference.

[@IANIVES]

2:20

[@wpg7o6]

I got the BM 800 with a 2i2 3rd gen audio interface good for my intro system set up

[@pablogimenez7739]

How about the law of diminishing returns between a USB and an XLR mic? Are XLR worth the extra money/ gear that you would need? Could you comment on this in a live streaming/ video conferencing setting?

[@BojanBojovic]

For the past 3 months I am looking at where to spend my money, I already have the NT1, had the U87, C414 before, and I know that I will get almost the same results with all of them as my processing changes to meet the sound I want, but I am still looking at few microphones, Pure Tube being one of them. In the end it really does not matter, but when you want a new toy, reason does not help.

[@SpoonyPizzas]

Hello, I have a question! I tried your OBS settings which have made hell of a difference! However, I find my Shure SM7B is picking up mouse clicks/gamepad clicks - probably because it has 50dB (another genius suggestion of yours to reduce it to 50db) through the Go XLR Mini. On your OBS settings, I couldn't see if the bar was jumping around like mine does when you don't talk at all (you kept talking haha). So mine is jumping around, I assume it's picking up the fan noise. ANYWAY.... I would love a Shure SM7B + Go XLR Mini settings+filters (I'm sure a lot of streamers/gamers market would embrace that video). I'm sure all I need to do is reduce the gain until it no longer picks up clicks but I'd love to see your recommended settings for the above as it's becoming a more and more popular setup. Thank you for taking the time to read my wall o'text

[@AngloSaxon1]

The sE 4400 has a self noise of 16dba, is that ok for voiceover? I have learnt that any mic under 15dba can be good for spoken word but anything above that is bad for the spoken word?

[@hayleypardinan]

you should List all of that 'diminishing return mics' in a video. many viewers will love that. trust me

[@BB0YMatty]

I do videos for continuous education, clients don't care as long as they don't hear pops and crackled and sound sound level is fine. My NT1 is overkill.

[@TimmyHBlack]

facts! man I value your opinion!

[@aerob1033]

The spoken word application where I wonder more if this makes more of a difference: If you're marketing to truly critical listeners rather than just a podcast audience. For example, audiobook narration or professional voiceover, where you have to audition for the part and you can bet anybody who is even considering hiring you after the first few seconds is going to listen very carefully to how you sound, probably over decent headphones, and maybe playing back the file several times. Of course your performance will always be the most important part, but squeezing that little extra bit out of the tonal character of your voice could be the edge you need over another, similarly-talented candidate.

[@MichaelW.1980]

I agree. Well, mostly that is. I mean, you were talking about the RØDE Procaster, praising it for its rejection or background noise. But... is - say - a Shure SM58 or Beta 58A wo much worse in that regard? After all, those are stage microphones, were background noise rejection is much more crucial.

[@aramkiam]

No to forget the aspect of personal joy. Expensive Microphones are worth it when you enjoy using them, which most likely has an effect on the quality and quantity of your production, specially when you've been researching for a long time for the right mic. Of course that can also apply to cheaper mics (if joy is willing to jump on you using one).

[@mica4977]

Certainly! I gain a moral boost seeing my mic on a proper shockmount. Didn't knew much about them and didn't realize my mic would come with one but having it makes me feel "professional" when I notice it while recording. Though without doubt the topic Bandrew covered is essential for others to hear. No reason to look down on our lower tier gear or compare ourselves and our situations to others. As long as we know how to utilize our gear and are actually putting in hours utilizing it for what we bought it for then "upgrading" can wait and be a positive thing to look forwards to rather than a downer or excuse to procrastinate on our goals due to not having it yet.

[@NoahJonesNews]

your vocal chain sounds so crispy!!!! I envy it.

[@mezusmusic343]

I bought the king be and compared it to the audiotecnica 2035, they have excellent sound quality for all needs, professional or home recording! (I prefere at2035) In the final mix it will be really hard to notice the mic Prices ( billie eilish used at2020 for ocean eyes 🤷🏼‍♂️) so as long as the mic is descent you are ready to make hits

[@Red.exe7]

I went from a blue yeti to rode nt1 because I wanted an xlr microphone. I sold the rode nt1 for $100 less then I bought it and used it for 2-3 years, so I basically rented it for $100 for 2-3 years. I then bought a used Shure sm7b with cloud lifter for $600 CDN, which was a steal. The only reason why I got the Shure sm7b was because I do not have a well treated room. I honestly don't think I'd ever need another microphone for years the come. I could have bought a sm57, but I'd rather spend a little extra, so I don't have that urge go upgrade to my end game. Honestly, If I didn't get the shure sm7b + cloud lifter for such a good price, I probably wouldn't have bought it.

[@MysteryNotes]

What do you think of the change from the yeti to the Sm7b so far? Is it everything you expected?

[@Red.exe7]

@@MysteryNotes The yeti to Shure sm7b is huge, but from rode nt1 to Shure sm7b, not so much.

[@MysteryNotes]

@@Red.exe7 I hope I'll be as happy when I get my Sm7b next month, upgrading from a yeti, too! Thanks for replying

[@pd1jdw630]

I think you’re spot on. However, I do think the King Bee is on the verge of putting other manufacturers on the spot and say hey. Make something better. Be can, so can you. IMHO I think we’re going to see better condenser mics in the near future.

[@AlexMittsVOID]

Can confirm. I recently picked up a King Bee and retired my other microphone which cost about four times as much.

[@SQDCobranetic]

Hey this was my question on the podcast awesome!

[@EIDiabeetus]

I use an MXL .009 USB, originally got it since it was pretty high quality for a USB and at the time didn't wanna mess with an XLR setup. Would be curious to see what you think. But it's expensive for a USB mic. Want to switch to an XLR mic at some point or have one so I can switch depending on clients/audience.

[@Psicough]

"And then the person dies" Now I'm the one who's dead

[@ntv4544]

Which one is best sound se electronics 4400a vs cad equatik e100s

[@CenterThePendulum]

Soyuz 017FET has been worth every single dollar, and more. It possesses qualities that should be antithetical/sacrificed in support of each other. Warm and detailed low end, open and present while taming sibilance, saturates and sits front and center in the mix like a tube but responds as a FET. It’s perfect for raspy baritones.

[@murraystechtime8530]

I'll agree with you because I've been watching your content for about 2 1/2 years now and you have never steered me wrong with a microphone or AI. Also your reviews are exceptional, thank you for all the advise you have given so far and in the future. Keep stay safe and keep well...

[@senzayyzone]

This is true the mic king bee and worker bee sound amazing I was blown away when I first heard myself with em try them first before any other mic.

[@dusthart8303]

Is baby blue bottle sl still good today just bought one for 200 new for my daughter

[@hollylenz3725]

Wow, thanks Bandrew! Also, your postures really good! What chair do you use?

[@MrSujano]

Thanks for this video! I've been debating between the RE320 and the RE20 for quite some time ... and with post processing or eq'ing I don't know if my audience will *really* notice the difference between the two.... ....so I picked up the RE20 anyways.

[@Exmachinagamma]

I use the Samson Q8X, which is an upgrade, at least to me, from the Q2U. I want a Q9U when its available. Read a lot of reviews about its features, and it beats out what I have currently.

[@bwillan]

I'll wager that the average joe can't discern the difference between a Samson Q2U (ATR2100, 2005) and any of the $100 dynamic mics you mentioned. SM58, SM57 etc.

[@wtulin1970]

I think you are correct. If I remember right, I think Bandrew is on team Q2U as well, not sure.

[@TerraMagnus]

Heck, the layperson is easily impressed with the humble Behringer XM8500. All of $23 today.

[@bwillan]

@@TerraMagnus Plus the cost of an audio interface.

[@TerraMagnus]

@@bwillan only talking about mics here. With all other things being equal, I've had people tell me I sound better on an XM8500 than on my Shure SM7B. Crazy. But it's true. Bandrew alluded to hearing similar things from his listeners.

[@JassieKECG]

Great video, bought an Aston Stealth yesterday and can't tell you how much I like it. I am shocked why more people are not talking about it. I did watch your review before I bought stealth of course...haha

[@T.R.A.N.C.E]

In my opinion you should spend on the interface and pre-amps more than the mic.

[@TexpatOTG]

On my channel I occasionally use a Boya HM100 interview style dynamaic mic. I use it with a Tascam DR10x. With my voice the sound is good and noise rejection is fine for my chaotic environment in Saigon. I like it's long handle too ... very convenient. I do need a table top interview set of matched mics. Am considering Samson C02 If it will do good as a desktop mic, I think it could get extra duty as indoor boom mic. Anybody have an opinion on C02? I think this show is very meaningful, the law of diminishing returns does indeed apply to microphones and a much of the other equipment we use. You have to remember what and where your content willl playback to decide if spending more will improve your quality or save a significant amount of time ...

[@greggpedder]

So, SM58 vs SM7B? I chose the SM7b primarily because of the design. I really like the cradle, and the way the XLR connector comes out the top of the cradle rather than the rear of the mic, thats pretty much it tbh. I also wanted to avoid using a pop filter. So far I am very happy with the SM7B.

[@chileanwaste2]

I bought the rode nt1 ($300) and it sounds like an expensive mic (c414),im so happy!! For all the people here, nt1 is the best condenser mic! I mean Price and quality :)

[@libertyDude1775]

Although I 100% agree, bang for buck, the NT1 is a stunning example of this concept, the Neat King Bee, is by far, the bang for buck leader. That being said, if one were asking, price not being the determining factor, between the NT1 & K.B., I think the NT1 has a more modern and pleasing tone, to the general populous. The air boost gives it a bit livelier character.

[@chileanwaste2]

@@libertyDude1775 In latinoamericana we can not test the king bee unfortly. By the way the nt1 with that boost on 10khz adds air, and offer so much, that it doesnt need preampr or many EQ in the mix, is a nice babe jaja

[@libertyDude1775]

@@chileanwaste2 Sadly, you are correct about the K.B.. Even across Europe (& many other areas around the world), the K.B. still is set at it's original price point (or close to it). In which case, hands down, the NT1 takes it place as #1

[@pdepurpurina]

Neat King Bee for 150€ vs Rode NT1 for 220€. Which one would you pick?

[@chileanwaste2]

@@pdepurpurina rode nt1 because here in latinoamerica the king bee doesnt exist in stores :(

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

I would love to see you do a video on the Sontronics STC-2 mic. I used to use a Rode NT1A but once I got the STC-2 it's been my main mic for vocals. I only use the NT1A for acoustic guitar and sax now because I don't want to take down the STC-2. I would love to know your thoughts on these mics in a head to head

[@krishnamondal7152]

Sennheiser Mk4 or Rode NT1 or Rode NT1a or Lewitt LCT 440 Pure? Which one should I buy for Singing? Thank you.

[@senzayyzone]

Buy the Rode NT1 is more for singing raping, the Senheiser is more for word spoken eliminate the lewitt is too noisy I bought 2 and returned them both

[@krishnamondal7152]

@@senzayyzone thanks! But to my ears MK4 sounded more smooth and finished than NT1.

[@Hugmir]

Why is your podcast not available anywhere? This seems to be taken out of the newest, yet - non-existent, episode... And yes, I did happily go to your website, but I could only see podcast no. 219 listed, and not the missing one from 21st of June (which I assume does exist, since these excerpts seem to be... hinting at that?) And yes, there is a subscribe button on the site, but I cannot use it because I do not use any of the platforms suggested when I click on it. I mean, I have been watching this podcast for just around a month now, but I did manage to grow somewhat fond of it - just for it to mysteriously disappear from the radar now? Color me lucky.

[@NKWTI]

And if you get the right microphone that has mods available for it, you could pay very little to send it away and have it modified with good/better parts to make it sound amazing. I did that with my Mxl V63M, Mxl 2001, and ST55 and the results are mind blowing, especially with the ST55 because I absolutely hated that mic and it is now one of my most "I can't believe how smooth and balanced this sounds" wow mics. All 3 of those mics I bought before I knew what I was doing and I was tired of having them lie around, so getting them modded was incredibly cheap, and between what you pay to buy them and to get them modded, it is still an incredibly cheap bang for your buck in absolute pro-level quality. For personal applications, focus on doing your homework and getting a really good mic in the right price range for you and then focus on the right preamp with mixer and/or all in one interface. Hardware preamps in particular do matter a bit more with the price range, but interface preamps are starting to catch up big time for a low price (for example, $169 Motu M2 is astounding). I will say that the only reason to buy a $3000+ mic or anything really expensive is that it's the smart thing for COMMERCIAL STUDIOS to do, because it is a mic that can be thrown on 99% of the people that walk through the door and will sound excellent pre or post production. It's an incredibly natural mic, which is why some inexperienced people think it sounds boring and "not worth the money" when it is recorded dry (and to some extent, it still is probably a bit higher in price than it should be). For people who are not going to be recording a large crowd of different people (with regard to voice) who walk through the door, the reason you can get high studio quality for a low price these days is because the catch is you are shopping for what works for YOU and not the former. That doesn't mean that all mics are created equal and that any cheap mic that "looks cool" will do...THERE IS cheap shit out there in every sense of the word! But so many dynamic and condenser mics exist that are affordable and just amazing, especially if you know what you are doing with mixing and eq. Sometimes you will also find that SUBTLE eq in the right areas is absolute king.

[@AlexMittsVOID]

I have seen other comments on here and have commented in response, but I'll say it in my own comment. The King Bee is absolutely incredible. If you're reading this comment and have the opportunity to buy one, do not hesitate.

[@wtulin1970]

Uh-oh, somebody's making sense

[@thatmatureguy3326]

Hey bandrew in some of your videos there is no equipment section of the gear you are using in your videos? Did you take it out on purpose or forget to add it? No worries if you forget but I really love taking an interest in the equipment you use Keep up the amazing work

[@coffeebeardtv]

I just bought an sm7b and I love it :(

[@Bondiddley03]

:(

[@hiamaaron]

Have you tried Aston's Origin condenser mic?

[@eddie4a]

Bought AT2020 to practice VO, with the intention of going for a 'forever' mic as soon as going for paid gigs. 50 jobs in, nobody has complained about it yet, although I can hear the difference and I'm itching to go 416 or NTG5 as a cheaper alternative. RX 7 and Nectar are basically the only things keeping the 2020 viable for as long as it has! Oh, and my voice and delivery... 😃

[@libertyDude1775]

CONGRATULATIONS on the 50+ paid gigs. You are a shinning example, of Bandrew's upgrade advice playing out. I commend you, on your intelligent path choice, along with your gumption to make it successful. Keep it going bud!

[@Unix_Based]

Ed: The AT2020 is an exellent microphone. I don't own one myself, but i have two friends in my Teamspeak Server that use this microphone and they sound very good. Their WAV streams also and it is for sure a bitt less good like more expensive microphones, but for it's price it's very clear and neutral/flat. I really like it. I use to say the AT202 is like the cheap version of a Neumann TLM 102. :-D At least it goes into this direction.

[@AlexMittsVOID]

Same here, but my mic of choice is the Neat King Bee. That has served all my voiceover needs very well.

[@MosheSiegel25]

I really enjoy your channel! I really appreciate your exactness and constancy on your reviews! I'm a big fan. From the first 20 seconds of you reviewing the King Bee and hearing the price, I bought it, like that second😂 and it kicks my other mics! Especially for pop vocals. Would it be possible to do a review on the Slate digital ML-1, as a regular mic?

[@falconpauunch]

I’ve been watching/listening to a lot of your content as well as eposvox and Booth junkie, switched from a blue spark to a golden age d-2 dynamic but I’m still thinking about buying an sm57 with some accessories or possibly pulling the trigger on an sm7b. I purchased a fethead for the d-2 because I was getting a small hissing sounds at 1-2 o’clock on the gain on my ux2, but now I don’t even have the gain up at all and get a pretty sensitive sound, I guess my question is do you think the sm57 will run into the same scenario or would it need some added gain comparatively to the GA d-2?

[@thefilmandmusic]

Good review

[@akitonakamura6456]

I am using a brauner phantom V An avalon v55 a sound craft gb4 And a universal audio Apollo x16

[@tonycapone2016]

If you are only using a mic to speak it matters not Your chain is more important . but if you are recording voice or instruments it makes a huge difference .Of course opinions vary but so does ability and understanding .Live artists have preferences and can be very anal about their sound but the truth is audiences don't care as long as they can hear you .In the studio it's different and mic choice can be crucial to getting the right take. I have had rodes and disliked them paul white loves the rode NT1 personally I have other likes.But I have 30 mics in my studio and use them for different reasons. Also I use a decent preamp A focusrite ISA one. Not the best but bloody good .Chinese mics all sound brittle and harsh and when you get them on a decent pre amp you can hear the difference. This is my opinion from my experience as a vet of 45 years in this business.

[@ntv4544]

Plzzzzz tell me what you think about this

[@ntv4544]

Waiting for your reply

[@roviccastillo9087]

Great knowledgeable video as always! Bandrew I’ve got a question from my friend, he’s asking for a microphone recommendation for streaming and I recommended the Samson C01U pro would there be any other better option if ever my recommendation is bad?

[@Hugmir]

"Remember, the very end of your video is what shapes the impression within the viewer the most" ..........................

[@realegt]

Unrelated question, but why use two pop filters?

[@falconpauunch]

Windscreen doesn’t really hit plosives like the pop filter does. Windscreen being the foam around the mic

[@enriquekahn9405]

I absolutely love audio gear (or I wouldn't even be watching this) but as a listener I think once you get to the Q2U and basic post processing stage of production standards it's pretty much all good for me. I think most of us are better off investing some acoustic treatment instead of a marginally better mic or interface, there is way too much contradictory information regarding post-processing, and actual voice training is downright ignored in our community IMO.

[@AlexanderStekelenburg]

I honestly feel like the 32€ microphone I bought(where the actual mic is probably even cheaper because it came with a shockmount, xlr cable and desk stand) sounds great even though I’ve been watching so many mic reviews lately. Maybe my ears just suck idk :P

[@yochillsmith]

Audio equipment are like cars, doesn't matter if you roll up in a Honda Civic or Maybach, nobody gives a shit as long as you make it to the destination...but if I had to choose I'm rolling up like Rick Ross.

[@andrewr4792]

Tube mics are a completely different ballgame. They are night and day different compared to your run-of-the-mill mics. I use the original Rode Classic from 1996. Back in the day it went new for like $2500.

[@timmark4190]

Shure sm27 + Motu m4

[@exitar1]

When it comes to audio there’s a definite obsession with listening to equipment I don’t understand why as the industry has known for quite awhile how to make decent audio equipment for not a lot of money. As for the slight differences in sound our ears easily get accustomed to it to be essentially meaningless.

[@Hzuuuu]

Let's be real. Some of us buys more expensive just because we wanted to try it out. And regretting it later.

[@Eastcoast200]

I completely agree with this man. This is where microphone cos fool people. I mean think about it . They make a mic priced at 100$ ,and then 2 yrs later at 200$ with superficial differences.So ur telling me that the first one they made was a crappie model?I mean common its ppl who pay d price not the company. What cud be invented in this world already has been. There is nothing more except for minute differences which d human ear cant even differentiate between.

[@chriswinters1248]

Lewitt 440

[@djcuda]

Lol you left out the PodMic 😱 but yeah the King Bee 🐝 is Crazy I’m Doing a Manosphere Mic Show later I haven’t seen you do any Lewitts yet I’m trying to Get an unnecessary 540 Subzero soon

[@bsp]

I’ve done quite a few lewitt reviews.

[@djcuda]

Bandrew Says Podcast ok sorry bro I gotta check the archives!

[@BopKitBill]

A U87 does not sound good in your current environment in this video...Just sayin'

[@IrvingAguirre77]

Omg that u87ai sounds horrible. You need to upgrade to a u47. You'll sound like an Angel and be broke forever hahaha

[@Up_All_Night]

Anything more than a Behringer XM8500 is for you, not the audience.

[@itwasntme4931]

UNBAN from discord, if you dont Ill just use an alt....

[@bsp]

And you’ve been banned from your alt for ban evasion. It’s a meme bro. This is fun.

[@itwasntme4931]

@@bsp You should read my ban appeal on your latest video on podcastage. Also the only reason I joined on an alt was to figure out y I got banned. Now I know its shitposting.

[@libertyDude1775]

I wanna play. No, actually I don't. Or do I? No? Yes? Maybe? I'm so confused. Why does a troll have to be an ***? Oh yeah! They don't! One can have balance! Fun, kind, informative, silly, goofy, empathetic, are all traits, when in balance, can be contributing characteristics. There are plenty of open targets, to display the lowest of humanities traits. Being destructive, annoying, aggravating, insulting, condescending, vulgar & horrific, all without cause, or purpose, other than to be that way, are sure fire attributes, that help predicate a response outcome, of undesirability. Ok, I have finally made up my mind. No, I don't want to play.

[@itwasntme4931]

@@libertyDude1775 ?

[@libertyDude1775]

@@itwasntme4931 Don't mind me. I just a troll