Audio Technica AT875R | AUDIO REVIEW

[@AudioforContentCreators]

What did you think? Sound off the comments below!

[@BenjiDWJ]

The AT875R sounds pretty good don't get me wrong, however, with that being said, I immensely prefer the overall detail fullness & richness of the SM58.

[@jak3legacy]

I have to disagree on the Shure SM58 sounding objectively "better" and "fuller" . It sounds much more "broadcast"-y sure, but the Boom mic sounds a lot more natural and cinematic. For youtube where you're going for a more personal tone / talking to a camera, I think the natural tone of the AudioTechnica actually works / sounds better and more "full". It sounds like it's also capturing more of the low's and highs in your voice, as where the dynamic microphone is focusing in on those mids heavily (as a dynamic / broadcast style microphone normally would)

[@AudioforContentCreators]

It definitely depends on what type of sound and content you're going for, agree to that.

[@sirnigelcogs]

I've heard this particular microphone used as a close-miced voice over mic and it sounds pretty good in that capacity. It adds some of the bass back in.

[@AbdulazizAlbosefi]

verry happy i found this channel, please continue doing this.

[@AudioforContentCreators]

I will! Thanks for watching.

[@kylepreudhomme1704]

Thank you for making this video. Not many high quality KZbinrs reviewed this mic. Keep up the good work

[@AudioforContentCreators]

Thanks for watching Kyle! Great stuff coming soon.

[@StuTech]

Very,very informative and detailed review. This channel is a must have for all content creators that want to educate themselves on audio. I’m glad I’m subbed.

[@AudioforContentCreators]

Thanks so much, Stu. Great to have you here. What kinds of projects are you working on these days?

[@laz_6802]

The AT875R sounds much more natural, and clear than the SM58 for s(h)ure. Especially if you are in a well treated environment.

[@AudioforContentCreators]

Without a doubt!

[@TiagoNugentComposer]

6:54 honestly I think that's a good thing. if you don't pick up at least *some* of the room, it'll just feel disconnected and weird. Of course, having too much of it is also bad because then the voice can get muddied. I've done some mixing for audio dramas before and I pretty much always add a short (

[@Ellieways]

Agreed. Too much focus on the voice starts to feel unnatural for video.

[@robertocalderonabogado1427]

The Shure SM-58 sounds kind of muffled and horrible High frequencies when compared with the Audio-Technica.

[@DaleYuzuki]

Love the contrast between the Shure SM58 and the AT shotgun unit - also appreciate the fact that this is before room treatment etc.

[@BigKidsOfficial]

Great video my friend! I have the Rode Video Micro and really wanted to explore better options for my home studio. I put it on a boom stand and noticed a slight improvement. I then saw this product on Amazon and thought, Audio Technica has decent products. And for the price, I wanted to make sure it wasn't to good to be true. I appreciate the well produced review man!

[@AudioforContentCreators]

Oh yeah, it's great! Wasn't for me, but everyone has different needs. Worked perfectly for Adam and I'm sure you'll be thrilled. The quality is excellent at the price point.

[@AutoFOCUSED.]

The comparison between the SM58 and the AT875R is not a fair one at all because just like light quality when it comes to a light source, the distance from the subject plays a HUGGGGEEE difference in how the final product comes out. Of course if you have the mic inches from your mouth, you're going to pick up more lows/bass and in turn the audio will sound more full. It would have only been a fair comparison if you recorded both mics from the exact same distance and position.

[@AudioforContentCreators]

Yes, of course. The point wasn't a direct comparison. The point was to show how different options sounds.

[@AutoFOCUSED.]

@@AudioforContentCreators That's not how you presented it. You said contrast that and then used comparison words such as "richer/fuller/less background noise/etc etc." That sounds like a direct comparison to me. Even the shotgun mic would have picked up less background noise/echo/environment noise if closer to your mouth. I'm not saying it would be as full as the dynamic mic even if it was close up but the contrast wouldn't have been as prevalent. Different mics are meant for different things and a lot of people who don't understand sound (not saying I'm a sound engineer or anything but I have spent a considerable amount of time in recording studios in my earlier years) as well could easily become misled and suddenly think they need a dynamic mic when in most scenarios the dynamic mic won't make sense to them.

[@AudioforContentCreators]

Almost everybody in a home studio setting ought to be using a dynamic mic. Appreciate your thoughtful advice that it might misleading. Will keep it in mind.

[@AutoFOCUSED.]

@@AudioforContentCreators I completely disagree with that. Almost everyone in a home studio? That sounds extremely ridiculous considering if they're really trying to shoot quality voiceovers on a video, it's actually technically condensor microphones that would be best suited since it picks up more range from the lows to the highs and detail in a voice. Dynamic microphones are used more for live performances (and even sometimes for recording vocals as well) but more studio environments or controlled environments, if we're discussing strictly audio quality --- it would be a condensor microphone you'd want to go for (if you can record the audio up close as you did with the dynamic mic.) If the mic can't be close up to the individual speaking, condensor mics won't make much sense because they pick up too much audio so in many circumstances shotgun mics would even be better. There are even such scenarios were lavaliers would work best if what you're recording requires the speaker to be moving around a lot. That last comment definitely makes me question your knowledge of audio equipment because there are different tools for different scenarios but if we're speaking strictly vocals and quality of recording, I'll have to strongly disagree. And with all that said, my main point still stands. You said it wasn't a comparison but your choice of words were clearly comparative terms and in order for a fair comparison mic placement would have to be the same. And not only that, a shotgun mic and a dynamic mic are completely different types of tools so the comparison is kind of a reach anyway that can put people off from purchasing a product because they're misinformed because the reality is --- comparing a dynamic mic to a shotgun mic would be like comparing a hammer and a screw driver. Let's say the hammer is the shotgun is the AT875R in this senario and the screw driver is is the SM58 --- what you did is basically speak about how the screw driver is better for screwing in screws than the hammer but completely leave out where the hammer would shine --- at nailing nails. There are circumstances where the shotgun would be significantly more beneficial to use --- let's say outside environments when filming or if there's a lot of noise around the set or outside the set that could potentially be picked up. To each their own though.

[@AudioforContentCreators]

Most home studios are not properly treated. The average content creator should not be messing with condenser microphones, inviting tremendous amounts of room noise and echo.

[@juanherrera5387]

Awesome man! Very Informative video. Keep making more content!

[@AudioforContentCreators]

Thanks! Finally wrapped a bunch of work travel and collab projects for my other main channel. More vids coming here soon.

[@CriticalEatsJapan]

Great video , man. Good to see you helping out your fellow creators

[@bobc3174]

Nice video. I agree with your conclusions. I've been using the AT875R to record dialog for a couple of years. I really like that it works so well indoors - as well as outdoors.

[@ClearAdventure]

Cool review bro, thank you! 🤘- Kevin Venture

[@josiahbjertness1083]

I think you nailed it right on the head. At the end of the day, it comes down to picking the right tool for the job.

[@CryptoTalkRadio]

We must concur with @TheSnydaMan's takeaway in perception. You didn't mention placement. Is the AT above you and angled down (based on the prior frame)? If so, that's actually quite good. Some acoustic panels strategically placed and it would be an excellent setup considering the price.

[@AudioforContentCreators]

That was precisely my point. In a spare bedroom without treatment, like my content creators, it's going to be phasey and reverberant. In Adam's studio packed to the rafters with absorptive material, it was great. I use one above my desk in my current studio, which is professionally treated. For an untreated studio I'd recommend the Oktava MK-012, a pencil condenser, over the AT875R, a shotgun.

[@FlexLessons]

This was a fantastic review...great visuals and sound. I have ordered this mic and will receive it soon. Question: is this the sort of mic that I should be looking for if I want to do piano tutorials while keeping the mic out of shot? I want to really focus on the voice for the tutorial since the piano fills the room, but I am concerned about the frequency cut off. I would love to hear your thoughts.

[@AudioforContentCreators]

Thanks! Interesting question. You'll definitely lose the low end. It's a pretty aggressive roll off. But it should be great to focus on your voice with the piano as a secondary focus.

[@FlexLessons]

@@AudioforContentCreators The mic just arrived and I was able to test it. The focus is definitely on my voice and I really like it! Thanks for the response.

[@AudioforContentCreators]

Great!

[@SkipCutscene]

I'm considering microphone for indoor dialogue, AT875r Vs. Rode Videomic NTG, which one I should buy?

[@AudioforContentCreators]

It's really a matter of connectivity and EQ preference. The Rode is much deeper, capturing frequencies way down to 20hz. But the AT875R is crisper, clearer without additional processing. On the other hand, the Rode will plug into anything - camera, phone, tablet, computer, audio recorder, etc. The AT875R will only plug into an XLR connection, either a dedicated audio recorder or interface.

[@SkipCutscene]

Thank you for reply, It seem like AT875R is good for me. 😊

[@affordabletechsolutions6917]

Great video. I need to make the point that this is a purpose driven mic, and as such it only makes sense to roll off bass...Hand noise from a boom pole, ceiling fans, wind, and running and gunning are just a few reasons you dont want a mic like this having superb bass pick up. It is not a fixed install voice over / podcast mic, which is what many may compare it to...but, it actually works great in those setups. I love this mic. Amazon actually has a "renewed" section for these right now for as low as $130.

[@AudioforContentCreators]

GREAT point about the handling noise from a boom pole. I just wish the roll off was a switch, not permanent. BTW I just saw this comment - it was flagged as spam for some reason!

[@affordabletechsolutions6917]

@@AudioforContentCreators interesting ...maybe because I mentioned Amazon or maybe because I am a new channel...either way, keep up the good work. Your channel is well done.

[@igowaliszewski]

I think there was one mistake made in this test. If we want to compare two different microphones, they should be placed at the same distance or the test does not make sense. Shotgun mic are used in voiceover, but not within half a meter. It would be nice if you could do the test from the same distance as the sm58, then the AT875R will sound fuller. Therefore, this comparison makes no sense. I don't have much experience but it seems logical to me.

[@PauldelRosario]

Great video. Thx. I'm super close to buying it. Just wondering, would hooking this mic up to a mixer (thinking to get a Yamaha) to make the sound "exceptional?"

[@AudioforContentCreators]

You don't need a mixer, just an audio interface.

[@Dashcasts1]

Will this mic be good for everyday use like Discord/Zoom calls? And also if i can make a makeshift vocal booth (blankets etc.) For voiceovers? Thinking about getting this one or an Nt-1, what do you suggest?

[@AJCoReTV]

VideoMIC NTG vs this…. 3.5mm vs XLR… $250 vs $150

[@thedistrictherbalist]

Great review! Not related to the mic at all, but what lighting are you using in your videos?

[@AudioforContentCreators]

All Neewer lights. Key light is Neewer 660 bi-color with a softbox.

[@braydenfrost]

Would you suggest this one over the synco md2 for small living rooms setups?

[@oXjqd8ljGAUCx5Hy1oicy2Sc]

What do you think about using it for a speech on a live pa system in a place where the space is not good? Because I've used a lot of Goose Neck microphones.

[@PlayerJuan]

Excellent video! Which Digital Audio Interface would you recommend for this microphone? I plan on recording in-studio videos only with it so I don't need a portable/movable recorder.

[@AudioforContentCreators]

I highly recommend Presonus. Look into their 2-input options.

[@michaelpohl348]

I bought an 875R towards the beginning of the year, and record into a Tascam DR-60 mk ii and have been loving the setup!

[@AudioforContentCreators]

Great!! Any clips for us to hear, or videos you used it on we can take a look at? What type of content are you mostly using it for?

[@michaelpohl348]

@@AudioforContentCreators I'm a Photographer that's started venturing into video for local government entities and small businesses and such. This a recent one. Still learning, but it's my first "big boy" microphone haha kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKXZqWOYib-kbsU

[@michaelpohl348]

@@AudioforContentCreators the interview of Chris Anderson at 1:14 is the first time I used it outside. But plugged into a different recorder. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmSYn4tuZdGbf5I

[@AudioforContentCreators]

@@michaelpohl348 Just had a chance to listen. Video was great, by the way. Question: Did you have the deadcat on it, or just the foam windscreen it came with?

[@michaelpohl348]

@@AudioforContentCreators dead cat on it both times (AC was running in the Rotary One)

[@Eckstant]

Why didn't you aim it RIGHT at the face instead of a top down? Your voice projects outward and almost down - sounds counter intuitive to have it top down?

[@BenjiDWJ]

An awesome video & review as always Brian! 😁 👌 Cheers! 🍻

[@AudioforContentCreators]

You're a saint.

[@ernestthompson891]

Great production review. Very useful and informative. Looking forward to reviewing more of channel/future uploads. Thank you. Subscribed w/"ALL" bell notification

[@pikachuthegayatheist6215]

I'm wondering how Audio-Technica AT875R works with the DBX 286. The DBX should remove a lot of the Echo, the Reverb, and ambient noise. And using this with a mixer should reduce it even more.

[@AudioforContentCreators]

What makes you say the DBX 286 will remove the room noise? It's a compressor. If anything it's going to make all the noise, echo, and room more noticeable by reducing the dynamic range and therefore bringing up the noise floor.

[@pikachuthegayatheist6215]

@@AudioforContentCreators Actually it has several components on it that is designed specifically to remove noises like hissing with it's de-esseer. It is designed to elevate the noise floor but it's also designed to compress the noise floor this removes all issues with ambient noise that's exactly how its processor is designed to work, it also has an expander gate in enhancer on it. I've been using the DBX286s for the last year, and I have been using the Rode NT1 ( which is a large diaphragm condenser microphone with an extremely low noise floor ), and before I got my DBX 286s with my Mackie Profx v2 8 channel mixer NT1 do you record everything under the sun, but when I got my DBX 286s my NT1 was dead silent as far as ambient noise and was dead silent unless I spoke into it. And note this is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that professional Studios used to sing with in bands. The reason I got it is because the DBX 286 is classified as a Noise Gate ( that means any ambient noise gets removed immediately before processing ), and because I'm living with family I don't have the physical capabilities to treat the place that I'm recording in, and doing it through software was just not in the option. The DBX286s work wonders and is a very good piece of equipment a lot of people use it with the Shure sm7b as a replacement for the cloudbuster that adds compression processing, enhancement, and any kind of sound gating. It's an excellent piece of equipment and I never had a single problem with it, it makes it to the point where you don't need to complicate software to process your audio, it's really good if you're streaming on Twitch or Mixer as OBS does not have the same audio editing capabilities. I'm wondering how it would fit because this is studio equipment, not necessarily something that would be on a camera, but say something that would be in something like a news Studio that record live video and use the shotgun microphones in a live setting. And those settings the microphone will most likely be hooked to a DBX then to a mixer board before being sent to a computer where it would be synchronized with the live feed video from the camera using software. And all of this is done simultaneously.

[@AudioforContentCreators]

Thanks for sharing about your setup and situation. There's a bunch of current information here, and some common misunderstandings about what these different functions do, and how they work. Would you object to me using your comment in a future video to explain some of these audio tools?

[@pikachuthegayatheist6215]

@@AudioforContentCreators The microphone are uses of Rode NT1 condenser microphone it's a large diaphragm condenser microphone. And the problem with large diaphragm condenser microphones is that they can record everything under the sun. They're not like shotgun microphones that are really good at canceling off axis noise , Microphones like the NT1 are a lot more sensitive to ambient noise and surrounding noise as they're not as good off axis noise due to the size of the diaphragm, this is why they require things like treated rooms or stuff like the DBX 286's, hardware like DBX is really good at removing ambient noise. The best advice I can give you a you might want to see this guy named Booth Junkie here's one of the best reviews on the DBX 286s, this is a link to his video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inOwh4CZmph_e68 He goes through and explains exactly what the DBX is and how it works and functions, he does a lot better than I could.

[@mica4977]

@@pikachuthegayatheist6215 I agree the DBX could be useful for streamers (in moderation) but its function isn't to remove reverb or other room ambient sounds. The noise gate acts in a way that mutes your mic during moments you're not talking to cut out ambient sound but as soon as you speak, your voice along with aaalll other imperfections in the room (like echo) are allowed to pass through. The other settings are geared towards improving imperfections with the voice like leveling it so that sudden screams won't hurt the listener's ears or the De-SSer to reduce how harsh some mics/voices can sound when saying the "S" sound but none of the settings help with room environment. There are free software options like VoiceMeeter Potato which allow streamers to do the same thing the DBX does (and more) through their computer however this will consume some of the computer's processing power so it's not for people who are already pushing their computers while streaming/podcasting.

[@caseyonlocation8257]

Thank you for this video, I liked and subbed!! Question please: I'm considering getting this mic to attach to the top handle mic holder of the Canon XF400 camcorder. I like the small size and weight of this mic versus other mics that are absurdly long that would stick out waaaay too far beyond the front of the camcorder lens. Do you think this mic would be good for recording voice indoor and outdoor for runnin and gunnin filming? Thank you!

[@AudioforContentCreators]

Yes, but understand that being small and budget focused, it's not going to cleanly pick up the same distance with precision and clarity as high end shotgun mics.

[@caseyonlocation8257]

@@AudioforContentCreators Thank you for your reply. I should have mentioned that I also have various other mics, such as the Rode VideoMic Pro Plus shotgun mic, plus also have various UHF wireless lav mics. My plan is to attach the AT875R shotgun mic onto the Canon XF400 camcorder for short range audio recording, plus also attach either a Saramonic, Comica, or Rode wireless lav mic system onto the top handle coldshoe for long range audio recording. My wireless lav mics have dual transmitters for recording 2 people at the same time.

[@antoineinniss5586]

Great great presentation bro. Please keep it up. Tell me, what's the name of that piece of music played, at the closing of the video

[@sketch4189]

Awesome video man!

[@toddvictor]

Thanks for a good job!

[@PeacefulMoments1844]

I connected this to my Atomos ninja V but it doesn’t work, can you help?

[@AudioforContentCreators]

This mic, like all condenser mics, requires phantom power, which the Ninja does not supply. You'll either need a good preamp with a line out first, or a mic that connects via 3.5mm and only requires plugin power.

[@edmoss2020]

Awsome sound

[@billyoung9538]

Great review!

[@holgerwinkelmann6219]

hi, can you suggest a mic which ca be used in video streams but is out of frame, my wife don't want to have it in face while doing live courses.

[@AudioforContentCreators]

This mic :) I use the AT875R for livestreams when I don’t want the mic in frame. However, it’s an XLR so you’ll also need an audio interface. If you want to avoid an interface, the Røde VideoMic NTG has direct USB connectivity, functioning as its own audio interface. Check out my NTG overview on this channel. Hope that helps!

[@holgerwinkelmann6219]

@@AudioforContentCreators Hi, thanks for quick response, just followed a few other of your videos. seems it comes down between the Movo VXR10, VideoMic NTG and the AT875R. The main Mic will go to a fixed installed Studio Desk for Livestream and Trainings. There will be a (USB) mixer like a Yamaha AG06, Allen & Heath ZEDi 10 or Go XLR. All of them will have XLR and Phantom power. So basically fix mounting , XLR connection etc. is no prob as it will stay there. But I think to get started I will also give the VXR10 a try, as there is another home office room with some moving pieces also the movement in front of the Mic and 3 Screens is much bigger and therefore I expect the VXR10 is more forgiving then the very focussed AT875R... BTW: have you made any experience with some other usual suspects like NT5, Samson C02, Lynx etc. ?

[@hzambrana]

How does your sm58 sound so freaking good? Are you using a high end preamp and/or quality A/D converter?

[@AudioforContentCreators]

Just a prosumer grade digital interface. I use a Presonus Audiobox 44, and swear by Presonus for hardware and software.

[@hzambrana]

​@@AudioforContentCreators Really Impressive! A great sound and really affordable interface. I really like my Audient iD4 and I wonder if an SM58 would sound good through it. I've been wanting to do voiceover with my condensors, CAD E100s and Stellar X2 but my less than ideal room with all the echoes doesn't feel like I'm getting the ideal sound with them, and I even consider selling them sometimes to switch to a dynamic or shotgun. I've tried the closet and even in a car to record but then it suddenly sounds boxy, albeit dry, makes me want a dynamic or shotgun to hide most of the room. Hmmm...

[@thedevhow]

​@@AudioforContentCreators What would you recommend for KZbin dialog (stationary) content? I was thinking of Zoom H5 but I don't need the portability and your Presonus suggestion caught my eye. One thing I could see H5 being good at is feeding the cam mic port via 3.5 whilst simultaneously recording as well as a backup. Mind you Audiobox 44 is discontinued now.

[@AudioforContentCreators]

Which mic are you using for YT dialog?

[@thedevhow]

@@AudioforContentCreators Rode NTG4 (non+)

[@kazielbonn]

Great review! But please place the rim light off-camera, it's blinding :)

[@AudioforContentCreators]

Noted!

[@PianoManChuck]

8:08 - Quatto !!

[@sirnubenegra]

Thanks for pointing that blinding light right at the camera

[@AudioforContentCreators]

Thanks for watching! Was the review helpful?

[@NoMan-pp1jq]

I thought that baby was a design on the shirt till he started shaking it lol. Mashallah cute baby

[@thebusinessfirm9862]

Nice video, mate.

[@BenjiDWJ]

Hey, Brian, I'm just dropping by to throw a possible video idea out there for the foreseeable future - I'd love to hear your thoughts on the Rødecaster Pro as an all in one production studio when it comes to video production whether it be for content creation for youtube, live streaming, video podcasting as well as traditional podcasting. 😁 👌 Cheers! 🍻

[@AudioforContentCreators]

See, I don't have access to one and no need for it. But Adam (puppet builder who pops in and out of my vids) has one. I may be able to do a collab with him in the future.

[@BenjiDWJ]

@@AudioforContentCreators Yeah, I hear you man if a collab were possible at some point in the foreseeable future I'd totally watch that. 😁 👍 👍

[@AudioforContentCreators]

Adam's a blast and super ridiculous, so we'd definitely do it if we could find time.

[@Travelconquest]

This mic is great! I just got one and made a review on it on my channel as well :)

[@HeyElvisG]

thoughts on this or the Deity D3 Pro?

[@AudioforContentCreators]

Really depends on your use case. D3 Pro is probably more versatile, because you can plug it directly into cameras with 3.5mm TRS jack. Having said that, the quality of this AT875R is outstanding for a sub $200 XRL mic. But then you need a portable audio recorder or XLR to 3.5mm adapter.

[@antonijapek]

I wish I saw this video before I purchased this mic. I would never get it.

[@AudioforContentCreators]

What makes you say that?

[@antonijapek]

@@AudioforContentCreators my room is not ideal, it's echoey. I have been going through a lot of trouble to get to some quality with this mic and scarlett solo, but I'm unhappy how it sounds (check my last video if you're interested in sound quality)

[@AudioforContentCreators]

All condenser mics will be less than ideal in an untreated room. How close are you getting it to your mouth? Check out my latest upload for 5 tips in 5 minutes on improving your audio with any mic.

[@antonijapek]

@@AudioforContentCreators I actually found your channel through that video. My mic is about 15-20 cm from my mouth. I am thinking just getting Rode NTG and hopefully having a decent audio with no hassle. Oh, and I am sitting in a corner of a room with wall half covered with foam panels

[@AudioforContentCreators]

The Rode NTG will not solve this problem for you, in and of itself. It is also a highly sensitive condenser mic, although with a wider frequency response. Send me an audio sample: [e-mail] I'll take a listen and see if I can help.