Audio-Technica AT875R (VS Sennheiser 416)

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-- LINKS --
(When available, I use affiliate links and may earn a commission at no extra cost to you )
Recommended Equipment: kit.co/JamesYounger
EQUIPMENT USED IN VIDEO:
-- AUDIO --
AUDIO-TECHNICA AT875R - geni.us/0ASG (AMAZON)
Apollo Twin - geni.us/UAApolloTwinUSBDUO (AMAZON)
SHURE SM7B - geni.us/SHURE-SM7B (AMAZON)
Rode PSA1+ Mic Arm - geni.us/9AdFN (RODE)
-- CAMERA/LENSES --
Canon EOS R5C - geni.us/5hgra (Amazon)
Sigma 24-70mm (EF) - geni.us/SigmaEF24-70mm (AMAZON)
-- LIGHTING --
Amaran 100d LED Video Light - geni.us/Amaran100D (AMAZON)
GVM RGB LED Video Light - geni.us/GVM800D (AMAZON)
YONGNUO YN360 III - geni.us/YONGNUOYN (AMAZON)
1 on 1 coaching: audiodoctor.tech/private-coac...
00:00 - INTRO
1:32 - Specs
2:00 - Proximity Effect
2:35 - Plosive Test
2:48 - Polar Pattern Test
3:14 - Boom Test
3:30 - Untreated VS Treated Space
4:27 - Sennheiser 416 VS AT875R
6:05 - Final Thoughts

[@JamesYounger]

AUDIO-TECHNICA AT875R - geni.us/0ASG (AMAZON) (When available, I use affiliate links and may earn a commission at no extra cost to you )

[@billweaver2549]

I’ve used the 416 for VO in various studios for decades. It’s pretty much my go-to (although I use a tube mic in my home studio). Listening on DT 990s I was certain that A was the 416 in the blind test because if its “muscularity”. B just sounded like a cheaper mic, with the frequency range less “glued together”, or that you weren’t in the sweet spot at least. Suffice to say I’m blown away. I’ve yet to look at the frequency response charts but it seems almost impossible that the AT has such a full bottom end given its stated response of 90-20k vs the 416’s 40-20k

[@JamesYounger]

I measured to make sure they were equal distance apart and from me and at the same angle. I'm guessing there's a tiny bump in the low end of the 875r because it definitely sounded fuller oddly enough.

[@warmdusk]

Lovely mic, glad you like it so well :)

[@peterheitmann2844]

Thank your for the demo!!

[@SimonsAdventureStories]

My AT875R arrived today and you are correct, it is sensational. Unbelievable value for money. Really looking forward to using it on all of my future podcasts. Thanks for this excellent review. You've saved me money and improved the sound of my work.

[@edwin-0034]

I did James you are awesome brother keep shining and rocking it out

[@JamesYounger]

Thank you so much! :)

[@ToddDolce]

I was hoping like heck that the AT was mic A because I LOVED that sound!!! So glad I was right!!! Clear winner to my ears.

[@Dracomies]

I have both too and what I love about the AT875R is that it actually performs pretty well in untreated areas. ie you can be in an untreated space but if you bring that mic closer to you, it won't pick up the room - or very little of it. When I first bought the AT875R I was disappointed because it wasn't good for video, if I stepped too far, it didn't pick up my voice very well. But I realized it's a great vocal mic, it rejects so much sound around it.

[@dylanj8676]

No mic is good at picking up voices from a distance unless you're using a parabolic mic. Shotgun mics shouldn't be used more than a 3 feet away, and ideally you'd be no more than one foot away. If you're seeing wide shots with great audio, it's usually ADR, or a plant (hidden mic planted in place, like hidden under furniture or plants) or lavalier mics if it's a TV show.

[@IRONSILVER22]

Very useful review, thank you. Just purchased one with your link for work.

[@JamesYounger]

I appreciate that so much thank you!

[@NovaisaBossgames]

notification gang! I was literally just looking up affordable shotgun mics! no good info, no videos, nothing anywhere except some recommendations above 250-300 dollars that I didn't like all that much. but this is sooo surprising that it sounds that good under 200 dollars! definitely beating a lot of those mics in that 300ish price range. Thank you!

[@JamesYounger]

Love hearing that! This definitely shocked me! 😲

[@byebyeworldx.]

OMG! The AT is great.... you saved me hella money

[@shingAMarie]

It’s crazy how close these two are.

[@mandyzines]

The AT875R is my main mic and the D2's my (thankfully not a lemon) backup. I like the AT more for my rich voice and overall set up. It's interesting you mention it cuts through mixes better than the bougie mic. Thank you for your video!

[@rodrigoacuna6366]

thanks it sounds great

[@paulorr353]

Thanks for a great review! I love my 416. I was sure that A was the 416. Thrilled to hear that A was the AT875R. I record audio in the field (interviewing people for radio station imaging) and I wanted a good shotgun mic I can take out that I don't have a thousand bucks invested in. The AT875R it is. Mine arrives tomorrow and I can't wait!

[@user-be7tk6rv3g]

Hi! I would like to know How it is so far?

[@paulorr353]

@@user-be7tk6rv3g I’ve been happy with the Sound. It’s a great value.

[@runningintohistory]

Great video. I was about to order the 897 but thinking about the 875 now that I hear it. I was concerned about the low freq range stopping at 90hz but this sounded fuller than the 416.

[@AJCoReTV]

I use a 3.5mm Rode VideoMic NTG.

[@cbainjr]

Just got my 875r today (thanks to this vid) and I echo everyone else’s sentiments. This thing hits way above its weight class. I have a Synco D2 that I thought was nice but now…it’s already sold off. Let’s see how the 875 holds up to the TLM102 that arrives in a couple of days. 😁

[@JamesYounger]

I'm still blown away! :)

[@TonyCrenshawsLatte]

Ooooooh a VO-caliber shotgun mic from a trusted brand at a price point that is not going to trigger an import tariff in my country! I want one!

[@progressivelibertarian2570]

You’re right, it rules!

[@JamesYounger]

It's pretty freaking awesome!

[@vigamortezadventures7972]

i did the B sounded like i was watching a television show probably why its popular its familiarity that makes is sound like a professional i think it has this warmth

[@MickeyMullin]

I was able to accurately identify which microphone was the AT875R by choosing which one sounded less harsh. 🙂

[@JamesYounger]

Ahhh haaa! Awesomeness!

[@teatrumyslurpg]

I brought MXL 770, Neumann 102, Rode NT-1 and I brought AT875R just to have off camera microphone. Jesus Christ, this microphone is WAY better than all of the ones that I mentioned, it's so natural, well made and cheap. Got both of them second handed for 100$ each. It's the biggest surprise I ever had. In a blind test I thought Sennheiser was A because of the quality and smoothness, I'm blown away. 416 sounds like if it was much further away in this case.

[@teatrumyslurpg]

Just a tip for anyone buying it, in reality proximity effect can add very huge bass frequency if someone crosses around 3 inches (15cm in normal units)

[@runningintohistory]

I also use the NT1 as my main mic but thinking about the 875 as a guest/interview mic. How do they match up for you? I really like my original NT1.

[@teatrumyslurpg]

@@runningintohistory I hated nt1 because it's extremly dull microphone, that's why neumann microphones are top 1, this treble bump in their frequency response really nicely counters darker voices. Their shockmount is way too big to be comfortable for me. I love mine 875, I kinda miss doing some proximity effects on it since it's my only mic. I sold the ones I mentioned. For me it's better than sennheiser 416 which isn't as clear. I love working with this shotgun, editting and stuff like eq is simple and perfect.

[@runningintohistory]

@@teatrumyslurpg thanks for the info. I really like my NT1 for voice overs. I ended up picking up the 875 and the mkh 600. I am loving the 600 so far. 875 is an ok affordable match to the 600 but its not nearly as directional as the 600 due to that smaller tube.

[@corax2012]

I got it right only by your description that the AT had a less harsh high end on your blind test.

[@JamesYounger]

Boom! Nailed it! :)

[@ReinQuest]

I could not tell in the blind test. My ears are not that tuned but most times I can hear some difference. This one was completely up in the air.

[@JamesYounger]

I know right!? I was sooo surprised!

[@straight_razor]

Considering you can buy six, that's right six, AT875r mics for every one Sennheiser 416 mic, that seals the deal. Also, it sounds just like the Sure SM7B and possibly even better so it can be used for singing in the studio as well. Crazy how the 875 hits so many sweet spots.

[@A1Bokeh]

I have this mic i may have bought it used. I need to used it more

[@dylanj8676]

Strange how much better the AT sounds. I was able to tell the difference even on laptop speakers.

[@tommyferraz3872]

In addition to my MKH416 for voice-overs, I have 4 units of the AT875R for my podcast studio. Until yesterday, I was actually using 3 AT875R + the MKH416. I just bought the fourth one. When installing and testing the last AT yesterday, I realised the four of them have slightly different sound. 2 sound brighter, the other 2 darker. Except one of them, I suspect is the last one I purchased, the differences are slight. This other one sounds a bit too boomy for my taste. I'm discussing it with the store (Thomann).

[@JamesYounger]

Dude thanks for the comment. Glad to know that can be an issue. I had that same problem with the Synco D2.

[@teatrumyslurpg]

@@JamesYounger I second that, I have two units and one of them is a bit too boomy.

[@jd5787]

Hi! I really like the camera placement/angle. Could you share some info on your video gear please? Thanks! Full Frame and wide angle lens? Is it "fire and forget" when it comes to focus? Does the camera have to be far from you? (my desk is against the wall...). I am still wondering what sort of mic I should buy for remote interview podcasting. AT 2035, AT875R or a dynamic mic... My room in untreated and I would like to have a nice clean yet rich sound. Thanks!

[@JohnDoe-fu4qd]

how does the 875r compare to a pencil mic like shure sm81 and akg cm451

[@arhon888]

In the blind test. I really loved the sound of Mic A, as another commenter said, I was also hoping it was the AT but thinking, no way, but yes way! Mind blown. Until now, I was set on getting a used 416 or a good price new, but started to get a little paranoid after reading about the number of fakes on the market owing to its almost cult-like following. This makes things a lot simpler for me. That being said, one thing is for sure, the 415 will hold its performance and its value over time so not as costly as one might think perhaps.

[@flotopo]

During the blind test I actually thought the Audio-Technica AT875R was the Sennheiser and vice versa because I actually like the Audio-Technica AT875R more! At least I like it better on your voice. I'm curious how it will sound on mine so I'm seriously thinking about buying it. This mic is a REAL SURPRISE!

[@chefbrittan84]

I’ve seen that the AT isn’t good for overhead boom, think interview backups to lavs. Would that be the case.

[@wearybard866]

Great demo and review. Question: I have the AT875R "short" version. Do you think there is much difference in that and the longer version?

[@JamesYounger]

Thank you! And short version? Either they don't have a "short version" anymore or you just have a different model all together. Check the model.

[@jackedkerouac4414]

Funny you uploaded this when I recently took screenshots of these mics to decide which one to go with. I'm still not sure which one to "pull the trigger" on 🌽

[@JamesYounger]

For VO you can't go wrong with either one, however, as you know, the 416 carries the legendary name so that might make your decision simple because clients, casting directors, and agents LOVE seeing you have that microphone. Though, they'd never be able to identify it based on just hearing it haha.

[@Tanakrit_K]

What is your thought on Rode NTG3 and AT875R?

[@selfless-esteem]

I actually preferred b and thought it was less harsh

[@iansmith6279]

I really appreciate you mentioning that the Synco D2s are hit and miss, I had a muddy one and couldn't for the life of me figure out why it sounded so bad compared to other people's samples! Returned it without trying again. AT875R sounds like a much better option at a similar price point

[@JamesYounger]

I did get 1 comment saying the same thing about the AT875R but I've had a few students get it and have all said it sounds great so it seems like a much much lower chance of getting a bad one compared to the synco.

[@MystiqWisdom]

I really thought Mic A was the 416. The AT sounds better for you and I hope for me as well. I'm going to try it out. What's the major difference between the AT875 and the AT897 when considering them for voiceovers?

[@JamesYounger]

I actually have absolutely no experience with the AT897. But I'm now adding it to the list of mics to test and review :)

[@adamellistutorials]

Hey. So where is the mic in this shot as it sounds very clear but I can’t hear itV

[@JamesYounger]

Hey there! Check that out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jICQlIKZd8d-i7M

[@dylanj8676]

Do you find the AT875R to be noticeably noisier? I have a Rode NTG3 for exterior location stuff, but I'm really liking how the AT875R sounds on voiceover.

[@JamesYounger]

Not to me. The one I bought seemed like it had a noise floor very comparable to the 416. Though some consider that to be a tad loud.

[@rj7257]

I was pretty shocked. I thought “A” just sounded fuller/more rounded while still “cutting” forward (in a good way). I was convinced it was the AT!

[@JamesYounger]

Probably just a typo but A was the AT. And you're right, it actually does sound fuller while still cutting which is awesome! :)

[@danielazulaivoiceover]

I have the 416 but I'm I'm looking for an alternative as it brings a lot of simbilance. Thanks for the review:) I'll get one AT. I was checking the Lewitt air as well. Any tips on that?

[@JamesYounger]

I know the Lewitt 440 pure also has a very sibilant top end but I have no idea about the air, but based on it's name I'd lean towards it having a really bright top end as well. But I've had no personal experience with it so I can't say for sure :(

[@mandyzines]

How's the AT with your sibilance? :)

[@Jan-S-Simonsen]

Thanks for this James. A very good comparison. I must admit I preferred the AT too. It sounded smoother to me, and I've been a Sennheiser user for decades. This AT is now on my list for purchase.

[@Unlucky_Vampire]

I’m the “student” who suggested it

[@JamesYounger]

It's crazy right!? A fraction of the cost and it sounds that good?? Not what I was expecting at all.

[@JamesYounger]

@@Unlucky_Vampire Thank you again for that recommendation! Completely blew me out of the water!

[@Jan-S-Simonsen]

@@Unlucky_Vampire Thank you.

[@Jan-S-Simonsen]

@@JamesYounger Mic ordered for delivery tomorrow. I'm looking forward to see how good it is.

[@thedome765]

Do you have examples of your work?

[@davidpikedesigns]

I already own the 875R, but my mind keeps telling me I need the the 416. I keep replying that the sound quality isn't different enough to justify the price, but it won't listen. I think I need some type of intervention. :)

[@SweetGeg]

thanks so much for this, I've been looking for a shotgun for close mic content for a while now and looking for any excuse not to drop a small fortune on the 416 haha. I'm sure people have asked you 100 times over but since this is 9 months dated, have your thoughts about the 875 changed at all now you've had more time to play around with it? Any cons you weren't expecting?

[@JamesYounger]

You're so welcome! No cons for me other than something someone else told me. They said they bought three of them and they all sounded slightly different. Just purchase the mic and see if it sounds like what you were hoping for and if it doesn't just return it and get a new one.

[@SweetGeg]

@@JamesYounger appreciate it, I've spotted it on amazon with a good return policy so I'll give it a try, thanks again for helping with the decision (production value of your videos are great btw, I hope you keep doing what you do!)

[@JamesYounger]

Thank you so much! I REALLY appreciate it!

[@plugger410]

Any advice as to how this microphone would do in outdor interviews?

[@JamesYounger]

As long as you have a "dead cat" it should sound great.

[@CreepypastaChronicals]

Ntg3 is a interesting alternative but I prefer the syncho mic d2 over the ntg3. Maybe I have a good d2 ^^

[@JamesYounger]

Oh yeah the NTG3 has some nice low end as well. And dude! Yes! When you get a good D2 it's awesome!

[@narrator-timothymckean]

Some people I work with prefer the MKE 600 for voice work over the 416... a little more neutral response that gives the engineer more options in production. Have you used the MKE? Thoughts on how it compares to the Audio Technica?

[@JamesYounger]

I used to work at a studio that used the 600 and I personally hated how it sounded AND it had a higher self noise that was actually high enough to be a problem. However, the studio I worked at always used really cheap cables so that could have added to the issue. Also, who knows, the mic could have been faulty. Basically my only experience with the mic wasn't a good one but I would need to buy one myself to REALLY know for sure how I felt about it.

[@KarlMarkusAntson]

@@JamesYounger any new thoughts on that? really looking into buying MKE600, but your opinion seems to be a valid one, so would love to know what you think?

[@Slipsch]

For your voice I prefer the Audio Technica, the 416 sound too sibilance for your voice. For me I use the MKH50 but I'm not a voice actor, i use it purely for content creation without visble mic on camera.

[@PeopleCallMeCraig]

Great video. Has your opinion changed a year later? Thx

[@JamesYounger]

No sir I still love it and can't believe the quality to cost ratio. I still prefer it over the 416!

[@maruwaanmoses]

While I'm a big fan of the 416, I'm going to admit that this is a no-brainer. Save your money and get the AT. Dope comparison 👌

[@ClintsGrievances]

What about the AT897?

[@JamesYounger]

I bet it sounds great! I'd need to buy it and try it out.

[@tonypacheco8245]

To me, the “s” sounds were a giveaway for the 416

[@Dashcasts1]

Is this a lot more forgiving in an untreated room than an Nt-1?

[@JamesYounger]

Before I answer that, let me ask, what would you be recording in that untreated space? Are you trying to be a voice actor, or are you just recording audio for KZbin or something similar? Your answer will help guide my answer.

[@Dashcasts1]

@@JamesYounger I was looking for something I might be able to use for voice over for content on tiktok/youtube. I also got curious, if it's for voice actors, what would you recommend.

[@JamesYounger]

@@Dashcasts1 In your case, I'd actually recommend a dynamic microphone like the Shure SM7B or sE Dynacaster. Dynamic microphone perform much better in untreated spaces than other mics. If you were a voice actor I'd warn you against recording in an untreated space. Audio quality standards for voice actors are MUCH more strict than most others. As a voice actor it's a MUST to have a properly treated space if you want to be competitive and have success. But as far as what you're doing, just going with a dynamic mic would be totally fine. Check out my review of the Dynacaster here if interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXimeZqHjMtjrLcsi=5vIyYQwvJnEmclAZ

[@Dashcasts1]

@@JamesYounger Oh alright, thanks for this. Highly appreciate it!

[@xeximaxi]

A is totally cleaner less distorted sound. better clarity

[@idaliagonzalez7945]

I am listening through a laptop so, they sound the same to me

[@JamesYounger]

Oh yeah for sure! Laptop or phone will definitely give you results like that. But they do actually sound VERY close regardless.

[@habrasil]

If sounded good in that closet with shitty foam, imagine how good would it sound in a trully acoustic treated space!

[@JamesYounger]

Well, you're in for a real treat! It would sound just like what you heard in the video. Once you understand how acoustics work, it becomes painfully obvious that you can achieve the same results multiple ways. It comes with experience and doing in a few hundred times. You can learn more here if interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/poKQiWSJq5edqq8si=Axseo68lnyfCEGsj

[@tee_ef_em]

Wow, I was wrong. Thought it was B.

[@tommyferraz3154]

Wouldn't the self-noise of the AT875R be an issue for voice talents? (That is actually what I used for identifying mic A)

[@JamesYounger]

That's odd. I actually did a side by side self noise test for myself and the AT875R actually performed slightly better than the 416. It was at the very end of the A-B test I just didn't post it.

[@tommyferraz3154]

@@JamesYounger how's that possible? 416 is known as a very silent mic. That's not what I've heard (other reviews, I haven't tested it myself) about the AT875R or what I would expect from its price.

[@JamesYounger]

@@tommyferraz3154 Believe it or not, the 416 is actually a tad bit on the noisy side with an equivalent noise level of 13 db A-weighted. That's actually a bit higher than lower. Now, I'm not sure what it is for the AT875R but during my test it had a slightly better self noise.

[@tommyferraz3154]

@@JamesYounger I believe you. I’m just very surprised. Maybe I should sell my 416, buy an AT875R (or two) and some other mic currently in my wish list heheh. Congrats on your videos, I really like your style!

[@JamesYounger]

@@tommyferraz3154 Don't get me wrong the 416 is still a legendary microphone especially in the voice over industry so I don't think you need to change mics, especially because you already have the 416. I was just saying it's closer to the noisy side than not. It's not enough to be an issue though. And thank you so much!

[@garyembar4774]

Hey James, that was cool. But I bet it’s not a comparison on Raw files ….and I’d love to see the EQ work on the 875R. Can you please share the 875R eq for a 416..?

[@JamesYounger]

Hey there Gary I hope you're doing well. Go check out the first few seconds of the video and read what comes across the bottom of the screen. All my mic reviews are completely RAW unprocessed audio. The only thing I do to manipulate the audio is to bring up the loudness to meet the standards of KZbin. No EQ or anything like that.

[@d112cons]

The 875r has a rep as being a close tonal match to (not a shotgun) the Shure sm7b. Won't go below 90hz, a tad crunchier in the highs, but the character of the sound is REALLY close. The 416 is still more nuanced - and mixes better with Tram lavs - but the 875r is ridiculous for its price.

[@teatrumyslurpg]

It does go below 90Hz, mine is picking even 50Hz not in full energy of it but at least 50% of it.

[@d112cons]

@@teatrumyslurpg I should have clarified - it's got a low-cut filter fixed at 90hz. These are usually an 8db roll-off per octave or more. So, yes, it can get tones below the filter point, but (assuming an 8db slope), you'll only register half the amplitude at 45hz than is actually in the environment. And since dB is an exponential measurement... this is quite a bit of reduction.

[@litodaze]

Wow I can’t believe A was the 875r 😂😂😂😂😂 I liked it much better than the 416 as well

[@JamesYounger]

Crazy right!?

[@blackjohnny0]

AT imo better. Richer, more bass.

[@SpigotsMcGee]

The AT sounds more natural…

[@blackbirdpie217]

20 thousand Khz is 20 million Hz. I think you mean 20 Khz.

[@JamesYounger]

Trust me, you're the millionth person to let me know I misspoke haha.