BaiFei Li V10 - The $80 Wonder Mic

[@curseleisure5507]

I got an order this week from a new client and thought this mic might be a great fit-client wanted a warm, friendly but universal/omnipotent sound-think narration for a planetarium show about the origin of the universe. This mic was the perfect fit.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

That is awesome! I love hearing that you gigged with it. I’ve also used it on a few bookings where that extra push it has really hits the mark.

[@winstonflood7731]

this is actually true I usually listen to the content through my gaming headset and I rarely use my phone speakers most microphones are thin through the phone speakers but this microphone is full and rich

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

And if it'll sound good on phone speakers, it'll sound good anywhere.

[@winstonflood7731]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff exactly🎯

[@curseleisure5507]

Mine just arrived Monday and I really like the way it sounds, but immediately noticed the self noise you mention.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Enjoy the mic! Luckily in this day and age self noise is super easy to fix.

[@skepticsandseekers4715]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff You you happen to know what the self-noise level is? Also, how about the max SPL. I couldn't find that information.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

I don’t have the numbers, but self noise on it is “needs noise reduction”. Dynamic range I haven’t tested yet. You can probably get this data if you contact them and ask. They’re very nice.

[@jeffstewartauthor]

This is ridiculously good. I just ordered it along with the C414. That site... I saw a TLM-193 for under $300... wonder how that one stacks up. But, yeah, man. I had to pull the trigger on those two mics. Almost zero risk for the money vs sound. Thanks for the vid. I think it's worth it even to just switch things up once in awhile in the booth. Change of scenery, so to speak.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Exactly. At these prices even if I just put them on desk stands up on the book shelf as decoration, it would be worth it, but they do rock. Also, yeah be aware of the knock off Neumann mics. Never heard the knock off TLM-193, but it's probably not worth the coin.

[@jeffstewartauthor]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff Right? It looked mighty, well, shiny, in the photo… but, yeah, I’m jazzed to give these mics a go!

[@LeBeautiful]

Aw snap, forgot about this review! A Faux TLM 103, with a SPARKLE of u87..awesome.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Snap. Faux. Sparkle. That kind of almost sums up the entire review. I could have just said that. Oh, and that it’s awesome. But you have that covered already too.

[@YTHalilo]

Your reviews are great! I just ordered the V5 and the c414 (34mm). Can't wait to give them a try. Keep up the great work.

[@campar1043]

Any updates?

[@YTHalilo]

@@campar1043c414 is great but noisy which you can edit out no problem. Bought the The v10 too and it sounds so good. It’s my favorite. The v5 is nice but not for my voice I find. V10 is my favorite.

[@tomashgrey2211]

​@@campar1043 double your question

[@BillBene67]

These mics are really outstanding. Good call on C-Vox. I bought this and their V47 which I guess is their take on the Telefunken TF47. Really nice as well. The V10 is HEAVY which is great.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Hey Bill! Yeah, you could defend yourself with the V10 if you had to. Put it in a sock or just in your hand. But they are definitely worth more than being self-defense weapons, add that CVox and it's pretty amazing stuff. I have a V47 on the way. Can't wait.

[@BillBene67]

Sweet Mark. You uncovered a goldmine of tone goodness at ridiculous prices

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

@@BillBene67 I should be wearing an old timey prospector helmet. But seriously, just look at these mics and you can imagine much of the mid-level mics looking over their shoulder in fear.

[@curseleisure5507]

What do you think of the 47? How are the self noise and low end?

[@senuka742]

great review bro

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Glad you liked it

[@Godzillah]

I think the self noise is love it or hate it. It’s the capsule itself that make that noise same characteristics as my oc16. I opened the mic and really figured this problem. I can tame this by lowering the frequency but still it really annoying me it does shriek if u happen to turn up the volume.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

I’ve waited to respond until after I texted the capsule. I put it in another mic and that mic is quite quiet. I ln retrospect, I actually think the noise floor here was caused by the Apollo more than the mic itself.

[@TheRecordist]

It does sound fantastic! And it looks killer! Hmm. Why haven't I pulled the trigger yet? Inching closer...

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Spoiler alert: Hey everybody. Just wanted to let you know he did buy one and is doing fine. Thank you for all your cards and letters. It was touch and go there for a hot minute while he was deciding, but everything’s going to be okay now.

[@TheRecordist]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

[@garyembar4774]

Ok Mark, if you were let to keep just one, ONLY ONE of the beifeili’s (V10,414 and v47…. at gun point) which one would you hold on to??

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

V5. No doubt.

[@garyembar4774]

Daymn! Presumed you’d say V10.

[@VFYTChannel]

Jeez.. thanks for drooling all over this mics, they are now 140€…

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

I keep saying they’re going to go up in price. At 140 it’s still a steal.

[@VFYTChannel]

Idk about that, for that price range you can get a lot of good quality condenser mics from more established brands with 2 year waranty for an extra 55 euros you can get the beyerdynamic M 70 PRO X, you can get the SE Electronics X1S with a handmade capsule for 160ish euros, I haven't tried them and can't atest for their sound or performance but 140 euros is reaching a price point where you do get a lot of options from a lot of different more reputable manufactures with warranty. @@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff

[@andrekaromi]

I think my comment got deleted (maybe because of the web link). Sorry, didn't have chance of seeing your reply before that. What did you say about the Proar microphone? Thanks

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Pro Ar is actually the same company as Baifei Li. Pro Ar is a spin off that will mostly sell mics on Amazon... so direct to consumer, as opposed to BFL being a manufacturer that kindly allows us mortals to buy single units as "samples". They are starting to get hip to the interest and have since put the BF414 on Aliexpress, the retail wing of Alibaba.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

@@andrekaromi Oh wow, they did put it up on Aliexpress too and it's definitely priced up, even with the free shipping. So, still better to order direct from Alibaba. No, I don't do affiliate links. I feel like the affiliate marketing thing, or trying to monetize your purchase of something I demo here taints objectivity and is not what I want this channel to be about.

[@crazyKurious]

Mark, try running this on WA-MPX, would be interesting to hear harmonics paired with the subtle high end this remarkable mic has. btw, all in this will cost $105 odd, still totally worth it.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Oh yeah, totally worth it. I would but I sent the WA-MPX back to Warm. But don’t fret, there will be more V10 content coming.

[@crazyKurious]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff this mic makes me think, if this chinese company can get it to sound so good, ar manufacturing cost of probably 30 to 40 bucks, are those $4000 price points really worth ? I mean at max the value might be 2 to 3 times and say 100% brand equity. But that 100x multiple is severely unjustifiable. 🙂. Just putting my CFA hat on to estimate ROE

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

That is truly a fantastic question. One I need to contemplate.

[@stevefreegard6406]

Which mic do you prefer - the V10 or the C414? Is the self-noise similar between the two?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Don't really have a preference. They're two totally different tonalities, and as such, compliment each other as paintbrushes. I think the 414, because it has a more rolled off top, is a tad bit quieter, and because it's so neutral, possibly a bit more versatile.

[@veegee1974]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff I'm gonna say the BC-414 is so on point. It has a sweetness that's just right. I'm curious about the V-10, but not sold on it. From what I've been listening to is the V-10 is good, but not BC-414 good.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Their 414 is probably a more all around useful mic because it’s more neutral too. The V10 is more of a one trick pony with a pretty good trick.

[@tomashgrey2211]

​​​@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoffcould you suggest pls, baifeili c414 25mm or 34mm? For vocal recording, as a first mic for a home studio. I would super appreciate your suggestion, preference. ❤

[@sirhou1359]

What are your other audio devices? I want to refer to them.THX

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Current UAD VO stack is: Neve 88rs Precision De esser CVox DFC Using this on everything.

[@zeitakulobusta]

Random thoughts: This sounds good on you. Mic+source is 80% of the equation. The mic is surprisingly balanced PLUS even though it's quite bright it doesn't seem to get too harsh or break up, so you can cut rather than boost. Not sure if it's this mic's response or position but I can hear your booth....let's call that a plus ;) Also slight caveat on not mattering what mic you use...lots of sites etc want to know your setup etc, for better or worse can be seen as an indicator of your overall pro-ness. For auditions or with regular clients and beyond then...yep, dial it in and profit!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Thanks Dude. I’ve even used this crazy cheap mic on a couple of bookings last week. Needed that extra punch and this beast was just the ticket. It baffles my mind how balanced it is, and how it puts some seriously overpriced mics on their heels. And how is it not harsh? WhF kind of voodoo is this?? Tell me! So it’s good you can hear the booth? Does it sound like sweat and fear? And it’s hilarious when companies ask what gear you have. Say whatever, right? Nobody has ever asked me what mic I’m using even on a video session. I may have to sneak the V10 on some client someday soon just for a laugh.

[@jayaben2412]

Just received mine and set it up (MOTU-M4, Mogami cable, Logic or Reaper). I must be doing something wrong, as it sounds like I'm speaking through a mattress. Suggestions welcome.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Pop on over to the discord server (link in show description) and post a clip. That’s a good place to start.

[@jayaben2412]

Hours later: Connected it to a different interface (ZenGo) and got very different results. It does sound great!!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

@@jayaben2412 Yay!!!! Dude! So happy to hear that. Sometimes you just have to tinker until you find the sound. Keep us posted on your thoughts on it now that you're grooving on it.

[@knowyourjoe8826]

OK... you REALLY need to STOP talking about these two BaiFei Li mics until I can get mine ordered (next week) ... I will place the blame SOLEY on you if the price goes up due to your content! LOL. Cheese & Rice... I bet you make two cans with a string pulled between them sound great.... Thanks for sharing... I think...LOL

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

I understand... and, ah just wait until you see what drops here tomorrow. ;)

[@JothanGurr]

I wonder how it sounds compared to the Austrian Audio OC18 or even OC16?

[@Tewahedo]

Me too 🤔

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Good question!

[@acpirola]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Thank you, thank you! I'll be here all week... or actually, I won't. ;) Check back tomorrow for a special treat.

[@TommyAlanRaines]

It looks identical to the PROAR XLR which you can get for 66 bucks,

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Probably is. ProAr is Baifei Li’s Amazon brand.

[@TommyAlanRaines]

@@QuantumGamingUploads Yes and I do think the capsule is smaller as well.

[@ilya_ash]

Interesting, that the design is "inspired" by Austrian Audio (not necessarily the tone). I naively thought that they're making their stuff in-house, without Chinese OEMs.

[@ilya_ash]

This sounds more that just adequate on your voice, BTW.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

I once heard that a huge majority of the metalwork for most mics is done in a one square block zone in one city in China so my speculation is that copying is rampant.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Thank you very much!

[@MichaelNobleMusic]

Silkyyyyyyyyyy

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

It definitely does not sound like an $80 mic.