Best Condenser Under $50: t.bone SC400 - Sound Speeds Review

To purchase or check out the t.bone SC400, click here:
bit.ly/2woSDZG
It's very rare that an expensive microphone impresses me but in the case of the German t.bone SC400, I made an exception. Not only did this microphone impress me, I can't think of another mic under $50 I like better. Not bad for a house brand microphone of a sound store.
The t.bone SC400 is a flat microphone with a very high boost to give it a slightly more open sound. Seldom seen on most microphones muchless inexpensive mics is a low amount of smoothing on frequency response chart. It also sports a very low self noise while maintaining a good max SPL and sensitivity. It does lack roll off switches and pads but many flat microphones and entry level mics do too.
I do believe this is a microphone you should hear for yourself. Better yet, let's compare it to a few other microphones you know. Once you listen to the mic, be sure to click the link to check out the microphone for yourself.
The t.bone SC400 comes with a 3 year warranty.
Note: I'm very aware of the noise floor being 18dB(A) on modern releases of the SC400. There are many comments below about that.
To make a donation: www.paypal.me/SoundSpeeds
Gear Commonly Used In My Videos:
Panasonic Lumix FZ-80: geni.us/SoundSpeedsLumixFZ80
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7: geni.us/SoundSpeedsLumixDMCG7
Tascam DR-40: geni.us/TascamDR40
Sound Devices MixPre-6:
www.sounddevices.com/products...
Also featured in this video is the Rode NT1. Purchase one for yourself here:
geni.us/RodeNT1
The AT3035 was replaced with the AT2035. Purchase one here:
geni.us/AT-2035
To watch my video with the Neewer NW-700 in it, watch my series on if you can EQ a bad mic to sound good:
• Can A "Bad" Mic Be EQe...
To find your perfect voice over mic position:
• Finding Your Perfect V...
If you'd like to learn more about how mic spec data sheets are created:
• Can You Really Trust A...
To learn about Harmonics, Overtones and the Human Voice:
• Overtones, Harmonics a...
To learn about microphone roll off:
• High/Low Pass Filters ...
To understand the difference between Cardioid and Super-Cardioid microphone patterns:
• Understanding Micropho...
To watch my video about the AT3035 featured in this video:
• Don't buy an AT2035 un...
FULL DISCLOSURE:
Thomann sent me the t.bone SC400 to test and review. Although I do get to keep the microphone, in no way has my opinion been bought or influenced by Thomann. This is an honest review.
Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links and if you purchase something using one of these links, you'll pay the same price that you'd find on Amazon if you looked it up yourself but Amazon will pay me a small referral fee for sending you there to make a purchase.
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[@Cvrchak88]

I'm amazed by the details that you bring into this review! Thank you very much!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you for watching!

[@jorgearenaflamenco]

Amazing review! Thank you! I have been using this microphone for over a decade (the first one I had for recordings) and I learnt things I did not know about it!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Awesome. In the description I wrote a few updates. Thanks for watching.

[@sapienproductions]

You just sold another microphone for Thomann! Thank you for your review. I look forward to receiving my very first real microphone.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Just note that since doing this review, the self noise specs has changed. Details in the description.

[@danuureche6051]

Same bro

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍

[@KlausSalmhofer]

Love your deep level of technical specs, content and knowledge. You're outstanding with your style of review. Thx.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you. :-) Thanks for watching.

[@bassface84]

I never understood those charts until you explained it just now. Makes complete sense to me now. Thanks!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. Thanks for watching

[@vibe4philo07]

Thank you so much for your review. I already have the TBone SC400 in my Thomman basket, I just haven't finished the purchase. Then I watched your review. Really informative. Thanks so much. I'm heading straight to Thomas to complete my purchase.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Read the description for updates on this mic since I did this review. The background noise is higher now.

[@HDLee-jx3ww]

Thanks a lot for the thorough and professional review!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks for watching!

[@MichaelWynneCAS]

It's amazing to me how inexpensive condenser microphones can be. They are very fortunate to have you review their microphone!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you sir. I was very surprised with the quality too. I'm going to be approaching the company about ways to sell easier to us Americans.

[@laurentr.70]

I'm buying this one to start streaming! Thank you for the review!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Certainly! There's a link in the description directly to the store.

[@TheEntity1]

Great review! Thanks for this.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank for watching!

[@TheSearchForAwesome]

Sounds fantastic!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Agree!

[@superdaze]

What an amazing, informative and helpful review! I didn't know t.bone was Thomann's home brand either, will get one today :) Keep up the great work!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you. Note, since this review was released, there's been a change to the design of this mic and the self noise is higher.

[@superdaze]

@@SoundSpeeds Thanks for the note. As I'm already using a USB mic for recording, I think it's still going to be a good enough upgrade for me :)

[@agnesbfenoli]

I have an SC450 USB and I love it! Great review!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you and thank you for watching.

[@theozimbro]

Great review!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you and thank you for watching.

[@craighousesounddesign5944]

A late thank you for this review. We bought one of these a few years back and it's been a great mic for recording audiobooks. Particularly in cases where the narrator is constantly re positioning himself.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yeah. I really like it even over many higher priced mics I own. Thanks for watching.

[@memoryhero]

I've owned my sc400 for over 15 years and I still use it on a daily basis. It is still working like a boss.

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's surprisingly good especially considering the price

[@jacksweetouch4297]

Thank you! Your description is very helpful. I love your dynamics and enthusiasm in this review.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you and thank you for watching!

[@marg857]

very good review, thanks!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks for watching

[@caloss2]

That's night and day with the blue mic, very impressed.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yeah, that Neewer is nothing I can ever recommend. KZbin doesn't do this comparison justice either.

[@GavinAtkin]

I've come round to agreeing with you re the SC400, it's pleasant sounding and for many home recording folks I think the supercardiod pickup pattern will be useful.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Welcome aboard! ;-)

[@Cubasenet33]

Thanks for the rev. I'm happy to know the mic I've been using for 4 years now is that good. My caveat is about qualitu of components. The day before yesterday my SC400 got sick. It has never had a knock nor a fall. Now I have to cranck the volum knob to the max, only that way I start to listen the mic (along with a fair amount of nioise...) If I were sure of its reliability, I would buy another one, but actually I'm thinking about NT1A.

[@SoundSpeeds]

The NT1a is a solid mic choice. I own one and it sounds quite good especially on deeper voices. If you have a higher voice, I'd recommend the NT1 instead.

[@Cubasenet33]

@@SoundSpeeds A great thanks for your answer and counsel. It helps me a lot!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Glad to help! :-)

[@deszczak]

12:54 - DOGS ARE PEOPLE. I KNEW IT~! Great video! I used this microphone for about 2 years and I would recommend it as well!

[@SoundSpeeds]

I was impressed as well.

[@Drinkyoghurt]

Great video, I have to say that listening with my DT900 250Ohm I couldn't really hear a difference between the 3 mics but I could between the Neewer and the T.bone. You can find used SC400s for around 20~30 euros which is a great deal for an extra or even main mic.

[@SoundSpeeds]

That is a great deal

[@marsixii]

i just bought this for game streaming!! very excited as it looks great:)

[@SoundSpeeds]

Excellent. Tell me what you think of it

[@marsixii]

@@SoundSpeeds it just arrived!! absolutely amazing :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

Excellent! Glad it's working out for you!

[@walmaleo]

wow...just watched the whole video...and i learned alot...great video! :) greetings from Austria :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you Austria! :-)

[@jackfisher9833]

Thank you for this review. That saved some cash and Im on a tight budget.

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@silvacore]

Fantastic! I have got sc400!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Isn't it awesome how good it is and how generously priced it is?

[@iustingalea1547]

Sold another one! Great review!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Read in the description about the changes before you buy.

[@iustingalea1547]

​@@SoundSpeeds Thanks alot!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. Thanks for watching

[@okay1904]

It took me a while to be convinced, but after quite a bit of listening, I think this is about the best value starter condenser microphone.

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's pretty good.

[@aryanz66]

great job!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you for watching.

[@oldman4827]

Tempted to buy this. Especially after seeing this video.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I still use mine daily. For me, at my computer desk it does a great job of pulling out my voice while rejecting the reverb off the monitor.

[@ItsJustGilly]

Your review is awesome and makes me buy the SC400! I'd like to give a little feedback on your text overlays, if that's okay. Now, I don't know how you do it in your newer videos of course. But I would much more prefer a clean font with characters less spaced and which doesn't look like a 'scribble' font. Something like the 'BEBAS' font would be more fitting. But that's just my opinion and feedback I'm giving to a guy that did a great job at reviewing a product I am now going to buy! Have a good day :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you. :-) Thanks for watching!

[@yankeedrummer21]

Cheers for the great review it made my mind up to pull the trigger for two of these bad boys as back ups to my AKG P120's

[@SoundSpeeds]

Excellent! Liberty me know your thoughts on them.

[@iancraig]

Sounds really good. You’ve developed muscles in your voice! Being super cardioid migh be beneficial for me and my front room too....

[@SoundSpeeds]

It can be but be careful. It may pull in more directly behind you with that extra reach.

[@iancraig]

I tried an umbrella behind the mic this morning and draped a blanket on it. The wife thought I'd finally lost it and told me the snow wasn't coming until Wednesday. Yes you are right, I do often have a problem with rear wall reflections. My umbrella trick made the mic sound a bit odd though!

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@iancraig I would think so. Mainly the low frequencies will reflect off the rear.

[@alex-plays8407]

Thanks for sharing - For now, at least, I actually *prefer* the SC 400 to some of the more expensive microphones from this manufacturer. I plan to test 2 of these for recording a grand piano.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I do too. :-)

[@anyuisbjoern]

And how does it record piano?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm sorry but I don't know.

[@notthere83]

Damn, I listened to the masked comparison multiple times just to pick which one sounds best to me before watching the reveal. I picked number 2 and was very happy about the result. :) Some might argue that it's not linear enough but it's precisely that slightly richer sound that made me pick it. And I guess one could always enable the low cut to make it more linear.

[@SoundSpeeds]

That could work! Thanks for watching.

[@k9px]

@@SoundSpeeds Hey, does the t.bone 420 offer the same results/quality? Thank you :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

I don't honestly know because I've never heard it. Thomann hasn't been interested in sending me any more mics since my EM9600/EM9900 review. kzbin.info/www/bejne/moSamYqFd5p4rNk

[@davidleeroth357]

Great review. Please do a review on the t.bone sc 1100. Thinking about getting one. Don't see many (good) reviews in English. Thanks

[@SoundSpeeds]

I still owe t.bone a review of the PR140. That would be first.

[@darkmew64]

I had this mic for two years and it died on me (but that’s on me for not being gentle with it). I’m too lazy to clean the capsule... It has a good sound to it, really loved it!

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm very pleased with it. Impressed with the quality especially at this price.

[@darkmew64]

Sound Speeds I don’t know why, but recordinghacks says that this mic has a self-noise of about 20dBA.

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@darkmew64 I looked it up and you're right, it does. Mine certainly doesn't. Perhaps the SC400 they tested was defective. I say this because the NW-700 is basically the BM-700 rebranded and Recording Hacks tested the self noise of the BM-700 at 16dba. recordinghacks.com/microphones/ShengYue/BM-700 Forget the manufacturer, we all know they're the same cheap Chinese mic rebranded. In my self noise test, you hear self noise hiss from the NW-700 but you hear the quiet room I'm in when listening to the SC400. That only happens on quiet mics like the NT1 or SC400.

[@joseluisredondogarcia5244]

Thanks a lot for this very nice review! Love your videos. I'm about to buy an entry-level mic to record voice and acoustic guitar, and I was trying to decide between the t.bone SC400 and the Superlux E205 ... both with decent reviews and quite cheap at Thomann. Do you happen to have any info on the Superlux? Otherwise I guess I'll go for the t.bone.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sadly, no. I've never heard and played with a Superlux of any model. Thanks for watching!

[@johnknuckles9250]

you are amazing at videos

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you.

[@johnknuckles9250]

was just expecting a normal review, but u ddnt just used it, it was another level and very informative

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you. :-) Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@KenDoc]

Congratulations for the review. I would like to know if this microphone is suitable for recording the sound of the trumpet and brass in general. Thanks

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sorry, I'm not an expert on micing brass instruments and don't want to mislead you. I have no idea.

[@marcosterer8834]

I wouldn't go with a condenser for trumpet, ever. Any ribbon mic will sound better, and there are some surprisingly affordable ones out there. For low brass, however, this would probably sound quite good.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you for this Marc

[@yo3429]

Still a good condenser. Thomann corrected the noise figure to 18 dB (instead the 6 dB mentioned), but this is absolute OK. I heard the mic got a internal high-pass switch that is working to lower frequencies under 200 Hz if it's to dark sounding (positioning on table or short speech distance).

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍

[@fermuedel]

Thanks a lot for this great review! Would this mic be any good for recording vocals on my DAW for decent music production? I got a Tonor which came with accessories and I'm afraid it's just the same as the Neewer and, whilst this one would top it I'd like to know if there's any mic around this price range or a bit higher better for recording vocals. Thanks a lot!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yes, actually. Check these out. Great buy at less than $100 and sound amazing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4bLo6Gwoph5j68

[@fermuedel]

@@SoundSpeeds Will look into them. Thanks a lot!!!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Glad to help

[@igg5589]

Very interesting - as I just opened tbone SC 400 site now (2022 June 22) and it says "Equivalent noise level [dB(A)]: 18" instead of 6.7 like in this video :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yeah, that changes at some point. It's mentioned in the comments.

[@drashkum]

Nice one. I am in the market for my first microphone for my accoustically untreated home studio. I am inching towards buying either sc400, AT2020 or samson C03 primarily to record vocals and acoustic guitar. I woukd like to know how it fares well in recording shrill high pitched female vocals. Does it distort?. And also baritone male voices. Also since it is a super cardioid, do i need to plonk a reflection isolation filter behind the mic to prevent back reflection from walls as it will pick up sounds from straight back? May i know Whats your take on AT2020 vs Sc400 vs samson C03?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Untreated? Why not get a dynamic mic? Between the mics you mentioned I'd take the SC400 over the AT2020 anytime. I don't think I've ever heard a C03 so I can't compare but I like the sound of the C01 but not more than the SC400. Isolation shields work to a degree but keep in mind they only have a thin layer of foam and that doesn't do a whole lot. If on a budget, hang clothes on hangers around you and put a thick layer of towels on your table and covering all hard/ reflective surfaces around you.

[@drashkum]

@@SoundSpeeds I want to go for condenser as i will not be taking the mic out of home recording at all. At some point of time after saving up some money will try to do minimal acoustics. Dont want to spend on mic two timed. Anyhow im not a pro and gonna record only for my youtube channel

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm that case I can recommend the SC400 over the AT2020 but have no knowledge of the C03. Baffling your recording area will be key. Poor man's vocal booth. Watch my video about making a vocal booth for $100. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pX3GgKuKltqsoJo

[@gmcmarvel2789]

Heey, AWESOME review, but I checked Thomann's website, and, apparently, their listed Equivalent noise level is 18 dB (A)

[@SoundSpeeds]

Read my description. I address this.

[@jackfisher9833]

I just ordered t.bone sc1100.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Cool. I hope it works well for you

[@jackfisher9833]

@@SoundSpeeds what I heard on tests blew me away.. The quality is just as good if not better then on mics that cost 3000 euro.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I've never heard one so please tell me if it lives up to your expectations once it arrives.

[@Ben-ry1py]

I got excited about this and ordered 2 if them for doing field recording. It was only adter i ordered them that i realized the noise floor of 6.7db is now kisted as 18db on their website. It seems they downgraded this unit. I'm feeling stupid for getting excited. Do you think the drastically worse self noise of 18db will negatively hurt very low volume sound outside?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I doubt it. Self noise in digital recording isn't as big a deal as it was back in the world of analog.

[@GavinAtkin]

Have you considered looking at some of the other t.bone condenser and dynamic cheapies - the SC600 looks good, I'd be interested to hear what you think of the SC1100's midrange, and of course the company's mb75 and mb85 beta. With each, I think it's a question of what they're good for and how best to work with them...

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'll check them out and see if Thomann is willing to send me anything more. I liked the EM9900 but wasn't fond of the EM9600 so I'll have to see if they're worth my time and they're willing to send them.

[@GavinAtkin]

My take, if it's helpful, is that the mb75 (sm57 lookalike) is a useful cardioid dynamic for percussion and more, that the mb85 is dreadful while the mb85 beta is pretty usable for high voices and voice-like instruments. I've tried various experiments in using the mb75 and mb85 beta in the home studio but think I have more to learn. The SC450 works pretty well but can be a bit dark. I think the SC1100 has promise with a bit of eq... It has a very audible hump around 4-5kHz that suits my old Jumbo guitar wonderfully but needs to be brought down on voices... I've never used an SC600 but I'm curious...

[@GavinAtkin]

Good luck!

[@youngnaughtysoul]

Bro please do a review on the Shure SM7B!! ♥️

[@SoundSpeeds]

Bandrew is a much better person than me for that.

[@youngnaughtysoul]

@@SoundSpeeds i‘ll check them out thank you :))

[@SoundSpeeds]

He's the mic review guy

[@janosgeorg8268]

Hi Allen, 2 quick questions, if you have a minute :) I found an old SC400 in a box and I wanted to find out if it's a good one. That's how I found your video and I was quite surprised. Do you think a 10-year-old SC400 has the same specifications? The other question is: When I removed the cover I found a button inside. Do you know what that is there for? Thank you very much in advance :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

There's one want to find out how the SC400 you found performs. As for the button... I have no idea what it does. If you decide to press it though, please tell me if you hear anything different.

[@brnj200]

@jános Georg I think it's for low cut

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍

[@TironCruvi]

Very interesting watch for someone like me, who are totally new to this, but wanting to try my hand at podcasting. I have no idea about a lot of the specs you were referring to in the video, so I'm gonna ask. Would this be a decent starting mic for someone who wanted to get into podcasting? Would it be possible to do interviews with another person with this mic, or would you need two mics for that (I saw for instance that the Blue Yeti seems to have a mode that lets it pick up sound all around the mic, so good for more than one speaker in front of the mic)? Sorry if these questions seems stupid, but I'm totally new to this :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

It would be fine for you if recording in an acoustically controlled environment. To interview someone else on the same mic, no. You'd also need a USB audio interface to get the sound into your computer but instead of a Blue Yeti, consider a Samson Q2U fo just you to tall into. Sure a Yeti would work for two people into the same mic but for you alone, it's far better especially in a non-treated room.

[@TironCruvi]

@@SoundSpeeds Thank you for the amazingly quick reply :) So what about getting a couple of these, and then some kind of USB Audio interface (like you mention) to get the sound from the mics into the PC? Would that be a decent starting option for someone wanting to do interviews, and if so do you have a tip for a starting USB Audio Interface? Also, I see Thoman now also has t.bone SC 420 and 440 USB mic, do you know if these ones are of similar quality? They both are around the same price point (50-55 Euros).

[@SoundSpeeds]

I haven't heard either but the t.bone mics are surprisingly good for the quality. Most interfaces are low noise and you really can't go wrong with a Behringer or Focusrite 2 channel.

[@marcodilena4282]

At the moment the sc400 specs in Thomann's site the Equivalent noise level is changed to 18 dB (A). For the price is a good microphone but Thomann lide to us ;)

[@SoundSpeeds]

Read the comments

[@8lec_R]

Just came here from the Discord link. The impulse chart is so good! Why don't other manufacturers also use it?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I know! I love it. So helpful. The frequency response curve also shows 1 meter and 1/10 (4 inches) off.

[@gabster137]

Was this recorded with any audio interface or just straight usb plugin?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sound Devices MixPre-6 recorder.

[@feluxborn6333]

thinking about buying this mic, do you use any audio processing software on the mic or is it raw audio,?also, if I was to use the mic for recording singing and guitar, what software should I use to process the audio?

[@SoundSpeeds]

The audio when you hear the mic is raw and unprocessed. All other times I process my audio and did a video to show that process if you look thru my recent videos. There are a lot of great DAWs out there. I use Reaper but there's everything from Cubase and Audition to GarageBand and Audacity. Look up Digital Audio Workstations and watch tutorials to see what you might find to be a good fit.

[@feluxborn6333]

@@SoundSpeeds Thank you! Quick answer holy smokes :0

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks for watching!

[@mmak1a]

I'm just wondering does it pick up keyboard sounds or for example fan noise from a pc or just random background noises, since its a super-cardioid. Is it a good choice for streaming or youtube?

[@SoundSpeeds]

It'll pick them up about the same as a cardioid. You can play the pattern of the mic to your advantage to minimize them but you'll still hear them without noise reduction.

[@mmak1a]

Thanks, im looking to get the beyerdynamic dt 990 pro with focusrite scarlett gen3 and the t.bone 400.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Very good. Check the description of my video for the changes to the SC400.

[@yamasaa]

Currently stuck choosing between the t.bone SC425 USB Desktop Set (80eur inc. pop filter), Audio Technica AT2020USB+ (140eur ex. pop filter), and Rode NT-USB (150eur inc. pop filter) for podcasting purposes :P

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍

[@yamasaa]

@@SoundSpeeds which would you get?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I have no idea. I don't involve myself with USB microphones and can't recommend one. They are nothing we have in the pro world and I wouldn't want to mislead. Try Podcastage.

[@prod.jei2k319]

Yo, I have a question and I’m a beginner the numbers don’t really say me anything butt is the mic any good for recording music and vocals?

[@SoundSpeeds]

You can make it work, sure. Normally you'd change mics depending on what you're micing but you can use it for a variety of uses.

[@IsmamAliShihoron]

other than streaming, can i expect good vocal recording for music on this and how does it compare to an audio technica at2020. Im new to this and would like a cheaper option than the 2020 so please help me out here. Thank you

[@SoundSpeeds]

It should outperform the AT2020 in every way. I'd expect it to do great on vocals un a treated room.

[@IsmamAliShihoron]

@@SoundSpeeds thanks really helped me out

[@SoundSpeeds]

Glad to help

[@8lec_R]

If I ever happen to go to Europe or have someone coming from Europe, I'm gonna get them to buy this for me, I doubt that's happening anytime soon

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yeah, it's very good for the money. I used others for my Discord chat mic but always come back to it.

[@Misscaroleena]

Hey, do you need a mixer for this mic or does it connect directly by usb?

[@SoundSpeeds]

There is no USB. You'll need a USB audio interface or a mixer depending on what you're planning to do with it.

[@thebusinessfirm9862]

Hi mate. I clicked your purchase link, but it lead me to a microphone that states it has a noise floor of 18dBA. It has SC400 written on the mic, but this doesn't match the specs in your video. Do you know what's happening there?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I addressed it in other comments. T.bone claims that they made no changes but retested their mics and got new results. I don't buy that because in my studio I can set a microphone to the gain amount that matches the sensitivity and at headphone volume level 72, I can hear the noise floor of any mic above 12dB. I can't hear the SC400 until I turn it up louder. Recording Hacks has info consistent with the current specs but I found them to be different.

[@thebusinessfirm9862]

@@SoundSpeeds perhaps they changed the internals on the more recent units? Not to worry. Do you feel this mic sounds better or worse than the AT2035?

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's a tough call. I still use mine for LIVE streams, Skype and Discord. I tried others including the 3035 but always come back to it. It sounds very good to me the way I use it and at the distance.

[@thebusinessfirm9862]

@@SoundSpeeds thanks mate.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing

[@tk4023]

Very good test, I ordered one. I hope it works with the Behringer Xenyx 1002FX what I have ordered with. :) greetings from Germany

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks for watching and let me know your thoughts!

[@TexpatOTG]

The cost to ship this microphone to Vietnam is 67euros ... more than the cost of the mic. I'd love to buy one, but I can get an Audio Technica 3035 for only a few VND more than the T-bone. Wish that wasn't the case, I'd really like to give it a try.

[@SoundSpeeds]

The 3035 is a much better mic. I'd get the 3035 over the SC400 anyday!

[@TexpatOTG]

@@SoundSpeeds Thanks for that. I will go ahead with the 3035. I can get it cheaper here than a 2020 if silver color doesn't matter ... which it doesn't to me. ... Great shows, I enjoy you channel.

[@SoundSpeeds]

You'll like it better than the 2020 so that's great for you. Thank you for watching.

[@pedroferreira3794]

Would this be suitable for a two person podcast? Let's say two people at a table with the mic in the middle, at a distance of 1 meter max.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Not at all. In your circumstance each person would need a mic but if if each person used one, yes.

[@xcompilations616]

Just found this Mic in My garage

[@SoundSpeeds]

Cool.

[@marcboyer2845]

Ok... now I'm confused. (Superb review by the way Allen, I thank you very much sir). On the T.Bone products website, they list the equivalent noise level at 18[dB(A)]. They also list that same number on the Thomann's purchase website. However, on the spec. sheet from the T.Bone products website, they mention 6.7 [dB(A)], as mentioned by Allen. Hmmmm... what is one to think about this discrepancy ?

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's a great question and one I've answered in the comments. My SC-400 has below 14dB of self noise. I know because with my MixPre-6 headphone volume at 74 and my preamp gain providing gain equal to that of the mic sensitivity, I can hear the self noise of any mic above 14dB(A) in my recording environment. When I gain it up, I still can't. When it was first pointed out to me that the self noise was listed as 18dB(A) I reached out to Thomann who told me they re-measured it and found it was higher. I asked why it was higher before (when Recording Hacks reviewed it) and lower on mine but is now back up. Their answer didn't change. I can only speculate that the mic was changed at some point but then changed back - perhaps due to a component change due to availability or something. Again, my speculation only but that's all I have to go by because my self noise is very low and certainly not 18dB(A) or even above 14dB(A).

[@marcboyer2845]

@@SoundSpeeds Thank you very very very much Allan for your response. Keep up the good work !!!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Will do. Thanks

[@colinmorrison5119]

@@SoundSpeeds I'm wondering if there's some sample variation and you have a good one? It's a big difference!

[@SoundSpeeds]

It is, yes. I'm hoping to learn the answer sometime.

[@0scee]

hey man any chance you can review the MB7 beta as it seems to be a competitor for the sure sm7b

[@SoundSpeeds]

MB7 Beta? I know a Shure MV7 and a 87A Beta but not a MB7 Beta

[@0scee]

Oh sorry forgot to mension its the t.bone mb7 beta

[@SoundSpeeds]

Gotcha.

[@DieterV3]

Does the microphone work with less than 48 volts phantom power?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I haven't tried it but not according to the specs.

[@antoineinniss5586]

Sir, I'm from Trinidad and Tobago , in the Caribbean ...I'm very interested in that t-bone sc_400 .... I'm having issues in contacting thomann....do you still use the microphone ?...I would like to purchase it from you, I'll pay for the mailing/shipping.....or is there an easier way for me to contact thomann, without the stress ....Thank you so much, in advance

[@SoundSpeeds]

Can you not access their website from my link in the description? Can they not sell it and ship to you? Please reply to me via email.

[@kazoo2809]

Can you make video abaut t.bone sc450,1100 and 440 pls

[@SoundSpeeds]

I did try for other mics to review but after my review of the EM9600 and EM9900, they wouldn't reply to my emails. I liked the 9900 but not the 9600 and saying that didn't make them happy I imagine. Here's that review if interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moSamYqFd5p4rNk

[@chtojeetovsezanyali]

what about SCT series? or Retro II? is it worth?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I've never heard them but they're 3X the cost and tube mics so...

[@arash5550]

i wish this mic was avalible every where but i recently discorverd another similar option a condesner mic #cosMik 10# at 100 dollor which has the self noise of 5 db !! which is rare as u know we dont have that many options under 100... unfortunately there is no reviews on the internet about it, do u think its a good mic ? im skeptical about its frequency response... thank u!

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'd have to hear it before I can give you my thoughts.

[@arash5550]

@@SoundSpeeds 🙏🙌

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍

[@EyeOfJanuary]

I really thought that t-bone was like a cheap chinese brand for some reason, never knew that thomann made this :D

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yes indeed. Their house brand.

[@anikxit0607]

Does it also provide us with xlr cord?

[@SoundSpeeds]

The video goes over what it came with at the time of the video.

[@antoineinniss5586]

Sir, I forgot to ask you...does this mic use, or come with a hard mount?.... and if it does , is it a 5/8'' screw bottom, that can fit on to a samson sp04 shock mount...finally, did you figure out, how they were able to get that mic quiet as it is?

[@SoundSpeeds]

No hard case, it's the soft pouch I show in the first minute of the video. It's not a screw bottom and I don't think it has enough room on the bottom to have the SP04 screw to fit over it but could be wrong. I don't own an SP04 or I'd try it for you. The SC400 is extremely quiet but not so low it's mind boggling. The EM9900 shotgun that I reviewed is mind boggling and no, I still have no idea how they did it.

[@antoineinniss5586]

@@SoundSpeeds so you still use them for your productions?...when you write about them, I can sense a kind of "no regrets''

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@antoineinniss5586 I like the size of the SC400. The sound works for me too so whenever I do an episode sitting at my desk, that's what you hear. You can barely see it in the bottom left of my frames. Watch any of my Sound Advice series released after this review and you'll see/hear it.

[@antoineinniss5586]

@@SoundSpeeds ok sir....thanks for your time and info...it really helped me to make up my mind

[@SoundSpeeds]

Glad to help.

[@thebeeflord6551]

I bought this recently along with a u-phoria umc22 for my twitch streaming while i used some eq and stuff to fix the sound i still find it not loud enough.. others too on discord so I have no clue what to do, any ideas?

[@SoundSpeeds]

There's a lot of variables. You can bring up your level in your OS or in Discord.

[@thebeeflord6551]

@@SoundSpeeds both 100% but sadly still not loud but i made it sound wonderful regardless

[@SoundSpeeds]

Great! What did you do?

[@thebeeflord6551]

@@SoundSpeeds Given my voice more color since the mic itself with the interface were really boosting the bass a lot and it was flat so used a compressor in obs and an equaliser to give it more depth and make it sound more natural without losing much of the bass but more like amplifying my mid and high notes.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Well done.

[@ononono7016]

Could you compare it with the Fifine Studio USB Condensator Mikrophone K669?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sorry but no. I don't touch USB mics. Don't like them.

[@ononono7016]

@@SoundSpeeds Too bad but thanks for the reply

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@ononono7016 Yeah, sorry. Fifine had approached me about quite a few mics but the only ones I've reviewed were the K6 and K8. Both I was impressed with.

[@Ninja13400]

fantastic microphone !! but I checked out amazon and I found nothing ...ebay...I found it for over 100 bucks !! I really need one like this ..I'm looking for a budget MIC .

[@SoundSpeeds]

I put a link in the description. That's the best price you'll find it. If you bought two, you could easily sell one and make most of your money back.

[@woabeatz9717]

Get a used ....rode nt1

[@SoundSpeeds]

You certainly can but even a used NT1 could be 4X the price of a new SC400 and depending on what you're doing, you may not see much difference.

[@ellef9331]

Maybe there is another branding offering this model on the international market. It is probably made in Shenzhen and distributed by different companies all over the world. PS: $81 with shipping on thomannmusic.com.

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@ellef9331 I put that link to Thomann's website in the description.

[@TheGuffawMan]

mic 1 is SC and 3 is neewer

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks for participating and watching

[@Josh-sx2lg]

I'm seeing this vid a year late.., so maybe something change, I went to the link, and in The Thomann page the T.Bone sc400 is listed with equivalent noise level of 18 db (A) instead of the 6.7 :( Did something change with it?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I wrote about that in the description. Something must have because I called Thomann and they told me the specs were wrong when they retested it. Mine is certainly much quieter than 18dBA. I know because I can hear down to about 10-11dBA in my studio and I can't hear this one's noise floor. I'm wondering if they changed the components because my friend Ian Craig bought one after watching my review and agrees that the self noise is very low.

[@Josh-sx2lg]

@@SoundSpeeds Thanks for replying back bro, first person that I'm subscribed to that do that in my experience. Yeah, I saw Ian's review and also noticed the amazing noise floor. But yes, I'm a year late :D cause definitely, they must've changed components, cause at that price I was wondering how could they sustained that (I don't know much about engineering, but I guess that it must be kind of expensive to achieve that) If you're able to, could you do a Behringer B1 review, it has been reviewed a lot but not by someone with your expertise. It's quite inexpensive around $99. I'm looking what to buy around that budget.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks for the follow up. Whenever KZbin notifies me of a comment, I reply but they don't always let us know which may be the problem you gave with some people writing you. I'll take a look at the B1 but to be honest, I have a lot of videos in queue right now. At least 8 lined up now.

[@Josh-sx2lg]

@@SoundSpeeds That's ok. I enjoy your videos a lot, we are eager to see what you upload next (now even more with the curfew and quarantine on) Keep up the good work!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you. I have some fun videos coming.

[@dfcx1]

AT3035 and SC400 sound so close I wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

[@SoundSpeeds]

They sound different when you're not listening thru KZbin

[@Whilemadness]

Yo I’m looking for a mic is this a good one cuz idk about mics

[@SoundSpeeds]

It's a very good starter mic especially at that price

[@Whilemadness]

@@SoundSpeeds thx just need a new one my other one is broken

[@MichaelW1980randoms]

It seems they had to up the EIN Statement a lot since your review. It’s now at 18(!!) dB. So that thing is not as noiseless actually.

[@SoundSpeeds]

If you're referring to what is says on RecordingHacks, that was long before my review and I think the one they tested was defective. Following this review I know 4 people that have purchased a SC400 and they are all quiet like mine. If you bought a noisy one, it's defective and should be replaced.

[@MichaelW1980randoms]

I really wished it was that! But alas... No, I am referring to what it says on the Thomann website, as well as the datasheet to get there.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Holy crap! I see what you mean. I'm going to reach out and find out what's up with that.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thomann replied with the following... ---------------- Our product manager replied that we`ve received a note from the factory, that the value of 6.7dBA was wrong. We have changed our Article Description and the Data Sheet accordingly. ---------------- Mine is extremely low noise so I'm wondering what's up.

[@littledictator9421]

do you think it is the best available in thomann's list under 45 euros?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I've only ever heard this one LDC microphone from Thomann but, at the time of this video, it was the only microphone in their line that's under $50. Sorry I don't have better info but I want to be honest.

[@littledictator9421]

@@SoundSpeeds ok, no problem, thanks btw

[@SoundSpeeds]

Sure thing. Thanks for watching!

[@melaniezette886]

My 440 works fine

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍

[@ellef9331]

Fun fact: the SC400 is considered to be decent but not extraordinary good for its price here in Germany (where Thomann is based). Some say that it just another OEM microphone with poor consistency in quality and reliability. However, sounds pretty good compared to the NT1 and AT3035 imo. Maybe a bit boxy, but still pretty good for the price. PS: the way you pronounce Thomann (IPA: thoman) makes me cringe :D

[@SoundSpeeds]

LOL. I did ask my Thomann contact how to properly say it and thought I pronounced it the way he phonetically described. Now I learn I botched it. Sorry dude. It's funny you say that about inconsistency is production because another comment mentioned that RecordingHacks tested the self noise at closer to 20dba than 6.7dba. That's not the case on mine at all. It's something to consider. The boxy sound may be my recording space. You know it's a set, not a booth. ;-)

[@ellef9331]

@@SoundSpeeds Here is how you pronounce it: forvo.com/word/thomann/ Well, perhaps it was tested by someone who did not officially contact Thomann and ask for a mic to review. Preselecting samples for public reviews is common practise after all. I would not expect such a cheap mic to always perform that great. Would be a pretty cost-intensive business model in the long run. The t.bone brand is treated similarly like Behringer in the german audio community: it gets the job done, but never expect a reference performance. But that is just what I have read ... who knows. It might be the reflections of your desk getting through on 180° due to the super-cardioid. Or maybe the resonances of the body / grill (which are hopefully decoupled from the capsule).

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@ellef9331 Good info. The only reflections I observed were when I was talking about the specs. I put that on the screen top point it out. As for the pronunciation. Ok... I botched it. I've never been good at languages.

[@iancraig]

In a British accent, we say ‘Toh mahn’..... but hey, it’s just an accent! I just got one myself and I must say, I was puzzled by the 20dBa noise floor remark because mine is also remarkably low in noise. It’s actually so low that my house is noisier and I can’t easily get it down to the mic level!! Just holding the body puts it up by 20dB or so though. For that price, it is indeed a remarkable mic and also, I found, extremely sensitive, giving a very high output.

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@iancraig I look forward to hearing what you think about it on your channel and how it does in your echoy recording room.

[@PaulSebastianM]

It's Mic 3!

[@PaulSebastianM]

Yes! I got it right! :D

[@SoundSpeeds]

:-) Thanks for watching.

[@SoundSpeeds]

You might like the Masked Mic Series! kzbin.info/aero/PLpPR2HcQu7YLFvXjkxlm8eTP-CRNbVb_Y

[@MouvArt92]

hello, please sc 400 or at2020 ? thank you and good video :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

I prefer the SC400 personally.

[@MouvArt92]

@@SoundSpeeds ok thanks, I'm going to buy the sc400

[@SoundSpeeds]

Let me know how you like it.

[@Average_Archive]

Yo man, how do I turn down the sensitivity of the mic

[@SoundSpeeds]

You don't. It's fixed. Do you mean trim or gain?

[@Average_Archive]

@@SoundSpeeds currently the mic is so sensitive its been able to pick up people walking about 2 rooms away through closed doors but also records a lot of white noise, just wondering if there was a way to stop it picking up so much or if I will just need to completely fortify my recording room to be silent. sorry, thank you aha 🙏🏻

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@Average_Archive It's picking up white noise?!?!?! It's a very clean mic that shouldn't pick up much noise. If you're hearing white noise, the mic may be bad because the noise floor is extremely low and you shouldn't be picking up any of that. Could you record me a sample?

[@MrKornea]

One year later, the equivalent noise level value jumps from 6.7 to 18... (data on the Thomann website)...

[@SoundSpeeds]

Another viewer mentioned that so I contacted them and asked what changed. They told me nothing but they went back and remeasured the specs and found the self noise to be higher. Personally, I don't buy it. I know what 18dB(A) of self noise sounds like in my studio and mine is much lower than that. I can't detect the self noise on mine which means it's below 10dB(A).

[@MrKornea]

@@SoundSpeeds Does it mean that the "new" product with new spec isn't really the same that you tested ?

[@sasaha8389]

audiotechnica at2020 or this mic?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'm not a fan of the AT2020

[@ashmaterial]

Is this still a good microphone under 50 bucks? You said they changed now some functions

[@SoundSpeeds]

The self noise changed but it's still within acceptable levels especially considering the price point

[@ashmaterial]

@@SoundSpeeds would you say lower db like 12 instead of 18 worth spend another 50 bucks or under 50 would be good enough as an xlr mic for this?

[@SoundSpeeds]

What are you using it for? If gaming, the SC400 is fine. If voiceover, it might be OK if you're good at processing but you might look at lower noise options.

[@ashmaterial]

@@SoundSpeeds podcast, streaming and actually sometime voiceover too. something can can do all 3 ok not perfect but ok or good

[@SoundSpeeds]

Then yes. It should be fine. If you run gentle noise removal on it, it'll vanish.

[@samuelcf97]

Has anyone tried the SC400 as Drum Overhead??

[@SoundSpeeds]

I haven't. Sorry. Not a drummer

[@MrFree-vj8qj]

👏👏👏👌

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you. Note the changes in the description

[@l_.f._v4650]

I bought this mic off off craigslist and guy didn't tell me it buzzed I think it has grounding problems

[@SoundSpeeds]

Check the cable. Watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqnRemisq56MmJo

[@Llaammiill]

Has anyone here had a chance to compare it to the AT2020? :) I'm having a hard time deciding between them.

[@SoundSpeeds]

The SC400 is better than the AT2020. Hands down.

[@Llaammiill]

@@SoundSpeeds that sounds amazing :) i will be buying it.

[@SoundSpeeds]

@@Llaammiill It really is a great mic especially for under $50.

[@marcboyer2845]

Oooops... might have found an answer: recordinghacks.com/microphones/t.bone/SC-400 (t.bone’s specification sheet gives the mic’s self-noise at 6.7dBA, which is incorrect. The mic’s self-noise is closer to 20dBA).

[@SoundSpeeds]

I hope you find my reply to your other message in this thread.

[@misogrgic8796]

SC400 or Rode NT-1A?

[@SoundSpeeds]

NT1-A