Beyerdynamic M90 Pro X Review / Test (vs. AT2020, NT1, U87)

Today I review a new microphone the from Beyerdynamic, the M90 Pro X. This mic has a crazy low self noise of only 5.6dBa, it offers a controlled lowend, an even low mid section, and a punch upper mid section with plenty of articulation and detail in the treble and air. It comes with a pretty effective pop filter, and a shock mount that is alright but lets in a bit of rumble.
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00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer
00:27 - Setup
00:50 - What’s in the Box
01:12 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:34 - Specifications
01:58 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:18 - Plosive Test
02:33 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:58 - Background Noise Test
03:17 - Untreated Room Test
03:33 - Shock Rejection Test
03:55 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:15 - Intro to Comparison
04:43 - Neewer NW700 Comparison
05:04 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
05:28 - Neat King Bee II Comparison
05:55 - Rode NT1 Cmoparison
06:19 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
06:50 - Sennheiser MK4 Comparison
07:16 - Shure KSM32 Comparison
07:44 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
08:09 - Music Test
09:34 - Pros & Cons
10:58 - Overall Thoughts
13:00 - Recommendation
14:22 - Outro
#Beyerdynamic #M90ProX #MicReview
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[@maurycy_gnc]

Best reviews ever. Straight to point, relevant tests one after another, no 30 minute intros with history of how microphones were made in 1870. Really rare these days a feel like. I click on the video and immediately I know what I want to know. Awesome

[@user-op2ik9dh3j]

😅in December 1871 John Byerdynamic..

[@Podcastage]

I appreciate that. There are plenty of great mic reviews and the history of mic manufacturers is pretty cool too. I enjoy all of it. The more info, the better. But I'm thrilled that you find value in my videos. Thank you.

[@axelmaldini4218]

Of the hundreds of microphones that you have tested and I have listened to every one of them, this is the one that best suits your voice, the best, the clearest, the most complete and the one that gives your particular voice that 'charm', fantastic microphone! I will buy one now!

[@hjorte.]

I totally agree, Mr Podcastage. It sounds very similar to the Røde NT1. That was immediate for me when you switched.

[@Hablmet]

This mic is very nice, but at its price point I'm a little bit worried about it. You can get an NT1, 440 PURE, WA-47Jr even..depending if you want it for spoken word of course. Love the fact its accessories are pretty effective, too - I'm not used to that.

[@Parklane390]

Beyerdynamic currently has this microphone on sale for $150! Just FYI to everyone!

[@johnnyphoney5669]

I think this mic is amazing for its price. It would prefer it over NT1. NT1 has a bit of harshness somewhere in the high frequencies while this one is pretty smooth and pleasant to hear but has enough of presence at the same time. Works really good with guitars, gives smooth and pleasant tone, treats well that squeaky guitar solo.

[@calebblatz122]

I’m looking at a LDC specifically to track vocals for an upcoming project. The comparison section in this video was incredibly helpful. At first I was like “Oh this is the one!” but then the Sennheiser and the Rode gave me some things to thing about. Thank you

[@rionvalet]

Yesssss!!! The mic that I've been waiting for😭😭😭 FINALLY!! I LOVE YOU & THANK YOUUU!!

[@lixxiq6284]

I bought the mic back in October when beyer launched it and I don't regret it. Great sound.

[@vladlabyrinth6335]

How is it going? Still with you? Do you feel any low end problems, maybe too much of it near the capsule to eliminate room reverberation?

[@APECH62]

Thank you for your amazing and objective reviews :)

[@Rod-Wheeler]

Great Review! I like the sound of the microphone overall!

[@QuantumGamingUploads]

Not the biggest fan of this Mic on how it sounds but each to their own. Always great to see another Mic review from Bandrew

[@JimMcNicholas]

great video Bandrew!!

[@arildoyen8705]

Thanks Bandrew, and nice review. Here's hoping you're able to snag the Worker Bee 2 and Dynacaster for upcoming reviews. The Axino Synergy Core would also be a good review since it's only $400 for a USB modeling mic.

[@sm3656]

This was an incredible demo.

[@kesamek8537]

I don't love very many Beyer products but this one has a special something in the mids that other 'very fine indeed' microphones like NT1 lack. It has life. If you subtracted some of its low end beef it has an engaging mids character not very far away from the ... (ahem) Neumann.

[@kossler]

The mic compliments your voice really well!

[@creative_expressionproductions]

The m90 pro X sounded VERY similar to the Neumann U87 ai!!! Wow!

[@franciscoaguilar9323]

Yes, I agree.

[@creative_expressionproductions]

@@franciscoaguilar9323 the fact that Neumann u87 has 12db self noise and Pro X only 6db self noise is awesome and demonstrates how modern solid state electronics is leaps and bounds ahead of the best state of the art analogue circuitry.!

[@DavidMateos56]

My favourite was actually the beyer. Neat mic

[@craighoward5486]

I am just a spoken word person, and I thought this one sounded fantastic. Up there with the NT1, but I keep going back to the 440 Pure as the mic I *need* (in addition to five other perfectly adequate-to-awesome mics in my locker). Thanks as ever Bandrew.

[@grungefire]

Loved this review. Clear and concise. Would you say this microphone is better than the Bluebird SL?

[@andrewrittenhouse1409]

Can you review and do a comparison of the new Universal audio dynamic mic sd-1 to the Sm-7b and an Re- 20 I’m really interested in hearing what the quality is like at that price point. Thanks dude, love your channel! Keep it up!

[@rohizzy]

@podcastage Hey love your videos and i'd love to see Mk4 comparison vs neumann 102/ 103 or other mics and love your take of which one you like :D cheers

[@officiallyfussy]

That box throw was elegant.

[@hamtaroyt]

God damn this review is actually really good.

[@DWHarper62]

I heard the same thing on the NT1... And once again, the Lewitt is hands down the brightest mic on the planet...

[@godsdominatrix439]

When you were doing the rotation test, the sides and the back didn't sound as different as do on other cardioid mics. Is there a term for that? Is there a term for an outwardly-extended cardioid moving toward omni polar pattern? That's what it sounded like to me.

[@ProVoiceBH]

Best outro ever 🤣👏

[@kyomi8878]

I was wondering if you planned on making a review of the BEACN mic anytime soon?

[@wtulin1970]

I was considering adding a Lewitt for a modern, crisp alternative, as most of my mics are more vintage sounding. The M90 seems similar to the LCT 440, but smoother? More rounded? A mix between the NT1 and the Lewitt? Anyway, you're a damn treasure, Bandrew.

[@ssef3232]

reading comments has really me wondering what people are listening on... so many mics sound baaaad without processing, then, sometimes I fall on one like this one that sounds amazing straight natural...

[@patricksmith4424]

You just cost me 160 uk pounds! OK that was a good deal for this Mike but I purchased it solely on this review. So when I come to use it I will either love or hate you! What really impressed me about the review was how you went back to the beyer after testing each of the other Mikes so you could get a good comparison. I like others, though, thought it was most similar to the rode nt1. They seemed to have a more mellow rounded sound. The others including the mighty u87 appeared to get a bit hissy on the s sounds, maybe it was just me. I was listening through beyer headphones though so maybe there's a bit of manufacturers allegiance going on. Great review thanks.

[@Freez_Izzy]

Sounds good. But KSM32 still a winner IMO.

[@martinjungmusic]

Great video again Is it possible for you to test the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X headphones?

[@Podcastage]

I really don't think that I have the ability to do a proper headphone review 1/1000th as well as the people who review headphones full time. I'd recommend checking out all the awesome headphone reviewers to see if they have reviewed them yet.

[@believe-in-righteousness]

Thanks

[@ricardoprieto6401]

Amazing microphone. Almost as good as the KSM-32. Unfortunately Shure just raised the price of the KSM-32 $100 over the past month.

[@knightsljx]

Hi, would you consider doing a review of the USB-C FiFine K658 dynamic microphone?

[@EDMNATION]

Please make a compare between m90 and m70 ( i know it’s condenser vs dynamic but i think can be good )

[@techmed-rainer]

Danke!

[@godsdominatrix439]

I thought we were going to get UA's answer to the SM7b, the SD-1. But I'll stick around and check out this Beyerdynamic entry!

[@Tarkov.]

Oh boy, I bet Bandrew's gonna get a lot of comments like this.

[@Podcastage]

I preorderd the mic. Whenever I get it I can start using it and then review. I can't review it until it shows up.

[@godsdominatrix439]

@@Podcastage I expect more out of you. I thought you had magic powers, Bandrew.

[@abetong214]

Any plan to review Schoeps in the future ?

[@mycosys]

Bandrew, can you pl do a decent vid for the eE v7? i'm often recommending starter mics, and your vids are a consistent comparison, but the v7 vid is so old it doesnt really fit the format and the old audio qual isnt the same.

[@TUTOSANDROIDtutorialesymas]

This mic handles sibilance so well

[@Hybridsteel]

there a bit more base in ur voice on the beyadynamic but i dont think its worth the extra cash when the other cheaper mics are just as good with a few tweeks on the gain and other settings.

[@franciscoaguilar9323]

As always, the comparison and the review of any microphone is very subjective, due to it depends on the person who listens to each microphone, helped by the headphones he/she uses. To me this Beyerdynamic mic is very similar to the reviewed Sennheiser and Neumann microphones. The Neat King Bee II, Shure KSM-32 and Rode NT1, are in the category with a bass sound microphones.

[@Hugmir]

Damn this song melody was nice.

[@_bea_molina]

the little box dance>

[@gersongomez1085]

Can you do a video on the new universal audio sd-1 mic?

[@ronmaison8690]

Can you please do the Beyerdynamic TGV96C Condenser Vocal Microphone review.Thanks.

[@taylorlimbeck6854]

The MK4 is really impressive in comparison.

[@omgLaven]

Please do a review of Telefunken U47.

[@cristainnn9298]

the mics all sounded similar. maybe my hearing isn't good enough to judge it but hard for me to tell what is better. Even the super expensive one sounded pretty similar to everything else.

[@boihippi]

Any chance of reviewing small condenser microphones.

[@gab_ale]

I liked the Rode.

[@collingnl2105]

What Mic do you recommend for rooms that have no treatment? (in which I'm in currently)

[@PhoctorDill]

Sounds much better than the NT1 in my opinion. The Beyer is just overall more controlled and less harsh

[@one.bleach1349]

okay... the M90 Pro X sound REALLY freaking good going up side by side with the Neumann U87 Ai... like its very close except the Neumann has its lows just a little bit more controlled but im sorry i would get the M90 Pro X anyday over the neumann especially if you know how to eq

[@avg.guy.1012]

This mic fits well with your voice

[@klauth_Yksyn]

Can you review the Neumann u47 FET re issue?

[@homemmoita]

Nice wristwatch!

[@Podcastage]

Thank you kindly. It's been stuck on my wrist for quite some time now.

[@birdscds47]

I noticed that one page displayed (1m32) says it is a super Cardioid and another says it is Cardioid (1m45). It would be nice to know which is it ?

[@thelovebat]

The M90 Pro X does have a decent sound, but I do have to say that the higher amount of resonance as well as the poor off axis and background noise rejection is certainly a strike against it. If you're doing anything other than standard spoken word acting I feel you really have to make sure the room is treated really well for rejecting reverberating sounds and echo, or it'll definitely affect the recording. The shock mount did a good (but not great) job of rejecting noise from the boom arm and the pop filter did a great job with the plosives, so no complaints about that part of the kit. But for the price range I think you can do better than the M90 Pro X as far as the mic goes.

[@eeentertainment7410]

Good day, can you do a review of BOYA M1000? thanks. . .

[@jarwins649]

How does the aged mlx 990 stand up to some of these newer mics?

[@alisongaze]

pretty soon bandrew is going to become the rage against the machine of stickers when writing new songs

[@kennethbailey7105]

*still waiting on the Telefunken TF47 + TF51 reviews* 😓

[@lilianweiss2028]

Amazing review as always, Bandrew! I am time and again amazed at how clearly you show the differences between mics. I agree with the bite and top end from this mic, it reflects the freq response curve and sounds a bit like a "smiley EQ" (compare to u87 which is much more neutral), which is kind of a coloring or fixed processing. To me, this thing is clearly tuned for (hyped) voice, but I think it excells at that and it'll suit many different voices. Agree with the bad noise rejection - you can even hear the flutter echo in your untreated test! One question: Why no comparison to SM-7b? Imho the target group of these two mics is quite similar.

[@joaovij9454]

How do u set up or connect a Peavey mixer with a behringer C_3 please I need ur help

[@gloriafeng1059]

Hi! got my new Beyerdynamic mic and the focusrite 4th gen solo, I notice this mic is really quiet, had to turn the gain all the way. Hmmmm

[@StudioSS313]

Wolfi Gaines, here - Am I the only one who noticed the bass response is greater at 2cm than at 1cm? How? Is that just on paper or does it translate into a real world scenario?

[@godsdominatrix439]

I thought you introduced something new to the music test: namely, a Lenny Kravitz-style riff.

[@vary99]

I don't know why but for me the ksm32 ALWAYS wins in every single comparison video, I need to start saving to get that mic... The beyerdynamic sounds really good tho

[@Podcastage]

The KSM32 has such a sweet top end. I love it.

[@honeste6652]

Oddly, the MK4 sounded the best, aside from the way more expensive U87. As far as this Beyerdynamic, for spoken word, it's a mic. That's about all I can say.

[@cgonzt5636]

Rode NT1 surprisingly sounded good vs the expensive ones 👍

[@Podcastage]

NT1 is a great microphone.

[@vladlabyrinth6335]

Hi! Can you tell which one has less echo catching from the room? @@Podcastage

[@hlcst3345]

do SE Dynacaster!

[@matrixate]

Sounds like the NT1 but I still prefer the NT1. Clearly, you get what you pay for.

[@stupendousmusic4190]

I thought it sounded pretty good, but I'm a Beyerdynamic fanboy. I'm put off that it is made in China though. Please review the Beyerdynamic TG I51.

[@poalotesta7743]

I don't know, I think for more $$$ I'ed probably stick with another SM7B for my guests and the podcast, then use my Sennheiser 416 for every other narrative/voice over work. Granted both these mics are limited in there utilitarianism, so something like this is probably better from a usefulness point of view.

[@badmiddens]

Here we are, two years later, and it's 149 bucks on Amazon. I happened to have a 75 dollar gift card on my account so, yeah, I just snagged it today. I think it's going to be that wee little bit smoother mic than my NT1 I've been looking for.

[@St.PierreProductions]

How are you liking it? I want to go from NT1 to this one as well

[@18CC]

what about the axino ?

[@adwil8175]

Bandrew, I don't quite understand your objection to treble. I listened to the NT1 comparisons several times. I have the opposite impression - the NT1 has a bit more sibilants. Yes, the sibilants in Beyerdynamic are audible here, but they are not irritating and do not sting your ears. There is a velvety in this microphone typical of the best German microphones.

[@andyng38]

NT1 user here, and I agree with you. Short-listing the Beyerdynamic :)

[@bestkoreanjesus]

Finally! Lol just kidding. I been wondering about this. thank you

[@Thecando]

I liked the mk-4 and NT1. For some reason this Mic sounds…. Boxy maybe? Processed? FYI, listening with head phones and max youtube definition. Great review as always Bandrew :)

[@axelmaldini4218]

Boxy?

[@davep4831]

The M90ProX sounded a bit "boxy" to me as well . Listening through my set of venerable MDR7506 headphones, I thought I was listening to a dynamic mic. In fact, I had to go back and check the earlier displayed tech detail sheet to learn it is in reality, a condenser. To me there are better ways to spend mic money.

[@ROBOTRIX_eu]

..i don't know if you had time, to noticed recently RODECaster Pro updates.. multitrack, direct transfers.. I have an idiotic question.. what happens if i turn phantom power on with my podmic?

[@TUTOSANDROIDtutorialesymas]

Probably nothing, i think the podmic is dynamic so not really and issue there

[@ROBOTRIX_eu]

@@TUTOSANDROIDtutorialesymas thxs!

[@TUTOSANDROIDtutorialesymas]

@@ROBOTRIX_eu 👍

[@DimebagDarrenLowe]

Presonus boxes are great to throw, just sayin'

[@matthewcebrian]

So 😈 for that mustache.

[@tsmpungose1986]

The Ksm32 made every mic on here sound inferior to me, controlled lows and mids, good top end that's not too distracting to the ear.

[@billlord4203]

On voice, there is something about the low mids on this one I don't like. They sound too forward and unnatural. I personally prefer almost all the other mics (minus the Neewer and AT2020) to the M90 on voice. That said, I did like it on both electric and acoustic guitar, but I don't need to spend that much money to get a guitar mic sound I like. I will pass. Thanks, Bandrew

[@techmed-rainer]

At this price I would prefer the Sennheiser MK4 a lot over the Beyerdynamic M90 Pro X. As I said before, Iˋm quite disappointes by this mic. To many weeknesses and I personally didn´t like how it sounded with your voice.

[@Tarkov.]

Bandrew I'm really upset, you're wearing a different colored hoodie in the "what's in the box" segment and it totally threw off my immersion.

[@freen773]

is this the first feature of a nato strap?

[@Podcastage]

I must have worn a nato before, but the first time this watch has been featured on a nato. ha.

[@freen773]

@@Podcastage ah damnit, thought i would've spotted it if it was shown prior. the rivets are just more easily spotted i suppose :D terrific taste btw! A video about your connection to watches may be something for your second channel who knows

[@Podcastage]

@@freen773 I have a few videos about it. Here’s one and I’ll edit to add the second. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6jTpnSpZbFld7M kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipe0ZYdnopJondE

[@kurtralske4026]

Beyerdynamic is my very favorite mic company, I could not live without their M160, M201, M88. Having said that, this M90 is simply too bright for me. I know; it’s a condensor, and it does sound quite a bit like their M740, which I used to own. But…they’re called Beyer DYNAMIC. for a reason. I stick to their dynamic mics.

[@gripsPROD]

you were supposed to wear byerdynamic headphones on this review

[@christianbenavidesmonteneg6267]

150$ now in amazon is the best option now?

[@cesar_castelanMX]

It is. I ordered it today and look forward to it on Monday. I cannot wait no more to record with this mic, even this one's my first, let's keep making magic!

[@sebastiancano3442]

@@cesar_castelanMX I also bought it, and instantly loved it, the first time it worked perfectly, the next day it wasn't :( had to return it, now I'm really upset 'cause I dont have any other options as good as this one

[@ShawnMilo]

I liked the M90 ProX more than all the mics up to the KSM32, which sounded as good or better. Compared to all the previous mics, the M90 Pro X had more low-end which flatters your voice, and less sibilance than all of them. The KSM32 sounded a bit different, but still great. As much as I try, I can't hear $3k in the U87 ai. It never sounds noticeably better than the other mics in the comparisons.

[@DWHarper62]

You need better monitoring then...

[@youssoubarro1671]

You right 3k for the u87 AI it's way too much

[@one.bleach1349]

@@DWHarper62 uhhhh no. I have a well treated studio with flat monitors, pretty flat IEM's and headphones ECT and the differences in the Neumann is NOT night and day what so ever. it's a great mic 100% but definitely not worth 3000... your straight up just paying for brand name at this point.

[@DWHarper62]

@@one.bleach1349 The dude said he didn't think it was noticeable when it clearly does sound better. Therefore he needs better monitors or better ears. I know the Neumann is very expensive, but the price was not the point, it was the sound...

[@qwertydesigns2485]

yo, im early

[@techmed-rainer]

Well, taking into account the price of this microphone and being made by Beyerdynamic Iˋm quite disappointed.

[@andytolmaci6756]

I prefer MK4 and LCT 440 ...brighter, clear mids

[@savy1638]

Does it come with a XLR cable?

[@Podcastage]

Did I mention an XLR cable in the "what's in the box" section? It starts at 00:50 and I have the timestamps so you can find that information you're looking for as easily as possible.

[@Fava42]

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