Unfair Yet Eye-Opening: Small Condenser Mic Comparison - $250 Russian Made vs Incredibly Cheap

[@shivambulsara8509]

*Me trying to sleep at 3 AM.* *My Brain* : "Dig deep within yourself. For there is a fountain of goodness everready to flow if you will keep digging."

[@shivambulsara8509]

You forgot to say, *"Thank you for making this comparison video."*

[@ChrisSpiegl]

@@shivambulsara8509 sooooo many times. And it’s going to continue. Just did some lavaliere tests with the same quote 🙈.

[@shivambulsara8509]

@@ChrisSpiegl Yes, Just kidding brother! But thanks for this video! I was looking for a good comparison and this did it for me 👏

[@ChrisSpiegl]

@@shivambulsara8509 nice, I appreciate your comment here. 👍

[@bulkvanderhuge9006]

I bought the Behringer C-2s, I figured that 2 Pencil Condenser Mics for $60 was OK, because if they were terrible, I'm only out $60, rather than a $150 - $250+. I'm pleasantly surprised by them, they are really good mics for the cost. I started having a 'ungrounded" 60hz buzzing problem with one of them, but all it took, was unscrewing the top of the mic, and reinserting it, and screwing it back on firmly, and the Ground 60hz buzz was gone.

[@ChrisSpiegl]

This makes me delighted. I think it's important to find the best mic for budget, use-case, and stage in your creator journey. Happy creating.

[@ElIngenieroInversor]

I started doing the same kind of research (already 2 weeks checking mics). You saved me the next week of work. Thanks! Very good series of videos, and good luck on KZbin!

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Thank you very much. I am so glad this was helpful for you 🌸. Good luck on your search for the perfect mic.

[@kamilrakowski23]

Bravo!! Great comparison.T bone sounds great for the price. There is another microphone worth mentioning. Behringer b5. It is twice as expensive as c2 (3 euro more than one sc140), only one in box, but two capsules. The difference is huge. Not many people use it, but it is a really great microphone. I use two, not only for dialogue, but also ambient sound like engine, motorcycle, nature etc. The noise level is its greatest advantage. It works really great with low frequencies and high spl. Because of that and the price i generally prefer b5, compared to oktava, but each of them has slightly different characteristics and dialogue sounds different so it's a matter of personal preference and your voice. Cons: The phone frequencies are really bad on any behringer mic, including the b5.

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Thank you for your insights here. I love when someone from the community adds to my videos. If I'd be looking for another mic, I'd definitely also check out the Behringer B5. It's absolutely remarkable to think what you can get for the price. Truly.

[@ibro_47]

I was actually shook when I found out you had 2.46K subs! You honestly deserve 100 times more. That was a top notch review, straight into the point, very detailed and objective. Danke!!!

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Thank you, I appreciate this a lot. I have seen good growth over the past year and am really happy about that. 2021 will be good 🌸.

[@photosbyjosef]

Totally awesome excellent review and comparative analysis. You did a great job on letting us hear for ourselves the differences between these microphones. Thank you for your hard work.

[@ChrisSpiegl]

I appreciate your comment here, thank you 🌸. I am glad it was useful for you.

[@NicoleReiher]

How fascinating! I am not that type of tech nerd but the difference between them is significant 🤯 thank you for your time to figure all this out! 🙏

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Thank you - it’s definitely fascinating and I am so glad I did all these tests. Now I just hope they are helpful for tones of people as well. 🌸😅

[@atytyanik]

Difficult to disagree there. Oktava sounds rich and natural to me, while t bone being the second. Re phone test i’m curious if you used identical cables for the mics. Their quality could impact measurements I suspect. And also why didn’t you go with a lav mic? Isn’t it a good choice when there is not much acoustic treatment and you don’t want your mic to be in frame?

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Love your input on this. The cables… true that that could also be part of it. They are indeed a bit different (as visible in the other tests, and the cables used in the RF test were similar). However, it's two of each cable. About lavalier mics: 1) I don't really love them 2) it would be in the shot. If you are interested, there are more mic comparisons on my channel and I find that the bigger mics and especially looking at the SDC Mics here just sound much fuller and better. Mic type comparison: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIPdoJhpqtxqiK8

[@bodesund]

I do think you are a bit biased towards the more expensive microphones. I would choose Behringer every day after viewing this test. The difference is, in my ears, minimal and the Behringer gives you the most bang for the buck. I know that this was not the purpose for this video but it would be interesting to see how the Behringer performs on a stage during live recordings.

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Thank you for your thoughts. I agree - the bias is definitely part of my decision. I also remember that the t.bone was incredibly impressive to my ears (and at the time, I didn't know that there are actually other versions of that one with other pickup patterns). The Behringer… I would not chose. I heard the difference in my local WAV files pretty intense and didn't like it. But at last: it's absolutely mind blowing to think how much bang you get for your buck at that price point. I appreciate your understanding that this was not the environment which I tested. I hope you can find the test recordings you are looking for 🌸.

[@atomtan6107]

Did you even listen to the noise floor?

[@bartolocasanova]

The noise on the behringer and the neewer was definitely noticeable thanks!!

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Glad to help!

[@DICARLOPRODUCTIONS]

I have the Oktava MK 012´s, and use them in my studio as well as live onstage. I use them mainly for drum overheads, I´ve had 5 x engineers at live gigs offer to buy them. :) Great mics!!! :)

[@DICARLOPRODUCTIONS]

The Oktava MK 012´s sound just as good as the Neumann 184´s, at 1/4 of the price!!!! :)

[@liamfoxobrien]

this is a really great serious.. thanks for providing it!

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Glad you like it! And I hope it will help you get the right mic for your use case 🌸.

[@tjayweekes3880]

To my ears, the difference between the octavia and t bone were negligible and due to the massive price contrast, I would go for the t bone. It's only £35 on thomann (single mic)

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Absolutely, I would also recommend the T.Bone - and later actually found out that they also have different versions with various capsules. So that's also something you can get if you need those.

[@limebulls]

@@ChrisSpiegl0:45 which mic did you end up using for your use case?

[@greenman8625]

Wow! Oktava gives a stunning presence effect

[@ChrisSpiegl]

I think so too!

[@generalcontrol]

I wish every reviewer on youtube were German so that they all be made this meticulously. Vielen Dank!

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Haha - thank you. I appreciate that. 😅

[@chjadam]

Alle Einschätzungen kann ich teilen.Habe allerdings das Leewitt LCT 040 Match im Test vermisst

[@DavidMaximMicic]

idk why, but I have this immense urge to dig deep within myself, for there's a fountain of goodness ever ready to flow if I will keep digging... after watching this video :)

[@ChrisSpiegl]

I think that is a good thing 🌸.

[@Bass-dude]

Funny how I found that the difference between mics almost disappeared at the 1 meter distance. I'm 60, so my ears are not to be trusted. However, your results gives me the idea to use the c-2 for drum overhead. Hr. Spiegl,- you make great videos!!

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Some interesting points and thank you for your comment. I appreciate that. Have fun with the C-2 🌸.

[@redheadsg1]

Thank you for making this video. You are the only one who made a test how these kind of mic sound 1 meter away which was the only thing that i was interested in. For my case, i want to have a mic around 50-70 cm away, mounted on a camera behind monitor (out of video frame) and after watching this video, i am bit skeptical in buying this kind of mics. Also am not huge fan booming mic above me since i don't want the mic to pick up keyboard sounds and mouse klicks.

[@ChrisSpiegl]

As you probably know, I am using the Oktava MK012 and I kinda boom it toward my chest. I think it works pretty great… but to minimize the picking up of keys, I would suggest using a dynamic mic (Shure SM7B / Shure Beta 58a / etc…). However, then of course, the mic will be clearly visible in the video frame.

[@Trottelheimer]

Thank you for this nice series of mic reviews. I'll probably get the stereo set of t-bone SC 140 for my budget drum overheads 👍

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Sounds like a great plan 👍.

[@ahriik]

Worth noting that the Behringer C-2 actually uses a cardioid capsule, not a hypercardioid. I know the symbol printed on the capsule suggests otherwise, but that seems to just be an error on Behringer's part.

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Thanks for the correction. I don't quite remember if I thought as much when I was making the video… I probably looked at the listing on Thoman.de but was also confused by the labeling on the mics.

[@photo-markus]

For your voice, Tbone is the best. I have ordered Tbone!

[@danielpool2039]

I only watched the first 15 minutes. Did he ever compare the mics? Which one sounded the best?

[@ChrisSpiegl]

You can check the chapter markers to jump to the places you care more about. ☺️

[@mrespinosa7479]

Das ist Ja Toll This is beyond everything i´ve ever seen, such an amazing job, cheers from mexico, also, im learning german could you recommend me audio youtube channels from germany?

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Hi, that's awesome. Thank you for your comment. I'm happy this video was helpful for you. In terms of German channels… if you would like to learn Yoga and German at the same time, I could suggest the channel by my partner @NicoleReiher (kzbin.info). Cheers and have a great day 🌸.

[@dankelly]

Great video, thanks. I think I'm going to get the Oktava now. I was wondering what kind a shock mount would you use with it? (If it was available on Amazon, even better.)

[@ChrisSpiegl]

That's awesome. I love mine still - using it with pretty much every video. The shock mount I am using at the moment is the Røde Mic Suspensions SM4-R, SM3-R, or the pistol grip (depending on need): crsp.li/RodeSuspension I personally use the one with the cold shoe (SM4-R - crsp.li/RodeSM3R) because I also have these mounts on all kinds of mini tripods and overhanging systems for lights and more). I have noticed that I have to remove some wobbly low frequencies quite often (in the lower 75Hz range). But that's something that is easily fixed with EQ and I am pretty sure that it's mainly because I have the mic mounted on my standing desk with an arm. Hope that helps and happy recording 🌸.

[@dankelly]

@@ChrisSpiegl Thanks! The SM4R looks perfect. I'm setting up a home studio for KZbin (talking head type) videos, so I'll have it (semi-permanently) mounted on a boom arm.

[@ChrisSpiegl]

​@@dankelly Perfect, that's a great idea. For me it is similar. It's on my overhead arm. But I like to be able to switch things around and that's why I have little cold shoe mounts on everything for these light weight things like mics and the Aputure MC lights. Are you starting out with KZbin or do you have a channel already active? Please feel free to share it, I'd love to check it out 🌸.

[@jeffbridges6110]

nice video. I use the C-2 for overheads hat and ride cymbals

[@joecoleman288]

How's that working out? Just bought them - too good of a deal. Haven't used them yet.

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Good choice!

[@alphanumeric1529]

Octavia is defo noisier than the t.bone, both in the lows and in the highs.

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Thank you for your input. I was genuinely blown away by the t.bone actually. It’s super impressive.

[@nikolawesthemkg]

Hey Chris. Great video. One question. I work as an online teacher and I have live lessons. I would like a boom mic, outside of the frame that rejects room noise. I have dogs barking in the front yard all the time. Would OKTAVA be a good choice for my situation or would you recommend something else? I want best balance of good sound and noise rejection. Thanks brother.

[@ChrisSpiegl]

This is something you really have to test or use a different type of microphone. Sure, the Oktava would be one that I'd test in this case, especially when you look at the capsules that direct the pickup pattern toward the front. But you may still run into issues depending on how loud the dog's barking actually is. Generally, there are microphones from the broadcast world (definitely not out of frame) which may provide you with the best quality of sound and isolation… but then we are talking about something completely different.

[@meditemoscl5019]

Hello it’s Jorge from Chile. I’m doing classes and I need a mic to pick up the voices of students inside the class when they ask a question. Is it better a shotgun Mic or a small condenser one?. Students are about 5 meters away from de mic. Thank you

[@elias_nif]

You helped me s lot ! thank you very much :)

[@ChrisSpiegl]

That's always the best kind of comment. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to watch and comment 🌸.

[@juanselobo]

great videos! what is your opinion on the Rode M5?

[@robertfontaine3650]

When doing the t.bone compare wouldn't it have been more appropriate to use the t.bone EM 700 super cardioid for dialogue?

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Indeed, that looks like it would have been a great one for this comparison - especially since the capsules would have been a better fit. However, I didn't know about the EM 700 at the time. Looking it up now, I assume it would have similar characteristics as the Oktava MK 012 since the t.bone I compared was so dang close and high quality. The price on the EM 700 though - pretty unbelievable and definitely something one should check out and try.

[@robertfontaine3650]

@@ChrisSpiegl I've got my heart set on a couple of Oktavas with the idea that if I buy a couple of PCB's from Russell Technologies they are pretty much a one-and-done mic for my kit. The modular capsules, the existing user base, and the parts kits make this really appealing BUT the t.bones would more than likely do the interior dialog for way less money.

[@photo-markus]

NT 5 Rode doesn’t fit in the same category???

[@HeathcliffBlair]

Useful tests. Thanks.

[@kenyontech]

Great set of videos in this series. I wonder where the Samson CO2 fits in this lineup.

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Great question, sadly I don't have an answer for this. At the time I was unable to get my hands on the C02

[@casiopea1979]

Excellent job👏👏 I'd like to listen to them miking instruments tho

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Thank you. And in regards to instruments, that's not my area of expertise so you'll probably have to find someone else for those samples 🌸.

[@casiopea1979]

Nevertheless your video helped me to get a general idea of the SC 140's tone in front of the oktava's, so thank you! Would you be interested in testing the Sontronics STC-1 / 10? It's in the same price range as the oktava so would be interesting to listen to those three

[@ChrisSpiegl]

@@casiopea1979 That's awesome that these videos where helpful for you. About the Sontronics STC-1 / 10… if you can provide one or know someone who can; I'd be happy to test it against the Oktava MK-012 and it's capsules. However, for now I am done buying mics for testing purposes so I'll not get it unless it is sent to me for review.

[@JoseCorrea]

I am seeing that you mentioned they come in 'Stereo kit' I am quite newbee in this audio world, so here comes my question: can I any use the Tbones to record 2 people interview? each one using a mic? Thanks!

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Yes, that would be possible.

[@munjelo1]

Oktava is a king!!!

[@ChrisSpiegl]

In this comparison, it sure is. I love mine.

[@munjelo1]

@@ChrisSpiegl for that money is bestbuy!!!

[@ChrisSpiegl]

@@munjelo1 well, I would say the best value for money would probably be the t.bone - I actually was considering to keep that one as well as the Oktava. But at the end I’m going to save up for a second Oktava at some point for those sweet stereo recordings.

[@helmutczernik]

netter vergleich! wenn du von hinten in das mikro sprichst ist in deiner situation die reflektion von der wand vor dir der größte faktor, die tatsächliche aufnahme von deiner stimme von hinten in das mikro wäre nur realstisch wenn du keine reflektionen von der wand hast. sonnst bin ich ganz bei dir.

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Danke für das Feedback. Darüber werde ich das nächste mal mit nachdenken. 👍

[@thekidthatshoots]

The oktava really sold me

[@ChrisSpiegl]

When reviewing these microphones, it was crazy for me to hear the differences. The Oktava really out did all the others.

[@anyuisbjoern]

Can you use such microphones outdoors?

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Of course, you can. But I honestly have not tested that use case for myself. These mics are not as directional as a shotgun mic which may actually be better suited (depending on your job). But I would try these outdoors if I get a chance. Right now though - not much to capture for me outside since it is freeeeeezing where I live 🙈.

[@georgefenning4844]

Have you tried the Rode M5 pair?

[@MoElf]

The zoom f6 not cheap 🧐

[@ChrisSpiegl]

That is very true. But you don't have to buy the F6 when using these mics, you can do the same with the H5 - but the sound will just not be as clean as with the F6. However, the mics are really incredible. I find especially the t.bone series is pretty incredible. There are also other versions of the t.bone which have different characteristics. But look into it, they may be a great fit for your use case.

[@AnomieDomine]

​@@ChrisSpieglis the H5/H6 good enough to pick up the nuance? I'm not sure when I'd use these but if the microphone isn't the noise limit I'd be curious to buy the Behringer just to try

[@randyking3691]

You can get mics and other gear sent to you at the Thomann web site.

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Not sure what you are trying to tell me with that? Thomann is a store and yes, you can buy stuff there. I have links to them in my descriptions 🌸.

[@randyking3691]

@@ChrisSpiegl They ship to the USA. You said you didn't know if you can get the mics in the USA and if anybody knew to get back to you.

[@randyking3691]

And that was a good video.

[@ChrisSpiegl]

@@randyking3691 nice, I am a German customer so that’s why I wasn’t sure. I guess shipping is a bit expensive though? And thank you. I appreciate the compliment for the video. 😊

[@randyking3691]

@@ChrisSpiegl Shipping to Canada for the SC 140 was about $70.00 but it's still better than paying for the big names that we do have stores for locally.

[@mariuszgonczewski5865]

i did paused this video to disagree with you, idk why you do prefer muffled bassy booming sound over the C2 detailed not boomy sound, this is the first thing i am trying to eliminate in my microphones the untreated room boomines which you seems to like, on a 15" subwoofer i does not sound good at all where oktave seems to shine is the room acoustic rejection on bigger distance, but tbh i actually prefer the c2 close distance sound did you used headphones to listen back to this or you have speaker to hear the low FQ?

[@ah.l]

tbone all the way

[@vmtz2001]

Acoustics come first, mic second!

[@MoElf]

Hi I am here

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Nice 🌸.

[@CaeSharp]

Collab with Julian Krause by covering different material.

[@ChrisSpiegl]

What do you mean? Please elaborate .🌸

[@ply6921]

No way to compare noise floor, I'm afraid. It is so important how a mic exposes silent, not only never ending stream of words.

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Sorry you did not find all you were looking for. Was this not enough: 17:37 Sound Sample: Noise Floor / Silence

[@datawizardworld]

Please be concise, cut out the fluff and reduce your video down to 10 minutes. I ran out of patience listening to it.

[@ChrisSpiegl]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@sonuthippesh4383]

Talk less work more

[@resulkelbecerli6923]

💙❤💚👍👍👍🤝🤝🤝🙏🙏🙏

[@ChrisSpiegl]

🌸

[@johnwhite5818]

I am not supporting anything Russian as of now.

[@petrarapta29]

Why?

[@ronjames-music]

Why?

[@vmtz2001]

This product is already in the country anyway

[@vmtz2001]

@@petrarapta29 I don’t know, ask the relatives of the innocent civilians slaughtered, raped and tortured in Ukraine