Comparing 3 budget small diaphragm condenser microphones, for recording dialogue

[@patrikhafstrom8954]

I think I will go for NT5 as I think it’s the most balanced of the three. The SE8 is way to low and dark in its sund.

[@freshlymindful]

Thumbs up just for using Jabberwocky! :)

[@DonaldMerrit]

My humble opinion is exactly opposite I thought the SE was brittle in the top end. The nt5 sounded the best but it picked up more mouth noises. The m5 is more neutral but had clarity across the frequencies and better rejection of mouth noises.

[@bennettshapiro7711]

I thought the M5 sounded the most neutral. But I liked the SE8 for overall character.

[@GeorgijusPavlovas]

Why is the SE8 so much noisier than the RODE in your test?

[@BigDogChannel]

I think I would have chosen the NT5 out of these 3. The SE8 had a good sound, but seemed to introduce a good bit of noise that the others didn’t. Did you do any processing of the audio? Cheers.

[@moomamedia5414]

Hi Big Dog. I didn't process the audio. I'm inclined to agree with you that the SE8 seems a little noisier than the NT5; though TBH the Focusrite Scarlett preamps aren't the quietest in the world, which doesn't help either mic. I can live with a little noise as I tend to gate audio in post on my videos. Other users may well find this a bridge too far, however, particularly if using them for something like drum overheads. Take care.

[@TheSnufking]

How is that even possible? NT5 has a self-noise of 16 dB, while the SE8 is 13 dB. Something has gone wrong with the recordings or microphones.

[@moomamedia5414]

@@TheSnufking There could be differences between the two mic preamps on my audio interface, or even between the two mic cables I was using (even though they’re identical, in theory). However, published performance specs for electronic devices are often arrived at differently, using different measurement standards and different measuring methods. For example, I have a Line 6 guitar amp, rated at 120 watts, that is reasonably loud, but I also gave a Mesa Boogie guitar amp, rated at just 22 watts, that would rip the skin off your face if used irresponsibly. So, I’d surmise this could also be part of the issue in this case.

[@dfcx1]

SE8 sounds audibly louder to me so chances are the gain is set a bit higher, amplifying more of the ambient noise or the noise inherent to the microphone. Ambient noise levels might also have changed between recordings. Lastly, mics are differently susceptible to environmental factors such as humidity so even just the weather might change their relative noise performances.

[@cheekbone4554]

@@dfcx1 100% its just ambient noise being picked up

[@PeterMossUkulele]

I enjoyed this. You deserve many more subscribers. Peter.

[@mpireoutdoors5274]

Found quite useful. Excellent selection of test dialogue. The NT5 sounded best to me on first listen with the SE8 seeming to have the same profile with a higher self noise.

[@phoenixrising1576]

I've read this quite often that se8 has higher noise than advertised.

[@yourforeignlocal]

@@phoenixrising1576 Nice these comments have awoken me to the reality that noise could occur at different frequencies- some of which are more audible to our ears, even at similar loudness levels

[@fernandomarsal6268]

​@@yourforeignlocalIt dependes also in the way you hear. Sometimes I use the cellphone, others a small sound system. Differences are incredibile.

[@iam-music]

On mmedia playback here...the se was a bit tubby/wooly. The nt5 was def clearer and more connected

[@pikachuthegayatheist6215]

The SE8 seems to have a lot of ambient noise, this is the same problem that I have with my Audio-Technica AT875R when I run it through the DBX 286. I tried to fix this issue but every single time I do it decreases the volume to the point where you can't hear anything from the microphone, you can adjust the compressor, but it doesn't really change much because of the type of microphone that you're recording with. The same problem does not exist within frame microphones like the Rode NT1.

[@davidhodgin8900]

try using a gate

[@MarkShawMedia]

the point is, the se8 advertise a false noise floor rating. I have a pair and will be returning for the nt5s because the noise is pretty bad@@davidhodgin8900

[@nealyoung611]

I found this review to be very helpful. If I understand correctly you use these mics in tandem with boom mic as backups or vise versa. Id love to know more about how you physically set this up as well as the gear involved. (booms and recorders etc) I would like to get away from using lavalier mics for similar reasons but am not 100% about the best way to set it all up. Thanks!

[@mustafaunsoy]

There is too much room sound and reverb, so the boost of NT5 in high frequencies makes it more intelligible. However with proper close miking SE8 is much better, rich and full sounding.

[@technologycheckpoint7688]

Good comparation and very helpful

[@rafapucpr]

Hi, great comparison! Please, which microphone are you using in this video?

[@pixelwash9707]

I liked the NT5, the first and third sounded muffled, maybe boomy.

[@SanjoyDasGuitar]

I like NT5 ,,, very balanced, I have got a noise from SE8 .

[@cheekbone4554]

That would be from his room being noisey / it picking it up I'm assuming

[@grassrunner7983]

El cheapo sounded good to me. I'd rather have the short Deity S mic 2S. It's supposed to have lots less reverb like the small condensers

[@goingnowere101]

Can small diaphragm mics be used in the glyn John’s technique? Great video by the way, bought the se electronic se8s

[@moomamedia5414]

For the overheads I'd say yes, but you'd probably need something else to get the guts from the kick drum.

[@goingnowere101]

@@moomamedia5414 cool thank you

[@JohnDoe-fu4qd]

how did you deal with noise of the nt5?

[@VincentGilligan]

Great job on the comparison. You have my Sub. Keep it up

[@moomamedia5414]

Cheers Vince. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@elena_berlant]

thank you!

[@vikingblast3582]

Very helpful… thank you!!!

[@mikesmith1290]

Rode NT5 matched pair for 275 pounds? Shit! I should have bought mine before inflation. I just picked up the matched pair set for $475. (Unless your talking about the price for a single mic)

[@gabrielrosmeteniuc4967]

Very helpful your video

[@AAAeahadle]

I like nt5 >m5>se8

[@arrowintheknee9956]

Borogoves not borogroves :)

[@MarkShawMedia]

Dude, I appreciate the video, but for sake of gaining an audience...cut out the first 5 minutes of the video and GET to the POiNT ;)