Earthworks SR314 Condenser Mic Review / Test (Compared to SM58, MTP 940 CM, KMS105)

Today I review a handheld condenser microphone with one of the best mid sections I’ve ever heard; the Earthworks SR314. The mids are neutral, the lows are controlled, and the top end are detailed and revealing. The mic suffers from plosives, but handles background noise and handling noise like a champ, and it’s built like a tank and made in the USA.
HQ Audio Of Review: podcastage.com/rev/sr314
Buy the Earthworks SR314
Amazon: geni.us/sr314
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/NZQm2
Buy the Pop Filter Used (Stedman Proscreen 101)
Amazon: geni.us/ps101
Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/k6g4d
00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer
00:54 - Setup
01:11 - What’s in the Box
01:35 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
02:12 - Specifications
02:32 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:54 - Handling Noise Test
03:05 - Plosive Test
03:16 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:32 - Background Noise Test (Keyboard Test)
03:49 - Untreated Room Test
04:01 - Microphone Bump Rejection Test
04:16 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:31 - Cupping The Mic Test
04:48 - Shure SM58 Comparison
05:33 - Lewitt LCT940 CM Comparison
06:03 - Neumann KMS105 Comparison
06:44 - Music Test
07:23 - Pros & Cons
08:39 - Overall Thoughts
10:21 - Recommendation
11:06- Outro
Subscribe For More Videos: kzbin.info?su...
Become a Member: / @podcastage
My KZbin Setup: podcastage.com/studio
My Favorite XLR Mics: podcastage.com/rev/favxlr
My Favorite USB Mics: podcastage.com/rev/favusb
Check the Frequently Asked Questions: podcastage.com/faq
Vote For What You Want Reviewed: podcastage.com/vote
NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): If you purchase an item using my amazon link, it provides me a small referral fee. For more info check my FAQ page links below.
Check Out This Stuff TOO:
Website: www.podcastage.com
Giveaways: podcastage.com/giveaways
Discord: www.podcastage.com/discord
Merch: podcastage.com/store
Company Relationship Disclosure: podcastage.com/disclosure
Personal: www.bandrewscott.com

[@alexe8375]

Most beautiful microphone ever made in my opinion. It’s like a piece of Art Deco sculpture

[@Tazmanian_Ninja]

Seen the SV33 they also make? After I saw it yesterday, I think I'll cry myself to sleep every night for the foreseeable future, as it's prohibitively expensive, especially in Europe. Hence I'm here looking at the more affordable SR314:) It is indeed elegant.

[@curtisjudd]

@@Tazmanian_Ninja That SV33 might be the best sounding vocal microphone I've ever heard!

[@Podcastage]

That’s been on my radar for a while. Don’t encourage me Curtis!

[@curtisjudd]

@@Podcastage Bandrew, have you heard sample audio from this microphone? Oh my. (of course, do NOT buy it on credit, save up for it.) 🤓

[@curtisjudd]

@@Podcastage Also, let's please keep in mind that you just last week talked me into ordering a Rupert Neve Design Shelford Channel. Just sayin'.

[@ComposingGloves]

The off axis rejection had me floored. This mic sounds like it is worth the price!

[@andrewwhitehouse1878]

All these Earthworks mics are fantastic, thanks so much for reviewing them all, I slept on Earthworks for a while because all the hype is for German LDCs, but these are FANTASTIC, I want to buy THEM ALL!

[@Effect2o]

Awesome!! I was SO looking forward to your testing and opinion on this mic. I see it ALL over and didnt know if it was magical or something. Thanks for sharing.!

[@leonardfpurba]

Just got amaze for this mic build. This mic have an Art Build, just Wow! Like usual, the best person on earth for microphone review🤘

[@michaelsi6770]

omg it sounds so good, my ears are crying in happyness, i want this thing right now

[@Josh-sx2lg]

Amazing one. That would be perfect for Podcasting and radio, I love using condenser on radio show, but they pic up so much, this one sounds like a good option.., Good rejection and amazing sound and detail. Love the cameo appearance of the U67 sitting on the right on the screen (to your left)..., really looking forward for that review!!

[@YuiHisaishi]

I have the earthworks microphone and I adore it! This is the best overview I have ever seen, you're straight to the point, consistent and tested things that people wouldn't normally consider! Wish I saw this review when I was considering this purchase =D (though, I still would've bought it any way! LOL) My one concern with this mic is exactly what you showed in the plosive test. I love how genuine this mic is, it's exactly what I need. But I've definitely had to alter my singing to get ideal results. On the plus side, it's helped me waste less breath and helped me have softer p's, b's and anything else that can be plosive! Thank you for this phenomenal overview!

[@dunste123]

I love the music test part of your reviews

[@MarkGeuel]

Beautiful aesthetics, and definitely awesome flat sound. This mic is made from heaven!

[@michaelangeloborja1217]

Earthworks sounds amazing! What a great microphone. Very detailed and it doesnt sound thin like the others that was compared with and its made in the USA.

[@kmg501]

Beautiful sound out of that mic and the construction appears to rock as well.

[@gahman]

Finally! Been waiting for an opinion on Earthworks since I subscribed!

[@RadioCamp]

Spot-on review. To my ears, Earthworks occupies the same rarified space as Manley, Josephson, Schoeps and Neumann. So it's good to see this mic come out. We have the KMS 105 which is great for interviews in noisy locations, but sounds a bit thinner than the SR314 which has that wonderful presence in the mids. Looking at my RTA meter, it also has quite a bit of energy down below 50hz, which accounts for the sensitivity to plosives.

[@stevemccormack9948]

This Earthworks SR314 sounded beautiful and rich. The Shure SM58 came in last with the other 2 mins in between. None of them were bad but the Earthworks was fabulous.

[@GrimoireOfJank]

Man. I had to rewatch this video with the fancy headphones on (some AKG monitor things). I think this mic is the end game for me? Starting on an sE V7 rn. Great video, as always!

[@kooimma4004]

Wow! I can't believe I liked the SR314 better than the Neumann. Great job. Thanks. This is my favourite place to come on KZbin now.

[@rbelson356]

That has to be in your top five. It sounds amazing all around.

[@dracodante1226]

My dear dear sound nerd. This IS the best singing mic you ever used. You are the most honest reviewer period. God bless you.

[@JonLow1121]

I've been waiting for this review! Thanks a lot, you always have the best reviews. I was listening to the video while looking at another tab, and when I heard you say "68 grams" I nearly fell out of my chair... navigated back and found the (very important) asterisk... haha!

[@Podcastage]

Yeah. It would be some kind of crazy physics where it’s 1.5 pounds in the states, but only 68 grams in every other country on the metric system! SERIOUS MAGIC!

[@Tazmanian_Ninja]

Lovely review, and mic. Just one note: when testing the 90 degrees off-axis response, align the mouth the front of the mic (or capsule), not to the middle of the mic's length. Gives a more accurate picture. Especially for mics like this, the KSM8, and the EV RE series, as they aim to have uniform frequency response to exactly 90 degrees, after which they drop of sharply (as intended). If closer to the middle of the mic with your mouth, you speak into the rejection area. =)

[@Olpossum53]

The background noise rejection is awesome, as is the handling noise. The styling looks straight out of the '70s, for good or ill, although I suspect it's mostly a case of form following function. Amazing microphone. Thanks!

[@djtoman6875]

To me it has a more 1920s-30s Art Deco look, although i do see a resemblance to some 60s and 70s microphone designs like the Electro-Voice 664 (a really gorgeous mic that I had to have). I noticed this mic on some music videos, including Scary Pockets and Boyce Avenue, and even with YT's degraded audio it always stood out. And it's beyond gorgeous to behold!

[@mooketsimotlhala9311]

Incredible. So clean. The Neuman KSM105 came really close.

[@tgifrijay]

Another great mic review. Boggles my mind why people thumbs down these vids. Some folks just have no soul.

[@abouthongkong7243]

Thanks for your work! Enjoy it. That mic Soo good voice results.

[@bobbob123ful]

I believe the band SHAED from Washington DC used this mic for all their EPs and albums. They also used it for their Paste Studios session. Blown away with how great it sounds even when distant from it, the extremely low handling noise, and how you gave a great review even after selling your soul to the Party.

[@whiskeyweekly7533]

Wow! That has one of the best noise rejections of any condensor mics I think I've ever heard.

[@danmagoo]

Best-sounding microphone I've heard in a long time - thanks for introducing it to us. And a work of art as well. I'm a "dynamic mic" user, but I'd buy this one if I had some kind of offshore account so I could hide the purchase from my wife :^)

[@Podcastage]

Tell your wife that the party demands a contribution in the form of new microphone purchases. I'm sure that will go over really well. Hahaha.

[@JustinTimeEnglishClip]

Microphones is peace - YEAH :-) Earthworks SR314, truly beautiful sound! And an aesthetically nice design for a change. The traditional functional design should be superseded in a unit at this price. Earthworks are showing the way and shaming narrow-minded designers. Thanks for all the really great information. - Padcastage is a gem !!!

[@glances.]

Wow this mic sounds amazing!

[@danieltoussaintambiantguit6480]

Wow ! best vocal mic ever !!! Bravo ! great review !

[@SSingh-nr8qz]

I swear this guy is the voice in my head when I go shopping for new gear.

[@rocsoriano2994]

Does it come with a Kyber Crystal? I've always wanted a vocal condescending lightsaber.

[@kmg501]

lol, it really would make a great prop for that.

[@ArtVandelay592]

Good review Bandrew. Really like the tone of this mic. Any chances of you reviewing its big brother the Earthworks SV33 in the near future?

[@Podcastage]

In the near future probably not. But maybe in the next year or so.

[@curtisjudd]

The SR314 is one of my very favorite microphones for live streaming. It sounds very nice on your voice here in my opinion - close to the Neumann. By the way, which party have you joined, exactly?

[@tkermi]

For me also it was a close call between SR314 and Neumann here. Comes to the matter of taste between them (for spoken word and vocals). The other two sounded pretty bad in comparison...

[@Podcastage]

I have joined MicSoc: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJuai5yXj5dlq9k

[@tkermi]

@@Podcastage loooool 😂, I subscribed to that channel too!

[@curtisjudd]

@@tkermi exactly. Interesting what happens to the mid frequencies on the other two mics, even when their frequency response charts indicate otherwise.

[@curtisjudd]

@@Podcastage If I subscribe to that channel, have I also joined the party? Thank you Citizen.

[@TheValentineShow]

I like that song man. We need the full version.

[@docknives3792]

This is one of the best sounding mics

[@DasDhaza]

Sounds amazing, better than ever -> nice!

[@2121cv]

Thanks for the comparison. I confess I have a preference for SR314 and KSM 105. On this voice, SR314 adds presence and KSM105 seems more straight/cold. The Lewitt sounds too "thin" and the SM58 always so particular.

[@tomspiller2449]

Sounds smooth and detailed. I like it

[@thejonathandoan]

Gorgeous mic. The build and design are amazing, and the sound is oh so nice. Only thing I wouldn't like, aside from the plosives, is the highest end "shimmer" I hear. Not used to hearing that level of sibilance in your voice.

[@PodcastEngineeringSchool]

That mic sounds great and looks so freakin' cool :) ......thank you, Party Leader!

[@Symba_Lysm]

I'm not an audio guy.. but the clarity this mic has, is unlike many of the mics I have heard to this day.

[@djladda3060]

This is the only place for a legit mic review.

[@LuisJacob366]

I have them all. And the most used to play live is the lewitt 940mp. Because it doesn’t sound thin it has various switches inside Like the sennh e965 Then I have the earthworks sr40v second place, later the kms105. The sound in the sr314 is amazing but it pic a lot of outside noise and on stage is feedback picker so you can use it and sound better than all but need to be deep fully pre equalized

[@gnarlysoundscapes7210]

Probably the best looking mic on the market. Sounds excellent too.

[@larryhinze537]

GAWD that is a nice sounding microphone!

[@xHadesStamps]

That intro was hilarious!

[@sfn4702]

You’re the best reviewer on YT thx

[@rubberducky704]

The earthworks easily has my vote. very well done sir.

[@adrinaik93]

Build quality reminds me of the Audix i5! I have one i5 for the snare and, like someone said in a forum, I could open a person’s head with it without a problem. Super sturdy.

[@Unix_Based]

Amazing microphone, both from the sound and looks. i also liked the Neumann and the Lewitt. The Shure fell off by a huge margin, but considering the price gap between the Earthworks and the Shure, i'm not blaming the Shure. The Lewitt seems to be the big bang for the buck mike considered the price. It could keep up well in sounds and is about 150 Euros cheaper in price than the earthworks.

[@MikeBroderick33]

Bandrew, that lyric in your song has to be your intro song for all of your microphone reviews. Please make it so!

[@WheezyTech]

Great work, comrade!

[@pjmuck]

I listened to this through a good set of headphones. I still prefer the KMS105, at least for singing. I like the top end clarity of it with Neumann's smoother EQ. I like the clarity of the Earthworks, and the off axis rejection is excellent, but I felt you sounded lispy with it at times, and I prefer a bigger sweet spot when singing, and the plosive rejection on the Neumann can't be beat. But I guess you could easily EQ'ed out the sibilance if needed.

[@Avedis-G]

Everything they make is perfect! I want the drum microphone set up so badly I can hardly stand it.

[@Rod-Wheeler]

You are a Genius! Great Intro.

[@gabrielchavarria22]

I liked the SM57 with the Fethead and mini 2" pop filter.

[@ExtraterrestrialGaming]

It's such a sexy looking mic, glad to hear it sounds so good.

[@MrMercho4416]

Turns out they make it in Black going to buy one!

[@sassulusmagnus]

A whole heap of stage presence, plus a great sound. Pricey, but they'll still sell a ton.

[@chatterji_priyam]

Hello sir, 1st I would love to tell that I love the Unique way of your reviews. I want a suggestion. For home studio which Microphone you recommend between AKG P120 and MXL 770. Room is not perfectly acoustic treated, but silent enough. Bedroom Studio.

[@ryangzales]

Gonna need that, "audio is strength" t-shirt (or sticker) soon

[@gagegang6421]

Hey Bandrew! I'd really love to see what you and this awesome community would have to say in a Rode NT1 vs Lewitt LCT 440 Pure shootout. Is the Rode still the uncontested budget king? Or does Lewitt have unsuspected game?

[@bilalrobin]

perfect review as usual. Please is it possible to do a review of the lewitt MTP940? This is my favorite vocal mic and I use it for recording but there is hardly anything written on this mic that I consider exceptional. I need the opinion of the best tester in the world to know that I am not crazy to like this microphone ;-)

[@BrianMcKee]

Wow sounds incredible, don't usually like condenser mics but this one is very smooth. However at 700 dollars I am perfectly happy with my current Electro-Voice RE11 :D

[@nbk21je]

My finding is unless you try out on the stage for live use, you Cant really tell the difference of each microphone tested in studio. And each voices are different. Some has flat some has already high frequencies in their voices. Also on stage, depends on PA system, speakers, specially the mic’s ability to handle softness, smoothness, pressure, pops which is not possible checking in studio. I was testing some mics in my studio. I see the differences. But with the same mics I could instantly decide which microphone is suitable for my vocal for live singing. Thank you for the review 😊

[@rubydreams6345]

I thought your singing sounded pretty good on this 314. Maybe it was just the performance. Great review as always!

[@SeriousGear]

Wow I could really use one of these for my studio

[@thensome8663]

I have used them all, and the earthworks is easily my favourite. Anything is dependent of your voice and the space you are using it in, of course.

[@Podcastage]

That's awesome that you've found the mic for you after trying a bunch. It is a fantastic sounding mic, that's for sure.Happy recording.

[@virgogreg]

Sounds like a good broadcast mic for radio station use

[@MBlood08]

This mic blows the others out of the water. What a great sound for voice and acoustic guitar!

[@gelobaltazar]

Hi! Can you make a review for the Muslady 422a USB Interface? I have been seeing it alot in online stores but I haven't found a proper review for it yet. Keep up the good work!

[@artyohm4810]

I'm really confused, coz apparently two of my fave reviewers have joined the party (pun intended) and I have seen this and one of Curtis's videos in which he uses this mic. To put a long story short I fell in love with this mic exactly 27 minutes ago and I love Bandrew's videos and I love Curtis's videos and I'm semi drunk and I have just found a new life goal to save up for this mic and life has become meaningful again and I love Rick n Morty although that's totally off topic biii *belches* itch. nayway, great review, great life, that's all.

[@alfredodiaz4610]

This is gonna be good

[@VOByRobbins]

"Microphones is peace!!!" True Dat Damn your reviews are good and entertaining as hell-- So where's a "Please bring Pizza pronto" shirt I can get???

[@Podcastage]

I don’t have one yet. I do need to get that made though.

[@VOByRobbins]

Yes please!!! I like your microphone police stuff!!!

[@thebreakfastmenu]

@@Podcastage I second that. That shirt needs to exist. And maybe a Bandrew signature beanie.

[@Podcastage]

The Breakfast Menu If I could find a way to get beanie’s made with a little patch on it, then I absolutely would have those.

[@VOByRobbins]

@@Podcastage and stickers too, or would those come "pre-crumpled"? :)

[@chileanwaste2]

Nt1 vs earthworks, we need more comparisons!!

[@nobodyhaslogin]

I so like the looks of it. And it sounds all right as well. I almost bought it, but then I remembered that I'm broke and I didn't buy it. But thank you for the recommendation!

[@Podcastage]

I’m proud of you for being fiscally responsible my friend! Best duck is smart duck!

[@nobodyhaslogin]

But the mic is really good.

[@esteban6535]

Are you planning on doing a review of the TC Helicon Go Solo and Go Twin when they release?

[@Leonidas909]

Crazy how close it is to the Neumann, probably very close in design and philosophy, would be worth opening both !

[@fiku4444]

SR314 sound amazing and looks grate

[@Platinum400]

I love the look of it but I already have a KMS 105 and tbh even in the comparison here I still like the 105 more. The earthworks one is beautiful though.

[@marsulgumapu2010]

Looks great, sounds great, made in USA. Price is high, but seems good value.

[@BCVOCALS1]

Sounds awesome and the mids were way more natural Than the Neuman.

[@medmusic7977]

Very nice mic, but the kms 105 still gonna be my favorite

[@MeTuLHeD]

YES!!! A STICKER!!!!

[@Noobmaster-ki1yb]

Every time.. for years.. ALL I can hear is .. "Greatings earthlings.. we have now taken over your radiiioooooooooooooooooooooooo If I hit em high hit em high and you hit em low hit em low.." love your content tho! amazing! never stop!

[@jimilove7773]

Thanks!

[@iamjohnbose0408]

Boyce Avenue uses this mic....it sounds really awesome !!! 😃

[@christianboddum8783]

The acoustic guitar sounded wonderful to my ear ;-)

[@AlecArmbruster]

I like the Untreated Bandrew, he just felt... natural

[@vidworxsfx]

That is a nicely designed mic, it sounds fantastic, and well it should for around $700 ;-)

[@20vzn2]

Can you show me how to remove a stuck shock mount If I try to screw it of it screws also the silver part

[@jeremygunkel]

Thought this was Welcome to Night Vale for several seconds.

[@potatopiko7083]

The design comes out of Flash Gordon. Dr. Zarkov approves this mic.

[@konradc4599]

that mic made the 58 sound broken (and love the 58). the Naumann and earthworks sounded fantastic.

[@aussernllc]

Looks, sounds great. Neumann KSM105 a little bit better. Maybe just a low end sound boost or less high end response.

[@AlbertWeijers]

The Swedish entry of Eurovision 22 uses this mic, that will give a boost to the sales, it was very noticable.

[@hymnsgeneration7817]

Awesome mic

[@bl5122000]

Omg I need those geeeetuirs were beautiful