Is the BCM104 The BEST BROADCAST MIC?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

How long until someone points out the mistake in this video?

[@robburgess4556]

The mistake of not letting your wife do the whole video with you adding only a brief "male voice" section? 🤣

[@SayAgain709]

The fact your camera framing chopped off the top of your head?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@SayAgain709 stylistic choice...not mistake. My head is large...frame is not...

[@koenignero]

The presence on the RE20 is impressive.

[@WiredInside]

So I just got this. The mic is like the TLM 103 but with way better sibilance response. The built in pop filter kind of sucks but besides that, it’s super underrated. It seriously handles sibilance better than my Shure SM7B. I don’t need a deesser at all on it.

[@pip5528]

I prefer the 705 personally and I think that's the best broadcast dynamic so long as you aren't too far away from it due to the aggressive bass roll-off to combat proximity effect but both sound great. I am honestly surprised they have a condenser version as well.

[@annekedebruyn7797]

Thinking about mixing the 104 and 705 at our local station. The condensor for host, dynamic for guests for some seperation. Looks great for video too since it's a classic rock station. It has that vintage look to it. Thanks for this test.

[@nmbr73]

Dang, the RE20 sounds so good ... and if I sum up all the money I spent in the meantime on affordable microphones to avoid the cost - Q2U, VideoMicro, XM8500, C02, and some others - I guess I could have bought the Electrovoice instead 😭🤪

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Lol...I feel that pain

[@iamomid]

The RE20 sounds better to me, followed by the BCM104 and then the SM7B. But I should say, all sound fantastic and this is more like nitpicking.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I know right. I slightly prefer the re20...but damn... Happy with any of them. The trick is...when you produce the audio with EQ and some compression, it sounds buttery smooth.

[@koenignero]

Lately the BEST Videos come from Channels less than 10k Subs. Great things coming to YT! Thank you!

[@badmiddens]

Awwww, this gives me the feels! Best radio gig I ever had. Used this for about 6 years. At the time, I had very little interest in microphones and knew very little about them, other than, "that sounds good or that sounds crap." First time I walked into a studio kitted out with one of these, my first thought was, "well that's the weirdest thing I've ever seen on the end of a boom." Side note, loved the beekeper bit! Extra points for working the words "Anaphylactic Shock" into a microphone review!!

[@MichaelW.1980]

My current favorite microphone for broadcast applications is the Earthworks ETHOS. It is ridiculously good, followed by the Shure Beta 58A (for sheer practicality)

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Still waiting on Earthworks... Would love to go buy their whole lineup...but not at that stage yet...lol Their products seem to be amazing...cant wait to try

[@32SIX]

Hey there! I am really really trying to improve my audio for my youtube channel. I have a shure sm7b, connected to a cloud and then to a motul. But It sounds horrible and I know its the way I have set this up. Your audio sounds clear with good base. Have you done any videos showing how to achieve your audio? or could I pay for a private session with you? cheers!

[@greggrominiecki3255]

The 104 sounds great but I prefer both the RE20 and SM7B from what I heard in this video. The RE20 is brighter and more forward overall, though it looked little closer to the source than the 104 but that probably didn't help it that much. The RE20 is a great feat of engineering on EV's part. It has no proximity effect and maintains its bass response at a distance which is not common for dynamic mics. It has been considered the condenser of dynamics. The SM7B has a great, focused, bass response without sounding boomy or muddy. The SM7B and the 104 seem tonaly closer to each other, but again, the SM7B sounded a little more forward.

[@mpbootcamp7009]

RE20 sounds too boomy to me. Of course, I am listening on studio monitors instead of headphones. Neumann sounded more natural. I ordered the Neumann and am looking forward to testing it myself.

[@dickginkowski6071]

Does it sound good (on you)? Yes. But having worked in radio for many years I don't know many owners who would fork over the $$$ for a Neumann. And while it does sound good (on you) so do other microphones that cost less. Does it sound better on you than the RE-20? If it does it may be negligible. In fact, with so many other good microphones in the marketplace today the RE-20 could be viewed as overpriced/overkill to some extent. I say "to some extent" because some owners are willing to pay for a "plug and play and forget about it" microphone -- the RE-20. (I didn't include the SM7B although it, too, is a solid microphone but somewhat less of a tank than the RE-20.) As a reporter back in the day I cared about how my stuff sounded on the air so it was the SM58 vs. EV635A, a Sony TC-142 vs. TC-110A and razor blade and splicing tape instead of "cue kill" on the cart machine (except for the hidden pause button on the RCA cart machines). If more on-air talent knew more about microphones (and I wish I did then) perhaps they would BYOM to the studio if what the company provides isn't to there liking. (BTW -- I bought on a lark the Blue Encore 300 for $99 at Sweetwater. But for punchy plosives -- a good windscreen and side technique will solve that -- it is one Helluva warm and smooth mic. It sounds better with the $99 Fethead phantom.)

[@valerio1961]

RE20 forever! :D :D :D

[@Tewahedo]

.. and ever

[@Slipsch]

Wish the LS-208 have this sound signature.

[@djtoman6875]

If my podcast makes it to over a year and >500 listens I’m going to celebrate by acquiring a BCM 705.

[@christurbiville]

Thanks for a great review on the BCM104. I’ve been interested in this one to add to my VO mic collection and though the BCM is a lower end Neumann, I do think it sounds really open and natural.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

No...definitely tuned to the "Broadcast" sound... That said...still one hell of a mic to have in your locker...even if it is a "lower end" Neumann

[@christurbiville]

@@DarkCornerStudios I admittedly am a bit of a mic snob with a collection of Neumann and Telefunken mics, and I for sure didn't mean "lower end" as an insult to anyone owning one. The sound you are getting from the cheaper priced BCM strictly for voice completes with some top tier and top priced mics. More expensive for sure does not always equal better quality.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@christurbiville Oh no offence taken..to be fair you are right. The idea of it being any Neumann mic being low end is just funny to me... But in comparison...it is true

[@danielpenaofficial4186]

@@christurbivillewhat mic would you use for broadcast? The RE-20? Or the BCM-705?

[@Slipsch]

I've been comparing this with the KMS 105, I noticed that the KMS 105 reject off axis world's better than the BCM104. Wish Neumann create an end address podcast style mic with the off axis rejection of the KMS 105. the top down mic is not ideal for podcast. Perhaps maybe with a low profile boom arm.

[@alirezadanaei7147]

Hi, I am using an RE20 for a podcast I record at home. I must replace my mic. I can buy a newer RE20 but I am also tempted to get a condenser. Do you recommend a TLM 102 or BCM 104?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Damn...thats a tough question. For me the tlm102 wins out by a sliver. That said I would try to borrow one of them and try them out in your environment before buying. Condensers are unforgiving in a lot of ways

[@alirezadanaei7147]

@@DarkCornerStudios I may buy two and return one. My understanding from your videos is that TLM 102 is your favorite amongst Neumann's cheaper line up. I love NPR and I know they use U87. That's why I was thinking about TLM 102 or BCM104.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@alirezadanaei7147 yeah...though both are amazing. Good idea to buy both and return one...that way you can get the best for your voice. Also...use one of the links below 😉 lol

[@LittleTeeJ]

How much gain is needed for this microphone? How about BCM 104 vs SM7B? I don't like the SM7B because of how much gain it needs to function properly

[@DarkCornerStudios]

This is a condenser and quite sensitive. It would kinda be like comparing apples to oranges with this since it is a condenser and the SM7B is a dynamic. That said...its cousin...the BCM 705 would be a good comparison...as it is the dynamic cousin to this mic... I will put that on my list

[@PiriyaSambandaraksa]

The BCM104 sounded better than the 705. Still prefer the RE20 I use the Heil PRSM shockmount for my RE20, newer models of the shock mount have cut outs in the mounting ring to accommodate RE20 out of thebox. It's much smaller and performed just as good, if not better.

[@cruisingfanatic]

Wow lovely mind you all Neumann sound gorgeous... I have two TLM 102 and love them so much... but this BCM104 is so beautiful but a little out of my price range

[@menarussell]

You have a great voice. I'm wondering if you do voice over, etc? I found your channel tonight. I'm enjoying the detailed info. I'm just getting started, learning and researching which gear to start my channel. :)

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I do!! Just started doing voiceover the past 7 years or so...

[@IceManGav1]

That comment is what drives Voice Actors 😂 welcome to the family! Lots of good tutorials on KZbin

[@radioprobromania]

Can you show us some setup for Neumann BCM 104 on RDP2 ?

[@Slipsch]

This mic needs to be paired with the YellowTec Mika Silver Boom Arm.

[@limitedhangoutlive]

BCM definitely sounds better than the RE20. It's not even close.

[@VJFranzK]

5:25 You can hear the decrease in clarity on the (dynamic) SM7B, wish I had not bought that for my first pro mic! even though it does unquestionably sound good, particularly on bass and high volume. I think the RE20 wins in this situation! sounds like the widest frequency range?

[@limitedhangoutlive]

I don't know how people are saying the RE20 sounds better. To each is own but I think the BCM sounded significantly better.

[@mpbootcamp7009]

@@limitedhangoutlive People without trained ears tend to like boosted eqs. Once you critically listen for a while, you prefer subtlety and want more balanced sound.

[@mpbootcamp7009]

@@limitedhangoutlive To be clear, I was referring to the RE20 as being boosted; not the Neumann. The Neumann is far more natural.

[@Cravix1]

Hi Aiden, I bought a BCM 104 last week and I have the hum problem that you mentioned on your video. Unfortunately, I couldn't understand the way you solved it. Could you please be a little more specific about your solution, starting with the explanation how you pull out the XLR plug. I thank you in advance. Keep up the good work!

[@DarkCornerStudios]

loosen off the screw at the base of where the xlr goes in when you have an xlr cable attached. Slightly pull on the xlr until the buzz goes away...and tighten screw. You dont need to remove the xlr port...but you just want to reposition it...the screw doesnt have to be loosened that much.

[@Cravix1]

@@DarkCornerStudios Thank you so much!

[@limitedhangoutlive]

I know they're different mics but the TLM 103 is a staple even in the voice over industry. How does this compare to the TLM 103?

[@christurbiville]

The TLM 103 is used in VO mostly because it’s a Neumann mic, not for it’s great sound. It’s kind of like buying the cheapest Mercedes so you can say you own a Mercedes. To be clear, I do know VO talent that the 103 works for them great, but there are way better mics for VO than the 103. I do hear similarities in the 103 and the BCM but the BCM sounds more open and less hyped on the top.

[@mpbootcamp7009]

I had (and loved) the TLM 103 but the sibilance was an issue for me. Otherwise, a perfect mic. I ordered a BCM 104 and am hoping it is my perfect mic. All the specs point to it being a TLM 103 that is tuned for voice.

[@mylifeisbroken34]

Hi. My friend and I are planning to start recording podcasts together, but we can't agree on whether the quality difference between expensive and affordable microphones is really necessary. I suggest buying at least an MV7 or an SM7B, while my friend prefers microphones in the Podmic price range. Do you think the difference between these two microphones would be noticeable for listeners? Do you think we should go all out and choose established, high-end products, or would more budget-friendly microphones suffice? Thank you for your recommendations....

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Hey Melinda! Your listeners will NOT care. Content is KING! Something like a podmic is great because it is simple, easy to use, and quick startup. Honestly, I have a LOT more to say about this, but I am going to cover it all in my upcoming Q&A

[@mylifeisbroken34]

@@DarkCornerStudios Please help me, I've been sleepless for four days, researching only this topic. I admit that I am overly obsessed, but I want to do my job properly and cleanly. I am very talkative and warm-hearted, never hesitant to laugh, and I usually laugh a lot. I used to do Twitch streaming before, so I have knowledge about how to gain viewers. Now, I want to sleep, please tell me which microphone and sound card I should get.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@mylifeisbroken34 sm58 for mic. Podtrak p4 for interface

[@tcttvradio]

@@mylifeisbroken34with obs filter software you can make a $45 usb mic sound like a $1000 mic these days. I sold my sm7b and kept my re320 and my bcm 705. The bcm 104 would be crazy for anything except booth. For twitch just buy a cheap usb mic, I did loads of excellent videos with a Kmart mic. Audio is so basic that you can make any mic sound great with software. Radio stations or broadcast stations need mics that won’t smash if they get banged around.

[@CenturyOfCid]

All of my local radio stations use this mic

[@DarkCornerStudios]

It is becoming the darling of media

[@danasdas6683]

Female voice test “card” used a 2nd time (for the BCM vs 7b comparison)?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Good eye. Sigh. Editing is hard...lol

[@stephansteyn5351]

the 104 doesn't handle the woman's sibilance well. The sm7b is always better for smooth sibilance. The re20 is just a great mic. Im confused as to what to source but I think I am going with a combination of 2 sm7b's and 2 re20's. That way I can label the mics as for bright and for dull presenters. I am ruling the Neumann out because of that whistling sibilance effect. On the Male the 104 has a whistling kinda sibilance too.

[@mpbootcamp7009]

The BCM 104 isnt sibilant at all. It is much improved over the TLM 103 (which I used to own). Dynamic mics are just very dark and underpowered (in terms of gain) so they have little character in the mid-highs.

[@danielpenaofficial4186]

Can you do a review of the BCM-705?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I did...search it

[@fredericguerra5319]

hi, I own a Focusrite solo and I am looking for a microphone around 100$. It would be for voice and guitar. What can you recommend to me? thank you so much

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Either a Neat Mics Worker Bee or a AKG P120

[@mpbootcamp7009]

AT2020

[@tcttvradio]

Sm58 or sm100

[@Thestripper1]

I don't get it. Why are you not using it up close all the time like it is supposed to be used?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

The BCM 104 is a condenser...this is NOT a close talking mic...you would plosive the shit out of it...in fact...it has a bypass filter for proximity effect. Very few mics are designed to be used as "close talkers"

[@Thestripper1]

@@DarkCornerStudios But it sounds so good when you do it.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@Thestripper1 if treated properly...with the eq rolloff...or just EQ in general. Problem is mics can't be evaluated on proximity effect...as it would be wildly different person to person

[@msravioli1961]

2:14 ¿How much?

[@beardsandbanjos]

The presence on the RE20 puts it over the top for me. I have a RE320 heading my way this week. I'm excited to try it.

[@dickginkowski6071]

You may find the 320 a bit more tinny.

[@sinocelt]

I don't like how the BCM104 sounds. On your voice, the RE20 wins, even over the SM7b.

[@SimurghMyTube]

RE20 👍🏻

[@raulinremix1]

THE 10' 04 " THIS CORRECT TO SPEAK THIS MIC.....THANKS

[@msravioli1961]

4:51 ¿HOW much? 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@JR-lx8nn]

Yikes! Notwithstanding the internal filter, I suspect puffing so close and directly into any large diaphragm capsule will suffer from plosives. I believe nobody should ever speak that close and puff that hard directly into any delicate condenser capsule. That is what we were taught as a field test service for microphone vendors and manufacturers. Besides, nobody should ever speak that close and directly into this type of microphone - the better practice being to speak slightly off axis, but within its cardiod pickup pattern. Perhaps you could test plosives in a more mic friendly, yet convincing way? As performed the plosives test does not, therefore, tell us anything useful as nobody would actually use the microphone in that manner - it is an artificial demonstration at best. It would be better to demonstrate its handling of plosives in a more realistic scenario, they way users actually speak into it the way it is normally used. Performing such a contrived and artificial test can not only risks damaging the capsule, it is unrealistic exaggerated demonstration at best. Testing under normal usage is far better. By analogy, demonstrating an automobile tire's resilience driving over 5 inch vertical knife blades or sharp 6 inch vertical steel spikes provides little useful data on how it holds up under normal driving conditions. At least that is just MY take ... TRJ

[@msravioli1961]

SoooooOooooo... I have now slowed down. I have Googled the Neumann BCM-104. #IfYouHaveToAskAboutThePrice #MaybeOneDay ☹🍷 🤣😂😂😂

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Lol... The Re20 and SM7B are fantastic alternatives...and quite smaller hots to the pocketbook

[@robertocalderonabogado1427]

RE-20 sounds better.

[@mpbootcamp7009]

Not on my studio monitors, it doesn't.

[@msravioli1961]

9:56 🤣😂🤣😂 You really didn't say how much? 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Fine! I will include prices in the video...lol My bad

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

That mic is so ugly but it sounds great

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Ugly really? I kinda like it

[@mpbootcamp7009]

I dig the retro look.

[@msravioli1961]

3:08 ¿How Much?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

$900usd Link is in description

[@lionheartroar3104]

RE 20 sounds better

[@mpbootcamp7009]

Nope.