Neumann U89 vs $140 BaiFei Li V5 Microphone

At only $140 currently, the BaiFei Li V5 is an absolute steal. The mic is solid, sounds great and is pro-ready. Let's listen to it in comparison with the Neumann u89 which retails for almost 24 times the price of a V5,
They're obviously not the same mic. But does the V5 hang in there with this premium German masterpiece.
BaiFei Li Store on Alibaba
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Note: Prices may even be cheaper here. You can buy 1 unit as a sample from the manufacturer.
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*A little cheaper, but longer shipping time.
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Now, remember, I'm recording in a fully-treated booth, recording through a Neumann MT-48. Your results may vary.

[@jonlieberman997]

To my ear, the U89 gives a prettier tone. If a person is starting to build a mic locker, it seems that the V5 is a no brainer. I have a U89. I would say don't waste your money on a U89 unless you really really like it. I really really like my U89 and have other condenser mics that cost 2 to 3 times more than the U89. The U89 is one of my favorite mics. I must confess that there is a dramatic diminishing return on microphone investment cost. The quality of the talent in front of the microphone far outweighs whether or not the microphone costs 200 dollars or 10,000. You just can't attribute the success of an artist to the brand of microphone he/she uses. This comparison illustrates that the microphone isn't the determining factor.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Ex-actly! It's what you can do with a mic that matters. Some let you do more with them than others. Some are one trick ponies. In a game of inches, like VO, it's less about having the best mic than it is the right mic for the moment and knowing how to get the most out of it.

[@OdinsMaiden]

Amazingly, the V5 is STILL selling for $140 a year later. Just ordered one. Can't wait to try it out.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Fantastic! I think it’s such a cool mic. Let me know what you think about it after you’ve had a chance to use it.

[@jamesmhebert]

Mark! Wow, that is an incredible comparison, especially taking into account the small amount of EQ involved. Based on your review and comments, I have ordered a V5. Looking forward to it coming in! Thank you !!!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Enjoy! Yeah, it's kind of ridiculous what you get with the V5 for that money. Let me know what you think of it when you get it.

[@Unlucky_Vampire]

This is what I like about your channel, you give “cheap” microphone a chance, because other videos I have seen other KZbinrs comparing expensive microphones to affordable ones you can see they have a biased opinion for the expensive microphone

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Thank you. I’m honestly not interested in cheap microphones, but microphones that will get you where you want to go. Most cheap mics are not worth your time. Sometimes you can find a gem and that’s what gets me excited. Though I don’t consider myself a KZbinr per se, I think any mic review you see online should only ever be considered as entertainment and not research because some guys are only in it to be KZbinrs.

[@AlanHamiltonAudio]

Sometimes testers seem to forget 'different' is not 'worse'. In 2024 mic technology isn't exactly rocket science. I think some companies, when they clone look but not clone the sound (and are not counterfeit and use their own branding) maybe set themselves up for some negative reviews. The reviewer becomes biased when it doesn't 'sound' like the mic they are comparing it to, and suddenly it gets 'demerits' for that. But maybe it sounds fine all by itself anyway. Just different. And that takes us into subjectivity. Then you have mics that are not even close to physically looking the same, yet are made for the same purposes. And again, different sounding doesn't have to be worse just because it sounds 'different' than the more expensive mic. And when price is considered, those differences might not matter as much to some users. Let alone listeners hearing the final product of a video or recording and not comparing anything A against B. Just hearing the finished product. Mark does a good job avoiding that type of scenario.

[@With_a_microphone_for_life]

Hi dude! Useful comparison! Thanks!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kennybarto]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoffqqQ

[@peterleeson1122]

Brought a V5 on your recommendation and love it. It makes all my other mics sound crap. I just love it. It is not trying to fake anything else and I really hope that it is a pathway they continue to explore.

[@peterleeson1122]

Mainly vocals, feels far less coloured than some of my other mics

[@TheMellowYellowDrummer]

@azteca_619checkout my page if you want drum sound from the C414

[@MarkVO]

I really like the U89. It handles sibilance wonderfully, but the V5 is very impressive for the price.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Right? The u89 is just slays but the v5 is a cool little surprise.

[@JeffStewartAuthor]

I would’ve expected this to be a bloodbath. Still, to my ear, the U89 blows it away, yet is it just MY ear after using a U87 ai for so long? That said, the depth and expensive tone of the U89 are undeniable, BUT (haha) The V5 has something there that’s irrefutably great and punk rock, especially because at $140, it’s like a middle finger in the face of the professional market. Mine arrives tomorrow. I almost didn’t buy it, because I never fail to revert to the 87 or the 416 after any mic I buy. But this one has a vibe… I told myself if the V5 is or isn’t good for me, then absolutely no more mics for a long time. But… Anyway, great review here. One of my favorites.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Right? Total bloodbath is what you'd expect at 23.5x the price point, but even though they are totally different mics, the daylight between them is not 23.5x. It's a nice tool to have in the kit, and at that price, I'd take the v5 anywhere and not worry about it. You'll dig it, man. Trust me.

[@ramspencer5492]

Blows away? I didn't hear that! .. I do like the transformer sound on the transients.... And the highs feel more even, but darker.... They both have really good midrange and both sound great on his voice. They both sound great.. both might not suit all voices equally well though

[@JeffStewartAuthor]

@@ramspencer5492 I like that perspective.

[@AlessandroBonini-bq3bu]

I will put it like this: I am a professional classical/electronic composer, recording engineer, producer, independent record label owner with forty-plus-year experience (you may be too, of course), and my question is: in which auditive area "the U89 blows [the V5] away"? For everyday work I'd rather use the latter because it is a cleaner-sounding mic. If I want darker colour - recording, say, high strings, woodwinds, brass - I resort to my ribbon mics. I must say I've stayed away from the Neumanns for a reason, and I will continue to do so. And yes, it really is not the mic that counts, only how you use it. For instance, I got amazing results recording classical piano with a pair of sE Electronics T2's, the T2 being another relatively inexpensive, much-underappreciated mic worthy of more attention.

[@vladfarcam4817]

I bought the V10 after your review. Compared it with a C414, the differences were very small. Will use it for some stuff. Thanks again!!!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

You're very welcome! Please feel free to report back on your opinion of it after you've had a chance to mess around with it.

[@vladfarcam4817]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff Hey an update on the V10. I'm part of a university where we teach recording and mixing. After some tests we quickly realized that the metal casing is not grounded. For a much lower noise level I recommend wiring pin 1 of the mic to the external casing to ground it. This is an issue probably with all BaiFeiLi mics. Have fun!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

That’s huge. I will for sure try that. Thank you so much for reporting back. That’s no small issue.

[@vladfarcam4817]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff absolutely! Usually all microphone manufacturers ground the case but this was 80 dollars so you know... Keep up the good work! Let me know if you find more cool mics.

[@TheVALLEYBOY559]

@@vladfarcam4817what’s pin 1 ? So I just ground it to inside / side of casing ?

[@checkme_jack]

I'd sooner have 20 V5s tbh. Great video. I've ordered a couple to be sent to the UK. Ended up getting 2 for around £200.00 with shipping. Crazy considering I ordered 2 for half the price of a C214..

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

I still think the V5 is a total steal. I've heard from a couple of people who said they had issues with the mics they received and at that price point. Since then, apparently they have increased the amount of packing material when shipping overseas and I think that solved the issue of working mics getting bounced around too much during overseas transport. But almost everyone who has contacted me about the V5 has really dug the mic. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on them after you've had a chance to use them a bit.

[@checkme_jack]

​@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff Hey, if they are knocked about a bunch in transit, then they'll make nice doorstops. Or earrings..? Still worth it for the price :O

[@ThePersistentRumor]

Proof once again that specs are more important than brand names. I'm glad I found this channel. Excellent work. :-D

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Welcome aboard! Thanks!

[@ivegotahammer6360]

Definitely hear the lows more in the V5, the thing that really stands out to me with the V5 is how sibilant it is. The longer I listen the more violent the S's sound, although for 140 it could be way worse.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

There's zero de-essing on this, so a touch of it would fix it easily.

[@ivegotahammer6360]

thats my thinking, sibilance is one of the easier fixes for sure@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff

[@rhalfik]

@tijuanerochakal8071 Same with Polish

[@OneDollarArtista]

At last, when you cut or bypass lows at mixing, you finally will sound like the V5 processing and you save time and work...🎉❤

[@adilcmusic]

Also I’ve noticed once you add processing to these mics, they react very differently

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

What kind of processing are you adding?

[@EvilPimpTheUndergroundKing]

I bought a v5 from this. What capsule is in this mic? Gives off k47 sound. Does it have a transformer?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

It is a k47 in the v5. No transformer.

[@snxwr6s]

i would also wonder what you think about the TLM 193 which follows the same kinda tonality and, i think even uses the SAME capsule as the u89 just in a smaller and much cheaper package!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

It does have the same k89 capsule and I'm sure they sound very similar, with the TLM-193 presenting with faster transients and a touch more detail. I've never used a 193, but I did a session in a high end studio on a TLM-170 which is also transformerless and has the same capsule and it sounded incredible.

[@JothanGurr]

Just listened to this comparison again with fresh ears and the difference in quality is so much less than I would have expected

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Wild, right? Even though they are different tonalities, there certainly isn’t 23.5 times (the price differential) in qualitative separation between them.

[@JothanGurr]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff Right?!? totally agree

[@JothanGurr]

@@shaft9000 Solid point!

[@stephendverner]

Really, really useful video.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JothanGurr]

Thank you for this comparison!! I really appreciate hearing these comparisons because it helps me evaluate what these different mics are picking up. The Nuemann is definitely a classic and if we were all Rockerfellows I would definitely buy one. However for the the price of the V5 that with little processing can also sound amazing, it's a no brainer purchase. I also just picked up a Alctron Beta3 which a friend recommended to me because it has great clarity and a very wide frequency response that I'm really happy with it. Might be another hidden gem if folks are looking for that kind of mic. Out of curiosity how has your experience been with Cad mics? They seem to have a cult following from VO folks online

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’ve never had a real interest in CAD mics. I once had a conversation years ago with Glenn Roop over there and I felt like the guy was such a total condescending douchebag that it put me off the entire brand.

[@JothanGurr]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff Mark you get the inside scoop on microphones and the manufactures and then you share it with youtube which is so necessary and I appreciate your willingness to spill the tea on whats what!!

[@silviumihai0]

keep up the good work. love what you are doing here. One question. i was thinking of investing in a mic for my meditation recordings. i am considering a node nt 1a, but it sounds a bit to bright for my taste, as a second contender i consider the neat king bee 2. But now you presented me with baifei li v5 and c414. any suggestions are welcome and appreciated in helping me find the best affordable mic. i'm also open to other options. im fron the EU if that make any diference in picking a mic. Currently using an old dynamic mic from sennheiser connected to audient id4 mk2

[@rhalfik]

Hi, I'm binge watching your videos. You have a great voice and the gear is fantastic. I'm playing with DIY mics at the moment. Have you ever compared some homemade stuff like an Alice mic with something like this U89 or V5? I'm trying to gauge what kind of quality I can get for my money and work.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Thank you! Yes, look for the Assassin mic or the Katana among the videos on this channel from a while back. Alice circuits, decent condenser capsules. Not bad, and it'll get you places, but overall I don't think they're up to the quality of a premium microphone. The basic Alice with the electret capsule is a great ground floor starter project though.

[@DOUGHBOIMUZIK]

I’ve been looking for videos on the Baifeili / Proar mics for rap and RnB vocals. I can’t find any videos except review for voice over work. My question is would this be good for recording vocals too? Or is it only good for voiceover work?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

It's impossible for me to know what mic will be better for you since I don't know your sound, your room, your rig, etc... but I do think the V5 has a nice, full sound that seems to work very well on voice.

[@DOUGHBOIMUZIK]

@ thank you

[@blastbeatsincorporated7875]

The BeiFei Li V5 is pretty remarkable still; despite the comparision being a little unfair inherently it holds its own really well and still offers a desireable sound. The U89 at full price is the definition of dimishing returns; lmao. Of course a brilliant mic; but damn there's no way I could recommend someone get one unless they have too much money. The price you got yours at is a steal but even then; personally I'd be more inclined to get a Manley Cardioid Reference, AKG C414, Sony C-100/C-80 or a Telefunkin. Something with more "character", but it's also like you said; it depends on what you're doing. I had music/vocals in mind when I typically think of mics; if I was to think about voice over; the SM7b and Sennheiser 416 are good choices. If you wanna go even more budget there's countless options, some you've already looked at. In my experience the Rode NT1 is more than servicable, especially if you have a good room like yours. I hope you do more videos with the BeiFei Li V5, I adore how you sound on it. Great video as always, and a very intresting and thorough mic comparison. 🔥🔥

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

My feeling is that it’s only diminishing returns if you look at a mic as an investment or are looking at your mics with their potential resale value in mind. As a recording tool that helps win auditions, it’s a great investment that will remain in my toolkit forever. You’re so right that the v5 holds its own here and does so without having to be manipulated and processed nine ways to Sunday, which for a $140 mic is truly remarkable. So yes, you will most likely hear me on the v5 again. Possibly a lot.

[@amaurythewarrior]

I really have to have a look at these. came across them randomly. i thought the 414 really looked like a scam, i thought there's no way this is any good... i already have a 414 b-xls and brauner phantom AE, but you can't ever have too many mics... right?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Never too many. I like having a few decent, inexpensive mics that I’d be willing to throw in a bag and take along with me or use in situations where I’d be uncomfortable using a more expensive mic.

[@zachariahisaiah1793]

My v5 doesn't sound like that. Im sure you got it paired up with some great gear to get that sound.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Here it is going into the Neumann MT-48 which has some outrageous preamps.

[@radosmusic3308]

Что Лучше взять BAIFEILI C414 and V5?

[@ramspencer5492]

I'm hoping the V5 and the C414 work well for music and with my voice... Because they were so affordable I decided to add them to my Mic locker! Fingers crossed!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Let us know what you think when you get some time with them.

[@ContextG]

Thank you for the comparisons. I'm actually just taking my first steps into voice acting and the first thing I did was go through all your videos within the last year on microphones. I've decided to buy the V5 as my starting mic. Mainly looking at advertising and narrations, with some video game voice over. What would you advise for a starter? In terms of practice and just beginning the journey? I'm also looking to understand the transformer and transformer less things too.

[@PWFenton]

I'm reluctant to say it, but I think I preferred the BaiFei on your voice. It's a subtle difference to be sure that was even more subtle without EQ,

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

P-DUB!!!! Nuts, right? I do really like the V5 on my voice. There's something great about the voicing of the capsule inside this thin headbasket that keeps authoritative without being boomy or wooly in the lower mids and that's just magic when my resonance comes out. Don't be reluctant to say it. Preach it, Brother Fenton! Preach! Super glad to hear from you!

[@windCR]

Some more comparisons with microphones in its price range $150-500usd could be awesome too!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

I'm trying to avoid bringing more entry level mics onto the channel as nearly everything in this price range is trash I'd never use for work and I'm only interested in mics I can work with, or mod. 99 percent of cheap mics out there will never get you where you want to go.

[@windCR]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff Understood. Maybe the Soyuz 1973 would be more in like with a nice FET microphone?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

@@windCR Probably, but the Soyuz is $799, which is probably $200 more than it should be.

[@jamesmhebert]

However you slice it, I appreciate that you are keen to share mics that offer a big bang for the buck in comparison to the heavyweights. Especially when small adjustments bring them still closer together (as opposed to massive EQ changes to address their differences). I doubt there will ever be an affordable mic like the V5 that will equal a U87 or U89, but for the time being it’s a big step for me. Will give you a shout when it arrives! Thank you.

[@JOFFDON1]

I would love any advice, would you recommend the 414 or the v5 if I only get one of the two mics? Thank you so much for such awesome content!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

V5

[@JOFFDON1]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply! I shall go shopping immediately! @@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff

[@UriRa]

Thank you for the video! What is the self-noise level of the V5? Louder than Sennheiser MKH 416 or Deity S-mic2?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Probably about the same as a 416. No idea about the Deity.

[@UriRa]

​@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff, Thank you! A good indicator.

[@TheMellowYellowDrummer]

Marc can you tell me the difference between this V5 and the PROAR one that’s like the OC16

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

The v5 has a 47 style capsule. The proar one you mentioned has a 25mm electret capsule.

[@TheMellowYellowDrummer]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff you’re very helpful mark thank you. Using these for my drums What would you say is the difference between the electret and 47?

[@TheMellowYellowDrummer]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff probably going to switch to the V5!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

@@TheMellowYellowDrummer 47 will be more detailed and mid forward than the electret.

[@TheRecordist]

Oh man! I want to review the V5 so bad. BFL told me they wanted to send me a dynamic. I told them I didn't want it. Dynamics are cheap enough anyway. I want to review an excellent product from BFL and that it would be good for both them and the viewers. They never responded. Haha. Oh well!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Yeah, they've been on me to review their cheap stuff and I had to say no a few times. Keep pushing them, especially if the V5 is headed to Amazon. I told them I'm only interested in their best pro level stuff from this point on. I'm hoping they savvy up and start putting their K47 capsule in everything because that could seriously tilt the playing field.

[@TheRecordist]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff roger that. I fully agree. They’re just about the stingiest company I’ve ever worked with. Haha. I’ll keep at ‘em. Thanks!

[@TheMaylkol]

and in comparison between the BaiFei Li V5 vs BaiFei Li V47 which is better and which one do you personally choose?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

V5 by a mile.

[@m4gn3t.0]

U89 sounds beauty. Other one sounds more digital and cheap… a bit but makes the difference

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Thanks for commenting

[@marmaladecreammedia]

The v5 really does sound great! I want to pick up one of the V mics to park on a guitar cab. After I order the BFL c414!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Because it's got a great low mid that isn't too hot, I think it'll sound great on a cab.

[@skrrrt1307]

Is it good for recording music vocals? and how would it be in an untreated room?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Probably yes and untreated rooms and condenser mics are often a bad match.

[@skrrrt1307]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff I am getting some foam and such soon and I'll try to get one of those reflective filter things as well. From what I've been told that should be pretty good and do the trick

[@twelvveblade2087]

should i buy road nt1a or baifeili v5?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

What does your heart tell you?

[@DailyRiot]

Mark, what's your favorite Baifeli mic and why?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

So far, the V5 because it feels like the best combo of capsule, headbasket and circuit from them to date.

[@DailyRiot]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff forgot about this, I bought a Soyuz 017 since this comment. Ended up sending the 023 back because it did sound good but it seemed really colored and I wanted something a little more natural than the 023. Is it me or does the 017 kind of overload when you're close but thins out too much when you're further away. Like you have to be in a very tight zone to get the best sound. Unless I'm doing something wrong.

[@BURTBROWN]

The V5 sounds great but does bring out a bit of sibilance - which could be quickly EQed out!!!! Some people might even like the slightly higher end pickup of the V5 and for $140 it's a terrific mike for anyone... unless you have a ton of money and don't have any EQ!!!!! LOL!!!!

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Yeah for the price it’s a total steal.

[@matthewpublikum3114]

What's the difference between the v5 and the v10?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

V5 has a more full midrange and smoother top end.

[@GoreMelian]

Which one do you prefer the V1 or Rode NT1?

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Can't say. I haven't compared them. But I don't like the NT1 at all.

[@GoreMelian]

@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff Wow I'm surprised you said this! Have you tested it in the past? the NT1 (4th gen) is a very flat and smooth mic. It would be interesting to hear em both side to side...

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

@@GoreMelian Not interested.

[@Tav_cr]

V5 sounds a more sibilant with EQ, better without it IMHO. Not 33 times the difference.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

This also has no de essing on it at all, which I would normally add to easily clean that up. But yeah, not too shabby for $140

[@wric01]

Various condenser mic patents expired. God bless china for bringing affordability.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Amen

[@ramspencer5492]

Came back with just some good consumer Bluetooth headphones... And not anything suitable for critical listening...and man! Does the audio sound so different! It makes me wonder how many people are really even listening to these mic reviews comparisons on something even close to neutral! (Or That most people are are consuming audio on anything particularly high-end anyhow) KZbin is also not the cleanest audio anyway for critical listening! Sounds so different on these phones... You can still tell these are quality mics but I'm losing so much detail! The The low mids are kind of heavy... The V5 could use a little more compression on the transients... If you wanted to make it sound more like the U89.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Bluetooth anything is not really the best way to listen for detail.

[@ramspencer5492]

Indeed it is not! I wouldn't use it for critical listening! I was just curious what it was going to sound like! I'm thinking about how many people are using it! Not an audio conscious consumer world!​@@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff

[@jonyarantes]

I just received my V5. What a disappointment... I already own two Baifeili C414, 34mm, and let me tell you, they are amazing and much better than the V5.

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

Sorry to hear that. Just not your thing, I suppose.

[@rhalfik]

So what is bad about them? I'm trying to collect balanced opinions.

[@bartes101]

89 is better.. but not 23x better... and definitely not the difference between a good and a crap performer on any mic!..

[@MarkYoshimotoNemcoff]

I absolutely agree.