Neat King Bee II Review, Is it worth it?

Thanks to Neat for sending me the King Bee II www.neatmic.com/bee/king-bee-...
--------------- Affiliate links: ---------------
King Bee II: geni.us/JmxCq
Audio Technica AT2020: geni.us/mX3acMW
CAD m179: geni.us/EJcRg
RODE NT1A: geni.us/r-nt1a
Lewitt LCT440 Pure: geni.us/bj-lct440
Lauten LA220: geni.us/9VVh
Earthworks ICON: geni.us/icon-pro
Lewitt LCT540: geni.us/lct540
Austrian Audio OC18: geni.us/bj-oc18
Neumann TLM 103: geni.us/P1u8
Neumann U97Ai: geni.us/h64t5qA
My Interface: geni.us/5w8L
-------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
00:00 Introduction
00:14 Disclaimer
01:50 Packaging and Unboxing
02:42 What do you get?
03:19 Spec Review
04:40 Self Noise
05:47 Frequency Response
06:20 Polar Pattern
06:38 Mic Positioning
08:35 vs King Bee Original
09:19 vs Audio Technica AT2020
10:39 vs CAD m179
12:18 vs Rode NT1A
13:40 vs Lewitt LCT 440 Pure
15:11 vs Lauten Audio LA220
17:43 vs Lewitt LCT540 Pure
20:12 vs. Austrian Audio OC18
22:00 vs Neumann TLM103
23:31 vs Neumann u87 Ai
24:29 Conclusion
Check the second half of this video about the CAD m179 which shows how to use the pattern to minimize noise: • CAD 179 Condenser Mic ...
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Thanks!

[@BoothJunkie]

Wanna talk about it? Come hang out with other Booth Junkies on our discord: discord.com/invite/JdNm5wRgaz

[@alexandrevaliquette1941]

That a great idea.. unfortunately I just miss it. Maybe next time.

[@pingpongowo]

I see two kings in this video

[@markpullar8159]

3 at some points.

[@CuttyBanks]

u guys sound like groupies

[@CS1theFirst]

Kind of crazy how well this mic holds it own against the top end, it feels like 90-95% of the quality of a Neumann for 1/16th of the price.

[@NoeAnton]

I'm also with you, it has a lot of the character of the Neumann, maybe a tad bit darker and less present, but damn, for the price?

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Yeah you can totally dial in that extra 15% of presence with a good EQ. I feel like at this point if you aren’t wealthy or actively pro, there’s not much of a reason to go Neumann.

[@samuelhassett6645]

It might be important to bring up the fact that KZbin does compress everything so the sound that we're hearing from the KZbin upload won't be a true representation of whatever is actually going on, that doesn't mean that the king bee isn't good or can't hold its own It just means that more testing needs to be done.

[@curtisjudd]

Sounds really great for its price. Thanks Mike!

[@1337Atreyu]

Love the bald spot in your facing illustration lol

[@casemcdonald2152]

WOW! I think this is the single most basic instruction I've seen you do. Zero assumptions of knowledge. I bought one of these excitedly, the moment it was released. I've enjoyed it. On paper, it's close to ideal. For some reason, it just seems boring to me. I can't complain, and it sounds great, but it doesn't really flatter anyone. I guess that means it's accurate, and balanced for the general user? Nobody in particular? Love your review.

[@EmotionalSupportGobies]

"I find this microphone extremely flattering to my voice." um, I think mics find your voice extremely flattering to them.

[@will2777]

The king bee sounds really good for it's price point. I currently use the at2020, and I never really knew the slight hissing was coming from the mic's pickup at 20db, I thought it was because my sensitivity was too high or something

[@arubial1229]

the animation of mike's head with the bald spot while rotating the mic was hilarious

[@EmoEmu]

That Lewitt 540 Pure always pleases my ears. What a great mic that is. This new King Bee 2 seems like awesome value at the price. Very pleasant sound if you don't want a bright sound.

[@seandaeley5438]

One of your best mic reviews/comparisons yet, Mike! I loved the added infographics, and how you focused on the functional differences between the mics to help viewers identify their desired use case. Another great video, please keep 'em comin'!

[@CoachNation]

The King Bee II sounded great and really holds its own against peers and more expensive mics. I thought it bested some of the higher-end competitors. The KB2’s low self noise is a strong plus. When the original King Bee was beeing closed out at crazy low pricing, I ended up buying two of them along with the super quality build 20’ “Beeline XLR Quad” mic cables for stereo recording purposes. I’m now contemplating buying a KB2 based on your outstanding review.

[@thedigiprof]

The little bald spot on the polar pattern animation slayed me. Fantastic review, as always!

[@Laura_DiNunno]

I use an AT2020, and while I knew about the hiss, I had no idea it was that noticeable until I saw this video. I put the cans on and turned the volume up and immediately recognized what I had grown accustomed to. Methinks it's time for a different mic.

[@Chomper_r]

I've watched damn near every video of yours for the last 6 years and I have to say this one has such a different feeling and vibe to it. It's always a good day when you review a microphone, and they always make for informative and entertaining videos, but this one in particular had such a "Cool Professor" feel to it. Loved it just as much as all the others.

[@Dracomies]

Just finished watching the video! Thank you for doing this video! This was super extensive and answers a lot of questions about other microphones too. I really loved how the OC18 sounds on you. Very smooth sounding microphone with sparkle. I also thought the Neat King Bee 2 did amazing in the shootouts. I'd say it held its own against microphones far more expensive - and imo it's a very viable voiceover microphone - good for all paid voiceover work. I also loved how the ending had no opinion, just the shootout ROFL - but the shootout honestly tells a lot - and really shows how viable the Neat King Bee 2 really is :D

[@eyesic]

Mike, I've been watching you for years. Thank you so much for your content.

[@KaelusKRS]

Thank you for the help! I'm really trying get a good recording space and mic. I know next to nothing, but this helps me on the journey of upgrading from my blue snowball microphone! Thank you!

[@Ed-davies]

Man I love your reviews! The king Bee sounds to be superb for the money, very rich sounding with your voice. Will be getting one of these when they’re available in the uk

[@bearnecessitiesvoiceoverll7400]

Great review as always brother. Thanks for all you do!

[@bk6020]

The top down view with the bald spot... You're so humble and honest Mike. I have the blue ember, but I'm contemplating this mic to record learning modules.

[@rj7257]

Thanks for all the comparisons! Great video for a clearly impressive mic

[@mrdjtoday]

Wow, good stuff and at a very reasonable price! From what I can tell not only is it a good starter mic, but it can hold it's own as you progress also. Great video, and thanks.

[@matthewcebrian]

The excitement I feel when Mike posts a new video is very real.

[@StephenCarterStressExpert]

As always, a well done, thorough review. The comparison with other mics is always helpful and appreciated. I've owned the original King Bee for several years and am more than satisfied with the recording quality. At $170, the price to performance quality makes this new iteration an excellent choice. To my ears, the King Bee and King Bee 2 hold their own compared to condenser microphones costing 3X+ more. Thanks for the many well done reviews you've posted over the years.

[@davegraedon8236]

Fantastic work as always! Keep it up!

[@Dinosaur13]

I got the King Bee based on your last video on it, I'm very excited to hear about this one! Edit: Amazing to here how it stacks up (or doesn't) against the other mics! My only complaint about the new King Bee is it isn't as flashy. I love my yellow mic with the BeeLine braided XLR wrapping around my desk. But I get that isn't for everyone.

[@jjtbone]

I really enjoy these types of videos. The only mic I preferred over the King Bee II in this format was the LCT540. I thought it stacked up really well against all the others! And honestly, If I were listening to this without the visual, I'm not sure I would notice many differences at all, especially if I were listening through something other than my DT 770 Pros.

[@DynamixWarePro]

I am impressed, it sounded very good on your voice, even against most of the mics you demonstrated and the low self noise is also great to have. It might make a good competator to the Rode NT1 since one of its selling points was its low self noise and it is cheaper than the Rode. A comparison of the King Bee II against the NT1 would have been good to hear.

[@VOByRobbins]

I use the first King Bee for my Audiobook recordings and love it's sound -- I have lots of other mics, but this for that works well for me! -- use the Senn 416 for everything else!

[@gieaux]

This is a very helpful video on some of the mics I’ve had an eye on. Thank you for This demo!

[@imacmadman22]

Good video Mike, you've got me thinking about picking up a King Bee II.

[@airwolf1337]

I think the King Bee II sounds really deep, but good! Thank you for the comparsion!

[@WayOfHaQodesh]

Thank you for the great in booth comparisons brother.....

[@guillermoramirez8444]

Tha bald spot of the top view overlay. 🤣 Thanks for another great review.

[@jennyferNumberone]

Wow! It sounds great and holds its own against the more expensive ones 🎤😃 ...ps, i wanted to get the King Bee, but at the time, it was sold out and/or discontinued. So i went with the Worker Bee. Do you have an opinion on Worker Bee vs King Bee II?? Thank you 😃🖖

[@TheIsvann]

I have a King Bee 1, I'm glad to see that its quality lives on.

[@BamaRick]

Amazing work as always Mike! You make everything sound incredible. I’m thinking to upgrade my mic to either the King Bee II or the Lewitt LCT 440 Pure, but I would be utilizing it for KZbin, live streams, and also some voice over work. (Tired of the gain hogs, but Procaster if I stayed with dynamic) Recommendations?

[@ciggsy]

Finally, thanks for the review mike :)

[@Lucas-og3of]

I'm only about 6-7 mins into the vid, but I'm already really impressed! I quite like the sound on this mic! Edit: And having now finished the video, I still think it's a pretty nice sounding mic. Only way I can describe what I like about it is to say it has "bass without echo" * Shrug * Also really like the Lewitt 440 Pure!

[@mattbba8451]

Honestly the Lewit 540 and the OC18 are extremely bright and in my face. Your voice is radio by nature. Lucky you.

[@chriscutress1702]

The King Bee II holds up very well against all the other mics especially the Neuman mics. Surprising when you consider the price points of the Neuman products. The CAD179 also sound very nice. It's a hard choice between them.

[@matthewwolf1793]

Hey Mike. Love your mic reviews. Another great one. I have a question re the TLM107, which doesn't get a lot of comparison reviews... Wondered if you've ever tried it and compared with the 103 or others? I recently tried it against my CAD e100s, and while I appreciated the warmth of it and the extra patterns, I actually kind of preferred the openness of the e100s. Any experience with it? Also I've been considering a Rode NTK...and not sure if you've ever reviewed/compared that one either... Cheers.

[@DapperDanLovesYou]

New Camera?!?! Your videos are looking very sharp, love the new format!

[@DapperDanLovesYou]

At less than $200, Neat has REALLY done well. Good sound! Nothing offensive, everything flattering. Very competitive offering

[@BoothJunkie]

New Lens, upgraded from the Sony Kit Lens to a Sigma Prime. I had no idea how much of a difference it would make!

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

Good review. Pl. also mention the specifications of each mic. King bee II is best budget condenser microphone. Next come NTIA, NTI, LCT 540.

[@preacherplays]

You just sold me a King Bee II. I've watched a zillion mic reviews this month, and you sold me.

[@TechToyTV]

I have both the original King Bee and the original Worker Bee. Love both of them!

[@sekinchance5186]

I love the look of that microphone and it does sounds great. I think I want a lewitt for my next microphone though.

[@DieselCheese]

I have the Neat Worker Bee, it's really nice with a rich and deep sound.

[@thesteveandianproject2532]

Great video as always good sir. I wanted to pick up a King Bee I as my first LDC but they discontinued it before I could get my hands on one. Then I was looking at the AT-2035 or the Sennheiser MK4. Now the Lewitt LCT 440 Pure is huge on my radar... The KB2 upsets my applecart... Is it really 6dB-A self noise?

[@insanejughead]

Haha, the Earthworks gets the title of being the "Right Mic". I'm sold, Mike. Thanks! XD

[@TommieG63]

Actually it was quite surprising how well the King Bee II held it's own to the other mics. Very impressive!

[@larrycom]

Great demo

[@Katafod]

Thank you, Mike!

[@yazn6]

if only i can like this video more than once. it answered all my questions.

[@Visleave]

Love the sound of this thing... Maybe I just love the sound of your voice regardless of microphone :3

[@johnkotches8320]

It would have been nice to see them have an option for a yellow pop filter as a nod to the old color scheme. Between your reviews and Bandrew's (podcastage) it makes it rather easy to make a well informed decision for those of us whose livelihood does not rely on our voices. I guess it's going to be time soon to see how well it does on my horn collection.

[@ShameJ0na5]

There is a high pitch beep at 3:19. Great review!

[@johnkotches8320]

Listening again, a couple of weeks later... I like that it has less presence region to my ear (flatter/smoother 2k-5k range) which makes S sounds smoother. GUess I'll find out how it does on instruments soon enough.

[@yendornodlew2671]

Thanks Mike!

[@BillAnciaux]

No buzzing from this Bee.

[@potion7410]

i just love the sound of the la220

[@ahall3823]

That tlm-103 sounds fantastic.

[@mfkrwill]

Wow, i heard differences between most mics (for better or worse or just different) like the 540 Pure or the at2020, but honestly i didnt hear that much of a jump between the sound quality of the Bee II and the Austrian Audio OC18 which is very surprising to me. because the austrian audio stuff is my current "goals" mics, at least the 818 because of the cool polar software I have the King Bee 1 and was thinking of picking up a 2nd one for drum overheads at some point. but it sounds like the difference isnt too bad i may be able to get the 2 instead of the original and still make that work

[@matteonolli]

KingBee sound very well, like a nt1 without harsh sibilance. Good budget mic

[@StoutPika]

I love the character of this mic, I preferred it on your voice over cheaper mics, even some mics that are more expensive than the King Bee

[@franciscoaguilar9323]

It would be interesting to add a comparison table with the differences displayed of both microphones that are in the screen. For example, Neat King Bee II has a 34mm diaphagm and some others are small diaphagm. Self-noise on some of those compared with the King Bee, they are more noisy.

[@TheNortical]

damn someone is upping his production game!

[@TamiamiJones]

This is a very great comparison video. I agree that the other mics toward the end of your presentation sounded great for your voice. It would have been interesting to have a female guest or perhaps a tenor voice to compare the brightness of the mics. Perhaps, the King Bee II would do better with those types of voices. I would have liked to heard more of the specs on the more expensive mics as well. The mic held it’s own with the comparable mics. The end of the video became more of a show and tell, but a great lesson in the importance of comparison and saving for the ‘right’ mic.

[@SparkY0]

I'm on my 2nd king Bee 2, hoping the third time is the charm. Some kind of 60 Hz grounding issue when touching the body

[@shahryarrizvi1]

12:19 vs the Rode NT1A - 1 year later, the king bee 2 is down to $119 while the rode seems to be at $200 now. So pretty big price difference now. I'm leaning towards the King Bee 2 since the quality seems pretty much the same

[@lukecuster1365]

I ordered this, but it just didn't wow me. It's a fine mic, but it just didn't have that punch that the first gen had

[@Unlucky_Vampire]

Please do a video on the worker bee

[@yourforeignlocal]

I have the NT1 and the original Worker Bee. The Worker Bee sounded too thick/congested for my voice and the NT1 turned out to be a perfect match. From your comparisons and that of others, I think the King Bee II would also be unsuitable for me. The original King Bee, which I tried to acquire (but failed to) beforehand sounds like it would be a better match for my voice than the King Bee II, having a drier presentation and being slightly less boomy sounding

[@nickglover]

I'm not even in the market for a mic, but here I am watching the whole video... I can see why you like the Lewitt, it's like lifting a blanket off the mic. Much clearer, but without being harsh.

[@tommino8970]

Nice low-end ("body" as Mike says) and smooth top for Bee. In the comparison I only like OC18 and TLM-103, but they are in different price League.

[@Growler1660]

Another great review Mike. Thank you. Mike: "I find ______ mic to be flattering to my voice". Engineer: "I could use a can on a string and this guys voice would still sound good".

[@THEOJOFilms]

WOW!!! I have the first King Bee and (while i don't use it much) i really like it. My Motu m2 didn't hold up as well, but i was able to find a work around, so I'm not too upset. Call me crazy but compared to the TLM103 there's no "click/pop/shift" when switching back and forth. Some mics is are very obvious and some only slightly obvious (closing your eyes helps). To my ears it's seamless. For me even when compared to its predecessor, the King bee 2 sound just a bit basier but otherwise exactly the same. It would be crazy if this mic becomes one of those sleeper hits. I don't need one but i may just get this one and round out the set lol. I'm a filmmaker so i don't do as much as i would like with audio but once i learn how to mic VO this will be a powerful setup.

[@DKMaester]

My favorite was Right mic.

[@lsquail7752]

I was wondering what you thought if the Neumann TLM 102 compared to some of these other mics.

[@cwgochris71]

Can I suggest you also show off the mic using a lower cost interface? One under 300.00 or so? I do not know, but I suspect the mic sounds so good because you are using a really good interface. I could be wrong of course. Anyway, consider a minute or so with a lower cost interface. THANKS

[@elasticman66]

Mike - love your vids! Is this Bee a step or 2 above an MXL990? That's what I use for in-house elearning modules and it is OK. But I could do better!

[@theglobalzrecordingproject]

Dan, I do a great deal of work with elearning. I would say the King Bee II is 'two steps' above the 990. I have the 990 and the original Worker Bee. I would place the Worker Bee one step above the 990 as well. For elearning, the 990 is okay. If want to part with additional cash, the new Worker Bee is worth considering for under $100, or if you have the extra dough to spend, the King Bee II is a great option. The sE X1S and the TechZone Stellar X2 might be additional great options in line with the King Bee, depending on the tonalities of your voice.

[@tritonthelion]

idk why but i like the LCT 440 pure.. It sounds clear and smooth specially for its price. Of course the other expensive mics sounds better like the oc18, tlm 103, and the u87.

[@emergingloki]

A basic usable case can't be expensive either if Behringer can include a perfectly serviceable one with the Xm8500 at sub $20.

[@csb65536]

For the price, I have to say it appears pretty impressive. I was wondering why you do not cover/compare the Blue Microphones Spark to this, or other in the same price range. It does seem that the Spark is a “love it” or “hate it” mic. I have three, and in certain circumstances it does a fantastic job. It’s not a large diaphragm mic, so I wasn’t sure if that may be your reason.

[@clintonmaher6930]

The original King Bee had a transformer output while I believe the King Bee II doesn't. That would explain the slight difference in sound I'm hearing as the original has just a touch more silkiness/smoothness.

[@ZachariahConnor]

It's interesting that in Bandrew's video the King Bee II vs the King Bee there was a bigger difference. They sounded really similar here. But yeah, even next to all the other mics, I loved the meaty sound of the King Bee II

[@Kaelthas93]

That's why it's good idea to watch few reviews. Bandrew's and Mike's voices are different.

[@ZachariahConnor]

@@Kaelthas93 Totally!

[@nicholasmullins3693]

Yeah, bigger differences will show up on different voices. Mike has a much lower voice than Bandrew.

[@beardedvoice]

I noticed the rode and 220 brought out more mouth noise

[@ktownt.v5009]

Can you do a review on the iconic mars

[@Unlucky_Vampire]

Are you gonna review the rode podmic?

[@matthew.datcher]

17:43 Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place, but I couldn't find information about the LCT 540 Pure. I do see a LCT 540 Subzero on Lewitt's website. Are those two separate mics or a mistake in the video?

[@element-dh9dx]

I have the Mic I just got it, just realized, that it's a Bee hive. Upside down it really looks like one. It's very large, reminds me of a lamp. It's well made and seems like you get a lot with the microphone. Get a heavy duty boom arm, I have the Vivo and it's awesome. I got the pole extension for it, I use 2 of three sections. Now it can hold a laptop or monitor, or a DSLR camera as well as the microphone, a pole is a good mounting option. The pole extension was only an extra 25$, not bad at all. Some boom arms are much too flimsy for this mic, the base needs to screwed down.

[@mohawho8251]

wowowowowowowowoowwwwwwwww unbelievably informative thank you so so much

[@pardediablos2137]

Where is a good place to get microphones? My thoughts where amazon was ok but Ive hear otherwise

[@migueltorcuator2152]

Your voice is legendary

[@alexandrevaliquette1941]

Can you do a review on the best drive-through microphone?

[@Neiroe]

The real content we've been waiting for

[@JimMcNicholas]

Wow, to my ear it really sounds like the highest end mics.

[@BdeJJG]

What interface and equipment are you using with this mic?

[@fatherfoopie]

did you do commentary for the channel called "TheMontageKing MMA"?

[@mohde7958]

i know it i was long time since this video posted but Does the shock mount come with 5/8" Male to 3/8" & 1/4"-20 Female ?