Neat Mics King Bee II Review / Test (vs. NW700, AT2020, LCT440, NT1, U87 Ai)

Today I review the updated mic from Neat, the King Bee II. This is a revision to the extremely popular budget mic the King Bee. This offers a more tame top end in a less ostentatious design. You get a lot of the same pros but now suffer from a little bit of issue with the shockmount. All around if you want a beefy low end and detailed top end, this mic might be right for you.
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00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer
00:43 - Setup
01:03 - What’s in the Box
01:23 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:58 - Specifications
02:23 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:43 - Plosive Test
02:57 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:17 - Background Noise Test
03:36 - Untreated Room Test
03:53 - Shock Rejection Test
04:34 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:50 - Provided Pop Filter Test
05:40 - Intro to Comparison
06:00 - Neewer NW700 Comparison
06:24 - Neat Worker Bee I Comparison
06:54 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
07:27 - Blue Ember Comparison
07:49 - AKG P120 Comparison
08:20 - Neat King Bee I Comparison
09:06 - Lewitt LCT240 Pro Comparison
09:42 - Blue Spark SL Comparison
10:21 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
11:02 - Rode NT1 Comparison
11:36 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
12:24 - Music Test
13:42 - Pros & Cons
15:20 - Overall Thoughts
17:11 - Recommendation
18:47 - Outro
#HomeStudio #CondenserMic #MicReview
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[@mbk337]

You now look like a guy who would open his overcoat and it being lined with all these mics... And I love it

[@itscarlosreally]

"WHAT AH YE BOYIN?" "WHAT AH YE SELLIN?" "NOT ENOUGH CASH....earthling."

[@jw7665]

@@itscarlosreally underrated comment 😂

[@itscarlosreally]

@@jw7665 Cheers. man. Next month, we get to see the merchant again. Hahaha!

[@bassrobotics]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@RiffsAndBeards]

If the Incredibles had a podcast, they would use this mic.

[@bigdap100]

Lol.

[@nobodyhaslogin]

Damn! That thing looks unusual but nice. And the sound it produces is really nice too. Oh. And the mic isfine too.

[@Podcastage]

I see what you did Ducky. Haha. Thanks man.

[@tombuck]

Neat really does make some awesome stuff. I’m glad you’re the first place I’ve been able to hear/see this mic 👍

[@Podcastage]

Thanks so much Tom. I really appreciate that a ton! You rock. Just know that I still boo outloud whenever I watch one of your videos every time you make puns. Always a blast to watch.

[@tombuck]

@@Podcastage that's a whole lot of boo-ing!

[@alexandherg7872]

The new version of the king bee is noticeably superior in my opinion, the sound was more full and more smooth. I don't know the jargon as much as i'd like at the moment, yet it's clear from the presentation that an improvement has happened. Thank you for uploading this, it has clarified my decision. Have a great day brother!

[@manwithnolife5239]

I personally prefer the V2's sound in comparison to the V1, but I'm also happy to see a less... strange(?) aesthetic that still looks distinctly like a Neat product.

[@VOByRobbins]

I use the King bee (original) for my audiobooks and love it, I'm very happy with it but nice to hear that Turtle beach is maintaining the quality of these mics!

[@eukaryote-prime]

For your audiobooks? Are you vocally recording audiobooks?

[@wtulin1970]

I still kick myself for not snagging one. Have you heard about the grounding issues with version II? Seems that Turtle Beach may not be honoring the quality after all, sadly.

[@wtulin1970]

@@eukaryote-prime Yes, he's an audiobook narrator, you should check him out on Audible.

[@tomayto70]

@@eukaryote-prime how else are you supposed to record audiobooks?

[@craighoward5486]

This is a great sounding mic. I'd have to upgrade my boom arm - that's a very heavy mic. It's about the sound, however. This has it. Thanks for another great review.

[@Podcastage]

Thank you very much Craig. Glad you liked the mic and I agree. Pretty good sounding mic at the price.

[@ChivasKimber]

I blind bought this mic and I am enjoying it for sure. But I was waiting for this review. You are by far the most adept at giving us great information on products! Kudos

[@Rod-Wheeler]

Great Review sir. You are underappreciated!

[@Podcastage]

Thank you very much for the kind words Rod! I appreciate you very much.

[@ShawnMilo]

Neewer NW700: Sounds similar, has a more annoying top-end. Neat Worker Bee I: Sounds a little cleaner, or flatter, or something. Less low-end resonance. AT2020: Missing much of the low-end of the Worker Bee. Sounds clean, though. Maybe a bit less presence. Ember: Sounds a little "hollow" in comparison. AKG P120: Sounds like there's a high-pass. More high-end and sibilance. King Bee I: I didn't notice much difference. I did notice that they are both very sibilant. LCT240: Also feels like it enhances the top end while reducing the low-end, so it would probably become fatiguing. Sounds cheaper/low res. Blue Spark SL: Sounds nice -- a lot of clarity. Not as much low-end, but doesn't sound bad. Better than the Bee. LCT-440 Pure: Not quite as nice as the Bee. The Bee sounds fuller in comparison. Rode NT1: Compared to the Bee, it sounds a bit clearer. Almost like the Bee is a bit muffled. Prefer the NT1 here. U87: Sounds distant and tinny a bit in comparison. Like there's a pillow between you and the mic. Conclusion: I'm surprised at how much I like the Blue Spark. I think the King Bee II is great for someone without too much bass in their voice, because it enhances it and might muddy a deeper voice.

[@DKTD23]

I'm with you on the Spark - It's a solid good mic and great for voices with more bass

[@Dracomies]

Oh that moustache! Is it Movember? Overall that was my impression too. It's not QUITE 100% the same as the Neat King Bee 1, but just enough where I can happily recommend it. I'm glad they for the most part stayed true to the original. It took me several years to acknowledge that the Neat King Bee is more V-shaped. That's why I couldn't explain how it sounded. It's not 'classically warm", it' not flat, it's not bright, not at all, it's not classically smooth, it's a punchy sound -- and after a chat with Art, it dawned on me that yeah it's V-shaped, in a good way.

[@bennyfarinacci1340]

I went straight to the Neumann comparison .. and wow it sounds pretty close .. just a bit more top end on the King. This mic sounds really good . great low end nice mids and good air. thanks for doing this.

[@Beans113]

Here I am, the one person who loved the tacky looking old mic.

[@DRAVEN-h8u]

Allow me to introduce myself sir.😊

[@bardenhick2121]

The stern warning came right as I was about to type a comment

[@bobomchobo]

I was shocked at how similar it sounded to the LCT 440 Pure

[@onzkicg]

The best mic review channel 🙌 Sounds very close to Rode NT1 & Blue Ember. I wonder why they made it so heavy though if such attribute has no significant improvement on sound quality.

[@Podcastage]

Thank you for the kind words. I'm not sure why they made it so heavy. Perhaps it's because many people associate heavier products with premium. It could serve a purpose though, I'm not sure.

[@billlord4203]

Ordered a pair and they both had significant ground issues. Subtle hum when I touch the mic stand, more hum when I touch the shock mount, more hum when I touch the mic body. Got two replacements and one was fine, the other still has a hum although better than the first two. That said, I do really like how the mic sounds. And as Bandrew said, this dude is hefty! A real beefy boy! But be on the lookout for the hummmmmmm...

[@AndrewTrembley]

My Worker Bee had terrible ground issues. I swapped cables a few times, and it's been fantastic since I found a cable that fit well.

[@billlord4203]

@@AndrewTrembley Interesting. I tested the cable with three other mics - no prob. Anyway, I do like the mic (the ones without the hum that is). Cheers

[@TheINFJChannel]

Did y'all check your *own* grounding *at home* ? Grounding is most likely coming from your place and not the mic. I had grounding issues on an Audio Technica mic but found out it was within my own environment and not the mic. I found the affected outlet and just stopped using it while I'm recording. Grounding issues (50/60hz hum) are trial and error. 9/10 times it's your deal and not the microphones.

[@wtulin1970]

Are you narrator Bill Lord? In any case, I talked to a guy who swears he found the issue with the ground hum on these. If true, a batch were sloppily painted, getting paint into the threading where the body comes together. He said if you clean that up, the problem goes away. Like I said, I don't know if this is accurate, but if so, what a dumb mistake on their part, eh?

[@wtulin1970]

@@TheINFJChannel In the case of this mic, several reviewers have run into this problem, both youtubers and customers on amazon. If interested, read my reply to Bill Lord. Could be the case.

[@bk6020]

I've seen people comment this before. But your voice pairs well with the blue ember... and I think I actually like how that sounds more than the King Bee 2.

[@sheers5337]

Amazing Review, So much effort put into those videos i can tell! and about the mic, it sounds rather nice, less abstract design and great off-axis rejection! good job Bandrew.

[@yura_585]

i love this guy, im never gonna buy these microphones but these videos are just so interesting

[@yasuh4550]

The original was so funny. The sound was incredible, but people were genuinely against the thought of buying it because of the funky looks. This change was nice to see, even though it loses some of its identity without the stripes.

[@alexandherg7872]

This is a fantastic review video. I am truly impressed with your ability to capture what is needed to be heard. Also, your facial hair is not as disgusting as you've proclaimed :)

[@JeffJasperVO]

Thank goodness this one doesn't look like a toy or 3-D printer project. It sounds pretty good, but I think I like the air of the Blue Ember a bit better, but YMMV. Thanks especially for including the Lewitt 440 in this too. I've been drooling over that one for a while. Great review as always, Andy.

[@mikeymusic_rm]

I never thought that I would say that I prefer the sound of a $175 mic to almost all of the $1k+ options! Im shopping for a main vocal mic now and right now, it's coming down to a battle between this and the KSM44.

[@phoenixlandingstudio6594]

This is a great mic for the price, just kinda wish they kept the ‘bee’ design.

[@philiphayes487]

Great review, I decided to buy the king bee 2 for my home studio and this video was very helpful in making that decision. Sweetwater has this mic for $149.99 for the next two days. That pushed me over the top to get one.

[@egnatius79]

I love the chuckles as you went over the BULBOUS REAR and the BOTTOM of the mic

[@SlumberReads]

not bad for the price!

[@SgtStevePH]

Damn that is good looking. Oh yeah, I think the mic's pretty decent too, although it's a bit flat for my now fading sense of hearing.

[@perrykeshahwalker5321]

I actually like the original king bee and worker bee over the v2 king bee. I also like the original look too.

[@user-vw9bn9hq2h]

I too.

[@Mr.C0ffee]

But it doesn’t have the bee toy or the cool bee hive box. 😢

[@mrfilipelaureanoaguiar]

Nice reviews, keep doing it like that, it's perfect and with the full info we all should know. 👍🏽

[@JoseOnTheAir]

I'm not one to post process that much when I record so having that sound where it seems tuned/EQ'd out of the box and has that warm low end, I think the KB2 is worth it for someone like me. Yes the price did increase, but with availability of the KB1 and the convenience of less tuning of the mic in post for my use, I think $170 is valid for a condenser like that (and ethically made compared to Behringer...)

[@AudioHaze]

Aw I miss the stripes :(

[@Podcastage]

And no more bumble bee packaging with bee-keeping themed instructions. Haha.

[@AudioHaze]

@@Podcastage I'm only in this for the glitz and glamour what is this, unacceptable

[@arshiaey]

I remember that neat king bee was continued pretty close to when you reviewed it. But your review is what convinced me to get it before it disappeared

[@chef_moquin9535]

Is nobody going to point out how the NW700 (25 dollar mic) actually sounds pretty good? Definitely lacking in low end for sure, but for 25 dollars that's a great starter mic!

[@bL3dbL4k]

Sounds great for $25.

[@ZachariahConnor]

Thanks for the excellent and timely video Bandrew!

[@Burgoyne1777]

Sounded great! Thanks for posting another super review!

[@Swampfox10mm]

King Bee II sounds a bit nasal to me, when close. But overall quite a bold/wide sound for the price. I was surprised how much weaker the normally strong Rode sounded next to it. The size and weight of the King Bee II is a bit off-putting for me. Nice mic, though.

[@osvaldodomingos9041]

Loved today's box throwing. LOL. Love your videos Man. So informative, helpfull and very funny.

[@jaywalker.]

Need a longer term mic for my wife's podcast because we've been using the built-in mics on our Tascam DR-7. This was super helpful. To my ears, nothing sounded as good until the Neumann. Like you said, the Bee 2 sounds finished, which is just fine with me! 😬

[@binarymilton]

That mic's proximity effect really flatters your voice.

[@cheekbone4554]

The blue ember sounded amazing

[@humongortart]

The King Bee II sounds like an NT1 with a touch more body. Me like and could love. I use the NT1 daily, which I do like, but don't love. Hmmmm. I had a King Bee but sold it. Way too crisp for my use. Visually, the new one is like the grown up version of the original, which looks like a minecraft Charlie Brown.

[@BGRecon]

I think I will end up keeping mine and just hope when I move I can make my recording area sound better, I really like the way it sounds I just don't have the best environment for it.

[@calebbilti538]

same here. I use a ton of blankets which helps cause right now I can't afford treatment. I use it mostly for voice though and if you're at a good distance it doesn't pick up the room that much which I really enjoy.

[@mckelepic]

Absolutely love this sound, I have a large issue with sibilance and this one sounds super nice to my ears

[@Podcastage]

It's a great sounding mic. Glad you were able to track down a mic that fits your preferences and needs.

[@arildoyen8705]

Good review and have a great Thanksgiving!

[@artysanmobile]

The new Bee II is hyped in upper bass/low mid but, it’s a nice sounding hype. I can’t help wondering if a good part of the hype is the mount resonance. It’s right in the same frequency range.

[@Anpanator]

I preordered and express air mailed to the EU, which arrived yesterday and I absolutely love it. Works really well for my voice. I have it connected to a Tascam US-2x2HR. I have the original King Bee as well and that one, while also amazing, is a little heavier on the top end than I'd like.

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

2*2hr is good interface.

[@onzkicg]

so how was it? I already own consumer level AT2020 and AKG P220 is this an upgrade?

[@Anpanator]

@@onzkicg as I don't own the AT2020 or P220, I can't tell you. All I can say is that the King Bee II is an excellent microphone.

[@starsandguitars2050]

Very nice review. The King Bee sounds very nice.

[@MakN.]

Really great sound off this mic. Just bought it to upgrade from my rode nt usb.

[@jameslifetimelearner]

I have owned two of the $99 originals for a couple years and yes they are more sensitive in an annoying way, the transformer sound is also more pronounced on the originals

[@kennethbailey7105]

As someone who owns the worker bee…(still patiently waiting for the LCT Lewitt 840 review😳)

[@sung_yun]

Quite a few other mics that sound better at this price point. King Bee II sounds quite good, sure, nothing impressive though. Ember 7:34, NT1 11:14.

[@MidnightMiik]

It’s mostly a decent microphone. There is something I the upper mids/lower highs that sounds a little harsh. Not horrible though. As a VO mic for a home studio, definitely. This would be fine for audiobooks too. While the shock mount isn’t perfect, it’s ok for studio use. Thanks for t review.

[@ElijahG98]

LMAO "now we are jumping up in price quite a bit to the AKG P120. This costs around $105"

[@Podcastage]

I’m glad someone caught that. I thought I was being really funny.

[@HungryForTastyFoodAndComicArt]

I prefer the sound of the previous version, and the aesthetics of previous version. I'm glad they kept the low self-noise, though.

[@dvldgz6306]

Could you also start doing sibilance test ? Personally sibilance is more annoying than plosives

[@torugonza]

I'm always hoping that when you finish turning the microphone all the way around, you let it go, and that the cable makes it spin like a top. but that does not happen.

[@mdemoraga]

I was about to call 911. Missed last week post. ¡Viva México!

[@2011studies]

The Blue Ember sounded really good. The KB 2 was a bit more boomy.

[@thebusinessfirm9862]

Bandrew you’re like clockwork! Every Wednesday morning I watch the latest video just as it’s released while I drive my daughter to school. She loves the ‘Bring Pizza Pronto’ man as much as I do! Good review. Mic sounds very good, but a bit pricey. For the same money, you can buy a used RØDE NT1. Take care, mate. Steve from Adelaide.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

It always makes me want to order pizza. Pronto.

[@theslimbin]

I miss the loss of yellow :( Should have had an alternative colour option

[@philippemichel1022]

I own both versions and I still prefer the original, my son also a guitar player so I gave him version 2 which he prefers

[@AshySamurai]

V1 sounds a little dryer compared to V2 in my opinion. But I don't think it is enough for me to switch to V2. Only if I can sell V1 with a good price.

[@artysanmobile]

Liking the new volleyball serve with the box.

[@alphamarshan]

Did I miss you sneaking a new acoustic guitar in there? Looks and sounds great!

[@Podcastage]

I’ve been using this new Taylor for the last 6 months or so I think. Absolutely love it.

[@alewis18]

I like the original. V2 sounds nice and full, but the low end was distracting on "bass-ier" words after a while.

[@alidarxx]

01:55 Neat King Bee. You're subconsciously thinking of the bees from the birds and the bees.

[@joost3783]

imho the king sounds waaay better than the lewitt, also way better than the king 1 and workerbee. I bought the workerbee after your review and wow it's still a really incredible mic

[@jakp8777]

It’s far less ugly now.

[@wtulin1970]

I like the sound of original better by a bit. Say what you will about the look of the original, but that is one fearless design. A definite point of view. Version II looks exactly like what one would expect when something unique is stripped of its soul by committee. If the original King Bee is a classic VW Beetle, version II is the new Beetle (gag) Of course, the important thing is the sound, right? Well, apparently the sound of the King Bee II, in far too many cases, is that of a bad grounding hum. Not so Neat. On a side note, every time the AT2020 is included in comparisons, it becomes clearer just how far mics have come in the 15 or so years since its release. The old girl just isn't keeping up. For 99 bucks, that Blue Ember blows it away. Oh Bandrew, I kinda hate you for stoking the fires of my mic addiction, but you're just so f*****g good at what you do!

[@caminodeltrovador]

So damn good video, man. It really feel you care about telling something valuable to pipl and you´re really doing it. I´ll love your style as well. It s really ahmmm I´dont know. just make me relax, while learning which freaking micropohne Ishould get. BTW I have just one last question Would yuou recommend this microphone for actors I ean voice actors, not voice overs but for voice actors which have to make different tones for characters in videgames and animes. Like your singing too and your looks you don´t have to excuse yourself. You look good.

[@sirnigelcogs]

The original is a little more sibilant but overall I think I like its sound more. Also the body of the new one looks like an oversized Shure PGA181.

[@zail2238]

beard looks good and that microphone looks pretty good

[@johnkotches8320]

I think this is the first time I haven’t preferred the Lewis LCT440 Pure in the under $300 category.

[@inkrot]

Seriously tho. I was considering getting a Lewitt mic as my next mic purchase but holy this blew it out of the water

[@ckuhtz]

I have the original worker bee; I couldn't get the king bee at the time. Very seriously thinking about getting the v2 king bee now after hearing this. I like the v2 king bee sound far better than either of the v1's.

[@transistorradiorecords3661]

I like the look better, good review too so thanks Charles Bronson.

[@OffShiftProductions]

This might be a really good outside kick drum mic. I MAY HAVE TO TRY THAT OUT. SORRY FOR YELLING.

[@michalbochenski4329]

me: about the comment on Bandrew's mustache and beard Bnadrew: DO NOT SAY A SINGLE WORD ABOUT IT me: **surprised and confused face**

[@lazycablemanager3938]

It sounded close to my ears to the NT-1 (that I have on my cart but cannot checkout because of the price.) Maybe I’ll just go with this. Thanks Bandrew!

[@paoloagnetti3461]

Earthworks sr40v?

[@10010Linus]

i am able to order 1 of these from proshop (a danish retailer) for 74 USD, very tempted to order 2 lol

[@powersky8051]

Would love to see you do a review of the Neat worker bee II, Im thinking of buying it but cannot find any great info about it neither can I find if it comes with a shockmount cause no pics of it being in a shockmount but there are loads of the King bee II in its shockmount

[@BennyParcher]

You made my day bro

[@aeiplanner]

It is perfectly workable at a distance of 8-12 in. I know at least one other person that would agree.

[@calvinm9884]

damn Neat makes really good budet mics wish I had a way to listen to ur vids without youtube compression but its not too bad. Love the vids keep it up!

[@Podcastage]

You absolutely can. The description has a link to the Podcastage site which has Higher Quality audio. It’s 48kHz, 320KBPS, M4a, so not technically lossless, but pretty darn close.

[@DWHarper62]

Go to link in the description for the good sound from his website...

[@calvinm9884]

​@@Podcastage Wow that's awesome I've watched your reviews for a while now and I can say with confidence no one makes reviews on mics as well and as extensive as you. It amazes me more that you go out of your way to put the effort in to put out the HD audio version of your reviews. Keep up the awesome work I love the vids!

[@calvinm9884]

@@DWHarper62 Awsome, thanks!

[@blackjohnny0]

Sounds really nice.

[@Podcastage]

Yeah it does well. Happy recording.

[@blackjohnny0]

@@Podcastage I somehow managed to get it. :P It's a little bit muffled, too dark with my voice and I dont have low voice. I like more... bc 500.

[@kidsonicofficial]

The worker bee has been updated to V2 as well! Might actually look into this now haha

[@Xylume]

I was hoping you would have included the Samson Q2U USB XLR Dynamic Microphone. Good review!

[@leyzic9272]

Dang that mustache, it looks great lol You should Review the hyperx solo cast

[@youssoubarro1671]

Bravo, Je le veux maintenant 🔥

[@AmericanIndianGames]

this was from a year ago and I am impressed and sad, how this video got loose on my feed(?!) And 6dBa!?! Dude for this price I would by in a blink, sadly there is none here on Brazil and I found none that could be sent to here... Amazon's price for shipping, for me, is out of my hand, more expensive than the microphone itself :///

[@remoteworkinternational]

I love the sound on the 🎤. Very crisp and smooth sound.

[@clicks59]

Good sounding mic. It has a warm bottom end. The top end doesn’t sound boosted and sounds fairly well rounded. The Rode NT1 is a good sounding mic and is probably the best mic of the bunch, dollar for dollar, IMHO. Thanks for the great review.

[@saintmora]

I didn't need to see this right now. Went straight to Amazon and saw the free next-day shipping so here I am... I absolutely did not need more microphones lol.

[@pyro226]

Sounds good. I prefer sharper on the electric, but it got the acoustic right.

[@Katnipp_]

I much prefer the looks of the king bee v1 it actually stood lint and doesn’t look like another black tube

[@silvydb]

i like the tone better with the pop-filter but it solunds more....balanced? without the filter.