NEAT Worker Bee Mic Review / Test (Compared to NW700, AT2020, NT1)

[@ordaineddoodle4970]

I’m waiting for the NEAT Murder Hornet.

[@kreepteamofficial]

wait link?

[@gavial1448]

That isn't real.

[@WarerBrow]

NEAT Annoying Fly

[@iNaurto04]

It will be a gaming microphone lol

[@gavial1448]

@@iNaurto04 What does that even mean?

[@algnedpe7271]

i love this mic, i can't bee-lieve people hate the way it looks, definitely better than say the at2020 in almost every situation.

[@luisaucedo]

The only fucking reason I don't buy it's because looks like a joke, anyone would take you seriously with that mic

[@algnedpe7271]

@@luisaucedo you must be extremely weak as a person if you are afraid of the way people treat you for having a bee themed microphone

[@luisaucedo]

Yes I am, I need credibility and this one wouldn't give it to me you gotta understand that Guess I would go with the samson co2s as I also need for drums

[@algnedpe7271]

@@luisaucedo i understand your thoughts but that doesn't make it any less stupid to judge a book by it's cover like that

[@estebanarancibia5126]

@@luisaucedo holy shit, and i thought i was insecure of myself

[@CarloLibertini]

I worked for Gibson a few years ago during the NEAT Microphones launch (Neat is part of Gibson). I can honestly tell you that these mics are top quality and an amazing value... I was given a King Bee to use and review and it is my go-to for all my personal voice overs. I will share one important fact however. Using a cheap or low quality audio interface will not deliver this microphones full potential. All of my mics sound better since upgrading my interfaces two years ago. Signal flow has many links and everyone of them can effect your sound. These NEAT mics are a solid link.... Hope all is safe and well everyone here! Cheers!

[@15Lando15]

greatings! what would be your cheapest option when you talk about high quality audio interface? Would you consider Scarlett 2i2 3gen a good interface?

[@frida507]

I think it's cute. The design is a pro for me.

[@DjGoHamGaming]

Is it dB or dBee?

[@arixshow]

dB

[@markntexas8265]

Well played Sir, I say to you good day!

[@arixshow]

@DrunkTruck r/wooshergotwooshed - but I don’t blame you, I have a dry and deadpan sense of humor.

[@Lawls]

I bought the King Bee after watching various reviews you did of microphones in that price range, and I too was slightly put off by the looks, but in the end, who really cares? The only downside is how heavy it is, he is indeed a large lad.

[@rerakantarera]

I actually like the looks haha but I thought the yellow lines could be removed?

[@EnglishEloquenceMoscow]

Hey man, where did you buy your mic? I can't find them anywhere on the net. Thanks a lot!

[@B_Sock]

You looked like you had a lot of fun with this video and that made me happy. Awesome review + mic

[@remoteworkinternational]

Another versus series plz: NEAT Worker Bee vs NEAT King Bee.

[@43audio89]

The king bee is actually a rip of a Very very very popular vocal mic. I've been on NEAT mic's ass for 7 months now wondering when they are making another batch. But hard mics to compare against eachother. They work together amazingly. But King bee very much vocal and worker very much for AMPS, drums, louder sources. Super wide pattern though. Great for catching toms

[@lostishere]

@@43audio89 What mic?

[@itsGAMiE]

First I must say you have an amazing channel and you have been super helpful. Your channel is one of the important stops I make before getting my studio gear. Much love all the way from Nigeria. I watched your review of the neat king bee and purchased one for myself. No regrets at all. I am absolutely loving its performance and its definitely a step up. I have no doubt the worker bee will do great as well. Detailed review as usual. Thank you.

[@vanceshepherd1618]

Sound is amazing, especially for $90! I own the King Bee, thanks to your positive buzz. May BEE adding to the family...

[@slumz12]

When did you buy the king bee because now i cant find it anywhere

[@vanceshepherd1618]

@@slumz12 just a few months back. I've seen it from secondary sellers. I got it at around $150 when I saw the prices were shooting up. I think Zzounds. But you're right, it is hard to find now. Once I got it, I realized it might be too unique looking for me. Ha! Watch ebay, it might end up there! Sounds great, though. It is just so big.

[@SaberTC]

This video help me decide which microphone I should get for my first serious one. This was also my introduction to you and your channel and although I’m not looking for a microphone anymore you did help me learn about the gear that I would need to step up my game, for that thank you! Now I’ve stuck around because I love hearing the content you create, and now I’m surprised on how much enjoyment I get from listening to audio tech reviews, but I’m not complaining! Sidenote, I did end up picking this microphone because I agree it does sound good and has a very malleable sound for an awesome price. Additionally, with me being legally blind the looks aren’t a con for me hahaha!

[@perkeleman1265]

Microphoned a drumset in my Studio with the Workerbee solo, roughly 1m distance infront of the kit, 1,70 height and angled down towards the center of the kit. Sounded pretty damn good, smooth cymbals, present snare, the toms had a good oomph and with a little boost, the low end from the BD sounded phenomenal, although pretty roomy of course. (The acoustics in my recording studio specifically are great for drum close micing, but if you don't mind some room, it also sounded great that way). I also played around with hooking it through the Behringer Mic500 Tube preamp, which lifted this thing on another level. I had a C214 and a C414(XLS) right next to it doing the same, and without the behringer tube the bee didn't sound worse than the 214, just different, and only slightly worse than the 414 , and with the tube (and the piano/limiter preset on it) it sounded a LOT better for this purpose than even the 414. Mind you that the bee was 80€ when I bought it, and the behringer tube 50€ which combined still is way cheaper than the 214. Edit: Thanks for the heart Bandrew :> Edit Edit: Dangit, editing comments removes heart, rip

[@jamesorrell7462]

Christ, that sounds amazing for a $90 mic. That's one to add to the wishlist

[@generalawareness101]

Same as it has that FM radio announcer sound.

[@DWHarper62]

I got one this past week... you better hurry, I have a feeling the $90 price tag is a close out, probably never to be seen again...

[@ShopperPlug]

sound similar to the nt1

[@rade3428]

@@ShopperPlug true, nt1 has less background static though.

[@ericsoto9644]

This has become my daily driver. My first big boy (more than 50 dollars) piece of equipment and it is amazing!

[@ee1yd]

solid choice

[@MediocreSix]

"I dunno what that loud noise was. I think someones coming to kill me" "Wow, the NEAT Worker Bee is excellent at cancelling environmental noise. I barely heard a thing. 10/10"

[@lucscott3631]

I absolutely love the way this looks. Black and yellow are literally my favorite colors. It’s so unique.

[@juancantu2116]

I have the nt1 and the worker bee! And I’m so torn between their sounds I love them both ❤️ (I wanted the king bee but it got discontinued, but the people at Neat told me they’re making a whole new King Bee!)

[@Maze47269]

They're making a new one? 0.0

[@richpryor9650]

A new won??? 0.0

[@generalawareness101]

@@Maze47269 Yes, a V2 and I wonder the price and I wonder if they are thinking of adding more patterns?

[@arixshow]

The original king bee was initially in the $200-$300 range so if you’re on a tight budget don’t expect it at the discontinued $99-$130 range when the new one comes out. Still looking forward to it though. Ugly as sin, but excellent sound.

[@generalawareness101]

@@arixshow Precisely but Movo is as good aurally and on features and price blows it out of the water.

[@EhrgeizTV]

I picked up the King Bee here in the UK after watching your review, all for the low cost of £91. A friend of mine picked up the Worker Bee and he's super happy with it. Ps. I absolutely adore the look of it. Being different is fun.

[@t3nply755]

Ol Bandrew definitely had a good time making this review! lol. Thanks for the info, bud!

[@joannehart9624]

Reminds me of the sound of late night FM DJ's back in the early '70s. I can just hear the jock announcing Dark Side of the Moon.

[@pantherinemedia8678]

Great mic. The looks would sure bring some spice to studio visuals. As per the conparison, i loved the Rode NT1 best. Cheers

[@calebbilti538]

I was waiting for this cause I can’t find the king bee ANYWHERE. Thanks!

[@robe619]

I think it’s discontinued. The website doesn’t even list it.

[@calebbilti538]

Roberto Solorzano seriously the website advertises it and then shows all the retailers when you click buy. Checked yesterday. But yeah that’s a pretty probably situation

[@arixshow]

Supposedly they’re working on a V2.

[@mr.mercuryvapir6324]

You were the very person that influenced me to purchase this mic. And it sounds beautiful! I absolutely love it lol...thanks for the recommendation!

[@LosGuysLive]

Picked up the King bee 🐝 after your review and have used it in our weekly videos for the last month or two... Clearly for the money it's a total steal. And the looks... I love it! I think it's unique and honestly an cool creative element in setting up shots and angles for video. Thanks again for all you do Bandrew!

[@captainsmitty353]

I love it. I have the worker bee coming from Amazon right now! I tried to order the king bee, but everywhere is sold out. I am just starting out with my home recording , so hopefully they make more in the future!

[@JamesSmith-qu4yf]

The rhythmic complexity of your music test in this particular video is really impressive. Thumbs up! (I know I'm a latecomer to posting on this video from September. Meh. 😁)

[@spaggymerbles]

It’s because of this video that I have bought the Neat Worker Bee. I am delighted with it. You have given it a fair and accurate description. Thanks for the very helpful demonstration and review.

[@iamomid]

I liked the sound of the Worker Bee compared to other ones, even the NT1. And btw, your video quality is better than before

[@ZalasOrg]

I own 2 of those Bees - love the sound, love the look. They are bees - must love them for all fruit and vegetables they contribute to.

[@CordialGun]

Hey, I'm shamelessly new to the audio industry and found your video informative. Your levity and charisma do wonders to elevate the content, and those guitar riffs were on point. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us, and I hope you have a great year ahead! 💖✨

[@CatZ3r0]

I came here for this review. I'm staying because your personality and talent is *chefs kiss*

[@keylimetrpt]

I think you had the gain closer to 12:38 or 12:38:30. ... Let’s be accurate here!

[@AngloSaxon1]

Great mic, I have one and the mic sounds great with Spoken word.

[@TheEdgedCarbine]

Thank you for doing what you do. You might not be the most famous youtuber but you are definitely one of the most helpful youtuber.

[@arixshow]

On both a budget and a timeline so grabbed the worker bee after looking at practically every review I could find of many microphones, but already planning to save up for the NT1 down the line - I always find its sound so pleasing when you show it in videos.

[@everyhandletaken]

So many positive comments for this mic & I can totally see why. re: looks, I would only say the design makes it look like a cheaper mic, but have no problems with the look myself & the performance wins over looks any day.

[@mbk337]

Great Review Bandrew. I would really like for you to cut some audio and edit it, when you mention those sort of editing steps to correct the mic's issues. Would really help fully realize what you are explaining. Thanks!

[@lasm2000]

That's one of the best sounding mics for acoustic guitars I've heard at any price. Maybe this and King bee for vocals would make an affordable duo for a lot of applications.

[@darlenejufu]

I can understand people thinking that it doesn't look professional, and the body making it harder to use different shock mounts could become a problem, but it's sooo cute and sounds p good. I might just bite the bullet and make this my first mic.

[@a-ridley]

Just bought it

[@yuranival]

Considering the package and the sound it's hard to believe this mic isn't being sold at a loss for $90. Maybe that's their strat to stand out in competition. Either way both bees are great 🐝💛

[@titostacos114]

dude a day before you uploaded this i found your review on the king bee and i was sad that you hadn't made a review on this one because i trusted your your review then i got recommended this perfect timing

[@highaquatic3055]

this is so underrated

[@ToysForTheGods]

I bought the meet king bee a year ago based off of one of your videos and I love it still. I will say that in this video with your voice I personally feel the king bee was the most clear and pleasant. I felt the at2020 was quite shrill and the nw700 was worse even. The rhode was ok but I think the enhanced bass frequency of both the kings were more pleasant

[@pedromolina4858]

Man, I've been waiting for a comparison between the Worker Bee and the AT2020 for so long, thank you so much! I think I might buy the Worker Bee for overhead o snare mic when recording drums, and as a multi-function mic due it will be my first studio mic. If there's any drummer here who owns the Worker Bee and recommends other microphone for the same (or less) price, I would appreciate that!

[@harwin7430]

For that price I'm pretty impressed. Might just pick one up to have it before it goes out of stock forever like the King Bee did.

[@CreativeIsolation]

Is it permanently out of stock!? I saw it wasn't on Sweetwater or Amazon anymore, but I figured it would be back soon. 😢

[@harwin7430]

@@CreativeIsolation I just doubled checked. It's not even listed on sweetwater anymore and B&H says it's discounted. I figured Neat was just trying to sell through their stock after splitting from Gibson. Hopefully this means they might be working on some new mics soon.

[@harwin7430]

@@CreativeIsolation I was doing some digging around and found a comment on Sound Speeds video on the worker bee. He replied to a comment 5 days ago saying he got in contact with Neat and that they're working on a King Bee 2.0 apparently. No time frame though.

[@CreativeIsolation]

@@harwin7430 Oh no! I'm guessing it's going to be a lot more expensive. :(

[@harwin7430]

@@CreativeIsolation I would wager its going to be in the same price bracket as it is right now. The King and Woker Bee were originally expensive because Gibson made Neat price them high. Gibson is known to over charge for a lot of things.

[@insanejughead]

MmmmMMm... That Neewer though! (Said nobody in sarcastically in this comment section.)

[@AlejandroCaicedoPUJ]

That neewer price tho

[@Conno422]

Worker Bee sounded a little less resolving in the treble to me than the AT2020, but the AT2020 isn't super warm sounding. King Bee solves both of those issues for me.

[@jamesconnor9055]

Just bought this mic for my podcast. Looking forward to getting up and going. Thank you!!! Your reviews are great!!!

[@Red.exe7]

How is it?

[@robotnut]

King Bee>Rode NT1>Worker Bee>>>AT2020>>NW700 Excellent review, Bandrew, as usual. I don't care if it's purple with pink polka dots. All I want for Christmas is a Neat King Bee. Haven't been able to afford anything lately, and the King Bee has disappeared from retail. I bugged Neat on Twitter, asked if there were any plans to reissue, perhaps at a similar incredible price, but no answer.

[@joost3783]

It would be really great to always have a reference also for the instrument examples in my opinion - maybe "just" a U87 everytime the same clip to get used to it. Thanks for the content as always!

[@gracenotes5379]

Yes, I was convinced, the Worker Bee is a steal - only the NT1 bettered it on your voice, IMO.

[@NeilSnapePhotography]

Really fun one this time! Love your presentations, nobody does it like you. As I've said before in other reviews, I have liked the Bees. This one is likely my upgrade over the hmmmm Neewer 700c>

[@marvellousm]

I have been using that very Neewer and have been waiting for an upgrade that is in my price range and I think this is the one. Thank you so much for reviewing it, I preferred the sound over the King Bee.

[@ToddThomasAnderson]

Great work! I find it interesting that the King Bee is nowhere to be found! Is that mic really that popular?! Is my King Bee now worth way more money?

[@niteynite]

They have to produce more when it's that popular, for sure. (hoping)

[@stevenhamilton5238]

The Worker Bee totally held its own. Love the studio examples with it. In the head to head, it seemed to be fuller than the other options (except the King Bee).

[@bigcladwolfdetecting6017]

I purchased a Worker Bee because the King Bee was out of stock. I've since managed to aquire a King Bee as well, but I've been using the Worker Bee more because it's lighter and more compact for use on location. Paired with a Zoom H5 and a high pass filter, acoustic guitar, light percussion, and spoken word sound beautiful. The design is quirky but well thought out, and the color scheme matches Hercules stands (and KRK monitors).

[@maximeheberttalbot4505]

Phew! Just bought 4, 3 days ago! Thanks for the review! Can’t wait to try them!

[@stankbuddha]

the plosive rejection improved? from the king bee sounds mad decent 👍

[@xHadesStamps]

I like how you muttered "Neewer NW700!" LOL! That Neewer definitely didn't sound good.

[@Wizerslapski]

that was so funny! that mic is trash unless you're on an extreme budget and need to get something recorded asap.

[@xHadesStamps]

@@Wizerslapski Agreed!

[@AlejandroCaicedoPUJ]

Definitely better than my laptop mic

[@xHadesStamps]

​@@AlejandroCaicedoPUJ That's true

[@BrianMcKee]

A typical usb condenser would be better value. Unless you have an interface already the idea of a cheap mediocre xlr condenser makes no sense...

[@ericpain7887]

Great video! Thanks for the helpful information! I purchased my King Bee just before it was discontinued. What a great mic and an even better deal!! I'm not currently in the market for another mic, but I must say that the Worker Bee sounds very capable and is also a great value! I might have to break down and get one just 'cause. That said, if history repeats itself, these mics will likely be sold out and discontinued soon as well. Other commenters have stated that NEAT is in the process of creating a King Bee v2.0, which will be interesting. Is the Worker Bee due for a reboot? If you can find a way to free up the money, definitely jump on this, that value is too good to miss!

[@nomissimo]

Insane value. Thank you for this comprehensive review!

[@BrainWAVBeatz]

WE NEED THE NEAT WORKER BEE II REVIEW

[@jesusflores2121]

Been digging these NEAT bee mics.

[@badmiddens]

just grabbed a couple of these. super value and nutty to look at.

[@weeschwee]

I bought a pair of the Worker Bees and the King Bees to try out as drum overheads. The King Bees have more low end and a slightly boosted top end. The Worker Bees are more neutral sounding, but lack the frequency range. Both mics are hard to mount and I ended up buying an accessory to help with that. In the end the King Bees won because I already had some small diaphragm condensers and I wanted some large ones. The Worker Bees, however, are a really nice middle ground and would still work very well if you plan on high passing your overheads which is very common.

[@j.powellnetwork]

This is a great mic for hip hop vocals. Very smooth with low noise

[@nubinshred]

I recently bought this after watching Bandrew's review on the King Bee. Mostly because it looks so compact (without the necessary shockmount). Great reviews on both of them. It is a bit boomy for my taste too, but it's a solid mic and it really captures aggressive riffs well from an amp.

[@SapeHallward]

I have the king bee and seeing that thing being so small just looks weird but still cool.

[@notnerd3]

I actually quite like the look of the Neat Bee microphones. I think it's just something a little bit different in a world where all microphones seem to look like an SM58 a C414 or a U87. It sounds brilliant too. I don't think there is honestly much better at this price point.

[@JonManProductions]

This video was enough to convince me and throw my sweetwater card at my sales engineer.

[@TheTurfgrassZealot]

I bought this mic on a whim and it’s become a real workhorse. It works great with a high pass filter and some compression.

[@voa23]

Superb Video, have the U87, Senn 416, TLM 103, AT4033, had the Subzero 540 and RE20 and was very very impressed with the NEAT Worker Bee. Would love to hear your review on the TG Chandler Mic. Cheers!

[@angeltc6902]

Excelente video, i watched some of your videos and let me say that i love the way you do your reviews, one new subscriber. Merry Christmas !!!!

[@thejonathandoan]

I'm biased toward my King Bee as the best of the bunch. The Worker Bee has more bass boom but they're close in nature. Thanks to you and Allen @ Sound Speeds I bought the King Bee and love it a boatload! The Worker Bee is also a great deal (at least now; when they first released it the price was double!).

[@VOByRobbins]

Just got the King Bee on ebay and I'll be darned, it's a fantastic mic for voiceover (for my voice) can't beeelieve it! Just thought I'd pass that on, I'm very happy and I have some pricey, awesome mics-- takes processing really well and gives a nice, up close sound!

[@From_A_Diverging_Timeline]

I like the looks of the worker bee better than the king bee for some reason. If I can find one I'm gonna go for it.

[@marcusfrombespokeaudio5372]

Fav cab mic for live! Back when we had shows...

[@rafiqibrahimov5984]

I cannot find King Bee anywhere near ;( This microphone is a beast

[@tubereel5239]

Worker Bee...I like very much, fun mic

[@gourabex]

Rode NT1 ❤️ my all time fvrt

[@jlau04]

This microphone sounds amazing and I used it for a lot of professional work. At the time it was amazing for its price but ever since they’ve bumped up the price by quite a bit unfoetunately

[@Podcastage]

At the price it used to go for it was a steal! Glad it's worked out well for you. Happy recording.

[@danarnold4210]

Better than the AT2020, did not expect that!! And the doesn't sound different from the Rode NT1

[@mzonemusicful]

I love this mic I have the bigger one the king Bee and when I tell you it compares to mics 3x it’s cost. Very underrated mic. The sound SPEAKS for it self. It was compared to a TLM 102 and honestly it can’t compare to it but it sounds DAMN good man friend. It’s my MIAN mic. No eq is really needed with this mic and it cuts through a mix very well..

[@darshanpol]

I was quite surprised by how the worker bee sounded so balanced. It almost sounded so similar to Rode NT 1

[@Mictlan.x]

I personally like my microphones to look good, but of course, sound always wins. That being said, I really like the uniqueness of the looks of both the NEAT mics.

[@Sn0wPaw01]

Yo... Am I the only one who hears almost absolutely no difference between the worker bee and the rode? It's scary how good the worker bee sounds...

[@abarass]

I am using Worker Bee. For acoustic instruments and vocal- best you can find for that price.

[@scutumillu19]

would you suggest it for streaming? Love your reviews, i watch all of em :)

[@pbasswil]

There's a little proximity chestiness in the low-mids, which I noticed when B. was right up on top of it. Otherwise, a perfectly useable mic at an amazing price! I was really struck by how _neutral_ the Røde NT-1 sounded - like, that thing is _flat!_ You may not swoon over it, naked, but you'll never have issues with it, if you reach for a little EQ to sweeten it a bit.

[@kennethbailey7105]

Sounds great! Would love to see you review one of the Telefunken microphones if possible😬 maybe the TF series

[@Jolland]

When I get paid I am totally buying this. Sounds great.

[@powersky2539]

Pls rate the GXT 244 Buzz USB Streaming Microphone, all the other rewiews are in russia and spanish

[@Andee...]

$90 for all this? That's a good value package, and it sounds pretty decent too.

[@Maxwellmcawesome]

I LOVE the King Bee, but this is really impressive for the price. I'm about to be a Neat purist

[@StephenCarterStressExpert]

After purchasing and using way too many mics (somewhere around 40), my two go to mics are now the King Bee condenser and RE320 dynamic. The Worker Bee sounds nearly as good as the King Bee at $40 less. At $90 retail, it's a great value.

[@8lec_R]

Ahhh, yes. The gamers of elite variety...

[@diegoaraujoshows]

Are there honestly big differences with the king sound? And if we compare the bees with the Lewitt 240 Pro and 440 Pure? Who would win in your sound for singing voices? Thanks

[@poweezy4882]

Love the reviews

[@djk8541]

I suspect they would sell a lot more mics if they dropped the bee gimmick and released them in a black edition