Shure SM35 XLR Headset Mic Review / Test (vs. BPHS2, SM58, SM81, U87Ai)

[@Podcastage]

DO NOT contact anyone on Telegram that is claiming to be me. I am not giving anything away. They are scammers trying to steal your money and data.

[@radoslawbiernacki]

Sir, your reviews are the best reviews on the whole internet. Every time I'm looking for mic performance under specific conditions I always find answers right in your videos. You are amazing.

[@Podcastage]

That is incredibly kind. Thank you very much for those words. I try to answer as many questions as I can in each review so that the data is there to answer questions when they arise. I'm happy it has reached you. Thanks again, I hope you have a great week.

[@EU_DHD]

I couldn't believe how good that SM81 sounds on your voice. Don't know if it's just in context of the rest of the mics around it but I was surprised by how good it sounded.

[@citizenstrife]

The mic sure sounds way better than the other headsets (for way less money). I remember those older videos about gaming headsets, and they all sounded like they were stuck in a car wash or something. It's too bad it doesn't sound very comfortable.

[@WutipongWongsakuldej]

If we only speaking microphone, yes this does sound better than the headsets in the comparison. However headsets come with headphones too. So… the way less money might not be accurate if you also need headphones. And since this is a condenser mic, it would require phantom power. Those headset don’t need the power if I’m not mistaken.

[@othinus]

A singing test would've been much appreciated since dancing vocalists do exist.

[@naruto5046]

Excited for your foray into other mics, hope to see all sorts of mics reviews.

[@Podcastage]

Small diaphragm condensers, headset mics, cavalier mics. Those are on the table now. Diving into them more and more.

[@digismurf]

Would love to hear your review of the Countryman H6 and DPA '66 series as a mid and higher-end comparison. 😊

[@boldandbrashcrafts727]

I'm a convention sound tech and I cannot tell you how much I despise countryman mics... they are so expensive for the worst, most feedbacking mic possible

[@metal571]

Notification gang

[@juanpaolomonosolegit]

Hey when are you coming back? Please

[@metal571]

Hasn't changed, there are no plans for that at this time

[@somecallmetim2580]

[@henryeowens]

Sounds decent. Thanks for opening this up in another category. I’d be interested to see how this compares to the Beyerdynamic MMX 300. The headphone portion is based on their DT 770 Pro (30 Ohm), which are solid for most use cases. I wonder if that microphone is up to a similar level.

[@Podcastage]

That should be included in the comparison section of this video. =)

[@techmed-rainer]

You got him ...

[@henryeowens]

😂😂 Haha. Whoops. I looked away for about a minute, and that’s when you compared it. The SM35 does sound much clearer than the mic on the MMX 300. Thanks. 😊

[@renatomendoncaYT]

I know this is late but check out the Beyerdynamic DT 797 PV

[@Boojakascha]

How dare you! You post this ONE MINUTE after I bought the Audio-Technica HYP-190H I haven't seen your review yet, but I am super afraid of getting buyers remorse now :P Don't worry love your show :*

[@portersblackboard]

LOL when he said "if you don't require a comfortable fit for your head" he recommends the mic, so I think you are safe.

[@LunaSolarysAD]

Know this isn't really a fair versus but I kinda wanna hear a comparison between this and the ModMic.

[@Mictlan.x]

I absolutely agree.

[@segamanxero]

Seems like a better alternative to a ModMic if you had a audio interface. I also like the fact it comes with a head mount, I have sorta wanted to use my ModMic with IEMs at times.

[@g3cd]

I can really recommend the Sennheiser HMD27 headset, it has an awesome microphone (and headphone speakers that go down to 35 Hz or something) that I use on my channel all the time. I'd love to see a shootout against the Shure SM35 😍 Also you can connect the Beyerdynamic MMX300 with the Rode VXLR+ adapter directly to your audio interface, you should try that for comparison too.

[@MontoyaMatrix]

Thanks for recommending the Sennheiser HMD27. However, it currently costs over $500 here in 2022. How can you possibly compare the Sure that costs about $150! You might as well recommend hiring a maid to hold the microphone for you while you speak.

[@RandyAbbassi]

amazing review, covered litereally every question one would ask!

[@JoseOnTheAir]

Looking forward to this category! Suggestion to cover the classic pop star mic: the Crown CM-311A

[@GhostOfLorelei]

I am SHOCKED how similar the u87 sounded like the SM35. I mean, I could hear your voice in the u87 and, yup, I can…well, I can kind of hear your voice in the SM35 (I think). Pretty much the same mic, right?

[@whatskraken3886]

No music test? i was gonna record my new album with this.

[@cullendelmore2614]

Super helpful video. Would love to see this, the Beyerdynamic, and the BPHS-2 compared to the Sennheiser HME 27 and HMD 27 broadcast headsets.

[@RCModSquad]

I use a head worn mic a lot. I generally move independent of the camera which is also moving so I need hands free and a close proximity mic to minimize external noise. I'm using wireless mics so the headsets I use are 3.5mm and just use a wire over both ears and around the back of my head so they are very comfortable. The boom is just short of the corner of my mouth so it minimizes breath noise. The shure you reviewed did a really good job rejecting other noises. Thanks for the review and I'm looking forward to more like this.

[@DannerPlace]

Glad to see this review. I hope you do one of the Sennheiser broadcast headsets. I have used one for broadcast (HAM radio), and they seem to have rather good audio quality.

[@mattkriese7170]

Such a beautiful and thorough review. I bid you good day, kind sir.

[@swschilke]

Lots of KPop artists use similar looking microphones but I assume that they use dynamic neck microphones, or? Could you check what they use? Is there a Korean microphone company? Superlux has a HMC 660 X which you should also have a look at. .

[@Stalltt]

I was surprised you didn't dig into the Antlion family of mics for a comparison here (right as I was about to post I realized you might have had reveiw copies they had you send back after your review.) They tend to lack on low end and can be sharp with higher voices while this Shure SM35 almost sounds slightly muffled by comparison.

[@keyrtan]

Of all the gaming headsets I’ve seen reviewed I haven’t heard the Berdynamic but it sounds fantastic

[@Clay_C]

I use similar headphones (mostly the Sennheiser HME26) when doing simultaneous interpretation or voice recording in multi-booth settings with different languages. If you place the mic about 3 inches from your month parallel to your face at the mouth level (with the mic not sitting in front of your mouth and not under your chin) you will avoid plosives and still get all the nice frequencies of your voice into the mic. The Sennheiser HME26 in particular has an incredible quality in terms of frequencies, not much lateral rejection but that is a mic designed to be used in a professional booth with sound isolation or where there is some acceptable sound treatment. Mic positioning is almost everything when it comes to mics like this.

[@Podcastage]

Thanks so much for sharing your insight and experience Clay. This is great information to have, and I will look into that HME26 you mentioned.

[@joyKafka]

Hello, Brandrew, I have been watching your channel and am satisfied with the recent purchases made based on your reviews. One of them was Samson Q2U for my wife to use with her iPad Air. She used it for online teaching as well as classroom teaching. For the latter, the Samson is connected thru its headphone output directly to a portable Bose SoundLink Color II. I got myself a Lewitt LCT 440 Pure, mainly for recording my daughters singing, playing musical instruments and acting. She loves it. Thank you so much. And that made me start to wonder if it's possible that you also review some on-camera microphones? For me it would be casual, family and travel purposes. For your reference, I am using Fujifilm X-E2S with a gimbal and about to upgrade to a camera with better videoing capacity, perhaps X-T5 or X-E4.

[@LCTRgames]

Wondering if they could make a Modmic rival with this. Must be a lot of ppl with hifi headphones who also want a good mic for gaming, plus there's the shure name, they could remove all that headband...

[@yevolution]

That shure sm81 sounds so really great

[@B_22_5]

Great review as always. By the way what happened to the Lewitt Connect 6 review? Was really looking forward to your opinion on that interface.

[@CarrizalesVO]

35db self noise?! Jesus.

[@stevetimko1461]

How about reviewing the Coles lip microphone?

[@ShawnMilo]

Thanks for doing the claps back to back! 😎

[@Podcastage]

See, I do listen….when i remember.

[@ShawnMilo]

@@Podcastage ❤ While you're granting wishes, I'd *love* the mic comparisons to **NOT** name the mics, or at least do it at the end, so I can listen "blind."

[@stanleynowak9325]

That is good sounding mic! It kills the Audio Technica which sounds hollow by comparison.

[@somecallmetim2580]

The plosives are a result of close proximity and unidirectional polar pattern. Many headset mics (Like the Countryman H6 or the DPA 4067) are omnidirectional to help reduce proximity effect and downplay the prominence of plosives. DPA has a good demo video here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKXUaK2ufp2CmM0

[@HuongLe-px2qb]

Thank you for a comprehensive review :)

[@Podcastage]

You’re welcome. Thank you very much for watching and for the kind words.

[@davidepannone6021]

Honestly, this along the drop pc38x, is the best "headset" microphone out there. It's full without being too muddy, it doesn't have that awful boosted mid that makes you sound as if you were speaking through a 90s doorbell. If it only had slightly more mid highs it would've been the best headset mic out today.

[@JammyDodgerX5]

This is a great review, however I am a drummer looking for a headset mic that doesn't get a ton of bleedover. I think your hand clapping might've answered that

[@ShawnMilo]

This is the first comparison where the SM58 immediately sounded noticeably better than the target mic. It's significantly better than the Beyerdynamic and Audio Technica headsets, though. The winner of the round-up: Shure SM81!

[@ElijahG98]

Haha same, I usually hate the SM58 but in this case was actually an upgrade.

[@Podcastage]

There's always a first for anything.

[@alfrancismanaloto]

Another awesome review! Can you do a review of the Earthworks SV33? :)

[@DJAultric]

FINALLY YOU GOT MY RECCOMENDATION

[@HeikosGarage]

Great Video as always. Now we need some lavalier microphone reviews. Greetings

[@ellisgl]

"We're currently cruising at an altitude of 30,000 ft and if you look out of the left side of the airplane..."

[@joaopedroalbernaz]

Exactly this 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Mictlan.x]

Personally I really dislike it :-/ But I would also like a review/comparison of the Modmic, as mentioned in another comment.

[@omarbaldeon-]

Always great videos. Thanks. Saludos desde Perú.

[@Freez_Izzy]

Nice! I often recommend to "default streamers" try AT BPHS or headset mics like Shure or AT. And avoid ModMic.

[@blacksterangel]

I like the sound quality and background noise rejection, but i was shocked when I see the specs on self-noise and sensitivity. I had to double-check to see that it's a condenser mic and not dynamic. Yes, I can't really hear the self-noise in your video but considering the price and versatility, I think other mic like SE v7 is a better option.

[@casualsenpaitv]

Thank you for feeding my good audio addiction ❤

[@Podcastage]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@alexvdl1]

You should test the Shure TH53 next to compare Shure's entry level model with their high end model.

[@znbh]

i found that majority of headset mics come across INSANELY boxy and with almost no clarity. i agree with your comment of "artificial" fully. 100% better off getting something like a handheld dynamic or something similar.

[@DTV998]

I'm just here for the SM58 cameo xD ... Decent mic although I think I had better results when I tested the Rode SmartLav+ along with the Rode headset attachment, but my memory is blurry on that :)

[@Altair4611]

Reviews on these mic are neglected or only contain singing so thanks for this

[@matthew.datcher]

It looks like Shure just stuck a WL185 onto a headset mount. The capsule has a similar Minié ball shape.

[@Hauoli129]

That SM35 sounds way better than the price would indicate it has any right to sound.

[@tayloraverett3138]

Would love to see this against the mod mics!

[@techmed-rainer]

Thank you again, Bandrew!

[@Podcastage]

Thank you so much Rainer. It's my pleasure.

[@QuantumGamingUploads]

Very interesting microphone and it sounds preety good.

[@Ronniezim]

How does this compare to the SM31? I own a few of those which I use for indoor cycling classes. The sm35 sounds great on this video. My biggest issue during my classes is making sure the people in my class hear me talk, but not breathe. It’s amazing at rejecting music.

[@ElijahG98]

Sad that we didnt get music tests haha. It would have sucked but it still would have been funny.

[@Altair4611]

SM81 is good, you should do a review of that and the PG81

[@KhoaNguyen-um5sj]

I try to search for best mics for live stage and vocals recording mics as well u are the best source for mics research. Between Akg p420, OC16, Sm7b, Lewitt 440, Nt1, tlm102 which would u choose for rap/singing vocal mics. I only own the first 3 mics I just want an opinion of which is best. I look at headsets as well for live singing. I am aware of other expensive mics but these are my budgets.

[@illbedanged]

who is this for? i have a V-MODA BoomPro and it blows this thing out of the water. it's 20 bux also.

[@SupaMarioJCS]

A great comparison would be Audio-Technica PRO 8HEx

[@the_forgotten_times]

That is a large Judd Cud card.

[@JoseJuniorTech]

Best channel

[@scottgould65]

Seems like it's very similar to a LAV mic like the Shure WL185

[@labrahamabraham9033]

Thank you brother.But if we purchase another headsets later , how to find if the headset will match with the transmitter ,and receiver,if it is of a different make ,brand and model ( not of the brand and model purchased in the beginning ,with a set originally ) ?

[@ObscureTech]

That was different.....I like it...the video.

[@djmidnightwolf]

The AT headset sounded like you were about to give the traffic report. Just add helicopter

[@AbbreviatedReviews]

Why would they make this go on your temple? Seems like a head had plenty of places to hold things that aren't a pressure point.

[@Podcastage]

You can bend the arms a little bit, but not enough to get a proper or comfortable fit.

[@sasharey3153]

I'm currently looking into this or similar mics that can be worn under headphones. I am streamer who plays gaems a lot and standalone mics isnt my type as i'm moving a lot and changing my posture and they way I sit, so I need a mic that can be as same as it goes with headset, but since most of such mics are way behind in quality, I need a dedicated mic that can be worn comfortably under headphones such as: Sennheiser hd 599 or 600. I'm currently looking into shure sm 35, but this bulky box near chick makes it questionable, will it be comfortable wear for a long sessions, since. So i'm looking into such versions of mics as: Shure MX153. I have audio interface Audient Id4 so the only way for me to use such mics is XLR connection. Can you please help me. Also what do you think about Sennheiser lav mics ear worn mics, will they be better?

[@AmitRoy-c2l9c]

Good reviews ❤

[@bornaetemadi]

Please review the neumann TLM 107 there is no good review of it on youtube 🤦🏻‍♂️ i heard it takes eq great

[@keithgendler8727]

The SM35 produces sound quality that (normally) makes me flee. Having stayed until the end, I'm wondering what I must've said that caused you to delete my name. How can I make it up to you?

[@Podcastage]

Was your name deleted!? I'll double check it. I manually update this stuff each week and must have made an error.

[@VGScreens]

No helicopter test?

[@S.T.G.]

Please test other headworns.

[@amiocap0242]

I am using the rode nt1 and my friend is using the at2035 but his mic sounds louder with less background noise and his quality sounds better than mine. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong

[@kaiserped]

I think the best use case of this kind of microphone is Peter Gabriel as he used microphone like this in his concert.

[@assosopoulos1490]

+1 pour la ref bro 🤘✌️🇨🇵

[@Dmitry_Mamontov]

When will you review Soyuz 1973?

[@DJWICCA]

Really pro ! Thx 👌

[@Podcastage]

That's very kind of you to say. Thanks for watching.

[@korg47237]

Corsair HS80s are an excellent sounding wireless headset. I use it on work calls and it's pretty great sounding for what it is, one of the best gaming headsets with a mic I've ever heard.

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

Hello please. I have purchased one of this , the first one after 3 hours it stopped working completely. Then I return it to Amazon and got send a second one. After same time 3 hours or so the mic will just give up and stop working. I would put the other 50 dollars headheast and I will continue my work. Anyone experience this with this mic please it will help

[@willdatsun]

i am not sure whether it also has headphones, they look like headphones, if not headphones are they muffs that reduce sound?

[@Podcastage]

It does not have headphones. I wear headphones while recording to monitor what I'm recording.

[@joaopedroalbernaz]

You look like one of those 90's boy band member's while wearing this mic.

[@jgurtz]

Oh my goodness that BPHS2 sounds amazingly awful and painful to listen to! I'm a little confused why Shure would make a mic like this sans headphones, just seems to invite all the discomfort issues you experienced. I'm not sure I could really get to "like" the sound of this but one thing is for sure: it is really intelligible. It seems like it could be ok for a budget hands-free on-location dohicky if hacked for comfort. Looking forward to more coverage in this category! How about boundary mics for another weird one?

[@glynnetolar4423]

He's ready for a sports broadcast. That's what it sounds like.

[@NebulonRanger]

Depends on the team, some sound like the crew is talking through an old radio

[@Dizintegrator]

Headworn mics is a whole another can of worms, Bandrew... On serious note, some of them (like Thomann's ones) are really good for the price too!

[@marliton]

Hi. Can I connect the Shure SM35 condenser microphone with a Rode AI-1 interface using the RPM626 preamp?

[@Podcastage]

I have never used that device, but looking it up here (www.shure.com/en-US/products/accessories/rpm626?variant=RPM626) it doesn't look like it is designed to work with the SM35, so I would guess the answer is no. But you can e-mail Shure's customer support and I'm sure they'll tell you if it is compatible.

[@poezdun]

In an untreated room, you look younger ))

[@7171jay]

Sounds pretty lousy compared to the SM58 and the SM81. The Shure headset mic does sound a lot better than the AT headset though... Wow the AT is just awful!!!

[@EdoDijkgraaf]

The SM35 is very tiring to listen to. Exhausting. I think I need some noise in between your sound bites.

[@snznocmpne7542]

Nice one!

[@skilletfan932]

I've used these in installs where the people wearing them are in cycle studios and they have SUCH a high resistance to feedback because of the mic technique needed. the high SPL limit helps when you need to scream lolol.

[@artysanmobile]

Full candor: this is the worst sounding microphone I’ve heard you review. It sounds like a low pass at about 2k, perhaps even a defective unit. Just for reference, I use headworn mics a lot. Sennheisers, Beyers. Shures, Countryman - mostly condenser but a few dynamics as well. This would be considered unusable, labeled for repair, and would be replaced immediately. One of the charms of headworn is extra detail when placed as you rightly do, at the corner. Perhaps a bad sample here.

[@G4LPodcast]

Sounds like you're commentating a Boxing fight 🥊

[@paralelointerespacial]

Is it possible to connect shure pga31 to a speaker directly? What cable do I need if I want to do that?

[@Podcastage]

I have never used the PGA31, but I don't think so. You would need a PA system to get it through the speaker. I'm not sure what the connector is on the PGA31 either so I'm not sure what the answer is. According to this product listing (www.shure.com/en-US/products/microphones/pga31?variant=PGA31-TQG) from SHURE it is a TA4f connector, and Shure has a preamp that converts TA4f to XLR that's availble. But I don't know if that's the exact model you have. And I don't know what PA system you have or speakers you're using.

[@NathanBinks]

Shure is sure a good microphone.

[@thomas9469]

Bro what I think abt PGA31 for a pastor at church vs SM35. Thkx much

[@Podcastage]

I haven't used the PGA31 so I really have no thoughts on it. Sorry I can't be of any help.

[@thomas9469]

@@Podcastage Thanks

[@Hassanakora]

Rode x XDM 100 review please?

[@taichi2955]

You forgot V-Moda Boom Pro