How Much to Spend on a Mic? (PGOA 1.7)

[@the_forgotten_times]

Going from a podmic to an RE20 was the exact opposite of demonstrating diminishing returns 😂

[@Podcastage]

@@the_forgotten_times Haha! Should have gone RE27N/D to drive home that point.

[@coin777]

thought the same thing :D

[@the_forgotten_times]

@@coin777 I think he's right about diminishing returns it's just the Podmic isn't my favourite and I really like the RE20.

[@coin777]

@@the_forgotten_times not really, i know what i heard

[@koenignero]

$ 700 is a minimum if you take your audience seriously

[@curtisjudd]

Good advice!🎙️

[@InfamousInternetVillainJackSix]

You were already one of my favorite channels on KZbin, but you just saved my ass in such a huge way that I just cannot thank you enough! I had a medical emergency several months ago that put me in somewhat of a financial crisis. Despite that, I managed to peace together a USB interface, and a dynamic microphone, only to discover that the input on the interface was nonfunctional, five days after the return window closed. I have been scouring eBay, trying to find any decent USB microphone, just to get me by until I can afford the interface and microphone that I really want. I just so happened to click on this video, by chance. I really just wanted some background audio to stimulate my ADHD brain while I continued scouring eBay. I do love your voice, and the way you explain things and didn’t even really care what the video was about. … and it wasn’t until you mentioned the price of the Samson Go, that I looked up at my TV, and started paying attention. I had to rewatch that clip three times because I couldn’t believe how great it sounded for its price. I immediately searched for it on eBay and found several of them for $18 or less shipped, in great used condition. This is absolutely perfect! I’ll have to figure out some weird way to mount it, but that’s what my 3D printer is for! Also, sidenote to anyone else looking at this microphone? I’d like to point out a very nice feature of it that I did not expect to see, but also wasn’t mentioned in the video. It actually has a 3.5mm headphone jack. This doesn’t seem that important to someone that isn’t a gamer, which I’m sure is why it was excluded in this video. However, when you’re a gamer that streams, especially if you’re a role-play streamer, then you are relying on your microphone and headphones for both content creation and as your primary interface to the game, itself. Role-play streaming is basically just improv. It’s Saturday Night Live every single day, for 8 to 12 hours at a time. There is no wireless headset on the market that has a 12 hour battery, and is also comfortable enough to wear for 12 hours straight. This is why the vast majority of role-play streamers use wired headphones. So, that small creature comfort of having the headphone jack right there on your microphone, is far more convenient than having to plug it into the interface, or especially the back of your desktop computer. Plus, it gives you more range of movement on headphones with shorter, proprietary cables. (Like the Koss Clip series, for example) I know that was super long winded, but hopefully it helps someone. Thank you again for this video. You just saved me so much headache, and as soon as my $15 Samson Go comes in the mail, I too, can get back to making content! 💙

[@DannyBrownPodcasts]

This is why you are my favourite gear review channel. Just straight up comparisons so viewers can see exactly what you get for price and style of mic, and no bias pushing you towards one over the other, just lets you hear and choose for yourself.

[@MegaIsok]

Thank you for all the effort you put into your videos. It really shows.

[@Fl4ppers]

As someone who has been recording for a long time (30+ years now, I lose track) the best mic is often the mic you have in front of you. Some great brands that dont cost much also include Roswell Pro Audio and Austrian Audio. Even a cheap interface like a Scarlett has good pres these days. We dont live in the 1990s now, thank f***! I used to have some really shoddy kit back then. Now the affordable stuff is great. Oh and if you're just a single person talking into a mic look at the Zoom and Tascam "posh dictaphones" as I call them.

[@PittGG]

would you say that the arturia minifuse 1 is also good? what if i mainly want an interface so i have a better listening experience and just a mic port as a second priority or should i just get a dac amp combo in that case

[@Fl4ppers]

@@PittGG Should be more robust than the minijacks on most laptops tbh. The arturia has good reviews so I'd say yes. Havent used one myself but Sound on Sound like them.

[@PittGG]

@@Fl4ppers i have a desktop prebuitl

[@HubertTheMad]

A great topic to end on! Thanks for all your hard work. No matter what hobby it is (for the most part), we can tend to have GAS (gear acquisition syndrome), and it's great to hear you preach financial responsibility! edit - grammar

[@Podcastage]

Thank you so much Hubert. We all suffer from GAS from time to time, I just think it's important to say "Hey, maybe don't make that bad decision." Hopefully, it saves a few people some headaches.

[@bzkjim]

I recently bought the sE8 based on your review and I just want to say "thank you"!!! My main recordings is with Greek bouzouki and it is perfect for my instrument. In combination with the Audient ID 24 it is a perfect choice!!! 😊

[@FX-ri3dn]

Thank you very much again. Just a small highlight that I am watching your videos on music production, where vocals play a really significant role, and finding the right microphone is crucial since a release is forever.

[@steverok67]

Some smooth-sounding mic's in this demo. The RE20 sounds very rich. I own one and use it for vocals often. Great video !

[@oskarwroniewicz]

Damn the sibilances on the LCT440 are painful. I prefer SE X1A by a lot, sounds great, not just for the price. Nice and smooth. V7 is probably the best value dynamic, SE7 and SE8 best value SDCs. SE electronics are killing it

[@Oddzey]

Do you have a video discussing your favorite microphones at specific price points? if not I'd love to see something like that! your #1 pick for dynamics, ribbons, SDCs, and LDCs at varying price points! something like "The BEST microphones at EVERY PRICE" or something like that lol "OMG THESE MICROPHONES ARE SO GOOD THEY MADE ME EAT A KID😱😱😱"

[@homestudioacademy]

Completely agree with the diminishing returns concept. Awesome video, will definitely help many people staring with audio production. 👍

[@jamaairaja2666]

we desperately need to have a video on best bang for buck mics in different sections... you're a gem! thanks for this.

[@Lyander25]

Seconding the "DO NOT GO INTO DEBT for recording gear" part and extending that into playback gear as well cuz while it does seem to me like you can get away just spending more on the playback side just out of hand (cuz consumption vs creation), any joy you might derive from greater music or film or game immersion is likewise spoiled by the discomfort therefrom. Too many folks with poor impulse control out in the world.

[@BrandonWells]

more than anything, I think this is a good demonstration of microphone not mattering a ton when you're recording in a treated room

[@wdm]

Go Mic is better and easier to listen than others. No joke.

[@MM93_SV5]

XM8500 so good?! I was like, no way it’s only 25? Then I looked it up WITH the stand and it’s only 40? I’m buying it.

[@BojanBojovic]

I can afford many of the expensive microphones, I just do not want to pay so much. Not that it is expensive, compared to 4 phones my family uses which cost about the same price as U87, those phones will be worth almost nothing in 3 years, my wife will destroy hers, kids will break everything that could break, my phone will be like new but still the U87 will keep its value well for the next few decades. The problem is that with microphones like the NT1 around it is very difficult to spend this much.

[@jeremyryannoel]

I concur with the thought on purchasing a U87 AI compared to others. A couple of weeks ago, I finally was afforded the opportunity to sound test a new one, and it sounded pretty good. It didn’t blow my ever-living mind, but I think it’s because of the signal chain (Behringer UMC404HD direct). The highs were good and not brittle, midrange was characteristic to most Neumanns, etc. It would benefit from an upgraded preamp such as a Neve 511/1073 or API, as well as an eq and compressor. I think it’s because the preamp doesn’t favor the upper midrange U87s are known for, yet one thing I did notice: U87 AI takes to eq really well which I think is worth the cost of admission, but honestly it makes more sense to track through a great preamp and hardware in this case.

[@Bl_Radio]

Treat yourself when you deserve it. I went from a podmic to a BCM 705 and bought a bunch of rack equipment and cloudlifters to daily it in. Did I need to do that? No. However, it was nice to buy myself something nice for my projects that mean everything to me.

[@RichLunaMusic]

My first mic was an Audio Technica 2035 which is one of the best that company has to offer for the price. It was more than I was looking to spend but has served me well in the long run and has gotten me through years of recording with no problemos. I say you should have at least one of each very quality microphone in case you want to do different things and what you already have calls for it.

[@richpence]

right after hearing the u87, that Samson Go mic sounds really really good at less than 1/100th the price. If they made a usb C update version for $40 it would still beat many USB mics up above $100.

[@3dguys518]

Meanwhile I look above me, in front of me and over my shoulder at over $3300 (retail) worth of mics and all I use them for now these days is work video calls.

[@Podcastage]

@@3dguys518 If you enjoy using them and you didn’t put your self in a financially precarious situation, I think that’s fine. I just use my mics to record music I don’t release and podcasts.

[@johnf.r6658]

​@@Podcastage Release the music ! It's an order! Dude seriously you play some really interesting guitar parts, also, if you have a video talking about guitar and how long you been playing or if you been in bands, that also be very interesting to watch (at least for me )

[@JoeStuffzAlt]

Old gear is great for video calls though. I've been to many where the speaker is hard to hear.

[@GavinAtkin]

I get and like the idea that we should find and buy a good cheap mic that suits our voices, but I think it's hard to do. Probably none of us can identify someone online who has a voice that's just like our own (our voices sound different from inside our heads), and most of us probably don't know anyone with mics they can try when searching for a match. Podcastage and Gearspace between them have encouraged a heck of a lot of gassing in this house and probably many others, going back to before so many good sounding low cost mics were available. If I had a pal who was interested in trying a selection of mics, I'd invite them round for a couple of afternoons of trials and demos, as that might well save them some money. But even among my musician pals, I don't know anyone who is interested.

[@DavidMorehead]

Thank you for the very good advice.

[@knorke3642]

Things start to get a bit more interesting when you add in the fact, that some customers demand certain mics. I had to get a Neumann BCM 104 just to satisfy the needs of one customer...it´s been sitting on a shelf ever since. I do like the sound it produces, but its hard work getting that expensive mic to sound it´s best. Cheaper mics may not be as brilliant as the Neumann but they can be a lot more forgiving. My bread and butter mic is a EV RE 320. It sounds just as good as the RE 20 (a bit different though) but costs quite a bit less than the RE 20. Though I must say, that the XM 8500 from Behringer really does sound much better than it has any right to do....for the money. I don´t own one though....for singing I´m a Sure snob...love my KSM8.

[@offplanetfilms]

We spent about 15 years using a cheaper dynamic (AKG D880), which we used on 80% of our content. Our recently bought condensers honestly don't sound hugely different than that old dynamic!

[@user-uu2xy3se6c]

Thank you for your knowledge

[@monstruoperro]

Goddamn! For twenty bucks that Neewer actually sounds amazing!

[@thebreakfastmenu]

I have a couple of mid-tier mics that I think sound really good, but at the end of the day, I use a Senny e835 for my streams because it does what I need it to do best in my streams out of all my mics. And I bought it used for 50 bucks. Affordable options are certainly out there!

[@chrisk.6246]

The PSA we all needed!😂

[@OlexanderZnaharenkoUA]

Thanks! Now I can share your videos to teach one my friend. Like always I wish you all good.)))

[@subhankardey3675]

I am using Lewitt 440 pure.. Fantastic mic..

[@lionheartroar3104]

My favorite condenser mic brand. The clarity is amazing.

[@jongriffin2608]

Buy upto the value that you can detect improvements. I don’t quite agree on the feature set argument, the quality improves with the quality of build and components. I find more expensive microphones will give you some X factor. I’ve a few cheapy mics, but honestly I find that even though they are popular and raved about they sound unrefined at some point. Depends where you are at in your recording life obviously.

[@onocoffee]

Okay, I'm on board with diminishing returns over a certain price point, but are there cheaper alternatives (that sound as good) to the Earthworks Ethos and SR314? And I cannot concur on the PodMic v RE20 - I think the PodMic has always sounded tinny and terrible. I can't imagine choosing it under any circumstance. The RE20, on your voice, is richer, thicker and smoother. But perhaps the point is if it is worth the $350 difference? It's a lot but I really hate the sound of the PodMic.

[@oskarwroniewicz]

Podmic sounds quite bad. SE V7 is miles better for the same price

[@ControversialFish]

Samson Go. A really great mic for beginners.

[@alvysslp]

Thank you for your videos! I always enjoy following the mic reviews here and wanted to ask why you never test t.Bone microphones from Thomann. Are they not available in your country? Here in Germany I've heard them recommended a lot (SC 400 for example), I've been using the SC 600 myself for ages. I'd be very interested to hear some of these brands compared to your usual microphones!

[@jaifarrell]

In the greater scheme of things, put your money into mics before interfaces, preamps or other processing equipment (and plugins!). Your needs change over time, like channel counts, features, connection types, protocols, etc. On the other hand, mics are always mics (and they'll last forever if you look after them).

[@soramittenpaw2127]

XM8500 is now sold for $14 on Sweetwater with the recent price drops from Behringer.

[@artysanmobile]

I hold an unpopular opinion on microphone purchase. Choose a list of candidates based purely on your intended use, without $ consideration, then winnow that list down until you CAN buy one. Starting out with “lowest price” is a foolish own goal. It is a precision instrument that defines the quality of everything you will ever make with it. A $50 microphone comes through loud and clear on your every job.

[@hackinghifi4247]

This is great advice! I’m sure it’s not lost on you the irony of the man telling us this that has probably one of the largest mic collections in the world. 😆

[@AhmedShili]

I recently bought “RØDE Videomic Go II” just for fun and for recording some voiceovers on the go via USB without the need to bring an audio interface and XLR mics and of course a laptop or an iPad to record. I was very surprised by the sound of that little videomic go ii especially when I use it close to my mouth. Ps: it’s a small diaphragm condenser.

[@JoeStuffzAlt]

For speech, I'm not hearing a huge difference between the mics. Dynamic mics and cardioid mics are nice because they'll reject noise, especially live mics. What really got me to understand mics for singing was learning about mixing. You often use EQ to cut and modify frequencies. That really boomy mic actually gets less boomy in the mix so that you can hear the singer better. I think for singers, if you can work with someone generally good at mixing, you might be able to really narrow down which mics work the best for your voice. If you do multiple genres though, do them. If you are into punk rock, the Shure SM58 is a great mic. In fact, if your mic is too good, it sounds less punk. There's been mic shootouts where people went "what's going on? The best mic for her is the SM58!" or "I can't tell if I prefer the SM58 or the u87 Ai". Also, for online conferencing and remote work, the SM58 is fantastic, though an XM8500 also would be good for online.

[@JoeStuffzAlt]

The #1 thing I like telling people: Michael Jackson recorded himself on a Shure SM7. He could have had any microphone in the world, but he chose a $400 one.

[@IamShopping]

Wonder whether both Sure SM7B and Earthworks ETHOS are worth their $400 price. Are they overpriced with around $150 too much considering their quality and specs?

[@The-Skyking]

How much should you spend? Yes. How much money? Yes. But honestly, look I'm gonna sound bad but after going from the $99 mics to around $5500, I've found the $1500 (used) price range has been great in terms of quality and affordability with condensers.

[@MrBeattBox]

Why Samson Q2U sounds so different? is that normal or was it proximity effect?

[@DJboutit2]

Nobody needs to spend more than $250 on a microphone for any use case just spend more on a mixing board or audio interface to fix the sound of the microphone. DJ Home studio Podcaster Internet radio station a $50 to $100 microphone will work just fine. The Mackie EM-89D for $50 is really good buy I use it on my internet radio station Phat Beats Radio and the Polsen MC-POD for $80 which is 30% bigger copy of the Rhode Pod mic it great too.

[@senpos]

Damn, I really like those Rode mics.

[@ronfrancois]

Sorry to say this, but the Neumann U87 simply sounds about 10 times better than the Shure SM57, even on my measly little phone speaker. I'd say the depth of engagement the mic imparts to the human voice is the key feature.

[@MatthewBarelick]

You're forgetting one thing yes there are cheap mics that sound ok but for a professional recording studio or a "Podcaster" that plans to be doing a podcast until they retire as their main source of income you missed "The longevity factor" - how many times will cheaper mics need to be replaced or repaired so if you're a weekend warrior or a grad student in communications and your doing recording or a podcast for your "Senior thesis project" yes there are some decent mics like the EV I thought it gave your voice some bass but most sounded "Tinny" to me! So microphone selection comes down to two factors how, am I going to use it but how LONG will it be used and it proves that this is true: There are three ways to purchase items GOOD, FAST AND CHEAP pick two of the three because getting all three at once is impossible!

[@justsomeframes]

If you aim for loudnes in post with added gain in post what is ur reference? like do you look for the lufa level if yes which level or do you just look for peaking the loudest to 0db ?

[@jibinjacob.]

Could you please compare the SE Electronics X1 A with Rode M2 and Earthworks SR117? Nice and sincere video as always! Your advice is wise and useful!

[@leef9834]

Surely the diminishing returns for condensers begins at 150, if you're gonna use the NT1 5th gen as the standard, then it also applies to the signature series. Which is essentially the same mic

[@BandrewScott]

I have never used the signature series so I cannot speak to it. I’ve heard from people that it is different from the nt1 5th. Also I don’t think 1 mic makes the rule. Between $250 and $300 you have tons of great sounding options. Nt1, lct440, sm4, at4040, wa47 jr, Aston origin, se2200.so there are great options depending on preference. But if a $150 mic meets your needs, then no need to upgrade. This video was not saying “YOU HAVE TO SPEND THIS MUCH!” It was “this is the price where I think diminishing returns really kicks in.”

[@TheIndianStudioBM]

I think I am going to get the se v7 as my first microphone (professional) or maybe the x1a or at2035 as i have a thin voice and want some low end in the recordings!❤

[@Player456-xy1gs]

Xm8500 or u87. Difficult choice.... Please help me

[@lupit1]

On jit, xm8500 is doodoowater and i’m dying on the hill. That tlm49 (at least, i think that’s what it is?) sounds amazing on you btw, super tough to beat.

[@wayneholmes637]

Even on my phone the difference between the podmic and RE20 was huge.

[@ereiffman]

You once reviewed the Mojave MA200 - I'm curious if you ever got a chance to test the MA300? And on that note, where do you think the diminishing returns for LDC tube mics are?

[@Filosofuerza]

Thanks!

[@Podcastage]

Thanks so much Rafael, the support means so much. I appreciate it very much.

[@sickviscera]

After hearing this, I should feel buyers remorse for getting a $1000 TLM 103 but it just sounds incredible so I guess I can’t be TOO remorseful.

[@ZgNavigator]

useful video 👍

[@techmed-rainer]

Danke!

[@Podcastage]

@@techmed-rainer Thank YOU Rainer!

[@blacktea-uq3tb]

Really good!

[@Podcastage]

Thank you so much BlackTea! The support means so much and helps keep the channel running!

[@dirface]

For a complete eye-opener when it comes to mics, check out Jim Lills video 'Tested: Where Does The Tone Come From In A Microphone?'

[@ThatLazyyGuy]

The boop is back

[@tbhv]

This idea that something doesn't sound x times better than something else is sorta moot. Sound is unquantifiable, and depending on use case, and just like with song writing, a big part of music production at least, is to be uncompromising. This of course works both ways; for example most people prefer the sound of the modest sm57 on snare and many use it despite having a u87 too. I'm about to record an album on micro cassette, how do we even begin to quantify its fidelity?

[@vrvretro]

Samson USB Go mic was dead the 3rd time I took it out of the box. Past warranty.

[@badmiddens]

I couldn't detect any difference between the AKG and the Neumann. What's fun is getting killer deals. The beyerdynamic m90 pro x was 350, now selling for 150. Also, I'm not afraid to take chances on open box and used deals. Case in point, MXL 2003, open box, never used, for 32 bucks on ebay. I have such a weird collection.

[@mrBok]

Please review Roland Bridge Cast 😊

[@jonathansaindon788]

I’m looking to replace my dying Antlion ModMic usb. I have a high end pci-express audio card for what it’s worth. I need something under $140 that has a mute button for gaming and not too bulky.

[@Tarkov.]

I just picked up an xm8500 for $14, even though I have better mics to use it's nice to have for a backup.

[@emilemarcotte2782]

5:25 doesn't the blue yeti sound better than that usually? It almost sounds like there's some kind of bad background noise reduction in that clip 🤔

[@BandrewScott]

Maybe my yeti is finally giving up the ghost after a 9 years.

[@johnmknox]

How about that TLM 103 though!? 🥰😍🥰😘🎙

[@exhaustor5983]

I just ordered rode x xdm-100 for 160 euros as a upgrade fom Blue snowball ice. I was also looking on fifine k688 but I wanted the software.

[@cyroz1]

ive had a nw700 since 2021 😭

[@yodawon1373]

funny thing i don't make content but i did wanted to get a better mic then a headset mic yes headset mics are good for what they are but wanted a extra step and was looking into mics and AT2020 and 2035 was on the list of ppl getting and good note this is how i found this channel but this was years ago and i got a decent Mixer that was used for 200 bucks off and only paid 100 for it and had the 2035 for a couple years now and only mic i would ever get in the future would be something same price or near that rejects audio behind better

[@waves7300]

All of it

[@yarbgreat1]

The Berhringer sounds better than the sm58.

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

Dear Bandrew pl. review GTZ U 87 CM.

[@vladlabyrinth6335]

Bro, please, DPA 4018/2028!!!

[@jeffzella8920]

…how ever much a basic Rode costs…

[@lionheartroar3104]

E835 is great for $100

[@IrenESorius]

👍‍‍🌟👍‍‍

[@kote315]

Spend $0 on a microphone. Spend $5 on a soldering iron. Desolder a microphone out of some random e-waste. Using only a smartphone, make a video of unpacking and reviewing the soldering iron, a video of going to a landfill to look for microphone-containing garbage, a video of desoldering the microphone, a video of connecting it to a computer, a video of how best to use it, a video of a homemade pop filter from materials from the same landfill, a video of processing the resulting audio, a video of how to edit such videos. Pros: you have a ready-made interesting KZbin channel! Cons: you still have the sound of a microphone from a landfill.

[@eotikurac]

eww, the yeti sounds gross

[@Filosofuerza]

Never more clear why the RE20 is such a beast on its class, almost entirely irrespective of price comparison.

[@bradleyverde]

Best advice on the topic of buying microphones I can give from personal experience: if you get wind of a Shure discount that seems too good to be true, it probably is, so be sure to buy an SM7B before they realize the error.

[@dennissutton3767]

I bought a bluebird brand, and a Rode for my nikon D750

[@RayneCoZZo]

My favourite video

[@ROBOTRIX_eu]