Rode M2 Condenser Mic Review / Test

[@stevefreegard6406]

I've got this one and used it recently for live radio interviews and it worked really well and several colleagues commented on how great it sounded.

[@loublacksail1614]

YOU are the best reviewer on KZbin for microphones that I have found. I love how consistent and honest you are and you sport a very professional approach to help others select mics for their specific variables. I appreciate you, and hope you get sponsored by Neuman! THANK YOU! (Yes I did yell that just now).

[@slawsonscot]

Been using this mic for years and love its flat response - pairs beautifully with a TC Helicon Mic Mechanic for live use! Thanks for the reviews!

[@mr_hppd348]

I thought this was a new microphone! It came out 10 years ago. You did a review of the m3 in 2017. You should do a comparison video of the m2 and the m3. Which one is better for vocals?

[@RayOrtega]

Stickkkkkkersssss!!! And yay, this is a perfect mic for those condenser vs dynamic mic background rejection tests and burning questions!! 🔥

[@RayOrtega]

Hmmm unless the AT mic you threw in has a straight up cardioid pattern not super with a rear lobe.

[@kooimma4004]

I think it will work better on quieter stages. It's sensitivity and polar pattern doesn't help much with rejecting loud stage noises, even though it's super cardiod. I once used two of the M2s on a loud stage and I quickly had to change them. They picked too much stage noise, even the cardiod SM58 performed way better in that regard.

[@upperdeckhomestudio4539]

I hope you could do a review of M2's wireless version, the TX-M2. Love all your reviews! They have been really helpful to me in choosing gears for my studio. Thank you, Podcastage!

[@jamesfraser9110]

Been waiting for this review for months. Nice. Thanks for the clear review. Keep them coming :)

[@Al_Mac125]

The best mic reviews bar none, top stuff 👍👍👍

[@mprater86]

Sweet guitar solo! I like how it fades right into the acoustic :D

[@stealthyBLK]

you give great reviews one of the best reviewers ive seen on youtube

[@Kragatar]

That mic does sound excellent. That was some impressive handling noise rejection too.

[@ziiip8676]

You have some of THE BEST mic reviews on the internet thank you for these!!! Extremely helpful 🙏

[@step_losev]

Got it today as replacement to my old cheap dynamic, and this mic is a piece of engineering, i can tell.

[@mv9787]

I had to re-listen the intro, it was great! :) Very good review also. I like your style. It is very fun, informative and to the point. I've used Rode M2 almost for a year in a band and it's been absolutely a great microphone. I use it with Soundcraft mixer. No feedback issues and sound and control in vocals are great!

[@MrSupersia]

Just bought this mic today and thanks for the cool review, I'm going to be doing voice overs and some recording of songs so thanks man appreciate the video

[@samnicholson5051]

5:35 -44dBv is actually a very high sensitivity as far as stage mics like this go, including stage condensers. That makes it nearly thrice as loud as a 58, and is the same level as some quieter studio SDCs like the c1000s and the SM81.

[@SquidofBaconator]

Good, it has a sticker. 10/10

[@KrattixTRASH]

,,but I can't take this damn things anymore''

[@mcnegaong]

BRING THE MIC Alctron MC410??? , CONTINUE WITH THIS INCREDIBLE JOB, I AM HERE FROM BRAZIL AND I ACCOMPANY ALL YOUR VIDEOS

[@SpoonyPizzas]

What's the best mic for streaming games? I'm currently using the Q2U Samson which I'm really enjoying but if money is no object.... What would you recommend? Including audio interface. I do not want to edit or adjust as I'm streaming... Cheers

[@DarkPa1adin]

dynamic mic Sennheiser E935? apollo twin? see painfullyhonesttech’s setup.

[@BBQCrasher]

Finally a great microphone that you like in at a great price point! This has now made it to my buy list thank you.

[@TheIndieGamer]

Always look forward to you picking up the guitars - awesome stuff. And fantastic review as always! 👍😁

[@slawsonscot]

Just an addition to my previous comment - we use a number of these in a church context and two of them have been dropped over the years, causing the flimsy plastic mount to snap. I’ve repaired them with loom bands/small elastic bands and they’re working fine with that, but just a heads-up that it is a huge weakness. I wish they would make that part more robust because it would cost Rode next to nothing to do so.

[@razersaitama4575]

Audio technica and the rode mic comparison on the description should be 3:28 not 3:08

[@hermangf9896]

I like audio technica

I use rode m2 on my stage and recording.Love this microphone 😗

[@pacovalo6292]

Would like to know your thoughts on Audix om 5, 6, 7 stuff. Great review as always!

[@tnfm7]

Can you please add testing the ON/OFF switch to microphones that has them build in? Some of them makes a loud thump when we use them and could be a deal breaker for anyone wanted to use it.

[@LeonBerrange]

Great job on these reviews. Thank you.

[@mvekbatan6329]

Hello. Thank you for the tutorials you publish Which one do you like more? Shure Beta 87A or Rode M2 Handheld ? Thank you for answering🙏🌺

[@kipling1957]

The low sensitivity was probably a design decision to minimize feedback-this is primarily intended for stage use and in that context, it seems to do a good job.

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

kipling1957 Uh, but they'll just turn up the gain.

[@samnicholson5051]

it's sensitivity is actually quite high, relatively speaking for a stage mic. -44dBv is on par with a few studio condensers, like the SM81 as well the Rode M3 and AKG C1000 which only have 2 dB less self noise

[@Snipersounds]

I love these reviews, but I the sticker gags, just crack me up! Thanks for sharing!

You helped my purchase decision, thank you!

[@cwaynefox]

Great review as always. I’ve bought a couple of mic’s from your channel feeds, might have to try another. Off topic, curious how you did the whacky old time bad TV effect at the beginning.

[@larrycom]

What Taylor model are you playing? Also, I wasn't a big fan of the mic's plosive testing result. But good all around. Good vid.

[@Pushing_Pixels]

Beautifully flat, with a decent bass roll-off at 100Hz. An accurate sound you can play with later. Good noise rejection. Imma get it for my noisy home studio.

[@jollimeme7130]

Whoever made those stickers likes making love to his/her microphones.

[@lolitafiamma1485]

i really appreciate your content! thanks

[@newagegaga]

good video! Iwant to know, what do you think about the sound of M2 and beta 87a , who is better for live and home studio use? Thank you so much!

[@coffeehigh420]

I have the wireless version and I LOVE it!! (TX-M2)

[@coffeehigh420]

cool ! I also have that same mic :) Hey Podcastage, are you okay man?

[@k_levande]

I have been looking for a way to use my RØDE M2 without a wire!! TX-M2 is now officially on my list

[@maximeheberttalbot4505]

Would you still recommend this microphone in 2022? Thanks!!

[@maximeheberttalbot4505]

Please Bandrew!!!! Haha

[@k_levande]

I have this mic And personally I would say YES!

[@maximeheberttalbot4505]

@@k_levande tried it and bought four haha

[@czdaniel1]

*Great Music, Bandrew!!*

[@deszczak]

I would love you to review and test the Sontronics Solo! Is it possible?

[@BillAnciaux]

I’m curious about the durability of a condenser for handheld performance. It’s always been my understanding that a dynamic mic is the way to go because they can stand up to the abuse. Have I been brainwashed by Shure? Your thoughts on this? Thanks for another great review.

[@Podcastage]

I have always felt more comfortable with the durability of a dynamic. I can tell you I wouldn't run this one over with a bus and expect it to continue working.

[@alexeycrockoval3620]

Can you please compare Rode m2 and Rode s1. I couldn’t find any comparison on youtube. I very like my m2, but s1 cost twice more. Is s1 sound twice better?

[@berkonal]

Woow I want it but do you think It works well outdoor too. As I take most of my vides outside

[@giorgoskazantis9966]

i love how i sound on my rode nt1, i want to buy something like this for live situations cause i am not happy with my beta 58a , is it worth to buy the m2?

[@mv9787]

Absolutely. I used SM58 for years and Rode almost for a year now and Rode is so much better on every aspect. I know beta 58a is a bit better than SM58, but I absolutely recommend M2 for your live Performance. Great sound and no feedback issues at all.

[@Tim_ArtistName_Tallent]

I’ve watched dozens of your videos, love them! Still don’t know what cherry mx blues is 😕

[@dAdviser]

They a type of keys used in gaming keyboards. Blues are the nosiest one available. :)

[@Layarion]

i thought the audio technika sounded...strange, metallic? but that thing cost much less right? I do voice-overs for how-to videogame guides. sometimes i need to whisper so maybe i won't like this mic?

[@pastorchristudasu5342]

suggest me which one is better between RODE M2 vs AKG D5... for live lead vocals... i know both are different condenser and dynamic, but for sound comparision and presence in the mix,,, which one is better...?

[@HyraatShantar]

Nice Video review! Please make a MXL 440/441 review

[@matthiaskrause1155]

I find that this mic has a particularly unpleasant "mic sound". Yes, it's smooth, yes, it's flat. But it also sounds totally unnatural - like "through a microphone". Very good mics sound more natural ("right into the ear") and don't have this "mic sound". I find it sounds "pressed", like the diaphragm tension ist too tight. On my Focusrite ISA One preamp, this is he sound I get when I set the impedance to the highest setting.

[@okay1904]

You said this very well, there is definitely some "micy" distortion from the original audio, taking place in the mid range, it does not sound very natural, I heard this immediately..... I must add though I suspect that the monitoring environments of many may limit their appreciation of how audio really sounds, due to compromises in their speakers or headphones. While this microphone is "acceptable" I think any recordings made with this microphone will be difficult to mix....cos you cannot do anything about the distortion post recording...... It could also be because in this demo, IMHO, with condensers a little more distance between the source and mic diaphragm is needed, in comparison to dynamic microphones, so it could be a bit of user error by the reviewer who has not compensated for the need to avoid proximity effect with condensers. My word for this microphone would be - congested.... definitely the dynamic range is reduced - very similar to hearing a compressed sound/which is also usually distorted however slightly.

[@matthiaskrause1155]

@@okay1904 You my be right that the "compression" effect may be due to the close proximity.

[@matthiaskrause1155]

@@shak5215 Of course. I know Bandrew reviews the mics for all purposes - instruments, singing, and podcasting - but the channel has a podcasting theme. I use a live mic myself for podcasting, and in a podcasting setting one can be further away from the mic for a more natural sound.

[@matthiaskrause1155]

@@shak5215 I have the Lewitt MTP 940 CM. I like the Lewitt Sound - not much different from Rode sound-wise, if I remember my comparisons to an NT-1000 and an NT-1 correctly. I bought this specific mic for its 3 polar patterns, and I can use it handheld, but also on a desk setup. I prefer the handheld form factor to the studio mic form, as it is less obtrusive and gets the mic closer to my mouth on a desk setup. But I'm still not as close as one would be in a handheld live setting. Do you use your mic live or for podcasting/voiceover? I think for a live application the compressed sound is actually useful, because one would want a consistent sound.

[@edsknife]

I like how 180 degrees sounds like the audio setup of a school assembly XD

[@TheSnufking]

Can't decide between this or the Shure SM58 for podcasting.

[@czdaniel1]

I like this @ $140 It's def a quality mic at the $140 price point

[@GeorgeWWakim]

How does the tone of this Rode M2 compare to the Lewitt MTP 350 CM?

[@TheKocton]

Any recommendations about this versus nt1 for voice and maybe some guitar, but mainly voice and voice over in non treated situations. Thanks I'm starting in recording world. I will recording it with a MOTU M2

[@Mexgadget]

very nice review!!

[@TheScorpio32]

I noticed that you've changed your interface, so is that review coming :D ?

[@rajandime8633]

Bro I'm looking forward to buy a microphone I'm confused between Audio Technica AT2020 , Samson Co3 or Rode M2...

[@ClumsyCook73]

i'd highly recommend the audio technical at2020, but you can only use it if you have phantom power

[@TVperson1]

Greatings Hugh..Mann.

[@FdUpNews]

Great review!

[@edutagle212]

Hi! What do you think?! Rode m2 vs At2010 for live singing?

[@danmagoo]

More on the 18i20, please! Is it worth the extra bucks over the DBX 286s? Or is that not a fair comparison?

[@Podcastage]

Yeah that’s not even a comparison. They’re different devices. One is a mic pre with processing and the other is an audio interface.

[@danmagoo]

@:@@Podcastage Thanks, Bandrew! Looks like a lot of controls for "just" an interface :^) -- hope you enjoy it.

[@Podcastage]

Dan Magoo yeah. It’s the exact same as the 2i2 but with 8 channels instead of 2.

[@billyandlouie]

hey does anyone know why only one of my pics works when I plug 2 into my scarlet 6i6 to use the 48 volts?

[@thatchinaboi1]

Sounds good on everything you used.

[@donvittoriosierra]

Do you like this more than the m3 for vocals?

[@Icemaz]

What was wrapped around the electric guitar head? Was it a type of capo or like a string dampener for the strings past the nut?

[@Podcastage]

Yeah it's a string dampener above the nut because it has some resonance that drives me insane!

[@navalshastri]

Great review

[@nirnaya13]

Which one is better on the whole- Rode M2 or Audiotechnica 2035? I want to use the microphone for my newly set humble home studio

[@Podcastage]

Which one do you like the sound of more? That's what's more important. The AT2035 has a lower self noise iirc.

[@michaelagyemang9639]

Oops! I thought you'd forgotten the throwback 😂 stamp. Certified!

[@shakcohen4302]

Would this mic be good to for a snare drum I wonder?

[@nkanyisogwane6456]

Thanks. Can you please make a review of Tannoy TM1 vs Rode NT1a

[@ChrisGardinerBill]

Sweet, that’s only $150 AUD here in Australia. I’m sorely tempted to pick one up for spoken word. I wonder how it compares to the NT1? I’m guessing it will be much more forgiving in less-than-ideal conditions.

[@KohanIkin]

I've got both - they're similarly flat, but the NT1 has noticeably less noise, so it can sound cleaner. Though I tend to use my M2 instead because I discovered I prefer using a handheld, and the M2 still has that high end condenser sparkle that my SM58 was missing. But if you were going to record professional audiobooks/voiceover I'd choose the NT1. Could be worth hunting eBay, I got my M2 almost brand new for about $85 AUD... but that was before Podcastage told everyone how great the M2 is....

[@ChrisGardinerBill]

Kohan Ikin thanks very much. It’s exactly for audiobooks (narrating my own books) that I’m after it for. I have an NT-USB currently, but the self noise of that is a little higher than I’d like. If the m2 is similar I guess I am indeed better off with the NT1

[@GoreMelian]

Amazing video, well done! please compare this with Rode m1s ;-)

[@The_Paya]

This sounds /too good to be true/ 🙃. Any FLAC recordings (w/specs) with this M2 anywhere that can be listened to?

[@bradleyc79]

Thank you from Chicago

[@Podcastage]

You're very welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@bradleyc79]

@@Podcastage YOU AER WELCOME

[@matheusdavila8216]

Rode m2 or Audio Technica 2010? Please

[@badmiddens]

Another sticker pays the ultimate price... (sniff) Ok, sort of off topic, but if anyone wants to weigh in... I notice that next to the focusrite 2i2 link you say "same performance as 18i20" This brings up a question I have yet to find a satisfying answer to in my research. Can the same be said for the Solo vs the 2i2? I have absolutely no need for the added inputs of the 2i2 but would upgrade to the 2i2 if Bandrew or a Bandrew-approved sourced felt that there would be a performance improvement. (Not of me, per se... that's impossible... oh i kill me...)

[@clintonmaher6930]

Do you use a distortion pedal for your ryrhym sound or your amp head? It always sounds good

[@Podcastage]

Yeah. I just have my amp on the clean channel and use the Friedman Dirty Shirley pedal.

[@clintonmaher6930]

@@Podcastage nice sounding pedal... Gonna have to look into that thanks :)

[@joehoppard814]

Would you consider giving the Sontronics Solo a review?

[@Podcastage]

Joe Hoppard if it was available in the states.

[@dibtian192]

Its better than at 2010?

[@ecedorsay]

It is close to my Rode S1 ?

[@srini590]

Is it good for voice over artist?

[@HaeloThere]

Great video!

[@sachka4275]

Dont know why but really enjoyed the singing part of u xD

[@ecedorsay]

Can u pleaseee review Rode S1 stage condenser to use for recording?

[@ricardoalonsomusic]

I have a doubt. Why is the price so different between the US and Germany? I got this microphone from a german store for $85 while in the US the price is $180! Too much difference. Twice its price! 🤔

[@artysanmobile]

This is a really fine mic for dialogue but like many condensers, lacks a really effective plosive filter. That’s a shame because, though it is much harder with a condenser capsule, it definitely can be done. Neumann and Sennheiser make condenser stage vocal mics that are utterly impervious to popping. Shure’s have been a mixed bag but their newer models (B87a) are quite a bit better than this. Using a foam screen right on the mic is usually not effective at all, so either the mic is designed with proper protection or you will be very unhappy with it as a stage vocal mic.

[@chuzzbot]

Good to see a stickler stickenit to the stickers.

[@believe-in-righteousness]

Thanks

[@coshaeee]

😂 I love this guys way of reviewing mics

[@Podcastage]

Thank you very much for the kind words.

[@larryhinze8482]

Thinking this will be my next podcast BeYOTch.

[@bobtheman1]

"I see stickers In my mind Please send help Cuz I'm not fine And call the cops Cuz the stickers Are coming For revenge Against me" LMAO! I really got a kick out of this =D

[@mohammadshiraz007]

Can i use it with rodelink?

[@focm888]

Is this a omnidirectional microphone?

[@feyvre]

did you watch the video?

[@Podcastage]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/roXPgZyihrFjj9ksi=elIL0Kbzl2ItaaL0&t=111 super cardioid...clearly stated in the video during the specifications breakdown.

[@sapelesteve]

Great review as always Bandrew & that truly does sound like a nice Mic. If I remember correctly, Rode Mics are made in Australia, I think? Whatever.............. :)

[@Rompler_Rocco]

Of course! I knew sticker hatred mania lyrics were the better way to go.

[@TavoIce]

I can used to récord voices in Studio?????

[@Podcastage]

I don't see why you could not use it for that application.

[@5usp3c7]

Can you do a review on the CAD E100s?

[@Podcastage]

Adicted2Mc what. The. Hell!? How’d you know? You may want to check back in about an hour! But shhhhh. It’s a secret!

[@5usp3c7]

@@Podcastage Thanks. Want to see this one in action.

[@KaylaSaysRawwr]

Check the doobly doo to see what I diddly did