Shure SV100 Budget Mic Review / Test (Compared to XM8500, SM48, SM58)

Today I review a cheap & affordable budget microphone; the Shure SV100. It comes in at $30 and compares favorable to other affordable dynamics, but is still beat out by the Behringer XM8500 in my opinion. I include comparisons to the Shure SM58, SM48, XM8500, and a lot more.
HQ Audio Of Review: podcastage.com/rev/sv100
Buy the Shure SV100
Amazon: geni.us/sv100
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/km3zV
Buy the Pop Filter Used (Hakan P110)
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Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/k6g4d
00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer
00:21 - Setup
00:38 - What’s in the Box
01:03 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:25 - Specifications
01:38 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:56 - Handling Noise Rejection Test
02:08 - Plosive Test
02:18 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:26 - Background Noise Test (Keyboard Test)
02:55 - Untreated Room Test
03:07 - Microphone Bump Rejection Test
03:23 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:42 - Microphone On/Off Switch Test
03:54 - Cupping the Mic Test
04:26 - Pyle PDMic58 Comparison
05:01 - Behringer XM8500 Comparison
05:28 - Samson M10 Comparison
05:51 - Shure SV200 Comparison
06:15 - Shure SM48 Comparison
06:42 - Audio Technica ATR1500 Comparison
07:10 - Shure PGA58 Comparison
07:44 - Shure SM58 Comparison
08:29 - Music Test
09:42 - Pros & Cons
10:35 - Overall Thoughts
12:42 - Recommendation
13:45 - Outro
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[@mh-lh7jr]

came to see how good the mic is, stayed for bandrew's multiple existential crises and fatigue

[@Hindsight101]

3 things I need to thank you for in this review. 1) letting us hear what it sounds like to turn the mic on and off. 2) letting us hear how bad it is to grip the head of the mic. 3) Switching back to the SV100 during each mic test. Thank you thank you thank you

[@curtisjudd]

Thanks for covering this! Whew. I think I'd save up a tiny bit more for other options. That 5K bump is crazy for dialogue.

[@Podcastage]

Sizzzzzzzzzzzzzzzle!

[@domantlen6231]

@@BadEmpanada in my coutry shure sm48 is 3 times more expensive than sv100 or xm8500

[@KaiRJ]

I'm a cover singer..bought the XM8500 in 2017 as my first mic after watching your review..then last year bought the AKG P120, again after watching your review..and I regret nothing..cause you're awesome.. *love from India

[@adamirfan6986]

Audio technica at2020 also sounding good

[@skmkenny5148]

Adam Irfan it’s not the best considering the price bro I would rather get a shure sm58 or a se v7 But cardioid mics are recommended when you are in a untreated space so go for a condenser if you have a treated space but even if you were to go for a condenser i would still not recommend the at2020 try the lewitt

[@adamirfan6986]

@@skmkenny5148 lewitt bit expensive...

[@adamirfan6986]

@@skmkenny5148 Billie Eilish using at2020 for recording her first song....

[@skmkenny5148]

Adam Irfan i saw a lewitt condenser microphone selling for around 11299 rupees the other day on amazon (not sure if it’s still available) and even if it’s costs an additional 2000 rupees i still think it’s a hell of a lot better than the at2020 assuming you NEED a condenser

[@redscott7179]

The SV100 sold me on every mic you compared it to

[@FL3TcH_A_SkETcH]

My favorite moment of every video is that sweet transition from electric to acoustic guitar... the reviews are great too. Keep rockin!

[@rodkraft95]

I was waiting for this, I used it some time ago and now I'm using a XM8500. Thanks for the reviews!

[@letsgod]

Hello, could you ask a question? Could a shure SM7B microphone work on a cheaper card like a Xenyx 302 USB? Using this microphone just to record videos talking, nothing to sing.

[@thomasw178]

I don't think you'd get enough gain without boosting it with a cloud lifter of some sort.

[@perkeleman1265]

If you didn't already buy it, don't waste your Money on an SM7B, except for if you don't care about price at all and just want the looks of the SM7B. You can get a result just as much usuable for KZbin by using a XM8500. Especially if you combine that with the Behringer Mic100 Tube Pre-amp (or Mic500 which has different presets and an included interface that you can connect via USB, so you don't need an additional soundcard/interface) and a popfilter, you'll actually be looking at great quality and extendable gear, at a fraction of the price of a SM7B only. With the Tube Preamps, you also don't need a cloudlifter, as they do the same thing, amplifying the signal without increasing the noise floor AND you additionally round off the sound a little bit, it removes some harshness in the highs. You should be able to get the Mic, Tube and Popfilter for around 60 bucks (or 70-80 if you go for the Mic500), compare that to the 400 a SM7B costs.

[@letsgod]

@@perkeleman1265 Thanks for the tips friend, but I already had the shure and etssva looking for only a pre amplifier, I bought a fethead and the sound was Sensational as I always wanted

[@ameerracle]

@@perkeleman1265 Hey, I am looking to improve my zoom and potentially create university YT videos. The mic500 seems sold out or price gauging now, does something like the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 2x2 USB Audio Interface do just as good as your MIC500?

[@perkeleman1265]

@@ameerracle The Uphoria is a plain interface, it's actually quite alright for it's price, even though it's only 48khz 16bit max(although mic500 also has 48khz 16bit only). Unless you want to do professional level studio recordings with it, 48khz and 16 bit will absolutely more than suffice though (especially if your recording space isn't great acoustically, there's really no need to worry about that extra sample rate/bit depth). I haven't done in depth testing on the Uphoria Interfaces, but I would guess that the preamps might be a little bit weak for low output microphones (like a lot of dynamic microphones are), so you might end up with some noise in some situations. Also, what I really appreciate the Mic100 or Mic500 for is that it smoothens out the frequency response in the high end a bit, which gets rid of nasty resonance in the high end that a lot of cheaper dynamic mics have, which is next to impossible to properly remove by EQ alone. To answer your question more directly: For YT and Podcasting, you'll be able to do absolutely fine sounding recordings with the Uphoria and a XM8500. You won't have the little bit of nicely refined sound the MIC500 tube amp will give you, but the XM8500 generally is a good sounding mic on it's own. You will also have less amplification available, so if you record low volume sources with a dynamic mic, there might be a little bit of noise from the preamps. I can say from my experience for YT recording with a scarlett 2i2 and a XM8500 that it's just enough gain for noise to not really be a problem. (for studio work I use a way other level of preamps and A/D converters though, processing/mixing needs more detail and lower self-noisefloors). One more thing I would recommend you try out is getting a MIC100/MIC200 if those are available still and use it before going into the interface, if you want that bit of extra quality and less noise.

[@tommoose13]

I had an SM58 a while back that I ended up selling in a move, and was hoping to find out what budget mic would get closest to that sound while being as cheap as possible. I went from wondering to realizing the XM8500 is the mic I'll be picking up a few of for a new band project. Thanks for comparing so many budget options so well; mic placement is huge in comparing the difference in sound, and the consistency in testing that you provided is much appreciated!

[@Beatwalker]

Had this mic for a few months now. Perfect for DJs.

[@KenTeel]

Another great review, with the great feature of showing these mics, quickly, next to each other. Thanks for making it. The usefulness of this mic lies in the fact that it can be used for instruments or vocals, in a mix, that you want to cut through to the front because of the orientation toward brightness. This could be a very useful tool in your mic collection. It's another color in the palatte for sound. And, anyone can afford one. How cool is that !!

[@LanceFromYangon]

Your review videos are really informative and entertaining. Thank you!

[@Xerpocalypse_]

When you clutch the game and get the win but your mic had poor rear-rejection so the recording is completely scuffed. That's what we call a SAD W. After watching so many reviews, I also find myself saying "check the doobily-do to see what I diddly-did!" along with you. 😅

[@jamesorrell7462]

I genuinely think the PGA58 was the most impressive mic in the lineup there. It sounds very similar to the SM58 and did actually sound twice as good as the Shure SV100 in my opinion. I didn't really like the SV100 in any scenario really. The acoustic guitar was alright but the pick noise was too much. The 5k+ bump is f-ing awful.

[@plentyoflife]

Good videos, you made most of the tests we wanted to see!!!!

[@ujjainsagar237]

thanks man for the review, you did a lot of work

[@riffsnrush2522]

Always useful and funny work....thanks for making

[@Liowen]

It might be me but the XM8500 still sounds really good, but of the Shure mics they all sounded (vocal wise) the same IMHO.

[@wiiztec]

it sounds more boomy and IMO that's not a good thing

[@RyotheRogue]

@@wiiztec which one sounds more boomy you mean? XM8500 or Shure SV100?

[@wiiztec]

@@RyotheRogue the XM8

[@jasonbodden8816]

The PGA 58 is actually really impressive for the price. Seen another review of it and sounded great there as well.

Thank you very much for this video! I just got this mic as a gift and I can get a good idea on what use give it! Thank you!

[@Pzycko0]

Awesome testing! Thank you so much!!

[@douglasfinn3130]

A general comment - really enjoy your reviews! Specific to this: the SV100 performed far better than I would have expected. But, I have to agree with your recommendation for the Behringer over the others - a far smoother overall sound. Again, thanks for a great review - enjoyed it.

[@Aliiimp4]

Thank you so much for the review! Legit it help me a lot.

[@radoslawbiernacki]

Man, If you ever wonder if those test makes sense... YOU ARE MY SAVIOR! You're the best!

[@tomn.9610]

I purchased two of theses a few years ago. Bought them for a public address system and they worked great !!!!

[@JETallacksen]

I told you on Twitter that your silly songs are, perhaps, my favorite part of your videos. This one was one of the best.

[@xMtysx02]

Waching you from Argentina 🇦🇷 keep it up Andrew 🔥

[@dickginkowski6071]

When I was a poor student with little to spend I would have loved this one -- but that was 40 years ago (and I still have my Radio Shack made by Shure) and Sony cassette recorders are history as well. But with the SM48 available I would get that on sale before buying this if at all possible. The XM8500 sounds pretty good for the price. My overall recommendation, though: save your money and buy the SM58 (or AKG D5). Why? It will last a lifetime. Amortize it over 10 years and the SM58 is $10/year ($5/year over 20 years). And you'll never have to worry about upgrading (unless you become a mic junkie like you and I)

[@EllynStorm]

I'm currently using this microphone and the bump rejection test gave me some traumatic flashbacks :') As always, amazing review!

[@vijaychira4036]

Bro, I am always excited to watch your videos and learn from them and I did learn a lot of stuff from this Channel. A humble request. Would you please do a Video for which mics(budget friendly) are suitable for Rode AI-1 audio interface apart from Rode Nt mic! . It will be really helpful for me. Thanks

[@revyourlifestyle3187]

Wow impressive review, master!

[@rossdickson1657]

Great review. I've really been enjoying the series and the Lewitt MPT350 CM you recommended. I was waiting for this week's video to make a request that you almost hit with this review. a few years ago I was starting out and looking for a mic for backing vocals in a cover band. I ended up with a PGA 58 and was happy for a while. What I couldn't find at the time of my purchase was a review comparing the PGA58 to the SM48 (or the Behringer xm8500 or ba58) for backing vocals, all reviews I found compared each to the SM58 with a focus on lead vocals. I'm still interested in a backing vocal opinion, though with the Lewitt, a Beta58, and a few PGA58 in my locker I'm not looking for any additional budget dynamics. As for my opinion I recently got a chance to run the Beta58a vs an SM58 vs a PGA58 vs a Behringer xm8500 and a Dynamic reference ER-VX1. The capsule review: for Bass and Soprano singing voice the three Shure all sounded good, though with different characters while the Behringer and DR were much less clear. Switching to Tenor Sax the results where much the same though. On Flute the PGA58 was clearly not as clean but still acceptable while both the Behringer and DR were clearly not up to the task. For a Fife (think piccolo) the boost to the air for the Beta 58a was a total fail so the SM58 and the PGA58 were the clear winners. In a separate test the Lewitt wins out hands down, though that is mostly about my voice as I am a true bass and all the other mics are rolling off my fundamental frequency and adding extra overtones at the top end that don't add anything helpful. (The bottom of my range is about 62 to 65 Hz and most of the time I'm singing centered around a C3 at 130 Hz so ....)

[@Muzly]

Seems like you had a lot of fun making this review 👍

[@herreiklar]

I'm only watching because of him, the jokes haha Don't even need a mic.

[@emorcen]

Hi Bandrew, now that you've reviewed so many microphones in the handheld and mounted form factors, would be lovely if you could take a look at the headworn ones. There is so little information about those, especially excellent comprehensive shootouts like yours. More so for ones that cost more than $100!

[@xxri552]

Very informative, Thanks!

[@Frytech]

Out of the bunch, for the price, I feel like XM8500 at 5:07 is still the best! Really like how it brings a bit more of a low end and kinda warmer tone. I think if anybody needs their first inexpensive dynamic mic they should totally go for XM8500 - it's pretty hard to beat it for its value proposition.

[@chrisw5742]

Depending on voice type actually. I am a bass range and need less bass in the mic.

[@TheShmrsh]

I have one but i was surprised by Pyle honestly

[@Hindsight101]

Haha the bass was the reason I didnt like it

[@Sergio-zc2fg]

@@chrisw5742 just need equalization

[@chrisw5742]

@@Sergio-zc2fg I use a small diaphragm condenser for highs and ribbon for lows. The ribbon picks up the lows properly unlike a condenser mic would. No eq needed. Listen here .... kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3LGcquDl7R4jZo

[@islandtony5009]

Great review thanks! I have a 30 year old Shure PG58 I used for my band days in (yes the 80's :) and it's spent the last 20 years in a box. I've started playing again, and it does work, but I'm wondering if I should buy a new SV100/PG58/SM58 - do mics like this degrade over time? It does work but the signal does seem weak? (Could be I'm going deaf too ;)

[@muttomatic]

I’m just here for the pop punk riffs and the monotennui... thanks Bandrew!

[@nicholasmullins3693]

When are you gonna review the Heil PR30? It's one of my faves and I'd love to hear it on your voice! Also, it didn't come with a sticker!

[@yaesuicomkenwood]

Dear Bandrew, thanks for that nice comparison agn. Well, of all the competitors I fund the SM58 best. 73 Mark

[@osvaldodomingos9041]

I bought this exact mic 2 y ago, and it serves me very well to make demos and some tutorials. I have no complais.

[@Mdkhadri58]

Tq for the good comment for the Behringer Xm850

[@WheezyTech]

I saw your camera in the background before you threw the box and I was on the edge of my seat

[@Podcastage]

You’re forgetting that I am a professional box thrower. I can throw boxes with pinpoint accuracy. I would never hit a camera.

[@joost3783]

Have you tried the cheap electrovoice mics? Might be something you could compare this to - thanks for the content

[@K4ziq]

Hi Podcastage! Im looking for best 'budget' mic for vocal and the acoustic guitar, either in the mix or separately. Those I consider: *Behringer B-1 *sE Electronics X1 A *Marantz MPM1000 *AKG P 120 *MXL 990 *MXL 770 Could you please advise which of those would fit my needs best?

[@ayonsg]

SM58 or SV100, big difference in price, but couldn't notice that much difference in the vocal, is it due to youtube audio....? Which one is recommended more?

[@Rey7430]

have you ever thought about reviewing those widely used live wireless microphones from Sennheiser, Shure etc? it'll be quite a different approach from the regular ones in my opinion.. ps: you're the best..

[@TheGABYSPEED]

Have you tried the KAM C3 condenser mic? Sounds awesome. Advised to sound like a Neumann U87. Please make a review and comparison PLEASE🙏😂

[@e3castillo]

Hey Bandrew, Is the q2u still a good mic or is there a better option for the money?

[@sludgyjohn7210]

Have you tried any T.bone mics? Would be very interested to hear your thoughts on the MB88u plus, very entry level dynamic mic goes for around 40$

[@Bocimir]

9:20 best song with "...tonight" ending I've ever heard, hands down!

[@GabrielMamuttee]

the boom arm taps gave me chills lul

[@8lec_R]

Hi Bandrew. I hope you are doing well. Great vid (I'm still at the 2nd minute, but I'm pretty it will be awesome as every other vid ever by you 😉) Also... I'm not that bothered by the Twitter apocalypse that happened last week. All websites and services are hackable, everything will eventually be hacked if someone actually wants to. Now it's up to the devs how difficult to make it and how to react when it gets hacked. I would suggest not to get too worried by it, cheers m8 😊

[@Mirko_ai]

Hey dude, your reviews are awsome. But theres sooo much of it and I want to know, wich mic would you prefer to use in a budget like 30-40 euros just for using in discord? I want to play with my girlfriend and we bought a 2nd setup for it. I just need a new mic and wont pay to much. Otherwise I dont want to rustle so much :/ And it should be a dynamic cause it could filter the background noises at the best

[@the_lyden]

Hi Bandrew. I'd like to see a review of ISK AT100 (in AliExpress this mic costs less than 50$) and comparison of this mic and, for example, Audio-Technica AT2020 or even Rode NT1-A.

[@ttvfatmangames]

Thanks..very good review .......

[@Frytech]

Huge PP for Hej hej Monika at 5:51!

[@clark2421]

Will this or the XM8500 (or any budget dynamic mics) be anything useful for me if I just want a mic for casual use (meetings, Discord call with friends, very seldomly streaming on Twitch)? Or should I just settle for budget USB condensers such as the Maono PM461TR? My plan was to buy a 20$ dynamic mic, then buy some 5$ cheap boom arm, and another 5$ for an XLR to USB cable, and maybe add a windscreen or pop filter. Btw, authentic XM8500 dont exist in my country within the 20$ price, but this one is. The SV200 is also close to 25$.

[@Rod-Wheeler]

Great Review.

[@deepkumawat51]

YOU ARE THE BEST BRO !!! AWESOME !!

[@Russocass]

12:01 What mic in that price range would you recommend for recording? The Neewer NW-800 seems acceptable.

[@MojaveGG]

Thank you Bandrew.

[@Scoop9599]

What's your second best pick if the XM8500 cannot be found? Seems everyone is out of stock of it.

[@KickBlaZer2k]

what microphone would you recommend for gaming and talking, can be xlr and usb, dosent really matter.

[@grantfarragher]

Choking on pizza in the living room is a hell of a way to go. That had me cracking up!

[@IndecisionTelevision]

it might be counter intuitive/productive. but sometimes i want to hear what the mic sounds like when its clipping. I love the songs as always

[@cellistozan]

man that was very helpful

[@ralphdeonarine9133]

I forgot how good of a vocal mic the PG58 is until you tested. I usually use it for vocals in band practice or to mic instruments.I think the SV100 would be a good mic for woodwind instruments in a live setting with some EQ.

[@ogviolinist8954]

Thank you so much for this. Could you possibly give me your current opinion on the Samson Q2U?

[@Podcastage]

Still one of the best options sub $50 because it allows you to record via USB and XLR later down the road, the XM8500 with an interface could be a good sound too.

[@ogviolinist8954]

@@Podcastage Thank you so much!

[@amsyarzero]

"Hej hej Monika, we are back on the SV100..." nice reference right there

[@nhk403]

I like your 650s. Are those new?

[@rodrigoviturino8660]

Comparison between shure sv100 with samson SCR21S, which one would you recommend?

[@DipitDhruva]

Bro should I buy this mic for let's play videos ?I am a beginner

[@thundersbuzz-musicinspires9124]

Great Review! The Behringer XM8500 is a far better option. Unless you can afford the Shure SM58.

[@prynearteche1323]

why dont you try the maono au a04 or the maono pm421 condenser microphones (they are on the budget side of things, but i figure that it would be cool if you check them out)

[@yoyah5999]

podcastage you need to review the blue kiwi

[@deadviny]

does a transformer help cut the small potential generated by handling it? i don't think the cheaper ones have transformers

[@Le_Sourpuss]

Which is best for voice? - The Behringer XM8500 or the Shure PGA48?

[@omar2886]

Would have been great comparing them with the TM58

[@akitonakamura6456]

You are not the reason why I started voice acting, but you are the reason why I started playing electric guitar. I just bought a new washburn guitar and I love it.

[@Podcastage]

YES! That made me smile really big! Congrats on the new guitar! Have some fun with that thing!

[@akitonakamura6456]

@@Podcastage I will definitely have a lot of fun with it :3

[@jimmypage3765]

I would like to request you to please compare all the handheld condensers you own...thank you....

[@0072gldnfngr]

Bro. Hilarious!!!!! 💀💀💀 review was really helpful tho. Thanks! Came here curious about the SV but looks like I’m getting the PGA58.

[@SullySadface]

Aw, was hoping to see this against the q2u

[@AndrewWilson-ni9kn]

Would you please make a comparison between "Shure SM58 vs Stagg SDM50" ? 😉

[@definitely_not_anonymous8010]

What mic should i get if all i'm going to be using it for is voice chat/discord when gaming?

[@Burgoyne1777]

Behringer, without a doubt. Unless you have a C-note for the SM 58. One question: Why do Chinese mics come in at 600 Ohms and US ones at 150 Ohms or thereabouts? Thanks for posting!

[@althezad3708]

Came for the mic reviews, stayed for Bandrew's descent into madness.

[@newfoundmass]

The XM8500 is one of, if not THE, best values out there.

[@jwk6343]

Throw the thing and win the points. Yay mic sports!

[@andarubimasakti1332]

Can you review xm1800s? I think its comparable to this at half its price

[@plektosgaming]

For singing, over and over again, it all comes down to the mid-range. The best sounding was probably the XM8500 and the Shure SM58. The hand-holding test though was deadly for a supposed vocal mic.

[@MikeShyu]

Love these budget gear reviews for us plebeians. #bargainbin

[@DanDDirges]

I agree the Behringer is the best cheap mic. I even like as well or even better than the Shure 57 and 58, for natural bassier sound.

[@BiancaColla]

How can I connect a microphone to a instrument input in my interface?

[@GXprogamer]

Wait so i cant use it unless i connect the microphone to a device?

[@notnerd3]

Damn, that Behringer Microphone is sweet. I'm using the Pyle PDMIC78 at the moment but I might switch over. That is a sweet microphone. Got to say that I felt a little bit let down by the Shure though.

[@gilbertogranados3018]

Could you do or have you done a review of the Shure VP83/VP83F?

[@ImRealwhOunz]

Which one is better: Shure SV100 or Samson Q2U?

[@norbertoprado2961]

Does this mic have a big difference from sm57 to record an electric guitar?