Tech Zone Audio Products Stellar X2 Vintage Mic Review with TLM103, U87, NT1 Comparison

[@kyleethekelt]

Thank you for continually verbally identifying the mic you are using when you speak into it. Although it may have sounded like over-kill for you, for a blind user like me this is extremely helpful. It's the only way I can make any comparison at all. Cheers.

[@kesamek8537]

That is one impressive microphone, nothing annoying about it and usefully smooth, sounds like it would take eq well. Well done Stellar.

[@Excaidus-Metal]

Is it just me? Or does that microphone sound really danm good!

[@pizzaguy6940]

Nop, def not just you. I really liked it too!

[@MeTuLHeD]

You're not alone. It sounds really good. But then, I'm not of the "if it costs thousands it sounds better" persuasion. A good sounding mic is a good sounding mic...price tag be damned.

[@4kUltraMedia]

Plosives where amazing

[@alexmiller6175]

@@MeTuLHeD Well said! Indeed it's a smooth sounding microphone with a very nice design.

[@cozmovox]

I've seen a few other video's. I want one !

[@realdeal2958]

I was actually pleasantly surprised. I was expecting the same sound from the X2 but this actually sounds really good to me especially on your voice. UPDATE: Listening to this over and over again, I think I like the X2 Vintage the same as the U87. Very nice and smooth tone, definitely an improvement over the X2. I have the X2 Vintage now and couldn't be happier with the quality.

[@danielgallagher7807]

I was really waiting for this review, Thank you! I really think it sounds great and smooth on your voice.

[@FangFusion]

The Stella X2 Vintage sounds good to me.

[@AnAmericanGuitarist]

I appreciate all the obvious work that goes into these videos and the useful info in them. This mic sounds like a worthy investment.

[@clevelandraney1551]

I was surprised at how warm a sound the Vintage has - it seems super good. Thanks for your review as always.

[@siennagibbs564]

The mic is sooooooooooooooooo good on your voice. Appreciate all the time and effort you've put into helping others. It's truly remarkable!

[@LunaSolarysAD]

The sound quality on this really grew on me through the video. I'm really considering this as an upgrade from my Yeti.

[@Anthemic]

I love you Kevin

[@kailzedillo]

I know it's a year later but I tried recording vocals with the yeti and that shit ass bro ngl si I decided I wanted a condenser mic. It's good for casual streaming and video making tho.

[@busywl69]

wow. The stellar sounds incredible especially for $250. You are helping to sell these things! Thanks!

[@winterfrost8623]

The mic test for the treated/untreated room is great, hope we'll see it in future mic reviews too

[@Tim_ArtistName_Tallent]

Is a Stellar x2 a Neumann u47? No, it’s a Stellar x2. . . . . U47 strips off its it’s metal chassis and reveals that it has been a Stellar X2 all along! Thanks Shaggy, Scooby, and the rest of the Mystery Gang for cracking this case.

[@rars0n]

Definitely sounds better to my ears than the regular X2. I think for your voice it actually compares well to the NT1 and the U87. I actually liked the sound better than the other more expensive mics. Having said that, I'm listening on a decent set of computer speakers and not headphones.

[@aliciaalicia9252]

I thought it was just a cheap mic, but after hearing your voice on it, it just unbelievable warm, I think I should test one myself.

[@wileywiegand6976]

Thanks for the great review. Had already got the Vintage but wanted to hear and overview and this was perfect!

[@alexmiller6175]

Thank you for this review! Wow, I am impressed. The Vintage sounds great on your voice compared to the X2.

[@verliejaeger2371]

It's great hearing actual pro review on the mics, I think I should buy one Vintage.

[@janehessel4047]

I really love the Vintage on your voice. So warm. I was a big fan of U87, and I have to say the Vintage sounds good.

[@SinisterSkip]

Voice wise, when I quickly skip between the X2 vintage, the 103 and (sorry to say) even the 87ai, it's extremely hard to spot the difference on this beyer DT770 Pro headphones plugged in a Presonus Audiobox. I'm looking to buy this for voice recording and streaming and I think it sounds... stellar. Just amazing for voices.

[@StructiveINK]

I like how that mic looks short little mic.

[@muldersfile4504]

I don't care to compare this to legendary mics and get caught up in that game, all I know is that this company astounds me! I own two handfuls of mics of varying price ranges and the way this mic sounds and smoothness is just nuts. On my monitors...phone speakers, the warmth and consistency is nuts.

[@user-xz9eb3yg9p]

I got my TZ X2 Vintage a week ago and I love it.

[@enriquekahn9405]

Thanks for doing this review. The mic comparisons and the untreated room test really are a unique and very useful part of your reviews. When looking at other reviewers I often have to hunt down a different video from the same reviewer so I can compare the mic being reviewed to a mic I know being recorded in similar conditions. Re this particular mic, I was pleasantly surprised as I expected something more similar to the standard Stellar X2. I think it's pretty good for $250, better than its non- "vintage" sibling, as you said. If I was in the market for this type of mic in this price range right now, the Stellar X2 Vintage would be on my short list.

[@ChordsofaMan]

Got my X2 vintage and tested it vs. my entire locker. Hands down best vocal mic I've found. It handily tames sibilance (makes my NT1 sound way too harsh in comparison), provides a velvety, warm tone whilst retaining detail in the highs. The lows up thru mid-highs actually most resembled the freq. response and tone of the SM58, but the SM58 lacks the detail of the X2 Vintage and drops off much more around 12k & up. It also is now my go to MID mic in my M-S acoustic guitar mic setup (the sides being the MXL R144 ribbon mic). Best M-S combo I've ever heard.

[@Podcastage]

OOOOO! That MS setup sounds interesting. May have to give that a shot for fun!

[@panel3556]

I highly recommend the vintage i was on the fence with which one to get and i am happy with my decision, very good mic

[@Triumphinchrist1]

Do you own the regular X2 too? Does the vintage have more mids compared to the X2? Would be a better buy for male vocals? Your thoughts pls.

[@lessieweimann6910]

Wow,,,,,,,,,,,that stellar x2 vintage mic sounds so warm on your voice

[@evefrancis848]

I bought the Vintage a month ago for my radio - loved it! awesome work!

[@annabellawade5404]

i am purchasing vintage tonight, your video was so helpful in making my choice

[@latiawilson2219]

Awesome mic overall ,smooth and not harsh sounding , Thx for honest opinion

[@empressironbladder8942]

I came….to see you throw the mic box against the wall, but I stayed for the detailed and well crafted Stella Vintage review and other mic comparisons. Sold!👏🏽💸🤓

[@sapelesteve]

Great review Bandrew! for the moola, that is a cool looking & really nice sounding Mic..... 👍👍🎤🎤

[@enolaschaefer9293]

The Stellar X2 Vintage was a big win in my ears, that works really well on your voice, more so than the TLM103.

[@Tim_ArtistName_Tallent]

Soo I see hardware in your rack that you haven’t reviewed! A UA something, and also a neve looking device, maybe heritage audio...we’re ready for those reviews when you are! nice review on this mic too, as always!

[@Kragatar]

I love that you've added shots of the capsule/pcb... I'm one of those people who has to open up anything electronic just because it's fascinating to see what's in there.

[@cozmovox]

It has a lot of that u47 sinatra vibe to my ears, you definitly hear that vintage capsule in there...very interesting. something that does it "in a mix" in my experience the transducer (capsule) defines the sound most.....

[@Scott-dx7uc]

Check 3:18, the X2 Vintage is very smooth.

[@Vertshark]

Yes yes, great mic review...but the REAL question is, how did the box hold out on that throw?

[@porterchamplin6283]

Great review, I was looking for to the Vintage. Not regretting the purchase of a Vintage at all.

[@lionheartroar3104]

I love this microphone. It has the mellow of vintage sound with a modern edge. When you customize the eq it gets even more amazing. A steal even at $250.00.

[@johnharper206]

I have the Vintage match pair for my singing and guitar. I love them

[@tomywidacol]

The warm audio wa47jr might be a cool comparison for this one

[@sharonharper5833]

I've been using a Vintage for over a whole month and absolutely love it!

[@lolitabeier3215]

The Vintage looks great, sounds even better. Thanks for this review. I just bought a Vintage.

[@aaronsmart5897]

The U87 sounds similar to the Vintage when you get closer to it. For my ears the Vintage makes your voice sound like gold.

[@jezebelspencer4443]

I bought the Stellar X2 Vintage and the microphone is fucking fantastic for a piano.

[@NicksFort]

Dude loving your sense of humor. Hucking that box was amazing! I am looking for a "podcast" mic to start using in my KZbin videos to increase my audio production value. Binging your vids now.

[@jordantownsend8715]

very informative video. I bought a vintage today and i am going to do my best to make some beats with it

[@patriciafuller721]

Incredible voice on the vintage.

[@walterrape5381]

No Way!!!!!!!!!!!! That Vintage sounds so good on you!

[@waydbloom5061]

YOOOOO THAT BOX THROW IS UNDEFEATED! 0:54 Should’ve yelled “Madden 20” !!! 😩😩😩😩🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@user-uj5vc3wk2r]

This my first time trying to get the high-quality mic, I think I made my decision.

[@TheBackRowShow]

Again, who the hell is the thumbs down?? Lol what do you want!!!???

[@travsmac]

Bandrew knows who it is.

[@NicksFort]

People gotta hate for some reason lol

[@TheBackRowShow]

Can we tape that thumb to this person's wrist? Yes it'll be painful but so is a thumbs down

[@tabodee]

Great review! I couldn’t help but notice every time the X2 was compared to any of the Neumanns, the Neumann’s covered part of your face, the X2 appeared to be more over your shoulder- none of your face was covered. Angle? Perhaps- just an observation. But the proximity effect seemed to be more prominent with the Neumann’s. The X2 sounds great!

[@MarxHaven]

I'm 1 min in after watching the previous review of the 1st x2 and right off the bat I can hear they did way better with the high freq. Way less sibilants

[@vernonmclaughlin6067]

Great review. Very very helpful!!! I have to get on Vintage. Thank you.

[@randolfward6202]

thanks for the video, I am lucky i made the right choice before reviews of this mic were up.

[@marshon2183]

Just purchased the vintage because of this video! Thank you!! 👍🏽

[@zhezhang1202]

Honestly the price is good for someone like me looking for high quality mic but cannot offer U87, thank you!

[@jaysRiddum]

wow that stellar even beats the u87. im definitely buying this asap. Thank you so much for this review God bless!

[@Podcastage]

I'm very happy that the video helped make an informed decision. Also, you're very welcome. Have fun recording.

[@NotTheOnlyMattAround]

I actually thought it compared pretty favorably to the TLM102 to my ears, but the TLM102 was noticeably less grainy. Definitely like it a little better on your voice than standard X2, but I'm not sure I'd call it a particularly warm microphone like I was expecting (hoping) it would be. Thanks for the review!

[@robliguori]

Sooo thorough! You really know every important test in the book!

[@timrober75]

Night and day between either of the Neuman mics and the Stellar x2 Vintage. Also, I prefer the NT1 out of the lower priced options. Thanks for what you do sir :)

[@josephlees3311]

That guitar sounds amazing with the Vintage.

[@marisolduke4972]

The NT1 sounds kind of cold, and bright, and the Vintage sounds so soft.

[@joeljrichards]

Thanks for the comparison! I'm hearing some crackle on the high-end from the X2 on the U87ai comparison, but it doesn't seem to show up earlier so perhaps just a fluky voice thing.

[@mariagaines6514]

The Vintage is slightly warmer on your voice than NT1 or the 103 IMO. maybe not as good as the U87 but better the other Neumann's and Rode.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Is it an Antelope Audio Berlin 47 emulation? Hmmmm...

[@walterstewart626]

Vintage and U87 weirdly similar. Vintage sounds the best in my ears.

[@delphakihn9314]

Omdz, your sound on Vintage driving me insane

[@davidmay6376]

the Vintage sounds a lot more similar to U87 than NT1 do.

[@maxinewolfe6952]

For my opinion, I love the Vintage, it is the best in the world for streaming and gaming even better than the U87

[@spacemanpope1805]

Wow! To my ears, this mic sounds amazing. Very similar to the compared Neumann's. Adding it to my list of mics.

[@jakejessee]

Great review. I do wish you would have included the non vintage X2 though.

[@jackywchen]

non vintage X2 5:42

[@jakejessee]

@@jackywchen oooo really? I missed it

[@MrSodaBelly]

Anyone know what preamp he’s using? He’s the only guy I heard on KZbin who doesn’t sound bassy

[@WallStreet749]

I Wish you would do more reveals of the inside like this video. This Stellar X2 looks just like the MXL V63M on the inside almost identical. Id like to see the inside of all the mic's especially the Procaster and the Eltro Voice Mics like the RE320 and the RE20. After all its the insides that matter the most.

[@SBeatsMusik]

Great sounding Microphone.. Gotta love the high end not being to overwhelming.. Awesome Review🤘😎

[@CancunAndy]

Hey Bandrew...hola from Cancun! How did you like it for voice over for your voice vs the NT-1?

[@jamiemusictravel]

Hey Podcastage! Can you please do a review on Babyface Pro audio interface and Akg c414 please? Thank you and hope you have a wonderful day ahead!

[@jackzubyk2578]

I thought the mic sounded great. Nice and smooth.

[@gilbertlancaster4793]

The Vintage sounds better on you. Great review

[@TheBackRowShow]

TLM103 >X2 Vintage > TLM102 >NT1> Regular X2 > at2020> Neewer> u87 (kidding on last one)

[@enriquekahn9405]

I'm mostly with you but I think I like the regular X2 a little better than the NT1

[@pizzaguy6940]

I prefer the Vintage more than the 103 actually. I found the 103 just a bit too bright compared to the Vintage.

[@alexmiller6175]

@@pizzaguy6940 Agreed 100 percent. I found the 103 too churchy sounding for his voice compared to the Vintage

[@anthonylindsey6205]

I've had these mics. Pretty much agree.

[@MrSodaBelly]

Stellar x2 or Lewitt 440 ?!

[@davidfitzgerald8781]

vintage sounds good on the acoustic guitar. i like that fuller warmer and mid forward tone.

[@coreteam8389]

Great review! Its got me wanting to buy one. I would love it if you could review the Lauten Audio LA-220, and/or the Miktek MK300. These along with the Stellar X2 Vintage are in the same price range and it would be great for you to compare the three if possible!

[@rpgaleksy]

Great video! Was wondering how that microphone sounded like. I've got the Stellar X2 myself but in the end, I do prefer the sound of the Vintage version. I'll probably sell the Stellar X2 pretty soon because now I feel like I want to shoot straight for a TLM103 since I feel it has more "life" than the Stellar X2 Vintage.

[@AaronOwenSmith]

Only the U87 was better to my ears, very smooth and vintage sounding. I want one for vocals.

[@AaronOwenSmith]

so i had a listen again with expensive headphones, its good mic, but not as good as i hoped originally. not in the U87 ballpark but definitely TLM103 area though.

[@mattwarrensocal]

Your reviews are incredible. Did you ever due a FET v. tube shootout? That might be fun. Maybe the best tube mics v. their FET equivalent? I'm sure one could find the discrete mics in your reviews but in one place would be neat. You would need to borrow a U47!

[@adamspeaking373]

Thank you bandrew!

[@augustleo7434]

Great review and nice mic! The x2 vintage complimented your voice well and was just edged out by the TLM103 imo.

[@vikramjitbanerjeetuki]

This is just unbelievably good,I hope it's as sturdy as the Neumann mic?

[@Kragatar]

That mic has a common problem for me... I don't know if it's just my hearing, but certain mics accentuate a certain frequency that really bugs me. It makes S's sound loud and harsh. ItS like you're Speaking like thiS, and it irritateS me. My favorite mics are the NT1 and TLM102 because that S frequency is toned down in them so they sound incredibly smooth.

[@SeptienPatterson]

Bandrew back again with another review!

[@GoreMelian]

Great video 😉 where was Roswell mini k47?

[@JonathanDano]

My question is, is this mic good for voice acting compared to the original and also compared to the rode nt1? Money isnt an issue, I was waiting for this review to come out before making a purchase and I already have the original stellar x2

[@LunaSolarysAD]

Ay I'm in the same boat - would appreciate a follow-up reply if/when you find more information!! My fingers are itching to order a new mic and I'm trying to get into some light VA and record the occasional video.

[@LunaSolarysAD]

And also this is right in my Target price range

[@JonathanDano]

@@LunaSolarysAD I dont know if this helps, but I recorded voice over on a shure sm7b with a dbx 286s and a focusrite scarlett solo for over a year. I switched to the original stellar x2 about a month and a half ago and I like the sound of the stellar way better.

[@JonathanDano]

@@LunaSolarysAD the shure sm7b is a 400 dollar dynamic mic and the stellar x2 is a 200 dollar condenser mic so there are key differences like how the shure is mainly used for podcasts and radio but on my voice for what I di I like the stellar better

[@Scott-dx7uc]

It is not easy to say which is better. but the vintage is more warm on his voice then the NT1. and i think you will love this one the vintage.

[@davidtraylor3062]

Unfortunately I am in the same boat as you.. I don't have a U47 either 🙁 but the U47 is my favorite mic. At $250 I might give it a try!

[@RogwinMusic]

Thanks Bandrew, I got one of these a couple weeks ago.....was hoping you'd give it the old testerooo....you didnt go over the freq response curve , but loved the rest as usual. BTW, I have a cat you can give away.... if you'd like her. Comes with a carrying case and documentation. (Take her out, before you throw the case....)

[@mroctober3657]

This is the vintage version. Is that the one you got?

[@RogwinMusic]

@@mroctober3657 I have the X2 VINTAGE $249. yep.

[@mroctober3657]

@@RogwinMusic Nice.

[@LEACHISRICH]

Excellent

[@MeTuLHeD]

What a great sounding mic!

[@CarstenGoeke]

Best Micreviews on YT. Thanks and greetz. ✌️

[@PedroRiosyLNE]

Hello, first of all thank you for sharing such valuable content in your videos. One question… between the AKG p120 vs TZ Stellar x2 and the Rode Nt2a, which one would you choose and which one would have more versatility?