ZealSound USB Microphone Review & Sound Test (Model: K66)

[@VinceTPowell]

Ive had this microphone for about 3 months now and have been trying everything to reduce the noise. Today i found out if you hold the mute button it activates the noise canceling. Much better

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

I wish I could try it! I ended up returning it and getting the Fifine K683a! If this is true, that is a game-changer. Thank you for sharing.

[@VinceTPowell]

@@MikeTrachtenberg of course thanks for the video! Showed me I wasn't the only one getting all this extra noise. It's definitely a game changer for the mic cause mine was about to get donated haha now I've found it entirely useful

[@BottomOfTheBarrelGaming]

Thank you both, thanks Mike for this video and showing me the neat features of the mic I'm planning on asking for this for Christmas and i think the echo effect will help make games funnier with friends. And thank you Vince for the hidden function of noise suppression

[@BottomOfTheBarrelGaming]

Noise suppression will be extra helpful because of my keyboard (blue switches😆)

[@nafcom]

Not necessarily. I asked the manufacturer why this noise cancelling feature is mentioned neither on the German Amazon page, nor in the product manual. Turns out, it is a new feature, so a newer hardware revision. Seeing the review is one year old, most likely his revision didn't have it in there yet. Let me quote what they wrote to me: "Dear Joerg, Good Afternoon, Thank you so much for your support and tell us this. I am so sorry for any confusion and inconvenience." About the noise reducing mode, as it is new funtion and we are trying to make new image to replace old images . I have forward your advice to our item decription editor and we will change it soon. Thank you again for your support."

[@Vlavv]

I just bought that mic and was wondering about the extra noise, this is exactly the video I needed. Thank you!

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

I appreciate that! thank you!

[@Looba750]

how did you fix the background noise?

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

I do my editing on capcut and there is a "reduce noise" option in the editor.

[@Looba750]

@@MikeTrachtenberg Oh that's awesome! thank you

[@VinceTPowell]

Hold the mute button! Just figured this out myself

[@ChefDacres]

This man definitely knows how to sell a product 💯

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Haha thank you, sir

[@ChefDacres]

I'm back after commenting 10 months ago😅 I finally purchase this item! Thanks much!

[@manuthefourth]

@@ChefDacres is it good? how does it compare to the blue yeti?

[@MorinJay]

Great video. Very educational. I just bought the microphone on Amazon. It should arrive tomorrow. I'm 62 (an old fart). I played guitar and was the lead singer for a top 40 cover band (bars and events). I used a Schure microphone. We are talking 1979 to 1988 before I hung it up. One thing I can tell you about microphones - no matter what year they were made..... 1) the size of the room matters. 2) Ever notice all the sound shielding in studios? You know... the sound absorbing squares all over the walls.... they help. I noticed you were in a room with hard walls and I'm sure you were getting some sound reflection off the walls. I love the tests you did showing the different gain settings. That's a great start. Distance from the microphone too... great information. Ever notice how a singer will back off a microphone when he/she belts out the height of the song (loudest part).... often sung louder so they can hit the note...... well that matters to eliminate distortion if you are too loud - too close to the microphone. Try holding the microphone at different angles to your lips too. Head on vs. speaking into the side of the microphone screen can really make a huge difference depending on the microphone specs. MIke - you speak very clearly. I think if you spoke a little bit softer you could fully use the gain and echo features to their full potential with this low priced microphone. From what you showed me and what I heard during your test.... wow.... great microphone for the money. I too have the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and I find when recording the outgoing message for my voice mail set up.... it's hard to get a good recording. I can't wait to get mine and play with the recording quality.

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Hey - I really appreciate the detailed comment! Since I made the video, I actually ended up returning this mic for the Fifine K683a. I made another video comparing the 2 plus the AKG Lyra! I have also filled in my office a bit more and that does help with the echo. I have heard Zealsound has added a noise reduction feature in a newer model since my review. I hope you like it but if not, check out the Fifine. I've been really happy with it for over a year (it was $50).

[@MorinJay]

I received my K66 and I LOVE IT. (I just wonder how long it will last). You know how some people are hard on things and some people are not.... I'm the type that makes things last forever. I'm 62 and I've never broken a cell phone screen and my usage goes all the way back to 1987 and the $2600 Motorola "BRICK" phone. Thanks again for the detailed product review. Spot on my friend. Oh and YES.... mine does have a very good "Noise Cancelling" feature and it works great - even with two fans pointed toward the microphone from 6 feet away. @@MikeTrachtenberg

[@lun321]

@@MorinJay Are you still using it?

[@MorinJay]

@@lun321 Yes - every day - all day. Love it.

[@ashdoesreviews]

bro i needed this even though it came out a year ago its great quality subbed and liked!!!!!

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Thank you. Much appreciated! And per some of the comments, I think they have made some improvements to it since I got mine. I hope you like it!

[@andreat109]

Love how you explain things. Interesting watching this. Very helpful review!!

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

thank you so much!

[@ninjaabcde]

The thing I noticed about the 1st and 3rd knobs is that they only really seem to work at their min and max values. You don't really see any changes in the intermediate levels on either of the knobs.

[@user-wj9jm1ox8i]

Sounds so much more realistic comparing to your galaxy phone!! and when its close to you, its almost perfect!! im not an expert or anything but it seems amazing for the price

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Yes, definitely! I ended up switching to the Fifine K683a, which is $50 but I found it to be better! I have a video comparing the Zealsound with it as well!

[@EofMRE2010]

I just got mine at the beginning of the mouth…one thing I’ve noticed in this recording as well is you can’t be more than 10 inches away from the mic. I usually get about 6 inches away and I speak over the mic with it placed below me. That’ll also help with the “B” “P” & “T” sounds. Like you said for the price you really can’t beat it and it’s great if you’re on a budget or just getting started. I hear that dynamic mics are the best especially if you’re doing a podcast. Great video you got my like a my sub

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Thanks for the comment! I ended up returning it and got the Fifine K683a. The Fifine was only $50 and the quality was significantly better! I made a video comparing the 2 (along with the AKG Lyra) if you're interested in checking that out!

[@realmazurex]

the "foam windscreen" is a pop filter, it basically removes any popping sounds that you would make when speaking, thought you should know

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Yes, thank you!

[@marcelojbenevides]

Excellent explanation! Really helped me decide to buy it. Thank you.

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

I really appreciate the comment. I hope you like it!

[@ChefDacres]

Love it! Not professional but great for beginners. Getting it now.

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

I wish I had worded it that way. For the price, it's great. I ended up trying the Fifine K683a, which was about $20 more and found it didn't have the same noise problem. I have since switched to that one

[@juliesmith7785]

Great idea

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@leslie3431]

great review! thanks for this!

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

glad it was helpful!

[@sancochita7392]

How do you remove background noise? If you don't mind me asking like what program or app you use. Ps. I bought this in Germany for a bit more money around 37 Euros. That's still okay for me.

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

hey, so the way I do it is absolutely not a "professional" way of doing it lol. I use CapCut for video editing and there is a "reduce noise" feature on there. So after I import the video, I can tap that and it works so well!

[@sancochita7392]

@@MikeTrachtenberg thanks!

[@Killuua_]

actually it has a hidden feature where you can reduce the noise by pressing and holding the mute button until it glow blue.@@sancochita7392

[@sidthetech_USA]

Woa... Are those the Bose QC2? I'm still rocking a pair of those in 2024, but not as good shape. Still sound great. Not a bad mic, for a USB mic.

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

I replaced the ear part and they look like brand new!! Love the QC2! Yeah, this mic wasn't bad. I switched to the Fifine K683a! It was $20 more and much better.

[@vnpye]

i just ordered this microphone, thank you, this review gives me high hopes and lets me know what to expect man!! 🖤

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

awesome!! I hope you like it. I don't mean to discourage you, but I ended up ordering 2 more mics and preferred the Fifine k683a. It's about $50 and had much less of that background static that I complained about!

[@zacharythinks]

How's it so far?

[@longislandloutequila7208]

Any idea why mine does not power light up with my S21 Ultra. Everything is connected properly, but I cannot get the power light to come on.

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

I am not sure. Does it power on if your plug it into the computer? I suppose reaching out to their customer service might be the best option

[@johnners911]

Good video, thanks! Would this microphone be useful for capturing low frequency stomping sounds from upstairs neighbours?

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Oh boy! If I had an upstairs, I'd test it out for you! Hope they'll stfu for you!

[@johnners911]

@@MikeTrachtenberg as it happens it's 12 35 am here and I've just been woken up again. Sounds like they're throwing a ball for their dog up there!

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

😤😠😡🤬

[@Codyxmaricela]

This helped me so much thank you, sit

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

I'm so glad it helped!

[@marktrachtenberg1282]

The sound from the mike at medium and fairly close to you gave great sound. Nice video

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

yeah, pretty good for 30 bucks!

[@HaharuRecords]

When checking the noise pickup, just keep the room silence and record without even talking anything...( That way youw ill know mic is pickuping unnecessary room noise or it is just the self noise, because of bad build quality)

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Yes, excellent idea.

[@Alex38369]

I have the C Cosycost version of this microphone. It’s very good

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

that's awesome! thank you for sharing 😊

[@brunocabral4491]

Very helpfull. Thanks.

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

that's awesome. I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@MISSLamar]

I just bought it. The blue light is on but the sound is not working. Is it necessary to put in headphones or is there a problem???

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

I can't say for sure headphones are not needed. Is the gain knob all the way down? That would be the only other thing I can think of

[@fallingangels3522]

I’m having trouble hearing what I sound like on video camera with my microphone plugged into my iPhone and when I moved the microphone away from me in the video I still sound the same no difference but I hear myself better with headphones but not when I’m recording on camera on my phone why? It used to work now it doesn’t

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Hmm 🤔 that's a tough one to figure out. Are you sure it's recording from the microphone? I stopped using this mic so I can't remember - is there a gain knob? Is the plug plugged in all the way?

[@fallingangels3522]

@@MikeTrachtenberg yes I could hear everything from the microphone with my headphones in and I see a blue light so it’s on but not with video when I finish recording

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Very strange. I'm really not sure what the issue could be 😦😦

[@logan1er]

Bought it a week ago and your video helped me make a choice. Don't make the same mistake, use it with the buttons upwards or you will struggle :p

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

I'm glad it was helpful for you!!

[@leuyimbac2483]

How can you connect ZealSound to phone (Sam Sung or Iphone)?

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

that is a great question. It came with a USB-A to micro-usb attachment. It also came with a USB-A to lightning adapter, so you can just plug it right in

[@longislandloutequila7208]

I did that and I cannot get the power light to come on with my k66 zealsound, with my S21

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Are you sure it's plugged in all the way? If you have a case on your phone, it could be blocking the plug. Otherwise, I'm not sure what the problem would be!

[@longislandloutequila7208]

@MikeTrachtenberg - hey Mike, yes I took the case off and tried that as well, but that didn't do it. Everything is correct, it just doesn't want to work nice with my phone, but I haven't heard of one other person having this problem with the S2. Oh well, it's a mystery why I'm having this problem. I'm going to return it, and I'm going to get the snowball, instead, as I had one that broke. Thank you for responding Mike, that was very nice of you.

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

I ended up switching to the Fifine k683a. Not sure if they still make that model, but be worth checking them out

[@secretasmrlover9205]

I’ve plugged it into my phone and the light comes on but my audio sounds the same, when I rub the mic I can tell that it’s not picking up any sound. Any reason why that could be?

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

I am not sure. 🤔

[@secretasmrlover9205]

@@MikeTrachtenberg It’s okay I figured it out! The adaptor wasn’t plugged all the way into my phone because my phone case is a little thick. I removed the phone case and problem solved! 😅

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

ahh that's funny. that actually happened to me when I got a new phone case too. glad you figured it out!

[@Str8FACTS00]

So i have this mic everything works great i have it connected to my phone but after i record a video i Cant hear it. I have the adapter splitter and everything do you know what i am doing wrong? Please help thanks I appreciate it

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Hmm I do not know. As long as it's fully plugged in, I would think it would automatically record through the Mic. Is the gain turned on? Is the mic FULLY plugged in? (Some phone cases dont allow it to plug in all the way)

[@huellyepez]

I have a question. Can you hear yourself with the headphone output without any delay?

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

great question - yes, you hear exactly how you sound without a delay

[@Smooch-l6r]

I can’t figure out how to get it to work once I plug it to my iPhone. I don’t hear anything.

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Hmm, 1. Make sure it's plugged in all the way (sometimes you gotta give it a little extra force if your case is in the way) but other than that I'm not sure what to tell you - your phone's video camera should automatically default to it once it's plugged in!

[@hanbrosky]

I have the microphone plugged into my MacBook pro, works as expected. The only hiccup is that when I plug my headphones into the microphone, I can only hear audio in my right ear. Has anyone else experienced this and know how to hear from both ears?

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

That's super weird. After recorded, is it playing in both ears? Did you try other headphones? 🤷

[@Vannyofficial97]

hey i want to stream on tiktok with this microphone. i would connect the microphone to my iphone and let my laptop play karaoke in the background. would you hear the karaoke through the microphone?

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

I can't say for sure, but probably! the volume of the karaoke would depend on how far the speaker is from the microphone!

[@Vannyofficial97]

Okay, thank you 😊

[@yumisuzuki7919]

i try connecting my headphone on my microphone, but i wanna hear it in my headphone not outside of my headphones im having this problem w this mic.

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

I'm not sure why you wouldn't hear it in your headphones.

[@exgrimy]

can this be used on a windows computer my guy??❤

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Yes! Just plug it in via the USB port! 🙂

[@majikmanheru3539]

Great presentation

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Thank you! I appreciate that.

[@tavanahmoseleybenjamin8422]

do you need headphones to hear yourself back because I can't hear anything when I plug it into my phone?

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

With headphones plugged into the mic while you are recording, you'll hear it back in live time. You will need to unplug the mic from your phone after your recording in order to hear it back from your phones speaker!

[@satyamahapatralsutgr1]

Wonderful explanation, my friend!

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

thank you! I appreciate the support

[@fally15]

Anyone ever get thebheadset volume control to work. Mine just does nothing and have to manually alter the volume through every program im using. Annoying to say the least

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Did you ever get it figured out?

[@Manectric7]

I connected the microphone with the usb cable in my laptop and it remains silent, even if I take it to max volume. Am I missing something?

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

I am not sure. I have not tried it in a laptop. Which sound recording app were you using? Are you sure the USB was plugged in all the way?

[@Manectric7]

​@@MikeTrachtenbergsound recording app? Don't I use it like a normal microphone? I thought it's supposed to amplify my words, like a classic, normal microphone

[@Retromediacollector]

Do I need a lighting cable to plug in my phone

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

When I bought this 5 months ago, it included a USB to lightning adapter cable, so as long as it still includes that, you would not

[@CelebrationCorner74]

That’s so neat

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Thank you!

[@victorpazb]

Nice video!

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

thank you. I appreciate that

[@nxrkozzz999]

im praying your still replying to comments, how come when i plug this in my phone(I know its the mic input) it sounds amazing, then i plug into my laptop and it sounds worse

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Heyyy I sure am - first of all, I ended up returning this and got the Fifine K683a. I will say, with that microphone, when I plug it into my computer, my volume is MUCH lower but I haven't noticed any quality issues. Sorry I can't help any more than that.

[@brandedly]

It is because your laptop has a worse audio hardware than ur phone

[@VerseDracoZ]

What headphones are you wearing

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

These are the Bose QuietComfort 2 wired headphones from 2006!

[@WelcomeToRandomization]

Do you know if it works with iPad

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Dang, I don't know. Check the Amazon Answers on the Questions page. It looks like people are saying you need an adapter. Some people say it comes with the adapter and some say it doesn't. Just FYI - I ended up testing out a different mic - the Fifine K683a and liked it much better. I switched to the Fifine shortly after making this video & still use it 😊 hope this helps

[@WelcomeToRandomization]

@@MikeTrachtenberg K thanks!

[@chfr]

Why add an echo gimmick?

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Great question lol

[@chfr]

@@MikeTrachtenberg If anything, having it turns me off more than anything, I tend to think "do less things better" and having this additional knob just makes me feel like it's gonna do that worse than a regular echo vst. That said, I'm glad I saw this video because it allowed me to see your comment about the Fifine K683a and I'll probably go for that one instead

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

I'm still using the Fifine and I've been so happy with it. I did another video comparing the 2 as well as with the AKG Lyra

[@Randa-ljram]

Thanks

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

🙌🏼

[@quexqz]

who was wearing the spacesuit?

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Dang, I can't remember!!

[@hazelkay2506]

Can I get it on amazon?

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

yup. I put a link in the description.

[@UnusualYT1189]

Ye- y- ye-s YES!!!!! :o

[@vknzach]

You do realize you’re supposed to face the top of the microphone towards you, right? You weren’t even getting the best quality… 😂

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Awesome. Thank you for sharing this!

[@AllMy78s]

Thanks for this... It doesn't sound great to me, but for the price, it's what I expected, will look at spending a bit more...

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

I ended up switching to the Fifine k683a. It was $50 about a year ago and I found it to be much better than this one. I made a video comparing them!

[@AllMy78s]

@@MikeTrachtenberg I'll check it out, thank you...

[@eatsdekie]

there's no light on my mic when i plug it to my samsung s20+ , is there a phone setting for it? thanks

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

The only thing I can think of is to have you turn the camera on after plugging it in and see if the light comes on then

[@stormpieerbij]

Is it good for your phone ?

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

My test was done on my phone. I ended up switching to the Fifine K683a. Have been using that one on my phone for about a year and a half and I still love it. It was $50 at the time. I made a follow up video comparing the Zealsound, the Fifine, and one from AKG!

[@Lxght2x]

I.was wandering if this works. On ps4

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Hey - sorry I never replied. I am not sure - did you end up giving it a try?

[@StrangerThingsOracle]

It raised the vocals. Your mic is cool but this mic for $40 bucks did a better job when brought closer…

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

I ended up switching to the Fifine K683a

[@StrangerThingsOracle]

I’m a sure fan but too look into quality expensive mics for family members or different projects. I found your video looking for a review and boom it was a no for me lol I said if I got really close it could work but it’s better for my kids ASMR fetish lol he’s 8 I’d get him this like I’ll stick to the shure mic

[@StrangerThingsOracle]

Going to your page now for the fifine review lol, hope you have one

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

I have a review comparing the Fifine, the AKG Lyra and this one

[@pedroelton7040]

I'm not sure if I buy the mic or the galaxy LOL

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Haha I've been very impressed with the Galaxy. I ended up returning this mic & getting the Fifine K683a. $50 and was better

[@hartfordclub]

S22 actually not bad for a phone mic?!

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

This is true but I now use the Fifine K683a as my studio mic and it definitely makes a huge difference compared to the phone mic

[@9intey7even]

Will it connect with my ps5?

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

I do not know and I don't have one to test it out. Hopefully someone can help you out!

[@9intey7even]

@@MikeTrachtenberg guess there is only one way to find out

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Let me know!

[@Arandomkiddoingvideos]

Just brought it because of you arriving its at the 18th🔥🔥🔥 best reviewer fr

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

I hope you love it! Thank you for the feedback

[@purple_oeuf3700]

How can I stop the noises ??

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

I don't think you can without some kind of post-processing. I usually edit in CapCut and CapCut has a feature to reduce noise. There are probably plenty of apps that could do it as well or better but I haven't looked into them

[@ebentechstudio]

your phone sounds quality than the zealsound but the zealsound is more louder than the phone

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Yes, this is true. I ended up switching over to the k683a from Fifine

[@guille206gc]

Good microhone!

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Awesome!

[@DurcADurc]

Bros more AI than mark zuckerburgh

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Now I just need to work on matching his bank account

[@tylerdurden783]

Not the best room to test in, you need some dampening on the walls

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

I understand your point but It's the room I use, so perfect for testing for the situation I'll be using it for!

[@CreamPolo]

Helpful but i'm not convinced. :)

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Thanks! Yeah, I ended up returning it actually. I use the Fifine k683a. It was $20 more and much better audio for a cheap mic than the ZealSound.

[@SnazzzyGecko]

Please wear an undershirt

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Shirtless next time

[@SnazzzyGecko]

@@MikeTrachtenberg can't wait to see it

[@JCecoto]

Why when I connect it with the USB to the PC tower, does the sound from the speakers stop? Can anyone help me?@MikeTrachtenberg Thank you very much

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

Hmm, that's a good question. On my PC, it does not. My sound still comes out of my speakers that are plugged into my 3.5mm aux port. Hope that helps!

[@marktrachtenberg1282]

Was the space suit worn by the astronaut. Ha ha.

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

haha you like that?

[@petersnow162]

Is this adaptable for iPhone 15?

[@MikeTrachtenberg]

That is a great question. I have no way of testing that out. Hopefully someone can help out