-Good value for the amount of performance it delivers
-Faithful, organic stereo recording
-Quite a bit of versatility (music, podcasts, filming)

-Few extras and add-ons
-Some issues with the wire

For its price, it is hard to recommend a better stereo mic than the Sony ECM-719. Though complaints have been few and far between, do keep an eye out for the structural integrity of the cord. In short, the mic performs admirably so long as you don't continuously put it through the wringer.

Sony ECM-719 Mic

Price:  $54.99

The first thing that typically catches one's eye when looking at the Sony ECM-719 is the interesting shape of the mic. Whether its appearance attracts or detracts you comes down to personal taste, but there is definitely a method to the madness: The insect-like compound eye shape of the speaker is designed to capture the most faithful real time stereo audio, making it (in theory) the perfect mic for recording outdoor ambiance and other complex sounds. But does the ECM-719 really pack the punch it advertises?

Audio Quality

The ECM-719 does seem to deliver on its stereo audio capabilities. People using the mic with HD camcorders will be pleased with the extra sound quality that it delivers. Those making podcasts will also be happy to know that the mic can pick up even the faintest whispers within range and keep them crisp and faithful.

Price

The ECM-719 generally costs between fifty and sixty dollars and, as long as you don't expect too much out of the machine, the value is pretty great. More expensive stereo mics have delivered far less capable fidelity than the ECM-719. The mic doesn't come with too many extra accessories, but the truth is that it doesn't really need anything more than what is offered.

Dependability

Sony's new mic continues the company's trend of delivering tough, durable audio equipment to the public. Though many people will use the ECM-719 for low-key work, like recording meetings and interviews, they'll be happy to know that the mic performs well under more extreme outdoor camera work. The cord could stand to be a little stronger, but for the vast majority of actions performed with the mic, it should retain its integrity.

Purchase here at Amazon.

Can operate on both phantom and battery power. The cardioids system minimizes the pick-up of stray sounds from either the rear or sides of the microphone. The instrument adapter makes the microphone work excellently in picking up acoustic guitar.

It is difficult to get enough volume if you use the microphone in a noisy or large room that has no feedback.

Audio Technica Pro 70 Review

Perfect recording with the right adjustments

Audio Technica Pro 70 achieves a very dependable and consistent performance because of its full-sound pickup ability.

The microphone is ideal for both speech and music production.

The design of Audio Technica Pro 70 allows it to operate effectively without grabbing attention.  It comes with a number of accessories, including a guitar mount and clothing clip, enabling the microphone to function like a clip-on lavalier.

The microphone is light and flexible enough to suit different applications in different positions. You do not have to worry about staying still to maintain the desired level with the microphone. The belt clip included with Audio Technica Pro 70 helps to attach it to a guitar, working as an interface to XLR microphone cable.

Audio Technica Pro 70 makes it possible to minimize noise in a room through the use of a low-frequency roll-off switch.

Where to Purchase:
Check Out Amazon Here

A transparent and versatile microphone is for an affordable price.

It is very sensitive that it may pick up even the slightest sound that may cause nuisance.

AUDIO TECHNICA 4050 Review

Great Product

Audio Technica is well-known to design and manufacture a wide range of products; it includes high-performance microphones, headphones, noise- cancelling headphones, wireless microphone systems, mixers and electronic products for home and professional use worldwide. 

Specializing in Microphones, Wireless Systems and Headphones, Audio Technica designed the Audio Technica 4050- a transparent and versatile microphone for an affordable price.

The Audio Technica 4050 is one of the best-selling vocal microphones. It is ideal for use in the most demanding recording situations for it utilizes a low-noise transformerless design and multiple polar patterns. It also uses dual gold- plated large- diaphragm condenser elements for extended frequency response.  The floating construction element gives isolation from noise and vibration. Audio Technica 4050 is a multi- pattern studio condenser microphone, 48V phantom power, switchable cardiod, omni, and figure-of-eight patterns.  Includes AT 8449 shock mount, microphone dust cover, and protective carrying case.

There were some who have used the Audio Technica 4050 in their studio for recording and found that the versatility of the microphone is very impressive and the response and reproduction of any high frequency is incredibly great. The versatility of the microphone goes with its sensitivity to sound; you will literally hear everything as to every crack, pop, growl, and any other fine distinction you put into your vocals will come through exactly as you delivered it. Whether you have a voice in the higher range to sing rock music, scratchy voice, and the screams of the 80’s at times, the microphone delivers it perfectly in time. The Audio Technica 4050 is also great for deep bass or baritone voice, as well as for low vocals. Since it is versatile this microphone also works well particularly in a female voice. There was somebody who had used this microphone with good results in his project studio, on vocals, guitars and hand percussion, and actually earned a major film festival award for the music he created in that studio.

The Audio Technica 4050 is also great on all kinds of stringed instruments as it produces an excellent transparent highs and mids balanced by rich low-end qualities, and it sparkles to make acoustic instruments come to life because of the advanced acoustic engineering that guarantees extensive performance capabilities and highest quality. The clarity of the words and sounds is due to the AT 4050’s transformerless circuitry that virtually eliminates low- frequency distortion and provides superior correlation of high speed transients. As used as drum overheads in XY, they give a natural kit sound without a ton of cymbal wash.

The figure-of-eight pattern mainly offers the flattest response curve. The cardiod and omni pattern give more treble/upper mids boost which is useful for some applications. The most important factor when deciding on what to choose is the price-to-performance ratio. Meaning, as the price gets higher the quality should also be better.  But offering you the Audio Technica 4050, it will give you a lesser and very affordable price for a quality that is so remarkable. To others, there is no better, more versatile microphone in the market than the Audio Technica 4050.

Where to Purchase:
Check Out  Amazon Here

The microphone picks up absolutely every sound. The microphone’s casing is very sturdy. Shock mount helps to eliminate unwanted noise when moving the microphone around.

The fact that the microphone picks up absolutely every sound can be a bad thing as well. The microphone doesn’t come with an XLR cable, which is rather annoying.

MXL 2006 Microphone Review

Perfect recording with the right adjustments

The MXL 2006 is a condenser type microphone with a cardioid pattern. Its greatest use is as a dynamic microphone thanks to its amazing levels of sensitivity, which are unmatched. Users’ MXL 2006 microphone reviews suggest to the device in a well-insulated recording environment, otherwise it will record the sound of the heartbeat of the person in the next room!

The MXL 2006 microphone comes in a pretty solid brass casing that does not dent easily. Although it requires an external power source, it does not have a power switch, so as soon as you plug it in to your mixer you are ready to go. You WILL need a mixer to record using the MXL 2006 as you will need to regulate the amount of sound the microphone picks up.

Experienced users’ MXL 2006 microphone reviews mention the product as a great choice if you’re going for a recording of live acoustic guitars. With the correct placement of the mic and minor adjustments to the levels of pickup on your mixer, you will be able to record the guitar in the best way possible. Most users have described the sound recorded through the MXL 2006 microphone as ‘silky’ which speaks volumes for the exact quality of recording through this awesome mic. In fact, it is said that with the proper levels set on your equalizer, the MXL 2006 will not sound any different from a mic 4 times its price! Such is the great equilibrium of sound maintained by this truly magnificent microphone.

Where to Purchase:
Check Out the InstrumentPro Here and Amazon Here

This microphone is ideal for a recording artist with a low budget. It gives quality recordings with great pickup on the lower and mid ranges.

Although this microphone handles the upper-mid ranges well, it does not work that well with the higher ranges.

MXL V69M-EDT Microphone Review

Gives nice vintage sound

A tube condenser microphone that stands above the rest, the MXL V69M-EDT, nicknamed the ‘Mogami Edition’, gives rich quality sound recordings that sound crisp and full-bodied. Although Chinese brands such as MXL are not considered to be the best in the microphone business, the MXL V69M-EDT dispels these beliefs at the flick of the on switch.

Although tube microphones are said to be better on the lower ranges and not that good in the upper ranges, the MXL V69M-EDT microphone plays a whole different ballgame with great performance on the upper mid-ranges as well, which makes it ideal for recording vocals and acoustic musical instruments. Acoustic guitars will sound harmonic and the various frequency ranges will be mixed nicely without any unwanted peaks in the recording. In essence, this microphone gives a nice ‘vintage’ sound that could only be expected from tube microphones.

The manufacturer MXL V69M-EDT microphone review specifies that the device requires a dedicated power supply of 110V/230V in order to function. As is to be expected, the only complaint about this microphone is that it does not capture the higher ranges of sound as nicely as we would like, which is a common bane of all tube microphones.

However, the MXL V69M-EDT microphone has gone a long way towards solving this problem.

In conclusion of this MXL V69M-EDT microphone review, it should be said that the product delivers value for the money it costs.

Where to Purchase:
Check Out the InstrumentPro Here and Amazon Here

A 15 foot XLR cable is provided with the microphone. The microphone gives a crisp, clean, high quality sound when recording from the cymbals or vocals.

Not suitable for loud vocals or bass, as it does not capture the lower range or sound properly.

Shure PG81 Microphone review

The king when it comes to recording soft music

To begin this Shure PG81 microphone review we should first mention that Shure is a producer of great microphones which are renowned for their quality and efficiency. The Shure PG81 microphone is no exception, with a great ability to record music brilliantly and clearly. This is a condenser microphone with a polar cardioid pattern, which offers you the most professional possible recording of your music.

The Shure PG81 microphone comes with a 15-foot XLR cable which can be used along with a mixer or along with your recording equipment easily, which makes the microphone compatible with all types of hardware that you might be interested in using.

Since this is a condenser microphone it requires a 1.5V AA battery to function and will go for about 10,000 hours on a single battery. The Cardioid pattern of the PG81 microphone ensures that only sound from the front of the microphone is recorded, which means that it will not record external noise or the sound from the instruments other than the one you are recording from. This makes the PG81 microphone a great choice to record drum cymbals, acoustic guitar, and vocals. Since the microphone captures the top ranges very nicely, it is perfect for those quite acoustic sessions. However, this microphone is not the best choice for recording bass, the kick drum, or loud vocals as it falters a bit on the lower ranges and when recording louder sound.

The brass and steel casing of the PG81 microphone is very strong and ensures long-term use of the microphone. You can also power the microphone from a phantom power source, and there is an on/off switch available on the mic itself to regulate power usage, which helps save battery power when not in use.

In conclusion of this Shure PG81 microphone review, the microphone is a great choice of mic for all-round recording requirements that spring up.

Where to Purchase:
Check Out the InstrumentPro Here and Amazon Here

Approximating the quality of its pricier counterparts, AKG’s C 1000 S can withstand very high sound pressure levels, which makes them great for live sound and project studios.

The AKG  C 1000 S might be a little pricey for a novice and a pro might benefit from investing in a slightly better model.  It's a great middle ground and for the price you get a good quality Mic

AKG  C 1000 S: Ann Affordable Alternative to Top-Class Models

The versatility of the C 1000 S makes this an extremely popular model, and one ideally suited for all kinds of recording and live sound applications.

If no phantom power is available, the mic can be powered by a standard 9 V battery, making it perfect for mobile use.

With its new battery monitoring electronics, the C 1000 S now features a reliable LED warning light. The red LED above the the microphone switch lights up when the remaining battery life falls below 45 minutes.

The polar pattern can quickly be switched from cardioid to hypercardioid simply by attaching the PPC 1000 Polar Pattern Converter provided to the microphone capsule.

The PB 1000 Presence Boost Adapter also supplied with the C 1000 S adds 3 to 5 dB of high-end enhancement between 5 and 9 kHz, improving clarity of speech and adding definition to instrument sounds.

AKG makes a lot of great products and the C 1000 S is no exception. If the price tag on the 414 is a bit daunting. With a proper frequency range from 50Hz-20kHz, the C 1000 S has bright highs and warm lows. The switchable pre-attenuation allows it to handle very loud sounds without distortion or feedback. Since it is able to handle high sound pressure levels, the C 1000 S is perfectly suited for live sound and touring. Integrated windscreen, shockmount and hard case are all included.  This microphone a great buy!

Supercardioid pattern means a tight area of sound pickup, making this the perfect mic for loud stages. Hard of hearing and need those monitors cranked to 11? No problem. The Shure Beta 87A has awesome feedback rejection.

I’ve been using the Beta 87A for four years without any problems. Just remember, as with any condenser, it requires phantom power. And, despite what Shure says, this mic will not fully measure up to studio condensers.

A Sick Vocal Condenser

It’s perfect for performers singing around loud instruments and monitors, or for the wandering vocalist who likes to take a walk in front of the PA.

Stage sound engineers have a daunting challenge.  Their job is to balance the equation: on one side, there is the comfort of the musicians, and on the other side is the function and limit of the equipment.  This proves to be most difficult when the guitarist wants his monitor cranked to infinity, and you’re riding the fader, sweating bullets every time you hear the stock SM58 squeak feedback.  I lose sleep over this scenario.  Thankfully, there is a microphone in my suitcase that provides awesome feedback rejection and great isolation from nearby instruments.

The Shure Beta 87A has made it through more than 400 shows with my band.  My brother chose it because he is the lead singer and drummer (a la Collins, Henley, etc.).  It performs exactly how we hoped, rejecting his drum kit very well.  The only drum that bleeds noticeably into the Beta 87A is the high hat, probably because the 87’s frequency curve has a +5dB bump around 9 kHz.  It actually sounds good, though, since I don’t mic the hats on stage.

The reason the Beta 87A performs so well lies in its pickup pattern.  It is supercardioid, and has a tight area from which it picks up sound.  Further, the frequency curve provides bright tone and superb vocal presence, while rejecting the low frequencies the further away they are.  The difference is drastic: at singing distance (approximately 3/8”) the response at 100 Hz is around 9+dB.  At two feet away, 100 Hz drops to about –15dB.  The kick drum’s thump or the toms’ lower bodies are non-existent in the Beta 87A channel.  Even when his back is to a hard surface and the instruments bounce right into the front of the mic, it holds its ground by masterfully rejecting these instruments.

We use Mackie SRM350 active loudspeakers as floor monitors.  The drummer’s monitor is kept at a right angle to the kit, about three feet from the Beta 87A.  In line, we use Behringer Ultragraph Pro FBQ3102 dual channel graphic EQ with feedback detection.  Kept flat, the channel with the Beta 87A is much less offensive to feedback than the other mics on stage.

So there you have it.  This is the mic for you if you want your monitor mixes blaring or the lead singer wants to wander off stage and into the audience area.  I’m not saying you can drop the mic into the tweeter and expect a dry signal, but you’re better off than trying that with an SM58… by far.