-Sturdy and dependable casing
-Very affordable price
-Allows users to record directly onto iPad and iPhone
-Adequate sound quality

-Not many extras or features
-Isn't much use outside of iPhone and iPad recording

IK Multimedia iRig Microphone

The first handheld microphone for your iPhone/iPad

It wasn't so long ago that a quality microphone could only be used in a studio. Then we started seeing topnotch mics that could plug into the USB port of a laptop and distribute crisp, clear audio in almost any environment. It shouldn't come as a surprise then, that the IK Multimedia iRig microphone is the first high quality mic that connects directly to an iPhone or iPad. But does it deliver on the goods or is it just an attractive gimmick?

First thing's first: If it is a gimmick, at least it's an affordable one. The iRig sells for sixty dollars, a price that would justify any shortcomings. After all, any mic that goes for less than a hundred bucks usually comes with its share of flaws. The fact that the iRig is treading new ground by being designed for portable media already puts the odds against it, but we were surprised to find that the audio capabilities were actually pretty darn impressive.

Nobody is going to mistake IK's newest entry for a pricey studio mic, but the three levels of gain deliver more capabilities than one might think. The sturdy metal housing is also a nice perk, ensuring that musicians who record in rugged settings won't have their jam sessions cut short. Another nice touch was the mic's ability to pick up both distant and close sound with equal ease. Anybody who records with a full band knows how important that can be.

Still, this is a sixty dollar mic and, though it performs above and beyond its duties, you won't be replacing your professional mics any time soon. The iRig is wonderfully versatile and it will allow you to record something that just popped in your head so you can hold on to it and record it professionally later. Just don't expect to shop around a demo with anything recorded on it. But this isn't what the iRig offers and it isn't what the iRig is about. The iRig is a handy, portable, small mic that lets you record on the go onto an iPad or an iPhone. At the very least, you can say that it does this task very admirably.
 

Purchase the IK Multimedia iRig Microphone 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 offers 3 separate polar patterns for recording, which can be used according to your specific requirements. It offers great quality when recording from the low-end of the frequency spectrum.

Does not add much coloration when recording vocals using the microphone within a studio environment.

Shure KSM44 Microphone Review

Great on the low-end

To begin this Shure KSM44 microphone review, this product is a heavyweight when it comes to recording capabilities. It sports three types of polar patterns; cardioid, omni and figure-of-eight. It is a condenser microphone that can be used in a studio environment or for live shows and is designed specifically to capture vocals. However, the Shure KSM44 microphone sports an impressive lower-end response, which means it can be used as a bass microphone or a pickup mic for the bass drum on the drum kit.

A toggle switch on the microphone’s body allows you to change between the above polar patterns or between the different filter modes: 6dB/octave cut below 115Hz, 18dB/octave cut below 80Hz, and bypass. The capsule of the microphone is shock-mounted, which helps to filter out low-frequency noise.

During recordings, the Shure KSM44 microphone provides steady high notes as well as extensive response to bass. The cardioid mode captures the sound of a single voice with much efficiency while the omni mode captures a pure open sound that is ideal for recordings of live shows.

As a conclusion to this Shure KSM44 microphone review, the device is a great choice for a multi-pattern microphone, and gives a little extra with the extended low-end response, which places it a cut above other condenser multi-pattern microphones.

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

This microphone provides good quality for its price.  Good for recordings and for use in the studio during practice sessions for vocalists.

Acts up a bit during recordings sometimes and will give a slightly distorted output.

MXL 770 Microphone Review

Good for smooth vocals

Most of the MXL 770 microphone reviews describe this model as an everyday-man's microphone with a low price and great quality sound recording capabilities. It uses a condenser with a 20mm diaphragm to input sound and can be used effectively along with a computer recording environment or simply a studio practice environment.

Most sellers provide the MXL 770 microphone along with a mike stand and mike holder mesh, as well as a carry bag which is useful when you need to transport your mike. The most important thing about the microphone is the quality of the sound recorded through the microphone. According to experts, the best way to use this microphone is for a vocalist who will be doing their vocals on top of acoustic guitars and drums. When used in this scenario, the MXL 770 microphone will provide clear vocals which will cut through the sound of the guitars nicely to give the feel of a professional jam session.

If you are planning to record tracks using your computer, users’ MXL 770 microphone reviews are favorable in saying that this is the recording device for you. It will give crisp, clear sound that will get recorded nicely without any unwanted peaks or dips. However, you should be careful not to move your mouth too close to the microphone during recording to prevent any distortion from occurring.

One of the best low-budget microphones out there, the MXL 770 microphone will provide you with the sound recording quality you need.

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

Since you get 3 microphones, you can record multiple instruments at the same time. Price is very low when compared to contemporary models. The microphones provide good sound capture.

The mics are a bit too sensitive and will pick up too much noise.

Samson R21 Microphone Review

Great to use on all your instruments during gigs

As described in the manufacturer’s Samson R21 Microphone review, the device is a set of 3 microphones that will be provided when you purchase it. These are cardioid-pattern microphones which give the maximum amount of gain before giving feedback.

The Samson R21 microphone comes with a hardened case for easy carrying, which means that your mics will suffer minimum damage when being carried around. This implies that you can use the Samson R21 microphone for gigs on the road. The cardioid pattern of the microphone is uni-directional, and this enables you to use it to capture the sound of a single instrument or voice. Since you are equipped with 3 Samson R21 microphones in one go, you can also make use of the set to record audio for video shoots, placing the mics in different positions on the set.

The Samson R21 microphone comes with a gold-plated XLR connector which can be used to connect it to an amplifier or mixer based on your current needs. The microphones also contain a dual stage windscreen to cut out excess noise.
Some users have complained that the Samson R21 microphone is simply too sensitive for their own good and that they pick up even the tiniest sound from the source. This can be annoying for some recording sessions.

All in all, as you can see after reading this Samson R21 Microphone review, the product is a bargain because you gain the power of 3 microphones for the price of one.

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

Since you get 3 microphones, you can record multiple instruments at the same time. Price is very low when compared to contemporary models. The microphones provide good sound capture.

The mics are a bit too sensitive and will pick up too much noise.

Clean, sensitive, and great design. Works particularly well with a tube preamp.

As with any mic, you might need to work out some kinks with a little EQ in production. Also, placement of this mic can cause the frequency response to be temperamental.

The Groove Tubes 50 is Neither a Groove Nor a Tube

At around $360, the GT50 is a relatively easy addition to any studio’s mic collection.

Before all else, it should be made clear the microphone I own and faithfully use is a GT55, the predecessor to the GT50.  The GT50 is really just a modified GT55.  Both are large-diaphragm condensers and have the same exact specs.  On your right, you'll see that the top two images display the GT50, while the bottom image displays my GT55.

“[The GT50] doesn’t feel as closed off,” said Groove Tubes’ Audio Manager Sam Austin.  “The new grill material gives it an open-acoustic feel… like getting more signal to the capsule.”

The GT50 also comes with a aluminum hard-shell case and a shock mount.  My GT55 came with a pleather-like zipper pouch and no shock mount, though I wound up buying an aftermarket one anyway.

So everything positive about the GT55 (including features) can be said about the GT50, and then some.  With that, the GT55 is “that mic” of my studio.  For those of you not too familiar with the studio environment, every studio has “that mic,” basically the b!tch of the bunch that’s used for everything.  When in doubt, I’ll just throw my GT55 in front of it and hope for the best.  That’s how much I trust it to get the sound I need.  That’s not to say the GT55 doesn’t have its specific applications.

My vocals are almost exclusive to the GT55, by choice.  My brother is the main vocalist I record, and this mic works well with the texture and tone of his otherwise-annoying voice.  Run into a Universal Audio LA-610 preamp with matched input impedance (500 Ohms, in this case), the GT55 delivers incredible warmth and depth.  The general concept behind the GT55 is to emulate tube sound with circuit technology.  There is no tube in this mic, and it sounds pretty good direct into a recoding console.  But to really reap its benefits, I strongly suggest a tube preamp.

Usually, I treat my GT55 tracks with compression and EQ, and find it necessary to occasionally boost the 3K and above to pull out more brightness.  Every once in a while, the capsule picks up too much of the vocal’s mid or lower end and I wind up scooping around 600Hz or cutting the high pass filter (HPF) to around 200Hz.

One of the features on the GT55 is an HPF switch.  When enabled, it attenuates gently at 12dB/octave starting at 75Hz.  This comes in handy when recording boomy vocals or instruments, especially if you like your recordings to be intelligible (always a good look).

Another feature of the GT55 is a –10dB attenuation switch.  When enabled, it attenuates the entire frequency response by –10dB.  This is good for recording high SPL instruments like horns.

Many of my bari sax tracks have been recorded with this mic.  Oddly enough, I’ve found the exact opposite with my bari tracks; there is too much 3 to 4K and not enough bottom end.  This could be an anomaly of my studio environment, but after trying various mic placement techniques, I’ve determined it may just be an anomaly of timbre.  Either way, the bari tracks take a good boost of low-end and some LPF down to around 1K, and the end result is present and beautiful.

I love the convenience of this mic. It’s so small and easy to use! It simply clips onto your shirt or tie and hangs there hands free. It’s small and lightweight, so there’s no strange pulling on your clothes. It can be used with so many different kinds of recorders, making it a good buy for anyone.

I found it almost too sensitive sometimes. For example it picked up the sound of my clothes when clipped on, and that was a little annoying. I also found it didn’t work as well for far away voices. It’s not the perfect mic for lectures in a big, crowded hall.

The Olympus ME-15: Quality Sound With a Convenient Clip Feature

The Olympus ME-15 is a good quality mic that’s ultra handy and super lightweight.

This is a very handy mic to have in a variety of situations. You can use this little clip-on with almost any recording device. It’s compatible with both digital recorders and ones that require tape cassettes. As long as the plug fits, you’re ready to go.

I recommend this mic to anyone who plans to do a lot of close proximity voice recording. It’s quite sensitive and you can use it to pick up not only your own voice but that of others, as well. For such a small mic it’s really good at differentiating between voices. I found everything was clear and precise. If you choose to clip it to your clothes, however, you could pick up some of the rustling of fabric and this gets in the way of precise sound. This is something you’ll want to be careful of when using the Olympus ME-15.

If you plan on using this in a sit-down situation – like a meeting or interview – I recommend you lay the mic on the table rather than clip it to yourself. You’ll get the best possible sound with no interference. And if you have a tape recorder as opposed to a digital one, it’s a good idea not to place it right on top. If you have the mic and the recorder touching, the mic may pick up sounds of the tape reels moving. These really aren’t serious problems, though.

Using the Olympus ME-15 microphone makes any recorder more versatile. You’ll get much clearer sound and if you plan to be in motion, the clip is priceless. It frees up your hands to take notes and do whatever else you’ll need to. I hated having to lean over with the recorder to make sure I got what someone said – what a pain! With this mic, you’ll never have to do that. Plus, it’s perfect for taping small lectures or business meetings.

This is an extremely handy mic to have around, and for the price you really can’t go wrong.