Miniature clip-on condenser microphone

• Captures drum audio with ease
• Small size allows it to be placed virtually anywhere
• Durable and sturdy clip and attachment
• Can be used with nearly all instruments

• A bit more expensive than it needs to be
• Won't perform as well as professional mics

Audix F90 Microphone Review

Anybody who has tried to record an album or a band rehearsal knows that the drums are one of the most difficult and annoying aspects to capture. One minute you're failing to capture the percussion and the next minute it's bleeding into the audio of other instruments. The Audix F90, though, attempts to end these annoying occurrences once and for all.

You'll notice right away that the Audix F90 is miniature and comes with a handy and durable clip. This makes it easy to place it in tight spaces; any drummer knows that tight spaces are easy to come by with even the most modest sets. You can place it in under cymbals, between heads, and nearly anywhere else you can imagine.

But does it pick up sound properly? Luckily, the answer is yes. The F90, thanks to its 50Hz-18Khz impedence, allows it to capture audio evenly and faithfully. The mount is also very trusty and dependable, ensuring that the mic won't fall off in the middle of a recording session. The phantom power adapter is another nice touch; it allows band mates to keep recording in the middle of a particularly inspired jam. And in case you think that the mic only works well with drums, keep in mind that it can easily handle complex guitar fretwork as well as most brass. It may cost a bit more than most mics its size, but it also outperforms the vast majority of them.

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• Durable, sturdy setup
• Super cardioid polar pattern
• Dual Shock mount keeps out unwanted noise
• Performs great in even the worst concert conditions

• Asking price is a bit much
• Not too useful outside of a concert setting

AKG D5 Microphone Review

Any band or entertainer that has performed on stage knows how important it is to have a high quality mic. It can mean the difference between a rollicking concert performance or a musical disaster. A decent studio mic is important when laying down tracks, but there is no substitute for a live mic. It is here, then, that the AKG D5 truly shines.

AKG is known for its very clever recording mics. They make models that are specifically designed to pick up string instruments, drums, and much more. But it is only now that they've put all their energy and focus into a stellar stage mic. And, wouldn't you know it, they succeeded here as well. The company owns a patent on their laminated “Varimotion” diaphragm and it is used to full force with this model. The clear, bright sound stays intact throughout even the most dynamic ranges. The supercardioid polar pattern (a must for many live mics) delivers gain and cuts out feedback so that even the most intense performers can feel secure when on stage. One of the best features, though, probably slips by all but the most discerning users: The dual shock mount. Thanks to this mount, the mic is completely free of mechanical interference.

The mic also comes with some pretty nice little extras; a handy mic clip and tote bag makes the mic a breeze to carry from show to show and its durable construction ensures that it will perform wonderfully time and time again. The price is a bit steep, sure, but you can often find the mic for a lower price than its MSRP. It also would have been nice if the D5 had been more versatile in terms of studio recording but we can't have it all, can we? What the D5 does have, though, is more than adequate and you can feel confident on stage with it even in the harshest circumstances.

Purchase the AKG D5 here

The AKG C411 L is tailor-made for string instruments, picks up finger picking easily and faithfully, and doesn't require you to drill holes in your instruments. It also has suitably loud output capabilities.

It does need an external power source, and it loses its integrity when playing speed gets too high.

Very few mics are dedicated to stringed instruments but there are enough of them out there to give the AKG C411 L a little competition. Harman's small but powerful mic certainly outperforms a lot of the competition but it still has a few drawbacks of its own. The best pickers may find that the mic doesn't meet all their needs. But for the non-virtuoso, you can expect great performance time and again from the C411 L.

 AKG C411 L Microphone Review

By Harmon

Musicians and bands who have cut tracks know how difficult it can be to get just the right sound. Nowhere is this problem more apparent, though, than with string instruments. Fingerpickers in particular find it very hard to record the complex tones and notes that they create. And the more intricate the strings (violin, mandolin, etc.), the tougher it is to reproduce it faithfully through a mic. The AKG C411 L, however, attempts to make recording string instruments much easier.

The first thing you'll notice about the C411 L is that it is very small. This allows it to be placed very close to the bridge of any string instrument you're using so that it can pick up even the smallest note variations. The amount of rich tones you can get in this little condenser mic may even astonish seasoned recording veterans. The output is also very loud and earthy, helping the player to be sure that his or her noodling will come across exactly as it was meant to be heard.

The best part, though, is that the device clips onto the instrument, meaning that you won't have to drill holes into your pretty acoustic instrument. All in all, the C411 L is a very handy mic, though it does come with a couple drawbacks. For one, it requires phantom power, which means you'll need to buy a cable if you don't already have one. These cables can be a bit pricey, especially after you add in the cost of the mic. Also, the virtuoso players among us might notice that the mic doesn't pick up each and every note if the playing surpasses a certain level. For the vast majority of us, this problem doesn't apply. To the very few players who can play at blistering speeds, though, this might pose a problem. But players of that caliber will likely have better equipment to record with anyway.

Where to Purchase:
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This wireless microphone system is a replacement of its predecessor the UWP-C series, since it is inclusive of a variety of enhancements.

This device eats the batteries very fast and besides this con, most of the people find it bulky & heavy. This makes moving around with it to be hectic. In addition to this, there are other instances where the screen foams and renders the device ineffective. It is also very expensive and this makes it one of the main reasons why the product is becoming more unpopular.

Sony UWPV1/30320 Ch 30/33 UWP-C1 Wireless Package

This is one great wireless package.

The enhancements made on the system include an all metallic chassis that is rugged and a transmitter that has an input that is meant for switchable Mic or Line. Moreover, this package also has a synthesizing tuning feature that is incorporated by the PLL system, reception that has diversity of space and all the other features that were found in the UWP-C hence making it such a popular product.

All the signals that are coming in and any potential RF interference are minimized and only the strongest signals are consequently selected. This is because this system has a relatively excellent feature that gives the receiver (which can also be mounted on a camera) the diversity of space which stabilizes reception. The device also offers great clarity in sound due to its versatility.

This system has antennas that have been designed in such a manner that they swivel around which as a result strengthens the reception. In addition to this, there is the provision of an output for stereo mini-jack that is also incorporated with a monitor for controlling the volume. Cables for mini, stereo and XLR are all provided for. All information regarding the channel and frequency, RF input level, the operating time accumulated, the battery life and audio output status are all displayed on a LCD screen. Both the receiver and the body feature UHF frequencies that are 188 in number and they normally operate for not more than 8 hours. The batteries that they use for operating are two alkaline AA sizes. The price that this product is sold at in most online stores is $449.95.

Where to Purchase:
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Rode NTG-2 Battery or Phantom Powered Condenser Mic is a lightweight shotgun condenser mic which offers professional quality audio recording both indoors and outdoors. It also offers clean and clear audio output.

It can produce an annoying humming sound at high volume. The mic tends to pick up handling noise as well. It is important to have the mic at the right distance: too far and it won’t pick up sound well; too close and the sound will be too muddy. Also the battery life is not great.

Rode NTG-2 Battery or Phantom Powered Condenser Mic

Battery or Phantom Powered Mic

This condenser shotgun mic offers professional quality audio recording. It has a narrow pick up pattern for clear recording. Designed for use by film, video, television and other sound professionals, the Rode NTG-2 Mic is great for voice over work by media professionals. It works both on phantom and battery power.

It comes with a windscreen to minimize extra sound and works gives decent sound. It also works with a boom or hotshoe. The sound sometimes does not sound great in the mid-range, but for the price it offers quality sound and does the work.

Where to Purchase:
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It is simple to use and seems durable and heavy duty. IK Multimedia has also released several apps which can be used with this mic, including VocaLive for vocal processing effects, AmpliTube for adding guitar and iRig recorder for quick recording. Apart from these, it works with other apps as well to enhance the vocal effects.

On the flip, side while the mic is a condenser electret one with a solid metal grille, it is also unidirectional.So it will not record from the rear or sides and has to be pointed straight for a better sound. Also it does feel a bit heavy in the hand.

IK Multimedia iRig Mic

Handheld Microphone For iPhone, iPod and iPad

Whether you are an amateur or professional and you want to record quality sound on your iPhone, iPod or iPad, IK Multimedia has just introduced the iRig microphone which can do just that. This handheld microphone can be used for recording anything when on the go, whether a musician want to record a song or a journalist who wants to record an interview. It can also be used for podcasts – in fact, for any kind of recording.

The iPhone, iPod and iPad do have built-in mics, but these do not produce great sound. The IK multimedia iRig mic simply plugs into your device and you are ready to record good quality audio.

It has a three level gain switch which you can adjust for the kind of sound you want. While you can use it as a handheld, you can also put it on a stand if you want for hands free usage. Thanks to the apps you can add sounds to your vocals, if you are recording songs for example.

It works with all sound apps and offers real time monitoring. As long as your expectations are realistic and you do not expect studio quality recording, you ought to be pretty satisfied with this mic

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Blue Microphones has introduced the first USB mic offering high performance digital recordings. A professional quality mic, it uses the company’s proprietary tri capsule technology. Simple plug and play interface, solid and durable, it can record all kinds of sounds from soft to extremely loud.

The major problem with this is that it is big and heavy – at a height of one foot and a weight of 3.5 pounds it is not easy to lug around. The knobs are also flimsy and seem more likely to break. The mic also tends to pick up smallest sounds thus marring the recordings.

Blue Yeti Pro Multipattern Condenser Microphone

The first USB microphone that combines 24 bit/192 kHz recording resolution with analog XLR output.

The Yeti Pro USB microphone can be used in four modes: stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional and bidirectional making it truly versatile. It has on board gain and mute controls. The quality of sound is very good most of the time, but it does have the ability to pick up extraneous sounds, specially when you are working in an environment which has some unwanted noise.

The MSRP on this product is usually around $250.00

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This is a microphone that is in its own level since it is designed with excellent patterns that enable it to pick up sound from relatively long distances.

The low cut frequency that is produced by the Audio-Technica AT897 is approximately 80 Hz and it has a steep slope. This means that when you want to remove the rumble it is important not to leave any audio information that you have intact. This device should also be handled with care because any form of fumbling when using it causes a lot of annoyance. You can easily loose the data and this is also attributed to the fact that it also does not have a button to witch it on and off.
 

Audio-Technica AT897 Microphone Review

This microphone falls in the shotgun category mainly because it is 11 inches long and less than an inch wide. In addition to this, the Audio-Technica AT897 is very light and weighs approximately 5 ounces. It has been finished nicely to a grayish color and it usually comes with a vinyl case that is padded.

The microphone has a windscreen that foams completely and has a stand for the batter & the adapter. The audio connection that is used for this device is made from a XLR connector that is of the standard type. It comes with a user manual though the process of plugging it in and using it is relatively simple.

This microphone also operates with the phantom power that is normally supplied by some mixers and cameras. The Audio-Technica AT897 is operated by only one AA battery that is able to keep it operational for approximately 1200 hours.

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-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

-Strong, tough body
-Can perform with many different kinds of instruments
-Easily handles most performance tasks

Can be a bit dodgy with pickup pattern
Proximity can sometimes cause problems

Though in normal circumstances the mic would lose a point for its cons, the price of the E815S makes us feel as if these niggling faults aren't worth marking off. After all, there are much more expensive mics that have flaws just as big. In the end, the Sennheiser E815S performs so well for so many different purposes that its drawbacks are easily forgiven.

Sennheiser E815S

Price:  $59.95

The Sennheiser E815S is one of the most affordable Sennheiser mics on the market right now, but does that mean it's worthy of your money? We'll attempt to answer this question based on three aspects: Versatility, Affordability, and Durability.

Versatility:

The E815S actually performed quite well given its price. It can deliver the quality you need for rehearsal and recording, but even in a pinch you can use this baby in a concert. The only thing to keep an eye out for is its pickup pattern. Try to get an idea of where and when the mic acts up before you break it out on stage or for recording. The off-axis response isn't the most incredible in the world, but for its price it most definitely gets the job done.

Affordability:

Sennheiser has always toed the line between performance and price, but it seems that their E815S has really upped the ante for the competition. Boy Bands take note: If you shop at the right place, you can get three of these mics for around a hundred dollars. All joking aside, though, this is a great mic for just about any situation. As mentioned above, it can handle most tasks with ease and it sounds great with a variety of complex instruments, including brass and woodwinds. Compare this to the many three hundred dollar mics that can't do this and you'll see why Sennheiser is experiencing so much success with this model.

Durability:

Perhaps the best thing about these affordable mics is that they hold up surprisingly well. A punk rocker can put one through the wringer and, after the sweat, beer, and blood is wiped off, you'll still have a fully working mic in most conditions. This is perhaps the most striking aspect of the E815S. Its price would suggest a mic that would break after little use, leaving you two more out of a three pack. But such is the craftsmanship of Sennheiser.

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