Shure SM27-LC Cardioid Side-Address Condenser Microphone, includes Zipper Pouch and Stand Adapter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this mic to record/amp my sax and other wood winds when I am on stage and in the studio. I liked this mic because it is built tougher than others which were meant for only studio work. I like a mic that can come with me on stage and still give me great sound. This mic has excellent noise rejection and allows me to move around as I play and still get good coverage. As a horn player it is hard get positioned around a mic this one lets you just stand naturally and it will pick you up. It is not super sensitive so when I recorded my flute, it sounds good, but it is pretty quite. Probably not great for a vocal condenser, but makes a great amp or instrument mic.

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Cardioid Side-Address Condenser Microphone, includes zipper pouch and stand adapter. The SM27 is a rugged and versatile large-diaphragm, side-address cardioid microphone, with low self-noise and extended frequency response that picks up vocal and instrument nuances with clarity. Durable Shure construction features three separate mesh layers that reduce wind and breath noise. Equally comfortable on stage or in the studio.
Uniform cardioid pattern for superior off axis rejection
Superior transient response from a low-mass large Mylar® diaphragm
Flat, neutral frequency response for natural reproduction on stage or in the studio
3-position switchable low-frequency filter helps reduce unwanted background noise or counteract proximity effect for consistent, extended low-end
Durable metal construction.
Three separate mesh layers reduces wind and breath noise.
15dB pad for performance consistency across a wider range of high SPL sources

Cartridge TypeExternally Biased Condenser

Frequency Response20 to 20,000 Hz



Directional Polar PatternCardioid

Output ImpedanceEIA Rated at 150 ohms (140 ohms actual)

Attenuation Switch0 or 15 dB attenuation

Low Frequency response switchFlat-6 db/octave below 115 Hz-18 dB/octave below 80 Hz

Phantom Power48 Vdc +/- 4 Vdc (IEC­268­15/DIN 45 596), positive pins 2 and 3

Current Drain5.4 mA typical at 48 Vdc

Common Mode Rejection>50 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz

PolarityPositive pressure on diaphragm produces positive voltage on output pin 2 relative to pin 3

Dimensions and Weight53.0 mm (2.08 in.) maximum body diameter156.2 mm (6.15 in.) long;642 grams (22.6 oz.)

Sensitivity (typical, at 1000 Hz; 1Pa = 94 dB SPL)-37 dBV/Pa

Self­noise (typical, equivalent SPL; A­weighted, IEC 651)9.5 dB

Maximum SPL (1000 Hz at 1% THD)2500 ohm load (Attenuator on): 138 (153) dB1000 ohm load (Attenuator off): 133 (148) dB

Output Clipping Level*2500 ohm load: 7 dBV1000 ohm load: 1 dBV

Dynamic Range2500 ohm load: 128 dB1000 ohm load: 123 dB

Signal to Noise ratio**84.5 dB

*20 Hz to 20 kHz; THD < 1%. THD of the microphone preamplifier when applied input signal is equivalent to the cartridge output at specified SPL.**S/N ratio is difference between 94 dB SPL and equivalent SPL of self-noise A-weighted.

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RODE NT1000 Vocal Condenser Microphone Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I went shopping for a Rode NT1. Rode mics use superb capsules mounted in machined housings you could drive a truck over, and the NT1 is a great mic for male vocals. The guy at the store suggested the NT1000. I recorded myself on both, and there wasn't much difference, but the 1000 just sounded a little smoother. But, the NT1 had a painted finish (may have changed since), made out of aluminum. When you screw the mount on it feels rough, like screwing in a light bulb with an aluminum base. The NT1000, though, feels rich and expensive, a nickel-steel finish (I guess) more like the expensive Neumanns. And when you screw the parts together they feel precise and elegant. It was a hundred bucks more than the NT1, but with the slightly nicer sound, and the much nicer look and handling feel, it seemed worth it.
The only problem I've had with it is weight. It's fairly heavy, and can't be extended very far on my boom stand without falling over.
Great dynamic range, low noise, very detailed.

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The Rode NT1000 brings new standards to the recording industry. When today's musicians and recording engineers demand clarity and dynamic range, they demand large capsule performance. The Rode NT1000 is superior in both vocal and instrumental performances. Voiced for application versatility , the NT1000 has been hailed by many as the ultimate drum over-head and grand piano mic selection. The NT1000 is also equally at home as a first call vocal mic. With its Australian made 1 inch HF-2 capsule incorporating internal shock mounting, the NT1000 boasts a 134 dB dynamic range, and 140 dBA SPL capabilities and a 20 Hz - 20 kHz frequency response. Includes mic stand mount, and zippered pouch. Rode NT1000 Features HF2 1 inch capsule with gold-plated diaphragm Ultra low-noise transformerless circuitry Cardioid polar pattern Heavy-duty cast metal satin nickel body High-strength welded and heat-treated mesh head Internal capsule shock-mounting True externally biased condenser Full frequency response AmericanMusical.com is an authorized dealer of Rode products.

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Audio Technica AE5400 Handheld Condenser Microphone Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this microphone as a gift to a very talented Vocalist. I looked at many brands and models. After giving this microphone, I received several demo tapes on which it was used. Amazing! What a difference over the 58 wired and wireless he was using. One big attraction is the ability to use the microphone in either flat or low roll off modes. This extends the utility dramatically. I'm glad I went this way.

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The Audio Technica AE5400 Handheld Condenser Microphone delivers pristine sound quality demanded by the most discriminating microphone user. With its superb sonic design, this true condenser features superior anti-shock engineering for low handling noise and quiet performance. Featuring the same element as the classic AT4050 studio mic, its large-diaphragm capsule assures an accurate, natural response. It handles high SPL's and offers protection against plosives/sibilance without compromising high-frequency performance and clarity. Audio Technica AE5400 Features The ultimate vocal performance instrument Pristine sound quality demanded by the most discriminating microphone user Same large-diaphragm element as the renowned AT4050 studio microphone; true condenser design Superior anti-shock engineering ensures low handling noise and quiet performance High-quality double-sided PCB uses surface-mount components. Extensive grounding plane and attention to best-practice grounding methods minimize electrical noise Multi-stage grille design offers excellent protection against plosives and sibilance without compromising high-frequency clarity Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source Custom transformer improves performance specifications by isolating against noise and RF interference, and providing excellent saturation characteristics that contribute to smooth linear sound quality Robust design for enduring dependability on the road Quiet-Flex stand clamp provides silent, flexible microphone positioning Integral 80 Hz HPF switch and 10 dB pad AmericanMusical.com is an authorized dealer of Audio-Technica products.

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Rode Procaster Broadcast Dynamic Vocal Microphone Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Like many podcasters out there I've been using the AT2020 Condenser microphone, complete with a shockmount and pop filter for over a year now. I've had great success with it, however the environmental noise has always been a constant battle, even echo from my own voice within the environment.
Looking at the Rode Procaster I was concerned that because it wasn't a mic that required phantom power that it wouldn't be able to pick up all the intricateness of vocals during a session. I was wrong. The Rode Procaster sounds amazing, even without a tube preamp or compression being utilized.
The first test I performed on the Procaster was simple. I kept it in the same recording environment as my AT2020, but I made sure the dryer was running in the laundry room and my surround sound in the living room was playing as well. My Procaster, thanks to the tight cardoid pickup pattern, couldn't pick up the noise from the other rooms. I would have those turned off and my AT2020 would still pickup noise from the air conditioning or even the fridge running. Don't be alarmed when switching from a condenser to the Rode Procaster, or any dynamic mic for that matter. You will have to crank the gain up a lot more than what you have before.
If you are constantly battling poor acoustics or environmental noise and you want a professional broadcast quality sound, this mic is the one you want.
Pros:
-Solid Construction. It's built like a tank.
-Comes with a 1 year warranty, free upgrade to 10 Year warranty through rodemic.com
-Mic Stand clip is also solid.
-Sound quality is amazing.
-Noise reduction is unmatched.
-Very Low self-noise (less than any other mic I've used yet, including the MXL 007 USB, AT2020 USB, AT2020 XLR).
-Looks professional.
-Nice pouch included for transport.
Con:
-No bundles yet available to include a shockmount
Oh and one last thing, when was the last time you bought a mic and saw a handwritten quality checklist in the box? Amazing attention to detail and quality from Rode Microphones. Highly recommended.


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Designed as a no-compromise microphone for On-Air broadcast use, the Rode Procaster Broadcast Dynamic Vocal Microphone is one of the ultimate broadcast quality mics for the 21st century.Featuring a tight polar pattern and tailored-for-voice frequency response, the Procaster is perfect for every application where a great sounding, rugged microphone with superior ambient noise rejection is demanded. Plus, the Procaster is affordable and features an internal pop-filter to reduce plosives. Includes stand mount, 3/8 inch adaptor and zip pouch.

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Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)For recording my voice (baritone), it does a great job. For extra warmth that means close-miking, which in turn means not popping your p's, etc. If you hold it close to your mouth but don't directly face it end-on, that's easily done (or get a pop filter). [...].
The microphone electronics are extremely quiet - the audio is sampled at 18 bits.
It comes with a warranty which is easily extended to 10 years for free.
The real-time headphone monitoring is a great idea and works well.
It's a bit heavy (part of being built like a tank), and you need to think a little about how you're going to mount it, since some cheap desktop stands can barely manage it.
Some things to keep in mind are:
1) It likes close-miking (at least for male voices)
2) It is USB-only
3) It is a on the bit large and heavy side.
If those don't bother you, and the price is in your range, then you will probably like it a lot.

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The Rode Podcaster is the easiest way to record high quality vocals or audio on your computer and upload them to the world.Seamless integration was the idea, and it was obtained by creating a studio dynamic microphone with unparalleled A/D converters, so that the microphone can be plugged into any computer with no in/out boxes, no expensive computer pre-amps, just a USB cable.The Podcaster offers an end-address configuration, the clarity of RØDE's tailored-for-voice frequency response, an ON L.E.D, a direct headphone amp, and of course very low self noise.The Podcaster opens up possibilities for anyone who records audio from podcasters, journalists and students to business people adding audio files to websites and multimedia presentations.

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Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone, Cardioid Review

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(More customer reviews)If you are looking for a microphone for voice-overs or broadcast use, THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO BUY.
The Shure SM-5 and SM-7 microphones are the best voice mics ever made. The large SM-5 is no longer made, so you can only find it used, but the SM-7 is just as good.Either one, you have the best.
Don't let the price fool you. I have brought this in to studios that have $3000 Neuman condenser mics and they laughed when I said I wanted to use my $300 Shure mic instead.I told them to put up both mics and do an A/B test while I spoke into each of them. The three other audio engineers in the studio had to agree, the Shure was better and it was a night and day difference, not hard at all to decide it was best.
This mic has a warmth and rich sound no other mic can give you.
Even industry publications like MIX MAGAZINE and RadioWorld have done reviews where they did the same tests and said the same things about this mic in comparison to the expensive condenser mics...
--------------------------------------------
from MIX MAGAZINE, March 1998, page 53:
Eric Paul has made a career out of recording country giants like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and many others: "My favorite overall microphone for voices is the Shure SM-5. If they can't get a Shure SM-5, they can still get Shure SM-7s, which are still available. If you've tried out three very expensive tube mics and you aren't happy with any of them, then the next step should immediately be a Shure SM-7. I will almost always guarentee you that if the expensive mic doesn't work, an SM-7 will. For some reason, people sound better on them."----------------------------------------------
from RADIO WORLD, February 18 1998, page 62:
Joe Stack, director of engineering for ABC radio said: "When I worked at WATH in Athens, Ohio, I had someone call and offer me ten RE-20s for the three SM-5s we had. I turned him down." ------------------------------------------
from EQ MAGAZINE, July 2006 issue:
The SM7 is perhaps most famous for being used as the vocal microphone on Michael Jackson's Thriller engineered by Bruce Swedien. -----------------------------------------------
Some interesting facts about the SM-7..."When we were doing "Off The Wall", "Thriller" and "Bad" I ended up with 6 Shure SM7's. That is a fantastic mike." - Bruce Swedien
The Red Hot Chili Peppers have used the SM 7 on vocals on every album they have done.
You can see James Hetfield from Metallica singing into a Shure SM 7 on the "Some Kind Of Monster" DVD.
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Another thing I have noticed in the studio, is that some of my other mics require gating and downward expanders on the mics to get rid of room noise, but the SM-7 doesn't need it. It is quiet all by itself.
And to save many hours trying to edit out mouth noises, clicks and smacks from voice-over talent that use expensive CONDENSER microphones, just have them use the SM-7 next time, and no more wasted time editing out mouth noises anymore.Throughout the years on the Howard Stern Show, they have replaced and tried all sorts of microphones, from the Electrovoice RE-20 to Neuman mics. But if you notice, the Co-host, Robin Quivers, STILL uses the Shure SM-7 and refuses to change to any of the other mics. You can see throughout the years on the TV show that although the mics are always changing for everyone else, Robin ALWAYS has the SM-7 to this day.
Since the Howard Stern Show has moved to Sirrius Sattelite, the show had to buy new microphones, (couldn't take them with from CBS) and everyone seems to be using the same mics they did before. Robin has another SM-7 so she really likes this mic! It looks different now, because she has the larger windscreen that now comes with the SM-7.


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The SM7B is a selectable frequency response microphone that delivers warm and smooth audio in close-proximity studio and vocal applications. Optimized shielding from external electromagnetic hum, along with internal shock mounting, external windscreens and adjustable bass roll-off and midrange emphasis response settings provide clean, consistent reproduction.

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