Mackie EM-91C Condenser Mic Review / Test (Compared to NW700, AT2020, King Bee)

Рет қаралды 96,856

Күн бұрын

Today I review a new budget condenser mic from Mackie, the EM-91C. This is a rather dark condenser microphone, but it avoids any kind of sibilance or fatiguing sounds. Due to the treble and air cut it’s not as detailed or articulate as other affordable condenser, but I find it much more pleasing to listen to. I also compare it to the Neewer NW700, the Audio Technica AT2020, and the Neat King Bee.
HQ Audio Of Review: podcastage.com/rev/em91c
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00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer
00:24 - Setup
00:41 - What’s in the Box
01:00 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:41 - Specifications
02:05 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:22 - Plosive Test
02:33 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:52 - Background Noise Test (Keyboard Test)
03:08 - Untreated Room Test
03:21 - Shock Mount Shock Rejection Test
03:39 - Mic Resonance Tap Testt
03:54 - Neewer NW700 Comparison
04:37 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
05:06 - Neat King Bee Comparison
05:34 - Music Test
06:38 - Pros & Cons
08:02 - Overall Thoughts
10:34 - Recommendation
11:45 - Outro
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Пікірлер: 271

@curtisjudd 4 жыл бұрын

Pretty good for the price. Agreed that it doesn't turn sibilance into a nasty, shrill mess. Probably fine for single person podcast, maybe not the best if multiple people in the same room given that polar pattern. Thanks for educatin' and entertaining us at the same time. 👍

@antoineinniss140 4 жыл бұрын

So do you think it can be used for voice overs?

@justincarrasco3680 4 жыл бұрын

Love the sound! It's nice to see a cheap condenser that doesn't turn the letter S into a weapon of mass destruction.

@ProvenSawlid 3 жыл бұрын

Lol nice

@MarlyMarlz 3 жыл бұрын

TRUTH

@dezzi9955 3 жыл бұрын

😂😂

@gmarod6099 2 жыл бұрын

Comment of the year, wins internet forever and ever.

@drtalkboxsa9412 Жыл бұрын

Craziest comment ever😂😂😂😂😂😂

@mrfish4572 Жыл бұрын

I tested this alongside the AT2020 and the first thing I noticed was the immediate sensitivity difference. The Mackie is way more sensitive and gets a much stronger signal when plugged directly in to a sound card with phantom power. I was using the Arturia MiniFuse 1 (which is great) with USB power. I didnt notice hardly any difference in sound quality but the sensitivity was really obvious. I kept the Mackie in the end and have been really happy with it

@maddog4u31757 3 жыл бұрын

The thoroughness of this video is phenomenal

@Andres-xb1bl 4 жыл бұрын

It is the most specific and detailed review I have seen on this microphone, thanks a lot

@SSingh-nr8qz 4 жыл бұрын

Damn that sounds pretty darn good especially if you are starting out. This mic is like a gateway drug to more expensive mics.

@tomspiller2449 3 жыл бұрын

That mic actually sounds perfect for your vocals. I've seen a lot of your videos with more expensive mics, but that one fits great with your vocals. Not bad for $80

@sirnigelcogs 4 жыл бұрын

Overall I like it. It stacks up well against the other microphones you compared it against. With so many microphones, especially less expensive microphones, it seems like the manufacturers just ignore sibilance, and it's nice that Mackie really paid attention to sibilance with this microphone.

@JohnOhkumaThiel 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely great review particularly for someone like me who has no concept of the tech specs but has great ears. I was going to buy a famous name brand mic but considered others since, again, I’m no audiophile. This is one of the three I was considering, and it seemed to have the best features from the description, but I wasn’t buying a mic based on what was written about it. You didn’t just describe it as every other audio expert would that I’ve seen; you road tested it for how someone who would actually buy a cheap mic for personal use would use it, and it was both educational and entertaining. Well I’m glad you could confirm the one I plan to buy is a good choice. Thanks so much.

@Swampfox10mm 3 жыл бұрын

I want to update after owning this mic for a month. I am using it to record teaching videos. I am thrilled with it for spoken word because it sounds great through headphones. "More airy" condenser mics add room noise, which can be heard with headphones on. This one doesn't do that so easily. I took a poll of about 110, asking how they listen to online lessons. About 70% said using earbuds or headphones. Through earbuds and headphones, this mic sounds great without being fatiguing or too airy that the room noise shows up. What works best for me -- I simply add a high pass filter on it at about 80 to 90hz and maybe a little compression, and go with it. No sibilant issues. Just easy. Adding compression at about 1.65 to 1 boosts the highs just enough to wake up the mic without making it overbearing, and I end up sounding great without the darned room noise, so long as I am in a somewhat treated room with blankets around the walls where I can. I like that the Mackie can just sit on my desk under me and work really well without much fuss. Teachers can pair this with a simple and inexpensive single-input Behringer board with USB (often cheaper than a USB interface) and Bob's your uncle. Sounds better than a USB mic, also. Works well as a Zoom mic, also.

@Balambambero 2 жыл бұрын

Well, just ordered it second hand (that's how low my budget is), I'll write you back after the first impressions. I wanted to thank you for your reviews, they are entertaining, very clarifying and honest and umpretentious.👍 Some of them I've watched many times, comparing sounds and your opinions, and still find them amusing. Also, it's great that you test mics both in your studio and in an untreated room, it makes your reviews more complete as it adds to the rest to gives us a wider picture. THANKS a LOT! PS: as soon as my budget fills up again, I'll support you channel, for sho! 😉

@Quincyzmusic1 2 жыл бұрын

Mackie has always been great at offering a good middle ground when it comes to gear wether it is for live performances or studio applications. I appreciate your review as you hit all the areas of concern. I am a fan of Mackie for both mid grade and professional gear. I am purchasing one of these for my grandson who is just stepping into recording. Thanks again.

@nickm5063 3 жыл бұрын

I am so far out of my league on things like this yet over the last week I've decided that it's time to try something different with my time. You're reviews are clear and to the point as well as entertaining.. That said, I found the 'starter mic' I think I wanted and sure enough you had a review for it. Long story short, this is what I ordered so thank you!

@nicolashaight7432 3 жыл бұрын

You are amazing. Your video was extremely helpful and I appreciate the links to other videos to help me create an understanding of microphone specs. I wish I could like this video multiple times. Will most definitely subscribe.

@MahDryBread 4 жыл бұрын

Perfect! I've been getting asked all week what microphone I'd recommend for someone starting out on KZfaq. I told everyone to send their KZfaqr questions into my Curious Cat account and so much of it is about microphones! Now I might finally have a good answer for them!

@MeTuLHeD 4 жыл бұрын

I'd have to say that lack of articulation in the brightness region can be easily fixed with a good EQ. I feel that subtractive errors in a mic's frequency curve are easier to compensate for than trying to tame sibilant highs and upper mids. Give me a laid back mic any day.

@Tim_ArtistName_Tallent 4 жыл бұрын

Liked before watching 🤷🏽‍♂️ 2 minutes in..excellent sound for 80 bucks! Doesn’t sound shrill or harsh.

@ellisgl 4 жыл бұрын

My opinion: There is some shrill, but it's very minimal. The NW-700 had more and the AT2020 was surprisingly even more so. The Neat Beat was noisy and sounded like it was notched in places, but not shrill, but sounded like utter crap.

@wh0istim 4 жыл бұрын

YAY! a new video from my favorite youtuber!

@heinabbott5172 4 жыл бұрын

Great video, your reviews have become a definite standard for me. I bought one of these about a week ago, very happy so far. Cant go wrong for the price i reckon, shockmount and cable in the box, bargain. R1500 here in South Africa.

@Kaicenatclips208 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this review. Just purchased focus rite bundle with speakers and this mic is included.

@kesamek8537 4 жыл бұрын

Well that is a whole lot of highly useful microphone for the price. Excellent demonstration.

@Wizerslapski 4 жыл бұрын

bought this for electric guitar recording and its great!

@ziyingquek7391 3 жыл бұрын

Sounds good! And the price! I have always been a fan of Mackie. Liked their studio mon, their mixers, the warm sound.... I have confidence in the quality in comparison to others in the same low price range.

@paulcusi568 3 жыл бұрын

It’s a acceptable mic condenser from Amazon, And I like sound of the mackie mic and the way you tested and demonstrated the mic. I’m having second thoughts about this Mackie mic em-91c cause I’m going for shure 58 dynamic mic but when I saw this Mackie em-91c mic, I searched on how this mic really sounds. There’s something on your vid that really explain something on this mic that I couldn’t find in other review for this mic...thanks...and keep on doing this show of yours...✌🏻

@mackietv 4 жыл бұрын

That's the way, uh-huh uh-huh, I like it! Thank you, Bandrew 💚

@carlosguillen2307 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent review as usual! That Mackie sounds pretty good for $80!!

@lemrekt1295 4 жыл бұрын

gee that king bee is pretty neat i'll see myself out

@sanslimo 4 жыл бұрын

awesome channel, thanks for your reviews

@Mark_How 2 жыл бұрын

I've been able to watch this video like 6 times comparing it to other mics and it really is pleasant

@MasterBenton 4 жыл бұрын

I was really surprised how good it sounded against the AT2020. This would definitely be a better pick as a microphone just for voice in my opinion.

@jplanglais 4 жыл бұрын

Great video! I would love for you to redo a review of the Rhode Procaster with the new (more thorough) format you're using: treated room vs untreated, booming on desk, comparisons, etc..

@enoraso 4 жыл бұрын

Great video, as always! Sounds like a nice mic for that price!

@ramos5017 3 жыл бұрын

thanks man i really appreciate the review on the mic

@lionheartroar3104 4 жыл бұрын

I am very impressed with the sound of this microphone.

@samtripleseven 4 жыл бұрын

same it honestly sounds excellent to my ears

@oskar.1428 3 жыл бұрын

@@samtripleseven same it sound so good actually wtf

@HowToFixLowerBackPain 3 жыл бұрын

You are doing priceless work, thank you! I often find condensers around $100 so fatiguing for spoken word but I could listen to this for ages. Quick q: Would you ever consider doing the comparisons without naming the mics because I like to listen for a preference without any bias from knowing which one I'm listening to? Maybe that's just me! You could have titles saying which mic it is, or for visually impaired followers, you could also list the order afterwards.

@robertpuzzitiello2599 4 жыл бұрын

Great review, I have this mic and love it!

@thebusinessfirm9862 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Bandrew, thanks for making this video, mate. This microphone is one of three 'best budget mics' recommended by Paolo Balestri (the famous microphone VO channel)...the other being the Behringer B1 and the Tascam TM-80. It would be great to hear your thoughts as to which is better - or to see you do a comparison between the three. I really appreciate all your work Bandrew. Cheers, Steve.

@franciscomigliozzi7539 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent review!

@davidviera3347 2 жыл бұрын

EXCELLENT AND VERY TECHY REVIEW! THANKS!!!

@EdwardThh 3 жыл бұрын

Very clear and great review.

@xHadesStamps 4 жыл бұрын

Wait. An XLR cable comes with the microphone?? That's a bonus!

@BayatiAhmed 4 жыл бұрын

Lol I thought he said “wait the xlr cable comes with a microphone?? That’s a bonus!”

@MikeGianetti 4 жыл бұрын

I was thinking of getting this mic, great brand, long lived and always though of highly. ............. Then I really took a look at dynamic mics, and I went with one.

@murraystechtime8530 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Bandrew, for me the King Bee for the extra $50. I like the sound better, I find it clearer and more defined. Oh and an extra $7 for some black paint to cover up the bright yellow... Great video and information, stay safe and keep well...

@themassterful 4 жыл бұрын

Lets go! Love your videos mate!

@Swampfox10mm 3 жыл бұрын

This might be the ticket for my recorded video classes at my university. My only worry would be what you said about picking up noises from the room. I like that it's not so sibilant.

@brzt4256 4 жыл бұрын

Nice, methodical review! The A-B sort of testing part was very helpful, though it was difficult to verbalise exactly what the difference was between the Mackie and the Audio-Technica mic, though I did hear the difference quite easily, because the AT seemed to capture 'more' low end in the voice. Could you formalise this apparent difference somehow in the review? That would make it perfect, I think.

@djbaskin5814 3 жыл бұрын

Works like a charm!

@lockedinbeast218 4 жыл бұрын

is there a mic stand someone can link for specifically the rode pod mic, i cant get it mounted my desk isnt compatible for that

@CRIMINALSFAMILYGroup 4 жыл бұрын

such a smooth sounding mic

@sergiosaporito3736 3 жыл бұрын

Hi! I love your work, especially since I'm looking for a new mic and looking around for accurate and concrete advices (I need it to practice in dubbing, and record acoustic guitar). Seriously, great. Thank you because it's precious for a total beginner in audio equip (as I am) to have an expert and clear opinion about the tons of products on the market. Can I ask you one more advice about the USB version of this microphone? (Mackie EM 91 CU). P.s. what about the Uhuru microphones, like UM910 and similar?

@videogameislove1404 Жыл бұрын

Mackie makes reference speakers, so it makes sense they make good mic.

@Wes220 4 жыл бұрын

Can you review the MAONO Au-A04 USB microphone? Thanks.

@nicholasmullins3693 4 жыл бұрын

I'd like to see in future videos, a high frequency shelf test. How well does a given mic respond to like a +3db shelf at 10k? I know a lot of times, a mic's sound falls apart with an HF boost.

@LuckyFullmetal 17 күн бұрын

it sounded amazing with the music

@flexile7939 4 жыл бұрын

got SE 2200 but still keep watching those reviews for some reason :) kinda used to it haha

@sapelesteve 4 жыл бұрын

Nice review Mate! For the money, I don't think that you can beat that Mic. Sounded really good to me.................. Cheers.................. 👍👍😉😉🎤🎤👍👍

@blazinkid5178 4 жыл бұрын

I'm looking to podcast with friends at different locations as well as record music at my apartment, I may not be able to guarantee noise treatment in a room. Is there any other way to alleviate the lack of background noise rejection?

@ArtVandelay592 4 жыл бұрын

Agree with pretty much everything said here, for $80, this thing sounds incredible. The AT2020 just sounds so metallic and shrill by comparison, and it has a higher price and higher noise floor. The King Bee, its garish appearance aside, I still think beats everything else in this comparison. Talk about a microphone punching way above its weight at its price point.

@videogameislove1404 Жыл бұрын

I think King Bee is too bright. Mackie actually sounds the best.

@watchingpassive9485 4 жыл бұрын

Would really appreciate if you test and give your opinion on the Sudotack usb microphone

@dillionsivils3643 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah man I just bought a Mackie the same model to record guitar and vocals on thank you for the information

@osvaldodomingos9041 4 жыл бұрын

The throwing of the box is always so funny, it really helps me to cure my depression.

@gregelgie 4 жыл бұрын

I wonder how many dents he has in his walls :).

@osvaldodomingos9041 4 жыл бұрын

@@gregelgie Probably 69. LMAO.

@dontreadmyaboutsection834 4 жыл бұрын

Hey podcastage, I would greatly appreciate it if you could review the Maono au-04 microphone. I've been looking for a microphone, and I think this is the one.

@franzestera249 3 жыл бұрын

If this mic cuts the air frequencies, would the Scarlet 3rd gens that has the "air" features be able to counter it or not?

@ughleegamer5598 3 жыл бұрын

good video, i would like to see ya do some vids on the new mackie mics.

@alexbojko6194 4 жыл бұрын

Hi, can you do reviews on some "The T.Bone" mics? Thanks

@mbk337 4 жыл бұрын

How does this compare to a dynamic microphone, like the Q2U, for spoken word?

@siddharthst2712 4 жыл бұрын

Hi there , could u pls reccommend me a good shock mount for my AT2020 XLR mic

@jshproduction7608 3 жыл бұрын

I am not getting the adapter you told could you please give a link to buy that for a stand?

@Panta800 4 жыл бұрын

I wonder, is the behringer 302 usb, with 15v phantom power enough to power up this mic? Can you please test it and reply?

@jaimesk1688 Жыл бұрын

Easy to listen to......yes...excellent for podcast, and for audiobooks especially. I'd be curious about what a lo/hi boost would do in EQ.

@canadarecordsofficial 2 жыл бұрын

Mackie is top of the line brand. This mic sounds like 1000$ mic. And if anyone doesn’t agree with this then knows nothing about mics.

@cJ-vj3bd 4 жыл бұрын

Great Review as always! Is it possible for you to check out the t.bone sc 400? It's also an entry large diaphragm condenser mic with a supercardioid polar pattern. I read some good reviews but would like to hear your opinion :)

@luxy_g_your_boy 3 жыл бұрын

Hey, please I would like to know if it is normal that this microphone makes a very loud background sound. I am using the berhinger Eurorack UB 502.

@Touseef 4 жыл бұрын

would u say it is better than neat king bee ? I have rode podmic as my main mic for voice overs commentry onmy gameplay videos but I feel it sounds "too broadcasty" for gameplay commentry videos, so I am looking to try a good condensor microphone for that purpose, the mixer I use is "rodecaster pro"

@DandBGhostHunters 4 жыл бұрын

That bass hum from the King Bee - is that normal for that mic?

@Rod-Wheeler 4 жыл бұрын

Not bad for the price. Great Review

@afcandelaria 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!! good job!!

@DJMafiaTony 2 жыл бұрын

Do u need a booster like the cloud filter thing for the at 2020 mic? I was thinking of getting that, What would you recommend? For recording vocals

@eimank2014 4 жыл бұрын

Can u do a review on the new audio technical atr2500X usb, that'll be really helpful

@PandaBewok 2 жыл бұрын

This mic vs behringer c1u, which is better?

@mazur_vg 3 жыл бұрын

Please tell me what is the size of the membrane? 1/3 '', 2/3 '' or other?

@AndrewWilson-ni9kn 4 жыл бұрын

Would you please make comparison between "Stagg SDM50" & "Shure SM58" 😉

@maestrosmusic6695 4 жыл бұрын

Bro .. I need a quick help. I don't have acoustic treated room for recording. So what condenser mic do you recommand for vocal recording under 99$. MXL 770 ? Lewitt ? Samson ? Thanks in advance for helping.

@marlaslangelis323 4 жыл бұрын

I would love your review on the old (original) silver AKG C3000 (not C3000B).

@GoreMelian 4 жыл бұрын

I liked the video and started watching it 😂... Great content like always. So you like this more than the Neat King Bee? 🐝

@conork4129 4 жыл бұрын

I dont know much about this sort of thing, so os this mic better than the at2020?

@mrvanxkst 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for participation in the discussion with valuable suggestion.?

@eimankhai 4 жыл бұрын

I would love to see a review of the audio technica ATR2500x usb

@topicalcontent 4 жыл бұрын

“The lobe of sensitivity in the rear is quite aggressive.” ~ My inner 8 year old is laughing so hard right now. Great review!

@GuiasMaurelChile 3 жыл бұрын

Is this the same as the Scarlett CM25 (first gen)?

@carlosnazario1170 4 жыл бұрын

The box throw at the beginning of your reviews always makes my day

@LunacyMoon 4 жыл бұрын

Could you please review the BOYA BY-M1000 mic?

@SepehrHH 3 жыл бұрын

Love you man

@Hello-sx1uk 3 жыл бұрын

What kind of Mic Stand do I need I dont know what goes...

@miketype1each 4 жыл бұрын

Wanted the Behringer C-3, but Sweetwater are out of them. This is the mic they recommend as a substitute. What did I do? Searched for "Mackie EM-91C podcastage", and BAM, you've reviewed it. I agree, this mic sounds smooth for spoken word. Pretty impressive! My Behringer C-1 is built like a tank, though, and I wanted the C-3 for the polar patterns. The build quality on this mic seems a bit sketchy, but the sound is very good.

@barjeshkumar5276 4 жыл бұрын

🙏Namaste ! For a singer which audio interface is better , audient ID14 or scarllete 2i2 (3rd gen)? is it priceworthy spending more on id14 ? Pls suggest me.

@bondai_fioi 3 жыл бұрын

I bought this mic to quickly sing ideas in my un-treated room, but it's really not sounding good. Would you recommend getting a semi-circular foam mic screen to put around it? Greetings from Italy!

@themechaniacal1558 3 жыл бұрын

I bought one of these mics today. The price was even better, with some accessories,(XLR cable, boom, shock mount, flexible wind screen) it came to $59.99 w/ free shipping. For a retail price of $160.00 on the bundle, getting one for $60 is purrrty gooood. ;)