Here is a collection of interesting videos on microphones and microphone technologies:
Audio 101: Microphones
Dynamic vs Condenser Microphones, What’s the Difference?
Audio recording tutorial: The different microphone types | lynda.com
XLR vs USB Microphones, Which Should You Buy?
$22 MICROPHONE VS $3600 MICROPHONE | Andrew Huang
Voice-over Microphone || DIY or Buy
How a Neumann U87 microphone is manufactured
How to Make Your Own DIY U87 Vintage Condenser Mic
Soyuz Video #3 Capsules
The Soyuz SU-019 FET Microphone
MKH-416 counterfeit mic teardown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vdoeh7y0yeE
Disassembly – Taking apart the BM-100FX Microphone.
BEST Budget USB Microphone!? | FIFINE Honest Review
Why the Blue Yeti Sucks
Why the Blue Yeti Su cks | Pro Audio Engineer Responds
Do XLR to USB Cables Work?
Samson USB GO Mic Teardown
BM-800 Microphone Review / Teardown
Teardown of the Blue Yeti Microphone
Samson c01u usb microphone test + look inside
A quick teardown on the Samson Go Mic USB studio microphone for laptops and tablets
Samson C01U USB Mic Teardown (part of the article)
Random Teardown #001: Blue Snowball Ice Microphone
485 Comments
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to record Jingle Bells??
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewHVjYK3GHw
Tomi Engdahl says:
THE BEST MICROPHONE EVER!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X978NMMicdg
The Neumann U47 is by far the best microphone ever made. Not only because of it’s technical specifications, but also because of its widespread use in recordings between from the 50′s till today!
If one could ever lay hands on an original Neumann U47, I would certainly advice to buy it!
Tomi Engdahl says:
A Look At A Historic Pair Of Neumann U47 Microphones From Vintage King
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T9hPWTZr6s
The U47 is a large diaphragm tube microphone that has become the most revered vocal microphone in history. Check out our video to get a closer look at these classic mics and learn more about the history behind these studio classics.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Mic Roundup Part 1: Mics Inspired by the Neumann U47 and AKG C12
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNtqfI9S9GQ
Hear the difference as Sonic Scoop’s Justin Colletti takes to Braund studios to contrast and compare many different microphones. The common through-line? All these mics are modelled on one of two classic capsules: The Neumann U47 and the AKG C 12. In this video, you’ll hear the results as Justin tests out the Telefunken ELAM 251, the Telefunken AR-51, the Manley Reference Cardioid, the Telefunken AK-47, and the Neumann U47 FET.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Original Vintage Neumann Microphones U47 vs U67 on Acoustic Guitar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAhmWZ97EkQ
Sound Test of Original Vintage Telefunken U47 vs Neumann U67 on Acoustic Guitar
Comments:
It’s amazing how I don’t think of these mics sounding the same at all but in this situation they’re much closer to each other than I’d suspect.
U47 has more clarity and depth, sounds more harmonic.
To my ears, the U47 has a nicer midrange around 400-800 cycles, not as pokey. Both have a beautiful top end though!
Tomi Engdahl says:
Making lo-fi hip-hop with water bottles | Andrew Huang
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJEpvw9diSU
This video uses Omnia microphone:
https://heart-sound.com/en/products/omnia/
It is called the Omnia and is the first contact microphone to use an accelerometer sensor.
A new approach capable of increasing the sound performance, whilst reducing all of the problems that affect the technologies currently in use.
capable of excellently amplifying a large number of classical and acoustic instruments, which was, at the same time, both comfortable and discrete once applied to the instrument.
Tomi Engdahl says:
PRO AUDIO EP. 4 | MICROPHONE BUYING GUIDE | PRO LEVEL MICS & STANDS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMVuQjBFIB4
Today we are covering microphones. I just want to reiterate that this is only a starting point. There are many microphones that are significantly
better that my current inventory. Keep that in mind while viewing!
Tomi Engdahl says:
Microphones: Large Diaphragm Condenser Shootout at Vintage King – Warren Huart – Produce Like A Pro
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGMYn0ZoLN0
Microphone shootout: Large diaphragm condenser microphones.
Recording Vocals Masterclass: Marcel van Limbeek reveals his favourite mics for recording vocals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmBW5kpxY04
Recording Vocals Masterclass: Marcel van Limbeek reveals his favourite mics for recording vocals.
In Part One of this superb studio engineering masterclass, Marcel starts off with a really deep look at his five favourite mics – and what might influence his choice. He discusses the type of voice, why you want to keep the lead vocal reflection-free in the recording process, unnatural EQ effect from comb filtering, minimising ambient reverb and which way to position the microphone in the room.
Marcel’s personal favourites are: Shure SM58, Neumann U87, Sony C37A (Frank Sinatra’s favourite!), Neumann U67 and the Schoeps Colette with MK4 capsule.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Neumann U67 Reissue v.s. Vintage U67 Shootout | Microphone | Vintage King
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bvO8CdGq00
Earlier this year, Neumann introduced a historically accurate reproduction of the classic U67. In our new shootout, we test out the U67 Reissue and compare it to a vintage U67 on several different sound sources.
For details about the shootout
First Listen: Neumann U67 Reissue
https://vintageking.com/blog/2018/05/neumann-u67-reissue/
When it comes to top quality microphones, every engineer in the business knows and loves Neumann mics, especially the U67. That’s why it was particularly exciting when the brand announced at Winter NAMM 2018 that they would be releasing a historically accurate U67 reissue, the first of its kind since the original was discontinued.
What sets the U67 apart from any other microphone in the Neumann family is it’s ability to capture an insane amount of low end. The proximity effect of the U67 is more prominent than any other model Neumann offers and is a favorite to many engineers for capturing an intimate vocal performance.
The original also has a crystal clear high frequency response and can handle EQ extremely well without becoming muddy or harsh. Not only is the U67 an amazing vocal microphone, it also works wonders on clean electric guitars, acoustic instruments, drum overheads, room microphones, electric bass cabinets and more.
The Verdict
I think the U67 reissue is a winner, and a great opportunity for modern engineers to get the sound of the classic U67 without breaking the bank on a vintage model. The reissue is priced at $6,995, which seems like a lot, but that’s what this level of quality costs and is a big difference from the $13,000 average cost of a vintage U67. Also, having a Neumann U67 on your mic list looks great to higher-end clients.
Tomi Engdahl says:
$1700 vs. $100000 Microphone Setup? – Warren Huart: Produce Like A Pro
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMLZl52az6g
We recently did a recording session in my favourite studios in the world: Sunset Sound Studio Three, where Prince recorded 3 of his best albums!
We used Sunset Sound’s amazing Mic collection featuring U67s, FET47s, 87s and put them up against an inexpensive $1700 mic setup of Shure Microphones and a Focusrite 8PreX interface.
And guess what? The results were amazing!
Tomi Engdahl says:
Mic Shootout 2: Affordable Large Diaphragm Condensers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Rxm5Vqbic8
Join B&H and Justin Colletti from our partners at Sonic Scoop as he puts 5 popular and affordable large diaphragm condensers through their paces. Justin is joined again by singer/songwriter Wes Hutchinson, who helps him shoot out the Audio-Technica 4050, the Audio-Technica 4047, the Rode NT1000, the tube-drive Rode NTK, and the Blue Bluebird.
Tomi Engdahl says:
BM-800 vs NW-800 Comparison (Versus Series)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa9bB2JYEic
Bm 800 Condenser Microphone Review | How to use BM 800 Microphone without Phantom Power
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h8nbrd_T38
Tomi Engdahl says:
How To Select The Best Wired Microphone For Your Event
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LQSI-2t6YE
This video is about How to select the right wired microphone (Shure MX412, Shure SM58, Shure SM57 with or without windscreen).
Tomi Engdahl says:
Shure SM58 vs Sennheiser e835 vs AKG D5 vs AUDIX OM2 Live Vocal Microphone Comparison & Review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrVhmZZSb3A
Live Vocal Microphone Comparison featuring the Shure SM58, the Sennheiser e835, the AKG D5 & the AUDIX OM2 Live Vocal Mic Comparison and Review.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Review – Slate VMS – Virtual Microphone System
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldDlJQmJuK8
In this video review Pro Tools Expert Technial Editor James takes a look and listen to the Slate Virtual Microphone System (VMS) and gives his opinion on this new way of recording with microphones.
- Slate Digital VMS Virtual Microphone System Features:
- Hybrid microphone and preamp modeling system
- Gives you access to virtually any signal-path tone you can imagine
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to Clean Shure Microphones
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1j6CVlFG1Vk
Chris Lyons and John Born from Shure discuss how to properly clean and care for a microphone like an SM58.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Viewer Q&A – Proper procedures for cleaning microphone grills
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV4xilTm0QU
Important details for those of you that are willing to go the extra mile by regularly cleaning the grills of your vocal mic’s.
Sadly, many people don’t care to clean the grills and they usually smell like booze, old cigarettes and dank halitosis. Wished more venues cared enough to do this.
Tomi Engdahl says:
dB Meter = Lo-Fi Mic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1RoQsJ4EMM
A dB meter is a common tool in the studio, but have you ever considered using it as a microphone? It actually has some pretty cool crunch and lo-fi vibe if you need a burst of flavor in your recordings.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Rattling Neumann u47 FET workshop repair
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZvVxUAmnTk
Tomi Engdahl says:
Neumann U47 FET – the Vintage Microphone that is Making a Comeback
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALrqsqnPV_U
Neumann U47 FET, a classic microphone that has recently had a re-release – Wes tells you why this is a great piece of gear is on many of the albums that you love.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Audio recording tutorial: The different microphone types | lynda.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2edewYkE_f0
This audio recording tutorial explains the three different microphones available for recording (dynamic, condensor, and ribbon) and their respective advantages and disadvantages.
Recording 101: Microphones
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5Nza3Z6WTY
Wondering which microphone would be best for your shoot? Kevin breaks down the basics so you can figure out the type of mic best suited for what you’re recording.
In this video, we cover how a microphone actually works, the difference between mic and line levels, XLR cables, pre-amps, phantom power, transducer types, and mic polar patterns.
Tomi Engdahl says:
PRO TIP: Lavalier Mics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FG78T1l88_w
Kevin goes over the basic ins and outs of lavalier mics! What they are, when to use them, where to place them — including some handy tricks when dealing with certain kinds of costumes and movements.
Wireless lav Microphone shoot-out, Kai reviews Rode vs. Sony vs. Sennheiser
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swgU9Q-8aEA
Lavalier microphones comparision. This is what we use for our youtube video to get the best sound.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Dan Frizsell – Take Apart a Tube Mic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdMv16OFsEM
Dan takes apart one of his tube mics and shows you around a bit. He had to tighten a few things and bend some things back in to place.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Star-quad microphone cable demonstration.
Star quad or standard microphone cables?
What are the differences?
How can star quad improve my sound quality?
These are a few questions John Siau will answer today from the Benchmark Lab.
Top Secret Soldering- XLR Female to Star Quad!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT4ITP1yjgI
Close -up of XLR connector soldering for microphone cable.
Tomi Engdahl says:
ProJive XLR: Professional Mic on your iPhone, iPod, or iPad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Hr3Hw_Eugs
The ProJive XLR cable is a must-have addition to any audio professional’s world. Take it on the go; it’s the easiest and most straight-forward approach to connecting an XLR microphone to your iPod, iPad, iPhone, Android, Macbook or any other compatible device.
Complete with a standard 1/8-inch (3.5mm) stereo-mini port, you can connect headphones to keep your work to yourself, or output direct to your home stereo
PROJIVE XLR:
PROFESSIONAL MIC ON YOUR IPHONE, IPOD, OR IPAD
http://www.cablejive.com/prod/proJive-xlr-the-best-iPhone-XLR-adapter-with-monitoring.html
Connects to your device’s headphone port for universal recording device compatibility; Wide-ranging XLR mic & mixing board compatibility
(not compatible with microphones that require Phantom Power)
Tomi Engdahl says:
Audio recording tutorial: Hearing the different directional patterns | lynda.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cj18EQQAm8
Tomi Engdahl says:
Understanding Mic Specifications – Part 4 – Electrical Output
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYMaRhRt8Ts
Understanding Mic Specification Part 4 by Shure.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Using a contact microphone for field recordings seems to be popular
Here is a nifty preamp circuit that provides a FET buffer and balances the signa
https://sound.stackexchange.com/questions/687/diy-contact-microphone
Tomi Engdahl says:
How to Improve Your Sound When Shooting Video with an iPad or iPhone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5tq6WCxVqA
In this video we explore some options for improving audio quality while shooting video on iOS devices using wired and wireless microphone options.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Recording Magazine looks at the Townsend Labs L22 Sphere Modeling Microphone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUdw_QwWf_M
Technical Editor Paul Vnuk Jr looks at the new Townsend Labs L22 Sphere modeling microphone and runs it through all of its current models on an acoustic version of Caleb Widmer’s “The Day You Were Born”.
Review – Townsend Labs Sphere Microphone System
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlFGW4E_1NU
Production Expert is proud to present a world exclusive. The first review of the new Townsend Labs Sphere Microphone system. Technical Editor James Ivey shows you around the Sphere L22 large dual diaphragm microphone and the Sphere and Sphere 180 software in a practical demonstration recording voice, drums and acoustic guitar. He talks about how to get the best out of the L22 mic and the Sphere software to get the sound of some of those classic money can’t buy vintage microphones.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Learn How To Get Clean Audio From A Shotgun Microphone Into A Digital SLR Camera With A Cheap PreAmp
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiNpYfRW4uw
It’s sometimes a problem getting good clean audio into your videos for YouTube. It’s also frustrating to spend a lot of time on your video just to end up with lousy audio. It makes your video look and sound unprofessional.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Microphone Polar Patterns Demonstrated
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fl3GeiXxJ7Q
Polar patterns shows how much a microphone picks up from different angles — and I’ve tried to go about showing it in an interesting and easily understandable way in this video
In this video from the AudioPropellor Guide to Audio Gear For Your Computer I show how the major microphone pickup patterns look and respond.
Knowing this stuff with let you pick the right microphone for the job at hand.
Tomi Engdahl says:
How Shotgun Microphones Work
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3LSEnI3ko0
This is an educational video about “How Shotgun Microphones Work.”
To access the full library of Shure educational materials, please visit:
http://www.shure.com/americas/support/downloads/publications
Tomi Engdahl says:
Townsend Labs Sphere L22 Modelling Microphone | Review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNQcT2yxaQo
For the consumer, it’s a pretty exciting time to be looking for a new microphone right now. A number of companies are producing high-quality microphones that attempt to model some of the most sought-after mics in recording history, and the results have been pretty enticing, to say the least. Tom Quayle investigates Townsend Labs very own modelling microphone, the L22 Sphere.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Record better sound with your smartphone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02SDsUvCzZU
In this episode of CNET Australia’s Pocket Filmmaker, Jason Van Genderen shows off his favorite devices that will vastly improve the sound quality of iPhone videos.
https://www.cnet.com/videos/record-better-sound-with-your-smartphone/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Linkwitz Mod of WM-61A Condenser Microphone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSPQf42JgbI
Procedure for 3 wire linkwitz modification of the Panasonic WM-61A electret condenser capsule.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Dynamic vs Condenser Microphones, SM57 vs P170
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27dLLnisH2M
This is an explanation of the two major types of microphones, the Dynamic and Condenser. I end the video with a sound comparison between the Shure SM57 dynamic and the AKG Perception 170 Condenser microphones recording a variety of instruments.
Tomi Engdahl says:
$20 Microphone Vs. $12500 Microphone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JjRZ-yct3U
This week, we compare one of the most classic microphones of all time to a $20 microphone from Amazon. We had some surprising results bruuuuuuuuuhhh
Neewer NW-800 vs AKG C12
Tomi Engdahl says:
$22 MICROPHONE VS $3600 MICROPHONE | Andrew Huang
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMiuElvxEFw
Neewer NW-800
Tomi Engdahl says:
$4 MICROPHONE TEST! // Best streaming mic on a budget? // BM-800
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8ABlh2Cy8o
Hey all! If you’ve looked for cheap XLR microphones on amazon you’ve likely seen the NW-700, NW-800, and BM-800 from brands such as Neewer, Tonor, Aukey, Zingyou, and now Excelvan. People look into these for getting into streaming, podcasting, cheap studio gear, etc and honestly…its not bad at all! Here i go over the microphone and show you some clips recorded with windows voice recorder, OBS Studio with noise suppression, and compare it to the Takstar SGC-598 shotgun mic on my Lumix G7. Check it out!
BM 800 Condenser Mic vs Audio Technica AT2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zomZsBSUNwg
This is a demo between a budget condenser Mic (BM800) and a fairly priced Audio Technica AT2020
Tomi Engdahl says:
BM-700 vs. BM-800 vs. BM-8000 Comparison (Versus Series)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8SmvCvjf1M
Which is Better? BM-700, BM-800, or BM-8000. Find out here!
Tomi Engdahl says:
BM-800 Microphone Teardown And Comparison
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoGZagzhWac
I break down the different model types of the BM-800 microphone that is so common on eBay, Amazon, and AliExpress.
The black one is a real CONDESOR MIC capsule. Sounds great compared to the Electret piece of junk.
Neewer NW-800 Condenser Microphone Teardown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA-7ngwqg3s
We are taken apart a Neewer NW-800 microphone.
This can be a helpful video, if you have to clean, or repair your microphone. Taking a look at the condenser capsule, and the pre-amp inside of it.
Tomi Engdahl says:
BM-800 Microphone Review / Teardown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXhfFtKHXEo
Quick review of the BM-800 microphone, used with the Behringer Xenyx 302USB mixer.
Bought for £20 from eBay, was shipped from the UK.
Lets open bm 800 microphone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02Kfo7VcOPk
Tomi Engdahl says:
BM-800 microphone low noise hack
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lpQ0BpjUtg
How to reduce the background hiss on the BM-800/BM-700/etc microphone. Includes measurements.
Instructions in-a-pic:
https://ffseb.files.wordpress.com/2016/12/bm800-howto.jpg
Tomi Engdahl says:
Samson USB GO Mic Teardown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yyuk3–FWfs
A quick teardown on the Samson Go Mic USB studio microphone for laptops and tablets.
UPDATE: Obviously one capsule is Cardioid and the other is Omni
https://www.amazon.com/Samson-Mic-Portable-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B001R76D42/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1504250488&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=samson+go+mic&psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=ee04-20&linkId=b0bd5995e2391bca2ead04d5e93eeda6
Tomi Engdahl says:
Top 5 Best Budget Mics Under $50 | 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgU4xOXMNR8
Tonor TN12326: http://amzn.to/1TVn4x1
Floureon BM-800: http://amzn.to/1qtXpQ1
Neewer NW-800: http://amzn.to/1SFNfm5
Snowball ICE: http://amzn.to/1TVmZJU
Hessaneiser Lavalier: http://amzn.to/1SFNfT6
Tomi Engdahl says:
Top 5 Mics Under $50 – 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIQfDFARBLQ
Top 5 Best Microphones Under $25 – 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Qb381cYotU
Tomi Engdahl says:
Neewer NW-800 Condenser Microphone Review / Test
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DIjVPyv3L8
Comments:
it actully sounds pretty good
I have the NW-800 AND a phantom power device. When I listen to my recordings, there is always a background noise. It is like a ”Shhhhhhhhhh”. I cant have a clear sound like yours.
+piogg I am not sure what is causing your issue. I connected mine with a USB Soundcard and no Phantom Power.
Hey I had the same problem before. I was curious and just took apart the casing and blew some dust off and surprisingly, the noise is gone. Its not very scientific, but I would recommend you can try it
I’ve been using the NW-800 to record electric guitar instead of a atandard SM-57 lately. Sounds pretty gosh darn good!
So i bought this mic and its companys phantom power and it had static noise in the background so i got another phantom power from different company and still .. i bought a usb audio card and still .. i plugged it into my pc without any phantom power or usb card and still static noise
Over the last year, I stopped suggesting using a USB Audio Adapter because they’re too unreliable. The only way I suggest connecting XLR mics to the computer now is with a USB AUDIO INTERFACE.
I have had the same issue. Turns out my laptop was actually the problem. I tried different combinations, with and without phantom power, with different audio settings… but no external sound cards or audio interfaces.
My laptop produces a loud static noise
Tomi Engdahl says:
Blue Snowball VS Blue Yeti Microphone (Review / Comparison)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRphxOkJ7i0
Hey guys, today I compare the two common microphones used for commentaries on YouTube, the Blue Snowball and the Blue Yeti. I
Tomi Engdahl says:
10 Minute Teardowns: Blue Snowball Ice USB Condenser Microphone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGxaqAxSR-M
I actually bought this mic to better annotate my teardowns, but what kind of teardowner would I be if I didn’t take it apart first? Enjoy!