RE20 Microphone

RE20

 

Cost: $529

Type: Dynamic microphone

 

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Frequency Response: 45Hz – 18 000Hz

 

Frequency Response Curve:

 

Sensitivity: -56.5 dB

 

Common uses:

  • Best for vocals
  • But also good for kick drums, and guitar cabinets, bass cabinets, acoustic guitars, pianos, and brass/woodwind instruments.

Review and Testing:

 

AKG C214 Condenser Mic

C214 ( matched pair – can be developed together)

Cost: $400

Type: Condenser Mic

  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Range: 20 to 20 000 Hz

Frequency Response Curve:

 

Sensitivity:

  • Open circuit sensitivity: 20 mV/Pa (-34 dBV)
  • Noise: 13dBA

 

Common uses:

studio recordings ; vocals

OR

acoustic guitar and pianos.

 

Examples:

review and testing:

 

Shure ksm32

Shure KSM32/SL Embossed Single-Diaphragm Side-Address Microphone  (Champagne) - Canada's Favourite Music Store - Acclaim Sound and Lighting

Manufacturer

Specifications:

Cost – $499.99 USD

Type – Condenser

Polar Pattern – Cardioid

Sensitivity – Ultrasensitive

Noise – Very low self-noise, 13.0 dB SPL-A

Frequency Response curve – Flat frequency response

 

Recorded Examples:

Link1

Link2

Common Uses:

Vocals and live instruments in general

 

 

 

NT2A Microphone

NT2A

Cost: $569

 

Type: Condenser Microphone

  • cardioid, figure 8 and omnidirectional pickup pattern

Frequency Response Curve:

Low pass filter

Peaks in higher ranges 

Pretty flat mic

 

3)  Sensitivity:-36.0dB 

Noise: 7dBA 

 

Recorded examples 

https://youtu.be/doI2CiolQa4 (polar pattern tone test, polar pattern 360 degree test, high pass filter test, distance/proximity effect test, plosive rejection test, keyboard background noise test, shockmount test, microphone tap test, untreated room/treated room test, music test)

https://youtu.be/bOkjF4upXZ8 (voice and guitar)

https://youtu.be/faV3fqqzQlg (comparing nt2a and nt1a and a CAD e100s)

https://youtu.be/gOAmTolCvO4 (comparing n2ta and neumann TLM 103

 

4) Common Uses

Vocals, acoustic guitar,

SM58 Write-Up

SM58 MICROPHONE

Written by Cavin Lee and Luca Preda

Manufacture Links: 

https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/microphones/sm58

https://pubs.shure.com/guide/SM58/en-US

Pricing/Cost:

In CAD, the original price was $139 CAD, but as of now, it is on a discounted price of ~$121 CAD.

Specifications:

Microphone Type: Dynamic Microphone

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Sensitivity: -56.0 dBV

Noise Level: Manufacturer does not have it listed (N/A)

Frequency Response Curve:  The frequency response is shaped specifically for those who sing vocals. It can also be formed with a brightened midrange and bass roll off to control proximity effect. The frequency response is between 50 to 15 000 Hz.

Image:

Recorded Examples: 

https://youtu.be/G5-3tm4ru-k

https://youtu.be/sZgrPX8CPSY

Common Uses:

The SHURE SM58 microphone is commonly used when recording any professional vocalists whether during a live performance or at home or in a recording studio. Podcasting is another common use, as it is so called the best microphone to record audio. Famous musician Paul McCartney himself declares this microphone as his top choice.

Shure BETA 52A

Price: $189.00

Type: Dynamic Microphone

Polar Pattern: Super cardioid

Frequency response pattern:

See the source image

Perfect for kick drums and great for bass instruments

Sensitivity: -64dBv/Pa

Maximum SPL: 174dB

 

 

 

AT4033 Condenser Microphone

  1. AT4033

.

Type: Condenser Microphone

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Frequency Response Curve:

Has a low cut Filter

Lots of bubbling highest peak is +5 decibels 

Mostly flat accentuates male vocal range from 1-2 kHz

Increase from 2kHz and above

Sensitivity: -32 dBv/pa

Noise: 17 dBv/pa SPL

 

  1. Recorded examples 

https://youtu.be/ao7xI3h8Hls

https://youtu.be/ka52PSZya9c

https://youtu.be/lUUuqrBoffg

 

4) Common Uses

Drum overhead, guitar amps, solo and ensemble instruments, Acoustic guitars, banjos, percussion, pianos, wind instruments and vocals

SM7B Write-Up

SM7B MICROPHONE

Written by Cavin Lee and Luca Preda

Manufacture Links:

https://www.shure.com/en-MEA/products/microphones/sm7b

https://pubs.shure.com/guide/SM7B/en-US

Pricing/Cost:

In Canada, they sell these Dynamic microphones at a price of $549.00.

Specifications:

Microphone Type: Dynamic Microphone

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Sensitivity: -59dBV

Noise: 11dB

Frequency Response Curve:  The wide-range frequency response of the SM7B captures details in the audio profile. Even though words may travel far, they always appear to their destination with unbroken quality and clarity. The SM7B preserves the beauty of the sound that it captures. The frequency response is between 50-20 000 Hz.

Image:

Recorded Examples: 

https://youtu.be/qKcyINVNmkI

https://youtu.be/PtDQCYdVzBQ

Common Use: 

The SM7B is often used as the lead vocalist and on other applications, such as guitar amps, bass amps, kick drums, horns, etc. Popular radio hosts and podcasters use the SM7B as the microphone of their choice. To point out, Michael Jackson’s, Thriller album. Basically, this is a perfect example for both music and speech, but commonly used for spoken word. 

 

 

Sennheiser MD 421-II

Sennheiser MD 421-II

$449.95

Dynamic Microphone

Polar Pattern:  Cardioid 

 Frequency response: 30 – 17000 Hz

Good for; vocals, snares, kicks, guitar, drums

Sensitivity -55dBV/Pa
Maximum SPL: 160 dB

The MD 421-II also has a five position bass roll-off switch, located at the bottom of the microphone.

Common uses –  Originally used for Group vocals as well as broadcasts, but then started being used on guitar, drums, toms, etc.