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

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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.
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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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Опубликовано:

3 авг 2024

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Комментарии : 271

@curtisjudd 4 года назад

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 года назад

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

@justincarrasco3680 4 года назад

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 года назад

Lol nice

@MarlyMarlz 3 года назад

TRUTH

@dezzi9955 3 года назад

😂😂

@gmarod6099 2 года назад

Comment of the year, wins internet forever and ever.

@drtalkboxsa9412 Год назад

Craziest comment ever😂😂😂😂😂😂

@maddog4u31757 3 года назад

The thoroughness of this video is phenomenal

@mrfish4572 Год назад

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

@SSingh-nr8qz 4 года назад

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

@tomspiller2449 4 года назад

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 года назад

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 года назад

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.

@Andres-xb1bl 4 года назад

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

@Swampfox10mm 3 года назад

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 года назад

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 года назад

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.

@mackietv 4 года назад

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

@nickm5063 3 года назад

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 года назад

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.

@Tim_ArtistName_Tallent 4 года назад

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

@ellisgl 4 года назад

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.

@MeTuLHeD 4 года назад

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.

@MahDryBread 4 года назад

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

@lemrekt1295 4 года назад

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

@MasterBenton 4 года назад

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.

@wh0istim 4 года назад

YAY! a new video from my favorite youtuber!

@heinabbott5172 4 года назад

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 года назад

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

@Mark_How 2 года назад

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

@kesamek8537 4 года назад

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

@carlosguillen2307 4 года назад

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

@paulcusi568 3 года назад

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...✌🏻

@enoraso 4 года назад

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

@ziyingquek7391 3 года назад

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.

@Wizerslapski 4 года назад

bought this for electric guitar recording and its great!

@xHadesStamps 4 года назад

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

@BayatiAhmed 4 года назад

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

@HowToFixLowerBackPain 3 года назад

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.

@lionheartroar3104 4 года назад

I am very impressed with the sound of this microphone.

@samtripleseven 4 года назад

same it honestly sounds excellent to my ears

@oskar.1428 3 года назад

@@samtripleseven same it sound so good actually wtf

@ramos5017 3 года назад

thanks man i really appreciate the review on the mic

@sanslimo 4 года назад

awesome channel, thanks for your reviews

@ughleegamer5598 3 года назад

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

@robertpuzzitiello2599 4 года назад

Great review, I have this mic and love it!

@jplanglais 4 года назад

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..

@ArtVandelay592 4 года назад

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 Год назад

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

@osvaldodomingos9041 4 года назад

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

@gregelgie 4 года назад

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

@osvaldodomingos9041 4 года назад

@@gregelgie Probably 69. LMAO.

@videogameislove1404 Год назад

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

@GoreMelian 4 года назад

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

@thebusinessfirm9862 4 года назад

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.

@frillza630 4 года назад

I legit want someone to make a compilation of all the times he throws or chucks the box.

@EdwardThh 3 года назад

Very clear and great review.

@themassterful 4 года назад

Lets go! Love your videos mate!

@franciscomigliozzi7539 2 года назад

Excellent review!

@murraystechtime8530 4 года назад

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...

@topicalcontent 4 года назад

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

@MikeGianetti 4 года назад

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.

@davidviera3347 2 года назад

EXCELLENT AND VERY TECHY REVIEW! THANKS!!!

@CRIMINALSFAMILYGroup 4 года назад

such a smooth sounding mic

@LuckyFullmetal 22 дня назад

it sounded amazing with the music

@brzt4256 4 года назад

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.

@NikhilJoshua 4 года назад

EM91c is the best choice for podcast mic or spoken word imo, AT2020 for vocals would be a better option.

@pyro226 3 года назад

In terms of spoken, EM91c is good for long-term listening like podcasts / documentary type videos. It's probably coloration, but I keep finding that I really like the Behringer C1 for music. I think I'd also prefer the sharper mic for clarity when speaking in voice calls (Zoom, discord, etc). A lot of cheap headphones (and compression) muddle sound, so I'm thinking the C1 would pull ahead.

@sergiosaporito3736 3 года назад

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?

@OliverHenaineOficial 3 года назад

NOW THIS IS A REVIEW!!!

@flencko9290 4 года назад

EN: It is better to lower the volume of high frequencies along with their noise when equalizing, than to increase the volume along with the noise. I prefer a brighter sound AT-2020\2035. Fortunately, these microphones have an even frequency response over the entire frequency range and do not have unpleasant high-frequency amplification. Thanks for the review! RU (Original): Лучше понижать при эквализации громкость высоких частот вместе с их шумом, чем повышать громкость вместе с шум. Предпочту более яркий звук AT-2020\2035. К счастью, эти микрофоны имеют ровную АЧХ на всем диапазоне частот и не имеют неприятного усиления высоких частот. Спасибо за обзор!

@carlosnazario1170 4 года назад

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

@Swampfox10mm 3 года назад

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.

@flexile7939 4 года назад

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

@sapelesteve 4 года назад

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

@nateadams5078 4 года назад

Woah I really didn't expect this mic to be equal to or better than the more famous mics like the at 2020. That's pretty good for a condenser under a 100 bucks. I know you probably keep mics for a collection, but I think it would be pretty cool if you did mic give aways for your viewers so it would be cool of you considered it.

@nicholasmullins3693 4 года назад

Check his website ;)

@djbaskin5814 3 года назад

Works like a charm!

@dillionsivils3643 3 года назад

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

@afcandelaria 3 года назад

Thank you!! good job!!

@cJ-vj3bd 4 года назад

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 :)

@canadarecordsofficial 2 года назад

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.

@themechaniacal1558 3 года назад

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. ;)

@miketype1each 4 года назад

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.

@Rod-Wheeler 4 года назад

Not bad for the price. Great Review

@RDProStikz 4 года назад

Nice to see more reviews on this Mic, I did one a few weeks back, but I have to hand it to you, you have a more detailed review. (Did you watch my video, I'm British, so not sure if you went British because of this... I also notice you do the squeeze test of the grill ;) Great videos as always my friend.

@Podcastage 4 года назад

I have not seen your review. I try not to watch other reviews until I film my review to avoid being influenced by others opinions. I will check it out now though.

@RDProStikz 4 года назад

@@Podcastage Thank you sir, Don't forget to Subscribe ;) I'm new to the reviews and you-tubing, so I really appreciate your time and response.

@dontreadmyaboutsection834 4 года назад

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.

@Wes220 4 года назад

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

@MarkBennett007 3 года назад

It sounds warm …. I like it

@mrvanxkst 2 года назад

Thanks for participation in the discussion with valuable suggestion.?

@nicholasmullins3693 4 года назад

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.

@Jem67302 3 года назад

Thanks nice reviu .

@derekillo 4 года назад

Hi, how are you? I am writing to you from Chile and recently found your channel. I think it's great. Could you do a Review of the Fifine K678? Greetings 🤠

@jaimesk1688 Год назад

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.

@11000038 Год назад

I liked it. Wonder how it would sound on snare?

@DUW1G1T 3 года назад

Picked this up for $60, thanks!

@yoyah5999 4 года назад

Podcastage you need to review the blue kiwi

@eimankhai 4 года назад

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

@toothless2323 2 года назад

Do you think this mic can handle a low note well? I'm planning on recording an acapella song that ends with an E1, and I wanted to know if it would hold up okay. I already have this mic and the EM 89D, but the thing is that E1 is below the 50 hz and also I realized that the end response is a bit to muddy with that one so what do you think about the lows of this one?

@watchingpassive9485 4 года назад

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

@SepehrHH 3 года назад

Love you man

@alexbojko6194 4 года назад

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

@danio4794 2 года назад

Very good sound! Which is the best compared to the TASCAM tm80? In my opinion they are very similar, what about you?

@Sirkalivibes 3 года назад

The way you throw the Box Lol

@Touseef 4 года назад

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"

@joemoore2845 4 года назад

YOURE THE MAN

@baherbaher3431 4 года назад

Thank you ... please talk about boys pm 700sp usb ... I'll be waiting for you ...

@reggiep75 4 года назад

Have you ever done a 'Fix a bad mic sound/Improve a mic sound' video before? Something for people seeking to improve the sound they record from their mic, always remembering you can't polish a turd either :-D I managed to get a BM800 mic sounding pretty reasonable (I just had to do it as a challenge), using a short chain of 'usual suspect' VSTs - noise reduction (& similar noise processing VSTs), de-esser, EQ, saturation, other VSTs and make even MORE PRETTY with some ultra light reverb. Obviously from the outset you aim for the best sound you can record but tidying it up in post is always an option. Another great vid and a pretty good mic and all Mackie gear I've crossed paths like is nice.

@TrustedTackleTips 4 года назад

Is that a dog barking at around 10:05 ? Great review as always.

@Podcastage 4 года назад

Yeah. I sat there silent after that sentence for like 2 minutes to wait for the dogs to be quiet.

@Pentti_Hilkuri 4 года назад

The Element is "Black Electret Condenser ", maybe an extra "L" in there. 😀

@PandaBewok 2 года назад

This mic vs behringer c1u, which is better?

@bigdoggetom6549 Год назад

The NW700 and to some extent the AT2020 had some top end that was slightly hurting my ears. The Mackie sounded slightly warmer and just that little bit nicer to listen to

@Podcastage Год назад

I'm really happy o know the video helped you determine which one you prefer. Happy recording.

@bigdoggetom6549 Год назад

@@Podcastage Honestly I was only looking at this out of interest, already use an AKG P120 😁 but it was a great review, good stuff dude!

@nil2k 4 года назад

The guitar part starts off SO close to the intro to the lemmings theme that now I want to hear bandrew do the lemmings theme song on electric guitar... which i guess itself is just a variation of canon in d anyway.