I guessed it! I just got an email from sE and my NEOM is on the way! It's my first mic for various projects and so far I'm an entry level artist. I will need to get more stuff crammed into my closet for the full treatment apparently. Thanks for this review.
Neom USB vs Apogee Plus I knew straight away that mic A was the Neom USB because of the bass-y sound it has when it's close up to someone's voice. The Apogee Plus doesn't really have that (or I just can't hear it that well). Neom USB vs Sennheiser 416 Honestly I was confused because I was already familiar with the bass-iness of the Neom USB but couldn't really tell. I knew one of the mics were suppose to have a brighter sound to it but didn't know which one. When the results were out I wasn't really shocked, it was more of a "damn, I should've known that" moment. Keep up with the amazing videos, can't wait for the double uploads monthly!
Thanks for this test especially since you included the 416. I’m sure a lot of people don’t appreciate that but people who know a lot about microphones do.
Also, I watched your "stop using pop filters video" the other day and it helped so much. Could be some kind of mental thing, but I seems like my voice sounds better on my mic now without the filter, thank you!
I could definitely tell the difference. "B" was clearer and cleaner sounding. But I have never heard the other mic prior so it's hard for me to say. But, if I were to choose I would choose "B"
As usual James, great video! The sE sounds good and I'm curious to hear how it stacks up against the more budget-friendly mics from Fifine and Audio Technica. LOVE the closet section! I wanna see more audio content shot from there!! 😁👍🏾
I'm actually doing a full on Audio Technica AT line of mics shootout as soon as possible :) You'll probably be seeing more of my disaster closet haha 🤣 and now I can use emojis without being on the phone!
First set of AB tests, I knew the difference, second AB test, I looked at the comments too soon and saw the nassaly comment. I think it's a great USB mic, thank you for thr video 😁
Just wanted to leave a comment here saying that I had the apogee mic for I guess five years, and I really liked it, it was very good quality audio. I feel like, super compact, easy to use. Never did like the micro USB, because I had to bring an extra cable around just for that. Only problem was about two years ago I starting to have problems with it connecting to my computer. It would have the blue light come on, but not the green light, so it wasn't working properly. I had to plug it in and unplug it and plug it back in 10 times for it to finally connect. It got so bad that I just sold it last week for a pittance, because it barely ever connected anymore.
For me, the sE Neon is a hard sell at its price point. Yes, it looks to have great build quality and works across a range of devices. However, sound wise, it seems better suited to those with higher register voices due to its low end emphasis. If it had even basic DSP it would make for a far more compelling product. On my wish list would be a high pass filter, compressor and expander.
I was actually considering the Apogee for travel usage, but it was pretty expensive and uses Micro-USB instead of USB-C. My only concern with trying the sE electronics NEOM instead is that my voice is rather bossy, so I wonder if it would sound muddy. If not, I’m all for getting the newer, more affordable microphone. Also, how does the size compare (for packing it in my bag)?
Hey there David! Thanks for the comment! It's definitely not as compact as the Apogee. The Apogee mic is a decent amount smaller and has a really nice compact travel case but the NEOM just has the box it comes in. With that said though the NEOM is still pretty compact and wouldn't be a big hassle to take with you. I don't think the NEOM would have too much bass for you. Just make sure to stay about 6" away from the mic when you can. That will definitely help.
One of my favorite voice actors (James Arnold Taylor) gave a shoutout for this microphone and I was like hey, that seems pretty nice. So I bought one and was impressed :)
I thank the audio gods, and all that is audibly holy for your knowledge! Question - since I’m starting out on a shoestring budget, can this be my primary in the closet?
Thank you so much! I would actually highly suggest the Rode NT1 5th gen for your main mic! It's both USB and XLR. It's about $100 more expensive but it's well worth it because you can just use it in it's USB mode until you decide to get an audio interface. Watch my review of it here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-23nVA9hwIkM.htmlsi=-LW8vEeAodWG_Syt
Update- I cannot believe my incredible good fortune. Thanks again for recommending the NT 1 5 generation. That sent me off on a search to buy it including checking out Facebook marketplace. Lo and behold I find somebody down the street who has a unused one still in the box for $100 cheaper than retail! I am over the moon. Thank you so much!
Did you put any post processing on it? If not, the SE needs a deeser. The high-end 's'es were not pleasing. Did the manual have a frequency chart? If so, is there any way to share it? Does it come with any software like Logitech and the other USB mic where you can upload processing directly into the microphones circuit board? Eg: broadcast mode, eq, low cut, etc.. You have a great voice, but the sibilance was harsh on the SE
Oh no, I never put any processing on my microphone review videos because I want the viewers to be able to hear the microphone unaltered. Also, it may have been sibilant on my voice but not on another voice. Everyone's voice is different and sibilance "typically" lives between 4K - 10khz so there's a large area for it to miss. In other words, it's less that the SE needs a deeser and more so that my voice on that mic needs one. Thanks for the comment and feedback!
hello James, I am trying to voice over my animation but I want it to sound really good like a real cartoon, I'm recording in my bedroom and it's kinda small, what mic should I get? dynamic or shotgun?
Hey there! Thanks for the question! Honestly, in 99.9% of cases but especially in your case, if you want it to sound like a real cartoon it will be WAYYY less about the microphone choice and WAYYY more about how to acoustically treat the space that you're recording in. You might want to look into a PVC booth with moving blankets. That sounds like it would probably be a great option for you. If you want a really affordable solid microphone I always suggest the Rode NT1 however I do think the NEOM microphone I reviewed in this video would be a great option as well. The most important thing over all will be how you treat the space though. That will make the biggest difference. Definitely look into making a PVC booth.
Did you boost the audio in post? I got this mic today. The mic at 6 - 8 inches don't seem to pick up the audio so loud. Mic gain was set at 12 o clock. How much did you set the mic gain when you were talking 6 - 8 inches from the mic?
Hhmmm... I didn't have to boost the audio and if I'm remembering correctly I think I had the gain around 12:00. You might have got a faulty mic. I'd try to return it and see about getting a replacement. But honestly, I'd return it and just buy the Rode NT1 5th generation if you can afford the extra &100. It's both an XLR and USB mic that is infinitely better than most microphones for many reasons.
@@JamesYounger Thanks. I did get a replacement. It's definitely better. But not loud as yours. I wish you could have replied a bit earlier. 🙂 I already bought Rode NT-USB+. But I will give N1 5th Generation a try. But I am not sure if it is available in South Africa yet.
