Shure KSM44a Review / Test (vs. NW700, AT2020, KSM32, TLM103, U87Ai)
Ғылым және технология
Today we look at the mic that Markiplier uses, the Shure KSM44a which offers a very unoffensive sound with killer specs to back it up. Only a 4dBa self noise, 150dB max SPL, and amazing off axis coloration.
HQ Audio Of Review: podcastage.com/rev/ksm44a
Song Made With KSM44a: • Other Side Of The Scre...
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00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer
00:18 - Setup
00:35 - What’s in the Box
01:16 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:54 - Specifications
02:50 - 3 Polar Pattern (Tone / Rotation)
03:52 - Plosive Test
03:54 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
04:12 - Background Noise Test
04:28 - Untreated Room Test
04:46 - Mic Mount Bump Test
05:03 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
05:17 - High Pass Filter Test
06:06 - High Quality Interface Test
07:14 - Intro to Comparison
07:34 - Neewer NW700 Comparison
08:14 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
08:46 - Rode NT1 Comparison
09:27 - Shure KSM32
10:14 - Neumann TLM103 Comparison
11:00 - AKG C414 XLII Comparison
11:55 - Austrian Audio OC818 Comparison
12:52 - Sony C100 Comparison
13:40 - Neumann U87Ai Comparison
14:55 - Music Test
16:17 - Pros & Cons
18:09 - Overall Thoughts
20:25 - Recommendation
21:36 - Outro
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Пікірлер: 236
this guy mostly only does mic reviews but.. he does it the best way in the world.
@demon-ll9eg
3 жыл бұрын
i totally agree with you
Should throw "The Markiplier Mic" in the description somewhere in there for those sweet, sweet algorithm views. I know that isn't your style though. As for the mic, I agree with you. I like the KSM32 better
@Burssty
3 жыл бұрын
Seconded. I know the algorithm and this is a good idea
@Podcastage
3 жыл бұрын
Just through it in the description.
@barrywatson8309
2 ай бұрын
The 32 does sound FAR better/less brittle all round. It's a different capsule though (medium diaphragm, electret with higher self-noise) - I'm only holding back as I don't want a mic that might stop working after 30-40 years.
I just love the effort you go into to fully let everybody know about the sound of the mics every single time.
Thanks for doing the test using the UA interface! I was surprised to like the KSM44a better than the C414-XLii which sounded kinda wooly in the low mids -- basically the reason I dumped the C414-TLii several years ago. Thanks again for another great and thorough review!
Thanks Bandrew, now I can't watch videos without identifying the mics used. 🤣🤣🤣
@Sajin688
3 жыл бұрын
That's so me lol
the comparison section is the best part of the videos. thank you for putting up with the tedious task.
This is the best mic comparison video I've ever seen. Amazing job. Thank you!
Thank you so much. I have to choose between KSM44a and NT1 and your comparison helps a lot.
Love the untreated room test, thank you dude!!!
Just listened to a bluegrass band with bass, fiddle, ac. guitar, vocals and pedal steel - they all had a KSM44 in front and it sounded just great.
Another great review. Thanks for doing what you do. I think the KSM 44A is an excellent sounding mic. It is similar to the TLM 103 (one of my favorites), but a bit smoother to my ears.
@costak7679
9 ай бұрын
KSM32 is the closest mic to TLM103... yet is HALF the price!
Just wanted to say THANK YOU for your KSM 32 review. I bought one based on that review and it has become my number 1 mic for Voice gigs and my client roster has exploded since making the switch! Landed gigs with Johnson and Johnson, Nestle and Listerine in a 5-week span! Each client went out of their way to compliment the audio quality. My Rode NT1, Sennheiser MKH416/MK4s are boxed up and feeling jealous. Haha. Way to go Bandrew...hope you feel good about yourself. ;)
@Podcastage
3 жыл бұрын
I’m not sure if we can say that you got the jobs because of the mic, that’s due to your talent. The mic fitting your voice is just a benefit that gives you a little bit of an advantage. Keep it up and keep making money with that voice.
I’ve been waiting for this one! :) watching now!
Love that you include alot of microphones to compare with thats Almost the best part
Sounds absolutely divine on an acoustic guitar to my ear. It's up against a big competition with this price, but again all pricey mics seem to have their unique personalities, so it fits the lineup nicely. Thanks for the review!
@HarvinderSingh-yy8th
2 жыл бұрын
Correct your ears.
I was using a KSM27 for the longest time, which I think is also more sibilant than the KSM32, but pretty similar to this one. Was very interested to hear the comparison to the OC818 as your channel is what got me to buy an OC18 (which I love dearly). As always, great review!
Wow! Hadn't watched the C100 review yet, but I love the sound of it!
I love the sound of the KSM44a. Very clear and bright compared to most mics compared to.
I liked the KSM44A the best on your voice even better than the U87, but that mic's great too of course. The Austrian, Sony, other Shure, and other Neumann were in the ballpark but I think this Sure is the best sounding voiceover mic I've heard on your channel.
I love the OC818, enough so that I own a pair of them (I use them singly for vocal and instrument work, or paired up in MS or ORTF for stereo ambience). It was interesting to flip between that and the C100 in this lineup, as that was the most relevant comparison that I felt was missing in your C100 review. Like others I'd take the KSM32 over the KSM44 unless I really needed the other patterns, though with that said it's no slouch.
I already have my end game mic (Shure SM7B) but I just really enjoy your reviews, and watching you throw boxes.
@Weonlyknewoneway
4 ай бұрын
The ksm42 is top-tier and better quality tham sm7b...
I always enjoy your reviews! The KSM32 is a different animal altogether. The capsule is smaller at .75" and is known as an electret ... permanently polarized condenser design, whereas the KSM42 and KSM44 use an externally-polarized or “true” condenser design. I have the 32, 42, and an original KSM 27. The 42 is their dedicated vocal mic and I would be interested in your opinion if you get around to it some day. Since I started using the 42 for spoken word, I do very little post processing. Another interesting mic in the Shure line is the KSM 9. It doesn't seem to get much attention, but I have found it outstanding in the supercardioid mode when used in an untreated room. Thanks again for all your KZread, great work.
The Universal Audio Apollo x8 was remarkably better to my ear. What a terrific and extensive set of comparisons you gave us today. Thanks. I wonder if all KSM32s are created equal. If they are, I'd prefer it to the KSM44a. For now, I'm happily sticking with the OC818.
Congrats on 250K subs!
THANKS FOR GOING CRISTAL CLEAR ON EXPLAINING IT THE PROFESSIONAL WAY!!
Sounds amazing on the acoustic guitar!
That Ksm44 is a good match for all those great mics. Surprisingly they share a whole lot of character compared to the U87Ai
the AT2020 was my first mic :) then I upgraded to my SM7, so glad to have upgraded, but it's also amazing to look back at how far I've come! I wish I could afford the KSM44a though :p
It is always hilarious how bandrew tries to fool everyone with his hatred for stickers. In reality you know at the end of the day he dives into his pile of stickers and swims around in their gluey, crinkly goodness like scrooge mcduck.
@spiritphingaz_
2 жыл бұрын
🤣🤣
I was about to say it’s been a hot minute since I’ve seen a sticker from these mic reviews. (Still anxiously waits for Bandrew to review the Lewitt LCT 840🥺)
@CocaineCobain
3 жыл бұрын
I've used the Lewitt, definitely a very memorable styling to that bad boy.
Your videos are amazing! I enjoy them so much. I have a question: Do you might to review the Hyperx solocast? I know is not the most interesting mic to review but I think it's a good competitor in under 100 dollars mic.
You are my go to Mic review channel. Best in depth reviews.
Great work. Thanks for this. KSM32 and OC818 were my favorites. Can you get your hands on a Sontronics STC-2? I'd love to hear how it compares to the KSM32.
Thank you for the very detailed and careful review. Do you have any plans to review Neumann TLM 107?
Thanks for always posting great reviews! Btw I wonder the cloud lifter is really important for dynamic microphones. Currently I am using sm7b, evo4. My main purpose is singing and home recording but some say I need pre amp such as cloud lifter or Se DM1 like that. If you can give me any advice I will really appreciate it. Thank you!
Shure KSMs are the only LDC's you'll see in live production because they're so solid and road worthy. They have to pass the same mil-grade tests as an SM57, including drop tests onto concrete and extreme heat and cold. Beautiful.. definitely sounds better with the UA Apollo, but still.. don't you want to pair it with a Grace or even a Focusrite ISA preamp? Something much finer will really let it shine.
We use the KSM44a all the time for snare bottoms at the studio. Sounds weird but give it a shot!!
@anonymusum
3 жыл бұрын
Just a question: Could you compare your 44A to an older 44 and if so what would be your judgement?
I still really love the sound of KSM44A. I feel its the most un bias mic and sounds the most natural/neutral. The NT1 is great for the price but it has a condenser type sound to it. Hard to explain. I can type forever. Thanks for the vid!!!
@HarvinderSingh-yy8th
2 жыл бұрын
NT1a is more potential and warmer than NT1.
Really good quality. The difference with Neuman is that NM U87 is more rounded, natural as affects more frequency. I could pay it for the low price. Very good microphone
Wow, that neweer sounds great
This is an awesome mic. It's actually very flat until around 5kHz where there's a bell boost, similar to an SM57s but less amplitude. So far, I'm enjoying it flat on vocals but I'll try the 6dB/oct. soon. The best thing about it is its versatility. There's nothing it sound bad on. Sure, it doesn't have that "wool"/300Hz wide ~3dB boost of a U87 but as a trade off, you get better clarity. It goes on sale once or twice a year for 20% off also so it's a must-have as far as I'm concerned - especially if you record a variety of instruments and singers.
Would love to see you testing the Neumann TLM 107! The mic is out sence 2014 and nobody realy done a review on it... strangely.. greetings!
Great Mic ! I can't wait to see you review some lewit Microphone!! :D
Another great review!
Gorgeous sounding mic! I think the AT-2020 still holds up beautifully in comparison though as well, at least for voice. Would the AT-2050 have been a fairer comparison given the feature similarities though? Haven't been in the market for a mic for ages but I still love coming and sucking up that awesome brain stuff that you be spewin' dude! Wow! That really didn't end up coming out how I intended. Mmmm... Brains!
I love Shure; its history and dedication to innovation and quality products made in the US is a true success story. Years ago I bought an SM33 for our college radio station and it was night and day on everyone's voice. And in college radio, your mileage truly varies. There is a great story about Mrs. Shure listening to "This American Life" from WBEZ in Chicago in its early days. She called up Ira Glass and said, "You guys sound like crap." Or, words to that effect. TAL could not afford the NPR gold standard U87s and were using something else. Mrs. Shure sent them over some KSM44s, on her, and the rest is broadcasting history.
What a nice sounding mic. I had to use several VST plugins to get my Mv7 close to this.
@officiallyfussy
3 жыл бұрын
and... wow the Neewer microphone sounds like it's a microphone and an instrument in one! what a steal.
If anyone can point out any clear differences in sound between this and the U87 please tell me, because I had a hard time figuring out which one's which when my eyes were closed.
Outstanding video. I am completely torn between the Shure KSM44A and the Neumann TLM 103. I’m telling myself the Neumann is more for dedicated vocals when the U87 is out of reach, but all the features of the KSM44A make it more versatile in a home studio where you might have multiple applications for a single condenser.
@pocket1684
2 жыл бұрын
both are great mics, I favor the KSM44. I also own the ksm 32 and have recorded everything from electric/acoustic guitars, drum overheads, Vocals, The KSMs are more neutral, transparent which makes them some of the most versatile mics ever..
I just realized I'm not subscribed. I'm sorry. I've been watching this channel for a long time 😂. Thank you for putting in the work so us engineers and voice actors can make the right choices for our talent and voices. Lol
Another great video! Out of interest, what pop shield are you using at around 3:50?
Second? Woah... Bandrew, big thank you to all you do. Your reviews and tips on your other channel are really helpful.
That over-the-shoulder box throw was actually pretty good. One day will, you work up the courage to throw the storage box? At the camera in the background? Followed by the sticker crumpled up into a ball?
But Bandrew!, The NW700 with that self-resonance when you tap the microphone, sounds so popular!
@podcastage hey there! what cables did you use on these mics? and is there a sound difference in high frequencies between silver and gold cable?
Wow, side rejection is amazing almost complete signal cancellation. Nice sounding mic.
I'd love to see you do a review of the H&A AC60. It's a broadcast dynamic at the same price point as the Rode Podmic. I can't find many reviews of it, but I want to know if it's worth considering over the Podmic!
If I can't sound proof the room, then what mic would you recommend? I use Samson Q2U and it works.
I like the incorporation of the Apollo. Give people a slice of the UAD sound for taste.
Is this a type of microphone with "presence boost/peak" just like c414 xlii compared to XLS? Which version of ksm is the one that doesn't have presence peak but still in the same class as ksm44a?
On Adam A7’s the KSM32 is the standout here. Sounds the best to me.
Wow the ksm44a really grabs those consonants
I love the reaction every time he gets a sticker. Especially this one!
@Podcastage
Жыл бұрын
There has been a negative trend in the amount of stickers in mic boxes. I don't know if I'm responsible for it or not. Big Sticker is probably really ticked off at me.
What up to 1,000$ vocal mic would you recommend for an untreated space?
Can you do a review of the Warm Audio WA73EQ??
Hello! Anybody knows something about a Yamaha DM 5080 Mic? A friend of mine took a photo of one in his workplace, but then I tried to find information about this mic and I can't get anything on the net. Thank U!
You're awsome dude! Greetings from mexico
Out of curiosity, what is your favorite mic of all time? Like if you had to choose to use one forever for vocals.
@123456789million
3 жыл бұрын
I'm pretty sure his favorite mic is the SM7B
The Shure KSM44A seems to have more of a boost in the presence region than some of the other mics in the test. It sounds a bit “brighter” relatively speaking. Not objectionable by any means but definitely more than most of the others. I actually preferred the Neumann’s with a little less brightness. I was thinking, do they make this in a single pattern and out pops the 32A.
@johnkotches8320
3 жыл бұрын
Or, if I would have listened to the end, that’s exactly what you said!
Finally lol. I have the 42 and it's heavily slept on and almost $300 cheaper. Crazy value for the price IF you record vocals mostly.
@sfn4702
3 жыл бұрын
Me too. I’m not 100% sure but isn’t the capsule the same in the 42 & 44? Gotta agree with Mr Andrew, the 32 top end sounds very nice, tho I think it’s a smaller cap/diaphragm.. tell me what you know! (Please) @podcastage @jgor
@user-uj6yu1jk2b
Жыл бұрын
How are you shur ksm 42 ? What is best ksm42 or tlm 49 (voice)?
@user-uj6yu1jk2b
Жыл бұрын
@@sfn4702 How are you shur ksm 42 ? What is best ksm42 or tlm 49 (voice)?
Would it be crazy to get a small drum kit for testing mics out on drums generally?
@thesneakysloth8481
3 жыл бұрын
Agreed having someone more drum mic videos would be helpful.
I really liked the sound of this one but in comparison and when listening to the other mics...i think it's true what they say. Once you hit a certain price range for microphones, there ist not so much difference anymore.
Where do you put all the mics you buy?
1:12 favourite part of What's in the Box.
It's important to listen to the HD audio link in the description... going from that back to KZread's audio, the compression makes it sound like you're listening through a pillow.
Nice of them to give you extra bands for the shock mount, nothing is a bigger pain than breaking a band on there hand having nothing to replace it with.
I have been tryin to find a shock mount adapter for my blue spark black out any with where I can find one
I prefer the Shure sound for long form content. They may even sound a bit boring in comparison to mics with so called modern sound. But I like them for long form spoken word material.
"all these awesome mics" *first mic is a neewer nw700*
@Podcastage
3 жыл бұрын
Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
Can you review the Ksm 42 ?
Well it’s about flamin’ time! THANK YOU 😊
I definitely like it on instrument more than vocal. That being said that Sony mic is unbelievable it's #1 for my ear. #2 is the KSM32 #3 is a tie between tlm and u87.
Could you do a review on the thornmax m drill one pro, it is a USB condenser with an led screen for gain, you make excellent reviews please.
You should try out Shure's entry level LDC, the SM27. It's ~$300
u87 and this is a my answer for all videos where you put it in in comparison ...
Andrew, how do you think this will sound on Sitar?
Holy crap! 1k! luv u buds...(keep the sticker)...
I think the best way to tell if it’s a quality microphone is if it comes with a sticker.
Hey, nice video, but could you please review Microtech Gefell UM900?
Thanks for letting us live vicariously through you, Bandrew.
Could you review the Behringer (Tannoy) TM1? I heard it was just as good as the Rode NT1-A for half the price!
@HarvinderSingh-yy8th
2 жыл бұрын
NTI, NT1a, NT2a are cheap and best mics. Don't get confused. No one can beat Australian mics. Neaumann U87 is king of all mics. Ezra- ordinary colouration is alway bad.
Will there be a focusrite cm25 mkiii review
Please, review the "TAKSTAR SM8B" i want to know if it's worth it
@StructiveINK
3 жыл бұрын
It isn't worth it, a friend bought it for $30 on sale. Sounds hollow
oh, sir... now I wish you'd do all your comparissons on a better interface. so much difference
I wonder when phones will have mics as good as an SM7B ? Its only a matter of time
@igorvoronov8095
3 жыл бұрын
And they will weigh the same)
Great & one of the very best microphones test-reviews! Huge thnx!!! But SHURE KSM44a is the worse mic in this test!.. :-( Even it's younger bro - KSM32 sounds surprisingly more good. :-)
NEUMANN TLM 103? Or THIS MIC?
The 32 is a medium diaphragm. The 42 is a single pattern large diaphragm. But neither of them is a single pattern version of the 44. They are all different
Ever try the original KSM44, compared to the KSM44a ? I enjoy your videos. Cool music, man.
@Podcastage
Жыл бұрын
I unfortunately have not tried the original 44. I know someone who had it and swore by it as an incredible microphone and much better than the 44a. I just never have had a chance to try one.
@steverok67
Жыл бұрын
@@Podcastage The frequency response of the original KSM44 looks much closer to that of the KSM32, and I am wondering if it might have the same sort of smoothness on vocals as the KSM32, which is why I asked. Of course they have different capsules, so there's that. Thank you for your reply.
Any possibility of reviewing a Neumann KU100?
@Podcastage
3 жыл бұрын
Most likely not.
@Sherwin657
3 жыл бұрын
@@Podcastage damn. I was hoping you could rent one and compare to 1. two of the same microphone 2. two different models 3. properly matched pairs of microphones
@Sherwin657
3 жыл бұрын
and a 3Dio binaural mic too