This was a really interesting comparison video to make because as I was editing, I genuinely loved each microphone when I switched between them. Usually one will stand out as being better than the other(s), but in this case they’re all great! So it really does just come down to what you like and which one you think will work best with your voice/equipment/environment. If you haven't seen my full review of the Logitech Blue Sona where I compare it in-depth to the SM7B, definitely check that out here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/mp-V05aRZJyZm5M.html

@emcollier

Жыл бұрын

Will a color sm7b windscreen fit the ETHOS?

@Slipsch

11 ай бұрын

You need to try the Lauten Audio LS-208

Those puns of yours are buck wild... 😉 Tom, thank you SO much for taking a look at our microphones and for sharing our story!

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for being awesome!

@Slipsch

9 ай бұрын

I wish the Icon Pro comes with the windshield instead of having to buy it separately. I mainly use the Ethos for my podcast, however, in some people's voices it sounds muffled. I tend to notice Asian maie generally sounds better on brighter microphones, no idea why. It's like their words lack clarity. So I wanted to have some Icon Pro with the windshield around the studio, and if there is someone who sounds muffled with the Ethos, I can put the Icon Pro on him while still having the mic look the same on set. And if you guys ever decide to make an actual large diaphragm end-address microphone for singing, do let me know, I'll be the first person to buy it. By large diaphragm I mean 34mm - 38mm capsule. I think you guys are my favorite mic company when it comes to sound signature.

I loved learning that you taught English, Tom. I’ve been watching way too many audio gear videos but these Earthworks mics look absolutely beautiful to me (I’m a designer, so, visuals matter a lot to me - at least initially). They look so good, it makes me want to actually treat my little home office/studio so it’ll be friendly for condensers.

Tom, thank you for your consistently outstanding videos. Great info, top quality production and sprinkled with humor.

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Mark! I really appreciate the encouragement!

Just my absolute favorite mic. Amazing, spoken word and even better I tried it on live vocals for a stage mic.Working on finishing my video review which I have putting together over the last 5 months. The only microphone that I feel honestly does the SM7B traits even better than the SM7b, and only needs Micro adjustments for EQ, and others need a more intentional touch. This mic is just majestic and brings about a real emotional response when you use it - for the first time!

@djtoman6875

13 күн бұрын

Which one are you referring to here, Mike? I'm assuming it's the Ethos. I'm in lust with the Ethos for podcasting and spoken word, and the SR314 for singing. Maybe one day I'll own both.

@levelupwithmikenewman

13 күн бұрын

@@djtoman6875its the Ethos. i love it. i amgetting ready to release a rebiew in which i show samples oh people i know using itduring a live vocal performance, professional voice over artists and their techniques, spoken word, etc. just straight up majestic

Been waiting on this! Liked before watching.

@Tom Buck The opening is by far your best display of wordplay! Great video man! I own the Icon and love it!

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! I was probably a little too proud of this one 😁

@4sightfilmsLLC

Жыл бұрын

@@tombuck ahahaha! Bask in it, it is well deserved. 😀

Been waiting for this video! Icon not wait to watch it!

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

Hope you enjoy my feedback on these microphones!

Great video as always Tom. Just noticed B&H has the Ethos on "Holiday Sale" for $300 as of 11/21/22. I already have the Icon Pro and love it sooo.....an Ethos is on order for this Tom. Thanks, love your videos and humor.

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

Such an insanely good deal! 🤯 Thank you very much for the kind encouragement.

Hey Tom, I got the Ethos recently and absolutely love it! :D

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

So glad to hear that! It’s an amazing mic.

Just completed seeing your 40 min Rodecaster Pro II Sir ☺️ it’s a treat to see your new video again ☺️

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

Ahh, perfect timing!

I have the Icon Pro and I LOVE IT. For over a year it has been perfect and ones immediately notice the sound quality and the BEAUTIFUL LOOK. Earthworks has a customer for life.

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

Earthworks is so great! I've been lucky to meet a couple of people from their team and they're all so genuinely enthusiastic about mics and audio. I love them.

With the recent drop in mic prices, I struggled to choose between the Sonos, SM7B, and Ethos. My choice came down to wanting that boomy sound from the SM7B, but not being so muddy; therefore, I chose the ETHOS. I'm still regretting selling my NTG4+ recently; that mic had a similar deep boomy sound.

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

I think the ETHOS was a great choice out of those options. It's just so so good!

Great video! Thanks! Would love to hear a comparison with the Lauren ls-208

Love the clarity of the Icon!

@tombuck

Ай бұрын

Me too!

Man all the mics sound so so good.

Just for the recent post of this video B&H has the Ethos for $100 off (for the holidays it says) so its $299. For this price it was essentially an impulse purchase for me after watching this video. Great content & looking forward to a great mic!

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

Woah?! That's an insane price.

Tom, do you normalize the levels in post or something? I have the rodecaster, the shure sm7b and the icon pro. I can't get them to sound loud and crisp without elevating the noise floor. In your video it sounds so smooth that I wonder which settings are you using (Rodecaster Pro, Windows, etc.) Thanks!

I own an Icon Pro and an Ethos. Love them both. Different sounds for different uses.

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

Yep, I'm definitely happy to have both! It's like picking between two favorite children.

The ETHOS sounds amazing. I am going to look into this mic some more.

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

Totally worth looking into! I can't believe how much I ended up liking it. Just finished recording a podcast with mine 👍

i feel like the icon's sound profile is a bit more closed in. The ethos definitely has a warmer and more open sound, at least in my opinion but that could depend on the listener and what they are used to.

Miconic Review 😜 loved it bro!

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

Sorry for making you question your calendar 😁

@MrCameraJunkie

Жыл бұрын

@@tombuck all good, also the ethos sounds great IMO 🤙🏽

Hey there! I just wanted to give you some thanks for making the process of choosing a microphone so smooth for me. Ethos is in the mail heading my way! Fingers crossed it pairs well with my voice haha.

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

So glad to hear it! I have no doubt that you'll love the Ethos, it's absolutely an incredible mic.

@dockanfilms

Жыл бұрын

@@tombuck Just wanted to give you an update on my ethos purchase. Its absolutely amazing! Not only is the sound quality just perfect (for my voice I believe) its also just so aesthetically pleasing to look at which I can't complain about haha. Thanks again for the insight.

Hi Tom, newbie question again. I know you talk about sending your mics directly into your FX3 but if you wanted to route them through the Rodecaster Pro 2 first (which it seems you are doing here) do you just run the standard 1/8" out of the Procaster into the 1/8" input on the FX 3 sound-handle thing? Thanks for your time!

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

Whenever I use the RCP, like in this video, I just sync the audio files to the camera files in Final Cut. I think that ultimately gives the best overall quality.

@tcmhub

Жыл бұрын

@@tombuck thank you!

Hi Tom - What is the mic boom you're using on the Sona? And, thanks for this really good review!

Came back to say thanks! I just added the foam windscreen to my icon pro. It makes the microphone a little bit darker. All smiles here as it eliminates a lot of noise from air conditioner. I'll use both depending on how my voice is for the day. Tom, what gain level do you have your RE20 set at on the RCP2. also, is there a windscreen for the RE line that helps with off axis rejection while keeping the crispy top end?

@tombuck

Ай бұрын

So glad it helped! for the RE20, I typically have the gain around 50dB. The only pop filter I've used with it is this one: bswusa.com/bsw-repop-black/ It's expensive, but works well.

Hey, I was wondering what you are using to mount your RCP2. I have one and wanted to mount it instead of having it sit on the desk.

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

Any VESA arm will work with the RCP2. I found this pretty inexpensive one on Amazon and it's been working well so far: geni.us/aPPb

Quick note. Assuming the user can use a high pass filter, background noise such as washing machines / ac can be tamed significantly. Especially, with the ethos as it extends further into the sub bass frequencies with less roll off.

I have the Icon Pro, such a beautiful microphone with a great sound.

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

It's absolutely outstanding. I honestly can't believe these aren't more common in the podcasting/streaming space.

@OmarDaily

Жыл бұрын

@@tombuck Agree! Great video by the way!.

The dryer noise in the Blue has much, much less low end. I am curious whether there is a low cut enabled or integrated on that mic. If there is a low cut (high pass) engaged or designed in to it, it is not a fair comparison. It does sound great, to be sure. I'm just surprised at not only how much less noise there is, but how different the quality of the noise is.

The ETHOS blew the sm7B out of the water in my opinion. dang!

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

They've really done something great with this mic.

That's a pretty BIG price drop! Wow!

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

Crazy right?! It's the first time I've heard of a permanent price change on that scale.

You’re the first person I liked the sona on, usually it to me sounds overly muddy. For YOU I like the sona, followed by the icon, then the sm7, then the ethos.

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

It’s definitely important to find the right mic for a specific voice.

@Beans113

Жыл бұрын

@@tombuck had to get the fancy cans on, i think i like you best on the icon, then the blue, ethos, sm7b.

One of these days... The Ethos has been my utmost favorite premium microphone since the first time I heard it.

@tombuck

Ай бұрын

Such a wonderful mic!

Ethos & Icon look delicious with that chrome finish. Ethos would be better suited out of the 2, but the Blue Sona was overall winner - also better shape for packing. Thanks for a perfect reviews on four pretty awesome 🎤 🎙 🎤 mics.

I was able to snag one from B&H for $299. At that much of a discount (especially from $699) I told myself I had to pick one up. Anxiously awaiting its arrival! haha

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

That's such a ridiculous deal! If I had seen that, I might've gotten a second one just because it's too good not to!

@JeremyLeech

Жыл бұрын

@@tombuck that’s just the thing. I actually had missed the sale too. I hit up the B&H chat today and asked if the sale was coming back for cyber Monday. The first person said no. Then I said, let me try again. The second person actually gave me a coupon code for $100 off! So I got it for $299. Excellent customer service by Hillel!

I currently use the Shure Super 55 Deluxe and just received the Blue Sona. Now I'm not sure about the Earthworks Ethos...may have to order that one and do a test! You went with the Ethos over the Blue Sona Tom.....may I ask why?

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

My honest answer is that I use and love them both 😁 You really can’t go wrong either way, but if possible, it’s definitely best to test each in on your specific voice in your specific environment. The Sona is probably a little better at rejecting background noise while the Ethos (I think) has a slightly better sound. But that’s very subjective and I love my Sona.

I -want-that-miconic-Icon-Pro! If they'd only dropped the price on this one as well, just a little. I like it better than the Ethos, and yes, not as a boom mic at the same distance that you have your beloved Sennheiser, but above the talkin' head, just outside the frame, it'd be fantastic for my needs. Not to mention that it appears to be a great live microphone as well. Drooling again....

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

Oh man, you should definitely check out some of their dedicated live mics! They are absolutely amazing. The SR314 is really catching my eye.

@HomesickMac

Жыл бұрын

@@tombuck Thanks for reminding me of this. Yes, the SR314 is just a tad more expensive than the Icon but I'm wondering if it'd give the same proximity efficiency as the Icon. Can't get rid of the picture in my head when Epox Vox had the Icon at at least 34-40cm away and to the side, and it sounded amazing. OK, with _that_ voice it wasn't a miracle, but still. I'm off to watch some reviews of the SR314 and see if they'd used it at a distance.. I couldn't find a review on your channel, am I right?

Hey Tom have you compared the re20 vs the ethos?

Hello Tom, How do you do those Neon Lines around your objects?

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

Hey Andrew! I use Procreate on the iPad. I have a whole video about it here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/kWt21LaRdciXZNI.html

Where did you get the blue foam windscreen for your Sm7b?

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

reporterstore.com 👍

Your channel deserves 10M Subscribers or waaaaaay more. 🙏🏼

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

You're way too kind, thank you Charleston!

@cmmedia692

Жыл бұрын

@@tombuck you're welcome. Your channel is entertaining and educational. It's a plus for everyone. Love it! 🙏🏼

This ones i like the sound! In one of those tests, like you made with Heather, you could ask her to compare with real voice..and you same about hers.. wich ones are more truthfull sound wise..

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, that's a totally different thing to consider. Heather sounds good on everything, but I think the ETOHS is most true-to-life for me.

Do u think the ethos would be a good choice for singing and for someome who has a lower raspy quiter voice

Where would you put the new Rode XDM-100 when comparing to these?

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

I haven't used the XDM-100 myself (but I have used the NT-USB+ and it's insanely good!). Based on the reviews I've seen of the 100, I would put it in the middle. The Ethos is my favorite, but I do think I like what I've heard from the 100 more than the Icon. But again, I haven't tested it myself.

I can't decide between the Ethos and the Icon. I thought I was shure about my choice but... My room is not acoustically treated, yet I like the Icon more. On the verge of ordering it with the Rodecaster Pro II and Gator Frameworks 3000 mic boom arm.

@tombuck

4 ай бұрын

Honestly, they're both outstanding so you really can't go wrong! Depending on the return policy of where you're ordering from, you could potentially order one of each, test them, and keep the one that works best with your voice in your environment.

@AdrianVirlan

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for your reply!@@tombuck

The ICON one looks like some sort of the 1970s podcast microphone, All of the stainless steel body and looking stylish.

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

I really love it. They also have an in stage vocal mic that looks like a retro torpedo. It’s awesome.

@spacecy

Жыл бұрын

@@tombuck which mic is that ?

@freshcutbackup380

11 ай бұрын

@@spacecy i think hes talkinga about the SR314 or the SV33

Will the SM7B's blue foam windscreen fit the Ethos?

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

Kind of. It's very loose. The ETHOS' windscreen is quite a bit smaller than the SM7B ones.

But Shure MV7 and sm7b are dynamic mics and Earthworks ICON mics are not dynamic, right? So, Earthworks mics would be worse it untreated room?

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

Both of these Earthworks are condenser mics, which speaking very generally, do tend to pick up a bit more environmental tone. But as you can sort of hear here, since the condenser mics don't need as much gain, that does help reduce how much sound they'll pick up (compared to a dynamic mic that needs the gain set much higher). I think I ended up answering the question without answering the question, but there's no black-and-white solution unfortunately 🤷🏻‍♂️

Where did you get the colored SM7b Windscreens?

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

reporterstore.com 👍

@BobBradford

Жыл бұрын

@@tombuck Thanks. appreciate you responding

As a finemechanical engineer I would buy these just for the looks alone, they are stunning. Unfortunately way over budget for me as a beginner though, then to think its €649,- at Thomann. Question, what mics stands do you use? Not the Rode boomarm, the cast iron ones you used here on your desk. It is not in your gear list.

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

They’re Samson tabletop stands I found on Amazon- super affordable, usually like $15 or so. 👍

@chillywilli

Жыл бұрын

@@tombuck thanks!

I fucking want the Ethos now, thank you. I don't even have a mixer.

I swear, if I were a multimillionaire, I'd buy all the different microphones. Just for the heck of it.

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

With your very own soundproof chamber 😁

@FharishAhmedPortfolio

Жыл бұрын

@@tombuck Like the one that Samsung uses!

Hey Tom! Can you do a review of the new Elgato Wave Dx?

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

I'd love to get my hands on that one at some point! One of my favorite mics is my Lewitt, and Elgato uses Lewitt capsules, which I think always make their mics sound great.

Hey Tom, great video. Looking for the BEST Microphone under $500. I have a sports podcasting channel, and will be transitioning to a well treated studio shortly. (Currently recording in my garage on a Blue Yeti USB ) Debating the Ethos and the NT1. I'm looking for that deep rich radio broadcasting sound. Are these mics truly upgrades? Any Recommendations?

@tombuck

8 ай бұрын

Both of those are great options that sound incredible on many voices. I would probably lean towards the ETHOS because I think it’s slightly warmer in tone and much easier/more versatile to mount than the NT1.

@djtoman6875

13 күн бұрын

In a well treated space don't overlook the Neat King Bee II. It's a fabulous microphone that seems to have gone unnoticed among KZreadrs over the past year or so since the initial buzz (sorry, haha). I love my King Bee II, but slightly prefer my NT1 5th generation for my voice. Of course, the Ethos is about as good as it gets and I hope to try it out some day.

The icon usb is really impressive

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

It sounds amazing from what I've heard! Pretty aweomse that you can get a USB version of a mic with that quality.

i tried the ETHOS last night with the Wave XLR and it did not work correctly . The wave can only put out 7ma of phantom power, and the ETHOS needs 10 or more. it sounded incredibly horrible on the wave. On the Rodecaster Duo , it sounded really nice. Just not 100% sure if i liked it better than the sm7b for my particular voice. might try again later when i have more time to do longer comparisons

The Icon strikes me as an on-camera mkh 50. 🤔

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

Hey yeah, kinda true!

That's an orange windscreen? I need to calibrate my monitor!

Unfortunately, Earthworks microphones cost much more in Europe as they do in the U.S. - even after the price reduction. Ethos is „on sale“ now for 599 EUR => 650 $ US.

Tom,....I was thinking. I really love the ETHOS mic and prefer it over the Icon Pro... BUT... I prefer the Icon Pro's capsule screen cover. Couldn't I just purchase the Icon Pro WITH the ETHOS and place the Icon's mesh screen capsule cover on the Ethos and leave it like that? The Ethos would then be perfect!

@tombuck

10 ай бұрын

The windscreens are totally interchangeable (I've done it a few times myself 😁 ), but I don't know if Earthworks sells them separately? I bet you could email them and ask, and they may have a parts catalog or something.

You had me thinking it was Thursday for a minute 😂

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

Haha, sorry 'bout that! This week is an odd Wednesday week.

Did you really just do that at the beginning? 😂

Prefer the sound of the Ethos myself - donated. Thanks Tom.

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Pete! I really appreciate it! 🙌

We won’t know if the $12 microphone at the drug store is any good until you try it, Tom.

I think in the future I want to buy their usb mic

Sona still sounds significantly better than ..sm7b …I’m surprised on how people can’t tell all the tiny components …but never got around to getting it I kept doing research and to be honest like the ethos mic to be significantly better because of the richness of fill of sound only from within proximity Ofcourse but I’m a rapper and I tend to have mic up close when I stream so it is build perfect for my style of preference

I think the Sona wins. Oh wait,...if we are talking about the ICON vs ETHOS.....I think the ICON wins.

Dad Puns called......they want you to stop

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

“This call could not be completed as dialed.”

You sir, are the king of puns. Nice review.

@tombuck

9 ай бұрын

That's a title I'm happy to have!

I found it strange that you are comparing the two microphones and you have one with the windscreen on and the the other removed.. Why would you do that? you do know that the foam does change the sound a little...

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

In this case, one comes with it and one doesn’t (it’s kind of built in to the metal grill). There’s actually not a specific-size windscreen for the Icon.

@360MIX

Жыл бұрын

@@tombuck oh okay that explains it. Okay perfectly satisfied with this answer! Thanks for the review

These microphones look completely identical and sound the same to me

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

The difference becomes REALLY obvious with headphones, but on other speakers it definitely wouldn’t be as noticeable.

I’m starting to think he’s doing the puns on purpose

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

It’s really more of a brain condition. It’s been 36 years and I…can’t…stop…

Earthworks Mics are studio-quality mic's! There is NO bad Earthworks Mic (Yes I'm a fan I have 10) The only USB mic I have is Icon mini. The Ethos is the best MIC of the bunch! You were in full PUN mode today! WAIT it's Wednesday, not Thursday you messing me up...

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

I really love the Ethos. I mean, I love them all, but that mic absolutely stunned me with how great it sounds.

Thid dude looks old enough to be a dad. Excused.

The sona seems more harsh… If i had to listen to it all day my ears wouldn’t make it… The icon has that same (harshness)… Ethos and SM7B are smoother…

Huh. Funny that. The SM7b literally picks up the SAME background noise as all the others mics (including the Blue which is just gained down vs the condensers). In fact it picks up more than its dynamic competitor. Almost like what those of use who have been calling out the SM7b hype for years were right. Almost like physics is actually a thing. 😏😂🤣. It doesn’t even sound good. It’s a glorified 57. Spend your money on something better or just buy a 57.

@tombuck

22 күн бұрын

Wait you're telling me a mic can't break the laws of physics?!

@JamesArthurHurley

22 күн бұрын

@@tombuck Who would have thunk it. hahahaha

Not surprised you taught English. You love wordplay way too much! The epitome of "Wordplayful!"

@tombuck

Жыл бұрын

Haha, thanks Sean! Words is fun.

@seandaeley5438

Жыл бұрын

@@tombuck They is! That's ams grammar for you.

Shure Comp. should stop reviewers to compare sm7b with Ethos or Icon pro, these two brothers make the sm7b sound really bad side by side, and it also proves many of those buying sm7b are doing so by blindly following celeb that is using them but not consider the behind the curtain that goes into making them sound good even the SONA is better sound than sm7b, good work to earthworks audio for these two mics.

i just don't know what people hear. I owned both of these mics and sent them both back after being really unimpressed with the sound. They have a weird edgy kazoo sound in some frequencies. I wanted to love them but I really did not at all. Their SV33 is an incredible mic but these seem very "lets make something look cool for creators and grab that cash". They just do not hold up for the cost..even if they were cheaper I'd have sent them back.

@adenvalento

Жыл бұрын

What mic do you recommend?

@savethefails

Жыл бұрын

@@adenvalento it really depends on what you are using it for. Choosing a mic is so much more complex than most people make it sound.

@adenvalento

Жыл бұрын

@@savethefails for live streaming.

...constant wordplay