Review / Microphone / Various: Difference between revisions

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===Dynamic ===
===Dynamic ===
* [[Sennheiser MD 441]] $999
* [[Sennheiser MD 445]] $619
* [[Sennheiser MD 445]] $619
** [https://sennheiser.com/mm-445 Wireless Capsule Sennheiser MM 445] $619
** [https://sennheiser.com/mm-445 Wireless Capsule Sennheiser MM 445] $619
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'''Dynamic'''
'''Dynamic'''
* Sennheiser MD 441
* Sennheiser MD 435
* Sennheiser MD 435
* Sennheiser MD 445
* Sennheiser MD 445
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=== Application - High-Volume - Gain before Feedback ===
=== Application - High-Volume - Gain before Feedback ===
We are considering high-volume applications where gain before feedback is the priority
We are considering high-volume applications where gain before feedback is the priority
# Sennheiser MD 445 / Sennheiser MM 445 Wireless capsule  
# Sennheiser MD 441 / Sennheiser MD 445 / Sennheiser MM 445 Wireless capsule  
# Sennheiser MD 435  
# Sennheiser MD 435  
# Beyerdynamic M88
# Beyerdynamic M88
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# EV N/D767a
# EV N/D767a
# Shure Beta 58a
# Shure Beta 58a
The [[Sennheiser MD 441]] is tied with the [[Sennheiser MD 445]] for first choice. Sennheiser released this microphone in 1971. The apocryphal tale is this was the result of a challenge at Sennheiser to create a dynamic microphone that is as good as a condenser. There is a five-position roll-off selector and a brilliance switch, making it easy to adjust the response right on the microphone. It has a tight supercardioid polar pattern. The [[Gain Before Feedback|gain before feedback]] sets it ahead of everything else on the list except the Sennheiser MD 445 below. Projection and clarity are exceptional.  [[Sennheiser MD 441|Read more]]


The [[Sennheiser MD 445]] is my first choice. Sennheiser released this microphone in late 2020. It has an extremely tight supercardioid polar pattern. The [[Gain Before Feedback|gain before feedback]] sets it ahead of everything else on the list. It has a lift in the upper midrange and details in the highs that comes close to sounding like a good condenser microphone. This also helps me to project, compete, and be heard in a busy stage mix. [[Sennheiser MD 445|Read more]]
The [[Sennheiser MD 445]] is my first choice. Sennheiser released this microphone in late 2020. It has an extremely tight supercardioid polar pattern. The [[Gain Before Feedback|gain before feedback]] sets it ahead of everything else on the list. It has a lift in the upper midrange and details in the highs that comes close to sounding like a good condenser microphone. This also helps me to project, compete, and be heard in a busy stage mix. [[Sennheiser MD 445|Read more]]


The Sennheiser MD 435 is perhaps the only microphone with a cardioid polar pattern I would happily use with an {{L1}}. Like its sibling (MD 445), the MD 435 has a vocal flattering EQ, and the off-axis rejection is very good for a cardioid microphone. The sound is excellent, with less emphasis in the upper midrange compared to the MD 445. For a female vocalist, I would consider this instead of the MD 445.
The Sennheiser MD 435 is perhaps the only microphone with a cardioid polar pattern I would happily use with an {{L1}}. Like its sibling (MD 445), the MD 435 has a vocal flattering EQ, and the off-axis rejection is very good for a cardioid microphone. The sound is excellent, with less emphasis in the upper midrange compared to the MD 445. For a female vocalist, I would consider this instead of the MD 445.
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I got the Audix VX-5 in 2018. It is an excellent microphone that took the number two spot on my list. Since then, the Sennheiser e 965 has bumped it down to number three.
I got the Audix VX-5 in 2018. It is an excellent microphone that took the number two spot on my list. Since then, the Sennheiser e 965 has bumped it down to number three.


The AKG C585, Rode S1, and the Shure Beta 87a sound very similar to me. Well defined, accurate, but lacking the lustre of the Neumann KMS105 and Sennheiser e 965.  
The AKG C585, Rode S1, and the Shure Beta 87a sound very similar to me. Well defined, accurate, but lacking the lustre of the Neumann KMS105 and Sennheiser e 965. The AKG C585 comes ahead of the others because it has switches to provide -10 dB attenuation and low-frequency roll-off. This is good for controlling the [[Proximity Effect|proximity effect]] that occurs with many directional microphones when you use the close-microphone technique ("eat the mic").
 
The AKG C585 comes ahead of the others because it has switches to provide -10 dB attenuation and low-frequency roll-off. This is good for controlling the [[Proximity Effect|proximity effect]] that occurs with many directional microphones when you use the close-microphone technique ("eat the mic").
   
   
The Shure Beta 87a is at the bottom of the list because it was the most difficult to control for feedback of all of the condenser microphones. This would be a concern in a handheld situation.
The Shure Beta 87a is at the bottom of the list because it was the most difficult to control for feedback of all of the condenser microphones. This would be a concern in a handheld situation.