Review / Microphone / Various: Difference between revisions

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{{DivToc

|RightHead = Vocal Microphones for the {{L1}} Review

|RightBody = This is a review of several vocal microphones to be used with the Bose {{L1}} Portable PA Products. <br>This article is applicable to all {{L1}} and L1 Pro models.

|RightBody =

== Preface ==

This is a review of several vocal microphones to be used with the Bose {{L1}} Portable PA Products. <br>This article is applicable to all {{L1}} and L1 Pro models.

===Transitioning to Wireless===

January 17, 2022.

~~Last~~ updated July 2021 to include

[[File:L1 Pro32 Sennheiser EW-D Neumann KK 205 1024 x 987.jpg|250px|right|Neumann KK 205 with EW-D and L1 Pro32]]

I've recently updated all my wireless equipment for guitar and public speaking. The next step was vocal microphones. I perform with a microphone on a stand while I play guitar so I don't need a wireless microphone. However, I still do sound for others occasionally. Since I've been enjoying the clean, uncluttered look of running wireless it was time to reexamine everything.

After going through every microphone in my cabinet I'm happy to confirm the impressions I have shared in this article.

=== History ===

<html><details><summary>Details</summary></html>

==== Jan 2022 ====

Updated to include

* Wireless Evolution Wireless Digital (EW-D)

* [[Neumann KK 205]] wireless capsule

* [https://sennheiser.com/mm-445 Wireless Capsule Sennheiser MM 445] wireless capsule

==== July 2021====

Updated to include

* [https://audixusa.com/products/vx5/ Audix VX-5] Condenser, Supercardiod

* [[Sennheiser e 965]] Condenser, Supercardiod/Cardioid

* [[Sennheiser MD 435]] Dynamic, Supercardioid

* [[Sennheiser MD 445]] Dynamic, Cardioid

Originally posted to [https://community.bose.com/t5/Portable-PA/Microphone-Review-Comparison/m-p/314292 the Bose Community in 2004], updated in 2015, 2021, 2022.

Originally posted to [https://community.bose.com/t5/Portable-PA/Microphone-Review-Comparison/m-p/314292 the Bose Community in 2004] ~~and~~ updated in 2015

{{Editorial ST

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There are several microphones that perform exceedingly well with the Bose L1 systems. You will want to consider the type of music you are performing and the accompaniment as part of your selection criteria. Dynamic microphones may be a better choice for loud music with a busy mix. Condenser microphones are often better for conveying nuanced performances where the vocal is the central theme of the music.

I have split the review and comparison into two groups: Condenser and ~~dynamic~~ microphones.

I have split the review and comparison into two groups: Condenser and Dynamic microphones.

=== ~~Context~~ ===

=== The Singer and the Stage ===

As a singer, I am looking for a microphone for a male lead vocalist with a darker tone. I ~~can~~ struggle to be heard in a busy mix. With the wrong microphone, my voice is inarticulate and muffled. I ~~tend to~~ prefer the ~~faster response~~ and articulation I get with a good condenser microphone, over most lower-end dynamic microphones. However, for a loud stage, I will sacrifice fine-grained detail for projection ~~to be present~~ and ~~forward in the mix. I also need excellent off-axis rejection to minimize microphone bleed from other sound sources~~.

As a singer, I am looking for a microphone for a male lead vocalist with a darker tone. I struggle to be heard in a loud, busy mix. With the wrong microphone, my voice is inarticulate and muffled. I prefer the detail and articulation I get with a good condenser microphone, over most lower-end dynamic microphones. However, for a loud stage, I will sacrifice fine-grained detail for projection and presence.

== The Lineup ==

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=== Condenser ===

* [https://en-de.neumann.com/kms-105 Neumann KMS 105] $799

** [[Neumann KK 205]] Wireless microphone capsule equivalent for KMS 105 $999

* [http://rodemicrophones.com/S1WhatsNew.htm Rode S1] $599

* [http://www.shure.com/americas/products/microphones/beta/beta-87a-vocal-microphone Shure Beta 87a] $462

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<div>

===Dynamic ===

* [[Sennheiser MD 441]] $999

* [[Sennheiser MD 445]] $619

** [https://sennheiser.com/mm-445 Wireless Capsule Sennheiser MM 445] $619

* [[Sennheiser MD 435]] $619

* [[Sennheiser MD 445]] $619

* [[Beyerdynamic M88 N(c)]] $499

* [https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/microphones/beta_58a Shure Beta 58a] $300

* [http://www.audixusa.com/Acrobat/OM5_spec_sheet.pdf Audix OM5] $265

* [https://products.electrovoice.com/na/en/nd767a EV N/D767a] $150

</div>

== Studio Microphones ==

=== Studio Microphones ===

* [[Sony_C48_Microphone|Sony C48]] $1675

* [~~http~~://www.microtechgefell.de/~~index.php/en/microphones/studio-a~~-~~recording/large-membrane-transistor-mics/202-umt-70s~~ Microtech Geffel UMT 70S] [~~http~~:~~//www.microtechgefell.de/index.php/en/general~~-~~terms~~-~~and-conditions/doc_download/12-umt70s-english~~ pdf file] $1,600

* [https://www.microtechgefell.de/mikrofon?wl=164-UMT70S Microtech Geffel UMT 70S] [[Media:UMT-70-S_kB7eh.pdf|pdf file]] $1,600

I used the Sony C48 and the Microtech Geffel UMT 70S for baseline reference. These large-diaphragm condenser microphones with switchable patterns; Omni, cardioid, hyper-cardioid, and figure 8. The Microtech Geffel sounds similar to a Neumann U87. It is rumoured that they use the same capsule.

I used the Sony C48 and the Microtech Geffel UMT 70S for baseline reference. These large-diaphragm condenser microphones with switchable patterns; Omni, cardioid, hyper-cardioid, and figure 8. The Microtech Geffel sounds similar to a Neumann U87. It is rumoured that they use the same legendary M7 capsule.

I would not recommend these for frequent live applications. Neither is suited for hand-held use. <!-- They are better suited for recording given their relatively fragile nature. However, if you don't mind treating them with care, I would use these for an ensemble where you want to use a single microphone. Here, the switchable pattern (omnidirectional) might do very well.

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'''Dynamic'''

* Sennheiser MD 441

* Sennheiser MD 435

* Sennheiser MD 445

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* Shure Beta 58a

* Audix OM5

* EV N/D767a

See the section at the end (Testing) for details about how I tested.

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=== Application - High-Volume - Gain before Feedback ===

We are considering high-volume applications where gain before feedback is the priority

# Sennheiser MD 445

# Sennheiser MD 441 / Sennheiser MD 445 / Sennheiser MM 445 Wireless capsule

# Sennheiser MD 435

# Beyerdynamic M88

# Audix OM5

# EV N/D767a

# Shure Beta 58a

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.

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 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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The Audix OM5 sounds good, has a tight hypercardioid polar pattern, and there is a ToneMatch Preset for it.

The Shure Beta 58a is a fine upgrade from a Shure SM 58 (cardioid polar pattern). ~~However~~, the others on the list sound better to me.

The EV N/D767a is a terrific microphone, supercardioid polar pattern, and there is a ToneMatch Preset for it. It was a bargain before they were discontinued about five years ago.

The Shure Beta 58a is a fine upgrade from a Shure SM 58 (cardioid polar pattern). I have several of these on hand for vocalists who insist on using a Shure microphone. I put them through their paces in a recent review. While I understand their popularity, the others on the list sound better to me.

=== Application - Soloist ===

# Neumann KMS 105

# Neumann KMS 105 / [[Neumann KK 205]] Wireless capsule with Sennheiser EW-D Wireless

# Sennheiser e 965

# Audix VX-5

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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.

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.

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=== Microphone Polar Pattterns===

== Recommended Reading ==

[https://www.dpamicrophones.com/mic-university/10-statements-on-condenser-microphones-vs-dynamic 10 Statements on Condenser Microphones vs Dynamic]

[https://www.neumann.com/homestudio/en/what-is-a-dynamic-microphone What is a Dynamic Microphone]

[https://www.neumann.com/homestudio/en/what-is-a-condenser-microphone What is a Condenser Microphone]

[https://www.neumann.com/homestudio/en/cardioid-omni-figure-8-why-do-microphones-have-different-pickup-patterns Why Do Microphones Have Different Pickup Patterns?]

[https://www.neumann.com/homestudio/en/what-is-the-proximity-effect What is the Proximity Effect]

----

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 {{DivToc
 |RightHead = Vocal Microphones for the {{L1}} Review
-|RightBody = This is a review of several vocal microphones to be used with the Bose {{L1}} Portable PA Products. <br>This article is applicable to all {{L1}} and L1 Pro models.
+|RightBody =
+== Preface ==
+This is a review of several vocal microphones to be used with the Bose {{L1}} Portable PA Products. <br>This article is applicable to all {{L1}} and L1 Pro models.
+===Transitioning to Wireless===
+January 17, 2022.
-Last updated July 2021 to include
+[[File:L1 Pro32 Sennheiser EW-D Neumann KK 205 1024 x 987.jpg|250px|right|Neumann KK 205 with EW-D and L1 Pro32]]
+I've recently updated all my wireless equipment for guitar and public speaking. The next step was vocal microphones. I perform with a microphone on a stand while I play guitar so I don't need a wireless microphone. However, I still do sound for others occasionally. Since I've been enjoying the clean, uncluttered look of running wireless it was time to reexamine everything.
+After going through every microphone in my cabinet I'm happy to confirm the impressions I have shared in this article.
+=== History ===
+<html><details><summary>Details</summary></html>
+==== Jan 2022 ====
+Updated to include
+* Wireless Evolution Wireless Digital (EW-D)
+* [[Neumann KK 205]] wireless capsule
+* [https://sennheiser.com/mm-445 Wireless Capsule Sennheiser MM 445] wireless capsule
+==== July 2021====
+Updated to include
 * [https://audixusa.com/products/vx5/ Audix VX-5] Condenser, Supercardiod
 * [[Sennheiser e 965]] Condenser, Supercardiod/Cardioid
 * [[Sennheiser MD 435]] Dynamic, Supercardioid
 * [[Sennheiser MD 445]] Dynamic, Cardioid
+<html></details></html>
+Originally posted to [https://community.bose.com/t5/Portable-PA/Microphone-Review-Comparison/m-p/314292 the Bose Community in 2004], updated in 2015, 2021, 2022.
-Originally posted to [https://community.bose.com/t5/Portable-PA/Microphone-Review-Comparison/m-p/314292 the Bose Community in 2004] and updated in 2015
 {{Editorial ST
@@ Line 35: / Line 51: @@
 There are several microphones that perform exceedingly well with the Bose L1 systems. You will want to consider the type of music you are performing and the accompaniment as part of your selection criteria. Dynamic microphones may be a better choice for loud music with a busy mix. Condenser microphones are often better for conveying nuanced performances where the vocal is the central theme of the music.
-I have split the review and comparison into two groups: Condenser and dynamic microphones.
+I have split the review and comparison into two groups: Condenser and Dynamic microphones.
-=== Context ===
+=== The Singer and the Stage ===
-As a singer, I am looking for a microphone for a male lead vocalist with a darker tone. I can struggle to be heard in a busy mix. With the wrong microphone, my voice is inarticulate and muffled. I tend to prefer the faster response and articulation I get with a good condenser microphone, over most lower-end dynamic microphones. However, for a loud stage, I will sacrifice fine-grained detail for projection to be present and forward in the mix. I also need excellent off-axis rejection to minimize microphone bleed from other sound sources.
+As a singer, I am looking for a microphone for a male lead vocalist with a darker tone. I struggle to be heard in a loud, busy mix. With the wrong microphone, my voice is inarticulate and muffled. I prefer the detail and articulation I get with a good condenser microphone, over most lower-end dynamic microphones. However, for a loud stage, I will sacrifice fine-grained detail for projection and presence.
 == The Lineup ==
@@ Line 46: / Line 62: @@
 === Condenser ===
 * [https://en-de.neumann.com/kms-105 Neumann KMS 105] $799
+** [[Neumann KK 205]] Wireless microphone capsule equivalent for KMS 105 $999
 * [http://rodemicrophones.com/S1WhatsNew.htm Rode S1] $599
 * [http://www.shure.com/americas/products/microphones/beta/beta-87a-vocal-microphone Shure Beta 87a] $462
@@ Line 54: / Line 71: @@
 <div>
 ===Dynamic ===
+* [[Sennheiser MD 441]] $999
+* [[Sennheiser MD 445]] $619
+** [https://sennheiser.com/mm-445 Wireless Capsule Sennheiser MM 445] $619
 * [[Sennheiser MD 435]] $619
-* [[Sennheiser MD 445]] $619
 * [[Beyerdynamic M88 N(c)]] $499
 * [https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/microphones/beta_58a Shure Beta 58a] $300
 * [http://www.audixusa.com/Acrobat/OM5_spec_sheet.pdf Audix OM5] $265
+* [https://products.electrovoice.com/na/en/nd767a EV N/D767a] $150
 </div>
 <div style="border-style: solid;  border-width: 1px; border-radius: 15px; padding-left: 20px;">
-== Studio Microphones ==
+=== Studio Microphones ===
 * [[Sony_C48_Microphone|Sony C48]] $1675
-* [http://www.microtechgefell.de/index.php/en/microphones/studio-a-recording/large-membrane-transistor-mics/202-umt-70s Microtech Geffel UMT 70S] [http://www.microtechgefell.de/index.php/en/general-terms-and-conditions/doc_download/12-umt70s-english pdf file] $1,600
+* [https://www.microtechgefell.de/mikrofon?wl=164-UMT70S Microtech Geffel UMT 70S] [[Media:UMT-70-S_kB7eh.pdf|pdf file]] $1,600
-I used the Sony C48 and the Microtech Geffel UMT 70S for baseline reference. These large-diaphragm condenser microphones with switchable patterns; Omni, cardioid, hyper-cardioid, and figure 8. The Microtech Geffel sounds similar to a Neumann U87. It is rumoured that they use the same capsule.
+I used the Sony C48 and the Microtech Geffel UMT 70S for baseline reference. These large-diaphragm condenser microphones with switchable patterns; Omni, cardioid, hyper-cardioid, and figure 8. The Microtech Geffel sounds similar to a Neumann U87. It is rumoured that they use the same legendary M7 capsule.
 I would not recommend these for frequent live applications.  Neither is suited for hand-held use. <!-- They are better suited for recording given their relatively fragile nature. However, if you don't mind treating them with care, I would use these for an ensemble where you want to use a single microphone. Here, the switchable pattern (omnidirectional) might do very well.
@@ Line 82: / Line 102: @@
 '''Dynamic'''
+* Sennheiser MD 441
 * Sennheiser MD 435
 * Sennheiser MD 445
@@ Line 87: / Line 108: @@
 * Shure Beta 58a
 * Audix OM5
+* EV N/D767a
 See the section at the end (Testing) for details about how I tested.
@@ Line 95: / Line 117: @@
 === Application - High-Volume - Gain before Feedback ===
 We are considering high-volume applications where gain before feedback is the priority
-# Sennheiser MD 445
+# Sennheiser MD 441 / Sennheiser MD 445 / Sennheiser MM 445 Wireless capsule
 # Sennheiser MD 435
 # Beyerdynamic M88
 # Audix OM5
+# EV N/D767a
 # Shure Beta 58a
-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.
+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 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.
@@ Line 109: / Line 136: @@
 The Audix OM5 sounds good, has a tight hypercardioid polar pattern, and there is a ToneMatch Preset for it.
-The Shure Beta 58a is a fine upgrade from a Shure SM 58 (cardioid polar pattern). However, the others on the list sound better to me.
+The EV N/D767a is a terrific microphone, supercardioid polar pattern, and there is a ToneMatch Preset for it. It was a bargain before they were discontinued about five years ago.
+The Shure Beta 58a is a fine upgrade from a Shure SM 58 (cardioid polar pattern). I have several of these on hand for vocalists who insist on using a Shure microphone. I put them through their paces in a recent review. While I understand their popularity, the others on the list sound better to me.
 === Application - Soloist ===
-# Neumann KMS 105
+# Neumann KMS 105 / [[Neumann KK 205]] Wireless capsule with Sennheiser EW-D Wireless
 # Sennheiser e 965
 # Audix VX-5
@@ Line 127: / Line 156: @@
 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.
@@ Line 251: / Line 278: @@
 === Microphone Polar Pattterns===
 {{Microphone Polar Pattern}}
+== Recommended Reading ==
+[https://www.dpamicrophones.com/mic-university/10-statements-on-condenser-microphones-vs-dynamic 10 Statements on Condenser Microphones vs Dynamic]
+[https://www.neumann.com/homestudio/en/what-is-a-dynamic-microphone What is a Dynamic Microphone]
+[https://www.neumann.com/homestudio/en/what-is-a-condenser-microphone What is a Condenser Microphone]
+[https://www.neumann.com/homestudio/en/cardioid-omni-figure-8-why-do-microphones-have-different-pickup-patterns Why Do Microphones Have Different Pickup Patterns?]
+[https://www.neumann.com/homestudio/en/what-is-the-proximity-effect What is the Proximity Effect]
 ----