ZR
Quality all-round mic for cheap.
I needed a mic to use not only for music, but recording vocals, interviews and foley when working remotely. I wanted a mic that has a full 20-20K response, and that I feel happy taking on the road.
Sound:
The sound quality I get from recordings with this mic is excellent. I have used preamps in various zoom devices and also an RME audio interface. I have tried it with speaking, recording objects and also singing. I feel it gives a well rounded and accurate image of what you record. Any issues can be dealt with a little bit of EQ. I am not as experienced as some other engineers, but I found it easy to get good results with this mic.
The omni-directional capsule is very good at capturing overall ambiences, though in my case I expect to use the cardioid capsule most of the time.
I've found a shoot out between this mic and a Neumann on female vocals. In the blind A/B test, most people thought they sounded subtly different, but any perceived difference in quality is not reflected by the price difference. This mic sounds good.
The self-noise has not interfered with recording some fairly quiet sources, even with mobile preamps. It exists, but it has been nothing problematic for me.
Features:
The pad and cut being on the same switch is unfortunate. But there much more expensive mics that do not have any of these features. The cover is nice. The box is ugly, but works. The fact that it comes with two capsules is a big deal for me.
Quality
The pad/cut switch feels janky to me. Perhaps it's the unit, perhaps it's the model as a whole. I think this could have been better. I will try to operate it as little as possible.
The clamp is also plastic, so take care with threads.
The rest of the mic feels good. Screwing and unscrewing the capsule feels solid. Considering the price range, I deduct one start in this category.
Conclusion:
Overall, I am happy with this mic. I needed a quality general purpose mic that I felt comfortable taking on the road, and this mic delivers.
I did buy the mic fairly recently. I will try to update my review if there is a significant change in the future.
Thomann's service and handling was beyond reproach - as usual.
Sound:
The sound quality I get from recordings with this mic is excellent. I have used preamps in various zoom devices and also an RME audio interface. I have tried it with speaking, recording objects and also singing. I feel it gives a well rounded and accurate image of what you record. Any issues can be dealt with a little bit of EQ. I am not as experienced as some other engineers, but I found it easy to get good results with this mic.
The omni-directional capsule is very good at capturing overall ambiences, though in my case I expect to use the cardioid capsule most of the time.
I've found a shoot out between this mic and a Neumann on female vocals. In the blind A/B test, most people thought they sounded subtly different, but any perceived difference in quality is not reflected by the price difference. This mic sounds good.
The self-noise has not interfered with recording some fairly quiet sources, even with mobile preamps. It exists, but it has been nothing problematic for me.
Features:
The pad and cut being on the same switch is unfortunate. But there much more expensive mics that do not have any of these features. The cover is nice. The box is ugly, but works. The fact that it comes with two capsules is a big deal for me.
Quality
The pad/cut switch feels janky to me. Perhaps it's the unit, perhaps it's the model as a whole. I think this could have been better. I will try to operate it as little as possible.
The clamp is also plastic, so take care with threads.
The rest of the mic feels good. Screwing and unscrewing the capsule feels solid. Considering the price range, I deduct one start in this category.
Conclusion:
Overall, I am happy with this mic. I needed a quality general purpose mic that I felt comfortable taking on the road, and this mic delivers.
I did buy the mic fairly recently. I will try to update my review if there is a significant change in the future.
Thomann's service and handling was beyond reproach - as usual.
4
1
Report
d
just put the -10dB on
I wass using the mic on hihats or rides, and had a problem where when the drumer really hit hard the ride or on a hihat, the mic wold almost distort a bit. Once i put on the -10dB pad and the sound wass 100 times better. For the money thats a great mic for like hihats, maybe also acoustic guitar.
2
0
Report
S
Incredible, given the price.
1
0
Report
A
Excellent!
I have tested this microphone using Audiomatica Clio at 90dBSPL against an AKG 451 and they are virtually identical! Not sure about durability at present but it sound great! Why pay more?
1
0
Report
N
Perfect for rides and HiHats
Sounds great, looks great, small and easy to set up
0
0
Report
M
great Value
with 2 2 different heads it gives great options.
1
0
Report
I
Behringer b5
I just complain coz everything I bought from you guys work fine, this particular mic works really well and if you want to know it, just try it and you will see it yourself.
1
0
Report
K
Nice and cheap
Have got this one for a recording acoustic guitar (with a Mackie Onyx which I bye in a Thomson too)). So it do the job well and give to me what I”m expected. It”s go with a nice little box with a formed foam inside and it helped to keep the mic well. Nice mic for a little money.
0
0
Report
PA
Exceptional value condenser mic
Boughgt a pair of these as drum overheads for live applications. Not had chance to do any really critical listening to off-desk recordings, but they are quiet, detailed and fit the requirement perfectly.
Can't go wrong for a smooth sounding pencil condernser, with the useful features of low cut and pad built in. Build quality is iimpeccable - beautifully finished.
Can't go wrong for a smooth sounding pencil condernser, with the useful features of low cut and pad built in. Build quality is iimpeccable - beautifully finished.
1
0
Report
d
great cardioid condenser mic
I use this for vocals and acoustic instrument amplification depending on the situation. I run it through a zoom R8 where I can apply patches/drums if I want and out into a 60W amp. I LOVE this mic just as it came with the cardioid head fitted. The ability of the cardioid to pick up low frequencies when you get up close lets me sing songs/ranges that I just couldn't without it. I have a relatively high pitched singing voice- but this thing can make me sound like Johnny Cash!! A great small mic for "song craft" and tonal variation.
0
0
Report
