Showing posts with label microphones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label microphones. Show all posts

Apex APEX460 Tube Condenser Microphone Review

Apex APEX460 Tube Condenser Microphone
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This mic by APEX is an excellent example of workmanship on a budget. It contains the exact same electronics as the higher priced R-F-T Telefunken M16. The tube in the 460 is actually quieter than the M16's tube. If you want the sound of a classic tube mic, but don't want to break your piggy bank, this is the mic for you.

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The APEX460 Tube Microphone is aggressively priced, yet superior sounding large diaphragm studio condenser capable of competing easily with much more expensive microphones in this class. The APEX460 is high performance, yet truly affordable large diaphragm condenser microphone. They are an outstanding choice for the main microphone for any professional studio, home studio, or any of the computer based direct to hard drive recording systems now available. APEX460 is also an outstanding choice for live sound reinforcement or live recording. They have proven themselves as overhead mics for drum kits, for guitar or bass cabinets where superior sound quality and high sound pressure handling is required, or as the mic of choice for saxophones, flutes, acoustic guitars or acoustic bass where subtlety and clarity is paramount.

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sE Electronics sE2200a Class A Cardioid Condenser Microphone Review

sE Electronics sE2200a Class A Cardioid Condenser Microphone
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I use Neumann, AKG, Mojave Audio, Sennheiser and Rode mics in my studio. I sometimes prefer this mic over Neumann for close micing, especially when cutting acoustic/vocal tracks. It's very detailed presence is flawless and velvety smooth without accentuating any unnecessary higher frequencies. Don't let the price of the SE2200A fool you. It's a gem of a mic and rests in the mix without harshness, sizzling with a shiny authority, especially in lower register male vocalizations. The shock mount holds up to my Neumann TLM 103 shock mount. In fact, my TLM 103 shock mount cost as much as the entire SE2200A mic, shock mount and case combined. It has a clean contemporary, yet vintage design and sexy appeal in the studio. It looks and sounds much more expensive than it's low price tag. I'm surprised not to find this mic listed at some stores - Amazon is cool to distribute it. A local credible engineer suggested the SE2200A to me. I was not misinformed and am thankful for his knowledge. I like to interchange mics to lessen boring vocals and instruments and to mix up my tracks with various personality, so it's a pleasing addition to my studio mic cache.

Click Here to see more reviews about: sE Electronics sE2200a Class A Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The sE Electronics sE2200a condenser utilizes a hand crafted, gold sputtered 1.0" diaphragm with class A electronics, offering a clean, crisp, open and lively tone. Shock mount and deluxe aluminum flight case included.

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RODE NT1A Cardioid Condenser Microphone Review

RODE NT1A Cardioid Condenser Microphone
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If you are in to producing/engineering and want a super mean condensor mic without spending alot of cash, this is one to get; very cheap with an extremely expensive sound. It does not have any polar switches or any built in eq's, but most all DAW's do have eq's and phase reverse abilities. Plus, its better to cut freq's that are there, then to try and boost freq's that aren't there; the latter is impossible actually. I'm telling you, don't let the price tag throw you off; this baby makes everything sound good. I've used it on vocals, acoustic guitars, drums as an overhead/ride mic as well as a room mic for ambience. I also have a matched pair of NT 5's that are also absolutely amazing. Rode is a great Australian company that makes amazing mics with a 10 year warranty; yep...10 years. Get one, you won't be dissapointed. Remember though, bad acoustics = bad recording sound.

Click Here to see more reviews about: RODE NT1A Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The original NT1 was voted "Best Microphone at Any Price" by the editors of Electronic Musician magazine. The NT1A delivers performance usually associated with higher priced microphones. Features: large capsule (1") with gold-plated membrane; cardioid polar pattern; ultra low noise, transformerless circuitry; state of the art surface mount electronics; heavy-duty satin-nickel finish; internal shock mounting system; gold plated output connectors; true condenser (externally biased); full frequency response. The NT1A will blow you away! Ultra low-noise, transformerless circuitry.Cardioid polar pattern.Large capsule (1") with gold-plated membrane.Surface mount electronics.Heavy-duty satin-nickel finish.Internal shock mounting system.Gold plated output connectors.True condenser design (externally biased). WARRANTYAll RODE products are warrantied for 1 year from the date of purchase. Your purchase may be registered ?on-line? or by mailing the warranty card. The RODE Warranty covers parts and labour that may be required to repair the microphone during the warranty period.The Warranty excludes defects caused by normal wear, modification, shipping damage or failure to use the microphone as per RODE's Instruction Guide.

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Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Cardioid Microphone Review

Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Cardioid Microphone
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I am an independent hip hop producer/ artist. I love this mic because of its versatility. It's gonna capture those lower freqs on the vocals much better than the staple home studio MXL900 mic. It seems a favorite in the hip hop world...at least for beginners. I added the RE20 into the mix with a AKG Perception 100 (which really does no justice for lows). When used together as an acoustic equalization...very nice sounds. Back to the RE20... If the vocalist has a high voice, its a great mic and if the vocalist has a more bassy voice...its a great mic. You might be using a rolloff a bit though as it seems to capture those freqs well. As it advertises, you can get all up in the mic as most rappers do. I emphasize rappers because the abrasiveness of the style in its attack.
I am currently powered by an M-Audio Ultra Track preamp...which as a 45db gain on it. Many say the RE20 will need a really high boost. I'm not going to agree. With the preamp I'm using, the pot is turned up a little passed the half way mark, leaving plenty of head room. As you can see, its construction is also worthy of the title "workhorse". I hate the default mic holder, though...so wimpy and non adjustable. While the fancy upgrade does look a lot nicer and is more secure, you CAN find the right angle to place the mic w/o it falling over. This kinda depends on you needs for mic placement. If you need the mic to be parallel to the ground...get the upgrade. If you can work with the mic at a 45 degree angle, pointing upward..the stand holder will work.
As for the price...GREATNESS!...Some of the other sites are asking for $700-$800. Craziness. Thank you AMAZON.com
Guy Shifty

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The Electro-Voice RE20 is a professional-quality dynamic cardioid microphone created specially for recording, broadcast and sound-reinforcement applications requiring essentially flat response over a very wide frequency range. The wide frequency res...

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MXL V69MEDT Large Diaphram Condenser Tube Microphone Review

MXL V69MEDT Large Diaphram  Condenser Tube Microphone
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I bought this after reading a review that compared it favorably to some very expensive ($10K+) mics. I don't have a $10K+ mic to compare it to, but it is a definite step up from several very good $400 mics that I use for recording guitar, mandolin and vocals. It is a terrific value and a very very good mic.

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The MXL V69 Mogami Edition is a large diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone. Its classic sound enhances vocal and instrument performances in professional and home studio environments. The wide dynamic range and warm sonic characteristics make the V69 a perfect complement to all analog and digital recording devices. The V69 is internally wired with World-renowned Mogami Cable for sonic integrity and comes with deluxe flight case, high-isolation shock mount, dedicated power supply, Mogami 7-pin and XLR microphone cables and wind screen.

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M-Audio Solaris Multipattern Condenser Microphone Review

M-Audio Solaris Multipattern Condenser Microphone
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Happy with product, only took about a week. It actually came with a shock mount which that wasn't list to come with it. Thanks

Click Here to see more reviews about: M-Audio Solaris Multipattern Condenser Microphone

The Solaris is a large-capsule condenser microphone that sounds as good as it looks. Beneath the stylish exterior lies the best-sounding solid-state electronics available at any price. Vintage design principles merge with incredibly tight manufacturing standards to yield no more than +/-1dB of deviation across the entire 20Hz-20kHz frequency range. The industry-thinnest evaporated gold diaphragm also delivers incredible sensitivity. Multi-pattern architecture provides flexibility that makes it ideal for just about any miking situation--included capturing vocals, guitar, piano, drums and live events. It's like having three mics in one.

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Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone Review

Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone
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For recording my voice (baritone), it does a great job. For extra warmth that means close-miking, which in turn means not popping your p's, etc. If you hold it close to your mouth but don't directly face it end-on, that's easily done (or get a pop filter). [...].
The microphone electronics are extremely quiet - the audio is sampled at 18 bits.
It comes with a warranty which is easily extended to 10 years for free.
The real-time headphone monitoring is a great idea and works well.
It's a bit heavy (part of being built like a tank), and you need to think a little about how you're going to mount it, since some cheap desktop stands can barely manage it.
Some things to keep in mind are:
1) It likes close-miking (at least for male voices)
2) It is USB-only
3) It is a on the bit large and heavy side.
If those don't bother you, and the price is in your range, then you will probably like it a lot.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone

The Rode Podcaster is the easiest way to record high quality vocals or audio on your computer and upload them to the world.Seamless integration was the idea, and it was obtained by creating a studio dynamic microphone with unparalleled A/D converters, so that the microphone can be plugged into any computer with no in/out boxes, no expensive computer pre-amps, just a USB cable.The Podcaster offers an end-address configuration, the clarity of RØDE's tailored-for-voice frequency response, an ON L.E.D, a direct headphone amp, and of course very low self noise.The Podcaster opens up possibilities for anyone who records audio from podcasters, journalists and students to business people adding audio files to websites and multimedia presentations.

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Shure SM7B Dynamic Vocal Microphone Review

Shure SM7B Dynamic Vocal Microphone
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If you are looking for a microphone for voice-overs or broadcast use, THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO BUY.
The Shure SM-5 and SM-7 microphones are the best voice mics ever made. The large SM-5 is no longer made, so you can only find it used, but the SM-7 is just as good.Either one, you have the best.
Don't let the price fool you. I have brought this in to studios that have $3000 Neuman condenser mics and they laughed when I said I wanted to use my $300 Shure mic instead.I told them to put up both mics and do an A/B test while I spoke into each of them. The three other audio engineers in the studio had to agree, the Shure was better and it was a night and day difference, not hard at all to decide it was best.
This mic has a warmth and rich sound no other mic can give you.
Even industry publications like MIX MAGAZINE and RadioWorld have done reviews where they did the same tests and said the same things about this mic in comparison to the expensive condenser mics...
--------------------------------------------
from MIX MAGAZINE, March 1998, page 53:
Eric Paul has made a career out of recording country giants like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and many others: "My favorite overall microphone for voices is the Shure SM-5. If they can't get a Shure SM-5, they can still get Shure SM-7s, which are still available. If you've tried out three very expensive tube mics and you aren't happy with any of them, then the next step should immediately be a Shure SM-7. I will almost always guarentee you that if the expensive mic doesn't work, an SM-7 will. For some reason, people sound better on them."----------------------------------------------
from RADIO WORLD, February 18 1998, page 62:
Joe Stack, director of engineering for ABC radio said: "When I worked at WATH in Athens, Ohio, I had someone call and offer me ten RE-20s for the three SM-5s we had. I turned him down." ------------------------------------------
from EQ MAGAZINE, July 2006 issue:
The SM7 is perhaps most famous for being used as the vocal microphone on Michael Jackson's Thriller engineered by Bruce Swedien. -----------------------------------------------
Some interesting facts about the SM-7..."When we were doing "Off The Wall", "Thriller" and "Bad" I ended up with 6 Shure SM7's. That is a fantastic mike." - Bruce Swedien
The Red Hot Chili Peppers have used the SM 7 on vocals on every album they have done.
You can see James Hetfield from Metallica singing into a Shure SM 7 on the "Some Kind Of Monster" DVD.
----------------------------------------
Another thing I have noticed in the studio, is that some of my other mics require gating and downward expanders on the mics to get rid of room noise, but the SM-7 doesn't need it. It is quiet all by itself.
And to save many hours trying to edit out mouth noises, clicks and smacks from voice-over talent that use expensive CONDENSER microphones, just have them use the SM-7 next time, and no more wasted time editing out mouth noises anymore.Throughout the years on the Howard Stern Show, they have replaced and tried all sorts of microphones, from the Electrovoice RE-20 to Neuman mics. But if you notice, the Co-host, Robin Quivers, STILL uses the Shure SM-7 and refuses to change to any of the other mics. You can see throughout the years on the TV show that although the mics are always changing for everyone else, Robin ALWAYS has the SM-7 to this day.
Since the Howard Stern Show has moved to Sirrius Sattelite, the show had to buy new microphones, (couldn't take them with from CBS) and everyone seems to be using the same mics they did before. Robin has another SM-7 so she really likes this mic! It looks different now, because she has the larger windscreen that now comes with the SM-7.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Shure SM7B Dynamic Vocal Microphone

The Shure SM7B Dynamic Vocal Microphone is a cardioid studio mic with a smooth, flat, wide-range frequency response appropriate for music and speech in all professional audio applications.The SM7B features excellent shielding against electromagnetic hum generated by computer monitors, neon lights, and other electrical devices. The SM7B has been updated from earlier models with an improved bracket design that offers greater stability. In addition to its standard windscreen, it also includes the A7WS windscreen for close-talk applications. The SM7B Includes a foam winscreen, close-talk windscreen, and a locking yoke mount.Shure SM7B Features:Flat, wide-range frequency response for exceptionally clean and natural reproduction of both music and speechBass rolloff and mid-range emphasis (presence boost) controls with graphic display of response settingImproved rejection of electromagnetic hum, optimized for shielding against broadband interference emitted by computer monitorsInternalair suspensionshock isolation virtually eliminates mechanical noise transmissionHighly effective pop filter eliminates need for any add-on protection against explosive breath sounds, even for close-up vocals or narrationNow shipping with the A7WS detachable windscreen, designed to reduce plosive sounds and gives a warmer tone for close-talk vocalsYoke mounting with captive stand nut for easy mounting and dismounting provides precise control of microphone positionClassic cardioid polar pattern, uniform with frequency and symmetrical about axis, to provide maximum rejection and minimum coloration of off-axis soundRugged construction and excellent cartridge protection for outstanding reliabilityReplacement cartridge:RPM106

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Asus Xonor Xense Premium Gaming Audio Set (Acoustics Powered by Sennheiser) Review

Asus Xonor Xense Premium Gaming Audio Set (Acoustics Powered by Sennheiser)
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I had previously owned an Asus Xonar DG. When my headset/mic combo died, I decided it was time to try out the Xonar Xense.
The Xense comes with a Senneheiser PC-350 headset. The headset, simply put, is amazing. It's a closed, circumaural, headset and it sounds incredible. The mic swings out of the way, so it's not in the way when you're not using it. And the closed headphones give a wonderful and isolated experience, that won't bother those around you despite the volume your crank them up to. But you really don't get the most out of these headphones, unless your device has the power to push them. Don't get me wrong, they sound great no matter what you connect to them. However, you really only get the best out of these headphones when you hook them up to a nice receiver or a headphone amp, which is where the Xense comes in.
The Xense includes an onboard powered headphone amp. The nice thing about the amp is that that opamps are also replaceable. So, you've got the option to tweak your sound a little too. Together, the Xense and the PC-350 headset deliver some really impressive sound. Listening to some lossless music, FLAC or WMA 9.2 lossless, is simply amazing. I heard things (instruments, tones, etc) in my music that I'd never heard before. It is just simply amazing the difference a headphone amp can make when it comes to audio fidelity. The sound in gaming and in movies in incredible too.
All in all, if you've got the cash to spend, this set is a must have. For those of you that want to take the experience a little further, I recommend replacing the opamps that come installed on the soundcard with a pair of LME49720 opamps. The sound gets a little closer to the warmth and range you get from a tube amp. Or if you really want to take it over the top, and you've got more money than you really know what to do with, pick up an Asus Xonar Essence STX and set of PC-360's. Your wallet may hate you, but your ears will love you.


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ASUS Xonar Xense - World's first audio total solution optimized for FPS games The new ASUS Xonar Xense and Sennheiser PC350 Xense Edition package is the result of close cooperation between ASUS and one of the world's premier, most respected makers of personal audio gear, Sennheiser. As the world's first audio total solution optimized for FPS games, Xonar Xense is a perfectly matched combination of cutting edge audio card and superior quality headphones that revolutionizes immersive sound awareness for serious gamers. The two products combine to create unbeatable sonic experiences in PC gaming that are sure to be appreciated by hardcore gamers, especially those keen on first person shooters and competitive online play.

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MXL USB 009 24BIT/96KHZ USB Condenser Mic Review

MXL USB 009 24BIT/96KHZ  USB Condenser Mic
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For years I've been working with traditional XLR cardioid condenser mics (love my Neumann TLM) but I've had to travel a lot lately, and humping the XLR cables, pre-amp, and heavy mics through airports and hotels has gotten to be a real bother, so I started The Hunt for a Great USB Mic.
Now, there are good USB mics out there for under $100, and Blue's Snowball is adequate. At ~$70 you get what you pay for. It is ok for podcasting, if you aren't too picky about sound quality. I had one shipped to me, didn't like that background hum, sent it back thinking it was a problem with the mic, and got another one that sounded exactly the same. (And yes, I read all the instructions and advice and made all the adjustments. I even tried it on Mac, Laptop, and PC--so spare me the "oh did you try this, and you're an idiot because you didn't try that" Snowball fanboy snarkiness ;).
So, when I returned the Snowball, I considered getting Blue's Yeti, but it's sheer size disqualified it -- the mic is way too big and heavy to be considered remotely portable, and since I like to record standing-up instead of sitting down, I worried that it would be too heavy for my boom.
Having eliminated Blue's mics, I tried the Samson G Track at ~$120 and the AudioTechnica AT2020 at ~$110. I like that the Samson has the headphone output and the gain controls (which the AT does not) and better recording quality versus the AT2020 at 48kHz versus 44.1kHz. However, the Sampson weighs a half-pound more. For both mics the sound quality is great for podcasting, and while vastly superior to the Blue Snowball, and certainly adequate for most vocals that will be supported with background music, neither mic produces recordings clean enough and of high enough quality (limited to 16bit) for pure narration (IMHO).
So I upped my price-point again. And found THE perfect USB mic for voice-overs at ~$275. The MXL USB.009. It records at 24Bit/96kHz -- a huge improvement over the 16Bit/44.1kHz of all the other mics. It has the benefits of a mic jack and knobs for gain control like the Samson G Track, and is Plug and Play. I don't have to tweak anything on my Mac or my PC. It is lightweight, so I'm not worried about my boom tipping, and there is no background hum. I like the steel carrying case -- it weighs about 6 pounds with the mic and USB cable -- and makes it easy to carry through airport security.
Yes, the MXL USB.009 is 4x the cost of the Blue Snowball and 2.5x the cost of the Samson G Track and the AT2020, but for me, it is worth it. I not only do podcasting, but I do professional voice-over work, and I need something that will give me the convenience of direct USB recording with near-studio quality.

Click Here to see more reviews about: MXL USB 009 24BIT/96KHZ USB Condenser Mic

Producing a 24-bit/96 kHz feature-rich USB microphone for the professional broadcast and music industry meant no compromises on quality. The MXL® USB.009 features a large diaphragm, 32mm capsule, similar to what\'s found on the world\'s best analog microphones. With zero latency monitoring, hand selected components and analog rotary knobs to dial in the perfect mix, the MXL® USB.009 replaces an entire studio. When it\'s time to listen back to the tracks you\'ve recorded, it will impress with its amazing detail and punch. The MXL® USB.009 is a simple, feature-rich, elegantall-in-one recording solution that is nothing short of professional!
24-bit A/D and D/A 96 kHzrecording
114 dB dynamic range
Large gold sputtered diaphragm
USB 1.1 and 2.0 compatible
Zero latency monitoring
Analog gain control before A/D
Hand selected components
USB powered - no externalpower needed
Plug and play with no preamps, mixers or any other externaldevices required
Includes: • Mic • Aluminum flight case • Desktop Stand • Mic stand adapter • 10\' USB cable • Cleaning cloth • Manual

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Pyle PDWM8300 Professional Conference Desktop VHF Wireless Microphone System Review

Pyle PDWM8300 Professional Conference Desktop VHF Wireless Microphone System
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This item does fit in the pro category. In comparison to what's out there, this cost effective system made my install easy breezy, and there is absolutely no feed back or cross talk in the mics. The pick up doesn't seem to be as good as the wired version for some reason but wired always better.

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This 8-channel wireless microphone system is the kit you need to hold large teleconferences. It includes 8 tabletop microphones and a receiver with 8 inputs and dual telescoping antennas. Each antenna has its own corresponding volume control on the receiver. Outputs over ¼" individual line outputs and mixes ¼" outputs. Operates within 50-180 meters. Runs on 110 and 220 V AC.

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Shure PGX14/93 Lavalier Wireless System, L5 Review

Shure PGX14/93 Lavalier Wireless System, L5
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I got this at a local Guitar Center in Pasadena, CA. the label sign said $648 and they realized it was mispriced. In stores it's actually $399.99 and he gave me 10% off because I really wanted the lower model PG14 which they don't carry in stores.
At our church, we rent out a school auditorium where there's no sound padding. We currently have a Shure wireless handheld (looks like a Pg14 + handheld but I think it's some older model) and a Sennheiser wireless lapel system that's been giving us a lot of interference/feedback.
First I tried the new AKG wireless presenter set and it had a lot of pops and feedback even though we adjusted the squelch and other areas.
So we tried this PGX14/WL93 system and this past Sunday there was no feedback, pops, in interference. We only experienced the clean and clear interference-free sound that comes from Shure.
On the base unit, I mounted it on top of our other Shure (which was set to channel) 1 and pressed channel and it seems like channel 9 was the only available option (7, 8, 9 at first, but now just 9). I think this is fine as we won't be adding more wireless systems, as of yet.
Once we popped in the 2 AA batteries into the transmitter unit I brought the unit over to the wireless base and hit "auto-sync". I wasn't sure if it was 1 tap or hold so I held it and it synced. After that, everything worked beautifully.
I appreciated that the body transmitter was easy to use. Hold the top button for power (green), push once for mute (orange), and again for unmute (green). On the side there's a gain switch for mic (high), 0 (medium), -10db (low). the "0" level was the best because mic was too loud and pitchy.
The lavaliere mic was great. I originally thought it would pick up too many other ambient sounds since it's a condenser mic but even with the band playing in the back the speaker was the only voice captured in the mic. there were no pops from "p" sounds and it did not have ruffling sounds on the shirt/jacket (I did not put on the wind screen which is quite big and odd looking). All we received was clear sound.
The other good thing about this model (transmitter) is that you can use 3 different lavaliere mics: WL93 (which it came with), the higher end WL185, or the lower end PG185 which comes with the PG14/PG185.
WL93: $80, WL185: $100. PG185:$40.
Having loved the countryman, I am now completely fine with the above options. Countrymans break and cost $400+ just to replace the mic (yes just the mic!). I don't know how the lower end PG185 is, but I assume it's Shure clear. So for $40-$100 to replace a lavaliere mic, I would gladly choose this over and over again! And Shure will be the brand of choice over and over again.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Shure PGX14/93 Lavalier Wireless System, L5

Includes WL93 Omnidirectional Micro-Lavalier Condenser Microphone, PGX1 Bodypack Transmitter, and PGX4 Diversity Receiver.Reliable system for spoken word applications

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Lightspeed ZULU Premium ANR Aviation Headset (Battery Power, Straight cord, Standard Dual GA Plugs) Review

Lightspeed ZULU Premium ANR Aviation Headset (Battery Power, Straight cord, Standard Dual GA Plugs)
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I owned a Bose X headset for about half a year. When I began flying regularly with other people, I picked up a Lightspeed Zulu headset. I found that the only advantage the Bose has over the Lightspeed is that the clamping force is MARGINALLY lower with the Bose. This has not created a problem for me or my passengers, at all.
I have now sold my Bose X, and picked up another Lightspeed for my passengers to use. It is by far the superior headset, for MANY reasons. Let's review!
- NOISE ATTENUATION: Bose X is just not as good as Lightspeed Zulu at this. If you are flying behind a high-revving engine such as a Rotax 912ULS, you will find that the Zulu is just as good at 5500 as it is at 2000 - which is to say, quite good, and better than Bose. This is quite a big deal by itself, and more than enough to get my attention and my future business, but Lightspeed didn't stop there.
- MUSIC: For $850 (formerly $1000), you would assume that Bose could afford to spend ten bucks (or less) integrating a simple 1/8" jack into the control box so that you could pipe in some music. For some strange reason, Bose elected not to do this. Not only has Lightspeed given you a 1/8" jack for music, but they have also put a really nice DSP into the control box that lets you turn a sort of surround sound mode called Front Row Center on and off. It also has a mode where it will cut out the music if someone calls you up on the radio, although I have not been able to get that to work particularly well, so I leave that feature turned off. The sound quality is very good for an aviation headset. If your airplane is already wired for music, or you don't mind wearing earbuds (which I tried with the Bose and found painful, as the Bose pressed them into my ear canal), this may not be a big deal to you. If you are a student pilot and have enough to worry about without music, this may not be a big deal to you RIGHT NOW, but once you've got a hundred or two hundred hours and you have enough free attention to enjoy some tunes, it WILL matter to you. The 1/8" jack supports normal stereo input as well as two-way cell phone plugs.
- BLUETOOTH: You may not care about this, but isn't it telling that Lightspeed - for $850, at a time when Bose X still cost fully $1,000 - was able to integrate a Bluetooth transciever? This is useful for picking up an IFR clearance on the ground, closing a flight plan, letting your SO know you're taking off or on the ground without having to shut down the airplane first, etc.
- SERVICE: You'll be paying well north of a hundred dollars to get your Bose X fixed out-of-warranty. Lightspeed routinely goodwills repairs outside of the warranty period. I have sent two different headsets (an OEM verison of their XC, as well as my older Zulus) in for service. The XCs were YEARS out of warranty, and I had lost my receipt for the Zulus. Both were repaired, FREE OF CHARGE, and shipped back to me. The only thing I had to pay for on either of these was the shipping costs to get the headsets to them - Lightspeed covered the shipping back to me. Now, which is better - paying $150 + shipping, or paying $0 + shipping? I'll let you do the math on that one.
Bose just does not have it together on the X. It doesn't do as good a job at attenuating noise as the Lightspeed Zulu. It doesn't have an audio in port, which is ridiculous on a headset of this price range. It doesn't have Bluetooth, which you may or may not care about, but which is nice to have. And - the final nail in the coffin - the service is nowhere as good.
Lightspeed, you have done a fantastic job on this headset, and because of it, you have earned a repeat customer. Keep up the good work!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Lightspeed ZULU Premium ANR Aviation Headset (Battery Power, Straight cord, Standard Dual GA Plugs)

A distinctive look and unparalleled comfort makes Zulu the ultimate blend of technology and high performance.Plush ear seals combined with magnesium ear cups and supported by a stainless steel headband deliver durability at 13 ounces. Use Zulu's innovative Bluetooth connectivity to facilitate communications and get on your way to enhancing the freedom of flying.Lightspeed engineers researched how pilots perceive noise at various frequencies in the cockpit, and then developed technology providing focused noise attenuation over the most critical ranges. The achievement is a headset with the ultimate performance profile and industry-leading total noise cancellation attributes.Zulu is setting the standard for all ANR headsets.

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PC 360 Headset for Pro Gaming Review

PC 360 Headset for Pro Gaming
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
These headphones will not disappoint! By far the best sounding gaming headphones ive heard. I have the astro a40s and there is no comparison here. These are very light and comfortable. I have worn them for call of duty all nighters for over 6-7 hours with no problem whatsoever. If you are looking for sound isolation, you may want to pass these by. Alot of sound does escape out. I can have a conversation with my wife while using these at lower volumes. I actually prefer this kind myself and dont care for sound isolating headphones, especially for gaming because they get too hot and uncomfortable and generally have more messy sounding bass. These dont have TOO MUCH bass, but it is there and sounds good and not distorted. (The bass in these is alot better than in the a40s) I will say I use an astro mixamp in conjunction with these for gaming on the PS3 and it is a great little setup. My friends tell me I sound really clear when using the mic. I listen to music with them also and they sound great for music as well. When I listen to music I do not use the amp and they sound great on my sony vaio laptop without an amp. They are made of mainly plastic but dont have a cheap feel. They are built very well and look to be a set of headphones that will last a long time. I do have a gripe. for what these cost, they should include a case. But if you want a quality piece, you'll have to overlook that.

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Developed with the top eSport team mTw, the PC 360 is a new flagship for pro gaming. It has an open design that makes sure you keep a cool head - and delivers a natural listening experience so you can stay in touch with your surroundings.Thanks to the ultra-comfortable ear cups, pro microphone and quick-access controls, it's also the only headset you'll ever need for music, videos and skyping.

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Shure PG14/PG185 Wireless Lavalier System, H7 Review

Shure PG14/PG185 Wireless Lavalier System, H7
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
All we needed was clear transmission for spoken voice and this does the job admirably.
No static and more than adequate range for us (only needs 35 ft with one wall in between).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Shure PG14/PG185 Wireless Lavalier System, H7

Includes PG4 Diversity Receiver, PG1 Bodypack Transmitter and PG185 Condenser Lavalier Microphone for discreet spoken word presentation

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