31.05.2013, 01:24
Hey guys, I'm bored so I felt like typing out a review of my new microphone!
The Behringer XM8500 dynamic cardioid microphone.
The Behringer XM8500 dynamic cardioid microphone.
Behringer XM8500 Ultravoice Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphone
Amazon UK Link (Click me)
Amazon US Link (Click me)
I had purchased this microphone hoping to improve the audio in my videos, skype as well as some teamspeak servers.I believe I'm ready to give a review.
Packaging
The packaging on this product was great. It came with foam and even a case to protect the microphone as well as the included mount. This would be perfect to take around with you if you are traveling as the case is extremely sturdy.
Mount
There is an included mount with this product. Sadly, it is not metal as well as the microphone, but a black plastic that fits the style of the microphone. It works well and holds the microphone well in the stand that I own.
Connectors
This microphone uses the standard microphone output (XLR). This microphone is unique though as it does not require phantom power. You can plug an XLR cable into your PC and it works. There are a few flaws which I will address later, but overall it's pretty decent.
Performance
All these numbers mean nothing if it doesn't actually work for you. I've found that this microphone even outperforms the Shure SM58 (a more professional level microphone from the past). This is actually modeled after the SM58 and is built much better which is surprising considering the price. If you were to actually purchase a pre-amp and hook it up. You much be able to get a much fuller sound, but this isn't a major issue for most people as it performs very well without this pre-amp. This microphone works very well with soundcards and other interfaces. You can use it with Skype, Audacity, Teamspeak. Anything you really throw at it, it will work as it's just a microphone.
This is a cardioid microphone which means it doesn't require phantom power. The disadvantage is that you have to be right in-front of the actual microphone to get clear audio.
Pros
Extremely cheap, I've never seen such a cheap great microphone.
The build quality is fantastic
Doesn't require phantom power
Has an included microphone mount
Uses XLR over USB
Cons
It's quite quiet (This can be fixed by getting a pre-amp)
Sometimes it may have interference between other electronics, this can be fixed by moving some things around
It's heavy. This is a good thing to be, but maybe not to you. If you are traveling light it may get annoying, but I love that it's heavy and it is built very well.
Build Quality
The build quality of this microphone is superb. It's absolutely brilliant. It's made of a solid metal housing on the outside. The actual pop filter included on the top of the microphone has a very strong metal housing along the outside. This provides extra durability. The whole product weighs in at around 240 g (0.52 LBS) according the Amazon listing (This may change with time but of writing this review, that is what it says on the website)
Overall
Overall, This is the perfect microphone for anyone wanting to maybe chat with their friends over Skype. This works even better with teamspeak and would be perfect for those situations when your actual voice is required.
If you wish, you can check out my video I did on it. [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrIWZhb3RrU[/ame]
Amazon UK Link (Click me)
Amazon US Link (Click me)
I had purchased this microphone hoping to improve the audio in my videos, skype as well as some teamspeak servers.I believe I'm ready to give a review.
Packaging
The packaging on this product was great. It came with foam and even a case to protect the microphone as well as the included mount. This would be perfect to take around with you if you are traveling as the case is extremely sturdy.
Mount
There is an included mount with this product. Sadly, it is not metal as well as the microphone, but a black plastic that fits the style of the microphone. It works well and holds the microphone well in the stand that I own.
Connectors
This microphone uses the standard microphone output (XLR). This microphone is unique though as it does not require phantom power. You can plug an XLR cable into your PC and it works. There are a few flaws which I will address later, but overall it's pretty decent.
Performance
All these numbers mean nothing if it doesn't actually work for you. I've found that this microphone even outperforms the Shure SM58 (a more professional level microphone from the past). This is actually modeled after the SM58 and is built much better which is surprising considering the price. If you were to actually purchase a pre-amp and hook it up. You much be able to get a much fuller sound, but this isn't a major issue for most people as it performs very well without this pre-amp. This microphone works very well with soundcards and other interfaces. You can use it with Skype, Audacity, Teamspeak. Anything you really throw at it, it will work as it's just a microphone.
This is a cardioid microphone which means it doesn't require phantom power. The disadvantage is that you have to be right in-front of the actual microphone to get clear audio.
Pros
Extremely cheap, I've never seen such a cheap great microphone.
The build quality is fantastic
Doesn't require phantom power
Has an included microphone mount
Uses XLR over USB
Cons
It's quite quiet (This can be fixed by getting a pre-amp)
Sometimes it may have interference between other electronics, this can be fixed by moving some things around
It's heavy. This is a good thing to be, but maybe not to you. If you are traveling light it may get annoying, but I love that it's heavy and it is built very well.
Build Quality
The build quality of this microphone is superb. It's absolutely brilliant. It's made of a solid metal housing on the outside. The actual pop filter included on the top of the microphone has a very strong metal housing along the outside. This provides extra durability. The whole product weighs in at around 240 g (0.52 LBS) according the Amazon listing (This may change with time but of writing this review, that is what it says on the website)
Overall
Overall, This is the perfect microphone for anyone wanting to maybe chat with their friends over Skype. This works even better with teamspeak and would be perfect for those situations when your actual voice is required.
If you wish, you can check out my video I did on it. [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrIWZhb3RrU[/ame]
