Neumann TLM-103 Microphone Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If your looking for a pristine mic and require vocals that are clear and transparent, then this mic is worthy of your consideration. This mic has a wonderful clear and warm quality which can help make recording vocals a pleasure and can really help you shine.

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Ideal for all professional and semi-professional applications requiring high sound quality on a limited budget. The TLM-103 uses the transformerless circuitry found in numerous Neumann mics and a capsule derived from that used in the U87. Cardioid pattern, acoustically well-balanced, and provides extraordinary attenuation of signals from the rear. Frequency range: 20Hz-20kHz. Impedance: 50 ohms.ApplicationsDue to the universal cardioid pattern, straightforward handling, extremely low self-noise level, and finally, the price, the TLM 103 is predestined for all demanding applications from home recording to professional broadcasting and commercial recording studios.Acoustic featuresThe TLM 103 is addressed from the front, marked with the red Neumann logo on the microphone body. The K 103 large diaphragm capsule is based on the K 87, well known from the U 67/U 87 microphones. The capsule has a flat frequency response up to about 5 kHz, and above that, a wide flat 4 dB presence boost. The large wire mesh headgrille protects the capsule from explosive sounds and effectively prevents pop noises. These characteristics are achieved without resorting to corrective resonance effects. Therefore, the microphone maintains an excellent impulse response and reproduces the finest details of music and speech without coloration.Electrical featuresWith just 7 dB-A / 17.5 dB CCIR the self-noise level of the TLM 103 is so reduced that even the smallest signals are reproduced basically noise-free. As it is capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 138 dB without distortion, the TLM 103 provides a dynamic range of 131 dB, according to DIN/IEC 651. The letters TLM stand for "transformerless microphone." With TLM technology the usual output transformer is replaced by an electronic circuit. As with traditional transformers, it ensures good common mode rejection, and prevents RF interference that may influence the balanced audio signal.Operational safetyThe entire internal construction i

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CAD M179 Variable-Pattern Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this microphone just or one purpose: Tom miking.
Prehistory:
After having read raving critics about the CAD - mainly from US engineers at Gearslutz - I couldn't resist any longer and wanted
to make my own picture.
Since I'm located in Germany, having done a search for shopping resources over here quickly revealed: Nothing.
No CAD M179 was available in Germany at that time, which seems to be strange because CAD produces in China.
Anyway, I finally found it on Amazon.com in the U.S.
Buying experience:
Although I've always been a bit skeptical about customs, delays and whatever else can go wrong with oversea transports, I ordered the price reduced bundle of 3 units.
To my greatest surprise, the package arrived quite fast (10 days, 2 of them in the customs), was safely packed and 100 % as described.
Import tax was very low by the way, only 2.5% of the microphone price plus shipping (tax for Germany, other countries in the EU may vary).
Packaging:
The CAD comes in a very large, cube-like package, printed with the-more-the-better zillions of colors, mainly in purple, red and blue.
One could say the carton design looks cheap, but as always, taste is a personal thing and in the end it's the content that counts, isn't it?
Although not my piece of cake, I must admit that the microphone seems to be well protected by this giant package.
Construction:
The microphone is sturdy built, with a anodized metal surface while being surprisingly heavy.
The capsule is placed safe inside the solid metal windscreen.
Part of delivery is a ring clamp plus a professional shock mount - highly recommended to reduce vibrations when miking drums.
The overall construction is very good, in my opinion even exceptional for the given price.
The CAD M179 offers a pad switch, which is a must for drum miking or the capsule could tend to distort.
Both, variable pattern wheel as well as the pad switch, are easy accessible in front of the mike.
Overall impression: No bells and whistles, but a solid workhorse, built for pro's.
Sound:
The CAD offers a warm, natural sound, that perfectly fits for Toms, but also for clean Guitars and even background vocals.
I personally wouldn't use it for Lead vocals, but what can you expect for the price.
Of course, the CAD wasn't built to be a concurrence to Neumann and other high end brands. But it does its job extremely well.
The main purpose for me was Tom-miking, so the following research is covering only my experience with Toms.
Set to cardioid, surrounding sounds from back and side are successfully suppressed, quite important when dealing with bleeding HiHats or cymbals.
The Toms immediately sounded really big, not to say huge, without messy crash sounds coming through.
Although having used Sennheiser MKH-40 for Toms before (one costs 10 times the $$ of a M179 ...), the results were doubtless significantly better then ever!
You can turn up the Tom tracks in your mix, really push them in breaks and the like, and at the same time your mix won't suffer of the typical cymbal bleeding as known from other microphones (like the MKH-40 or MD421).
Amazing.
In Short:
Pros:
* very good and sturdy crafted
* exceptional good sounding results, specially with Toms
* low price
Cons:
* heavy weight that demands for mic stands
* typical microphone clamps will place the CAD more over the center of Toms, not at side, due to it's size.
I can live with that, although your setup will be cluttered even more when using stands.
Conclusion:
I love this microphone! My dream of a perfect drum sound has become more true, day in and out.
A clear recommendation: Buy it!

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Travel the space-tone continuum with the touch of a dial. The figure-of-eight is rich and intimate. The omni is spacious and articulate. Experience all the variations in between. We combine the large-diaphragm capsule with algebraic phasing and high-power transformerless drive to create an indispensable acoustical window. Additional features include hi-pass filter and attenuator. Swivel mount, elastic shock mount and carrying case are included. P24 (24V) or P48 (48V) phantom power is required.

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Yamaha HS50M 5" Monitor Speaker Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Yamaha HS-50M studio monitors are excellent tools to listen to and work with. On audition at Digital Village I compared them to other small studio monitors by having a CD with acoustic guitar music fed through them. The bite and colour of strings through the Yamahas were reproduced very well. That was enough, I bought them.
I have been using these monitors for almost a year now. They have a fine combination of qualities, and are very serious sounding; certianly not for children, or to play about with. They are for solid work, research, and of course, monitoring.
These Yamahas may lack the real lower thunder bass around 20-40Hz, do not let that put you off, for they can still produce the thunder bass frequencies centred above this. My floorboards rattle and move below my feet due to the low frequency energy coming out of these speakers, and you can hear thuds and thumps captured on certain recordings. Thus quite simply, yes, there is enough bass reproduction here to hear. It all depends on the source quality.
The HS-50M's are very clean sounding, and cymbals have got a natural shimmer and ring. Front and back depth is good, and stereo images shift as necessary. Vocals have a realness and closeness as they should. You can hear the woody resonance of certain guitar notes resound through your chest, and the dynamic range and dynamic capability of these speakers are excellent. They also can be amazingly subtle and gentle.
When testing a wide range of music and sound sources they very clearly make it known their origin, be it a live TV studio or compressed artificial recording.
But the overall beauty of these Yamaha's is because they are so transparent, when listening to old favourites they can bring tears to your eyes, as they accurately portray an era, atmosphere, and emotion.
Highly Recommended.

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If Your Mixes Sound Good on These, They Sound Good on Anything. The new HS Series powered monitors were designed to be true studio reference monitors in the tradition of the famous NS10Ms. When choosing your next pair of near field reference monitors, remember it's not just important that they sound good; they have to be an honest reference for your mix. The new HS Series of reference monitors were designed to give you exceptionally flat response so you can really trust what you hear. That means that mixes that sound good on Yamaha HS speakers will sound good on anything. In fact, that's the ultimate test of a reference monitor. Even better than that, HS series speakers not only sound good, they look great, too.The HS Series is a two-way, internally powered speaker system designed to provide affordable, high quality reference monitoring for all types of recording and multimedia applications – home studios, computer-based music production, gaming systems, keyboards rigs and personal computer systems. All products are sold and packaged individually, making it easy to build flexible monitor setups and 5.1 systems.HS Series cabinets look as great as they sound. Enclosures are constructed of high-quality MDF material and a multiple layer finish that minimizes resonance. Design elements include a black finish and lighted Yamaha tuning fork logo. White polypropylene woofer cones recall the look of the classic Yamaha NS10M, and include low-damping rubber surrounds and full magnetic shielding.

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Behringer HPS5000 Closed-Type High-Performance Studio Headphones Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)ive had theese for over a year now(i have them on at least 4-6 hours a day), and i never regret buying them. theyre cheap and durable, have clean sound with Excellent bass playback (for the price..)
They didnt quite fit my ears well, and theyre uncomfortable to wear for people with long-ish hair, so what i did is i retracted them all the way, and i wear them as a behind-the-neck headphones. this way you get MUCH better "grip" with your years, and sound won't "leak out". Tho you might be getting headaches for wearing them for too long first couple tiems.
k..
PROS: Price(seriously.. 30 bucks?). Sound quality. theyre well built(as i said, im using them for over a year now). 1/8 to 1/4 connector! use them with your guitar amp and PC!
Cons: Cord. Its too short. No mic.... not really a con worth removing a star.
Conclusion: They might seem like a pair of cheap and agile 99c store headphones but theyre not. this is a high-quality product for very VERY cheap. If you are on a budget and you need high-quality headphones no need to look further. this product is for you.

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Closed-Type High-Performance Studio Headphones (sold only in sets of 5 pcs)

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Samson C01U USB Studio Condenser Microphone with Cakewalk Sonar LE Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am just starting to provide voice overs for tutorials and needed a convenient way to record audio on my PC. At first, I tried the classic headset/mic combo using my on board PC audio. This was unbearable to listen to.
I then purchased a Sony F-V220 Uni-Directional Vocal Microphone with Extended Frequency Response microphone. This was a distinct step up with vast improvements in sound quality. The remaining issue was hum introduced by the PC motherboard audio. I considered competing products for about 2 weeks until I settled upon the C01UCW.
The C01UCW promised great results with the ease of a single USB plug. I purchased one and would highly recommend it to others in my situation. The voice quality is great and the hiss/hum is virtually eliminated. The program I am using has an automatic filter to zero the levels between the actual speaking parts so when in actual use, the very little hiss that can be heard with windows sound recorder is completely lost when speaking normally.
The real test has been the positive responses from the people listening to the final results.
In summary, super simple USB installation (no drivers needed in WXP), very low noise, and great sound quality for a reasonable price.
The only niggles that I have with the C01UCW are:
The power light on the mic I received does not come on even though the mic works flawlessly. I am using a USB1.0 port while the device is USB2.0. The manual does not indicate that this should be normal.
The cardioid pattern was supposed to reject sounds from off-direction sources. It might be better than a unidirectional mic but with the sensitivity of this mic, any noise that has direct line of sight to the front of the mic is likely to be picked up. I can tell that those sounds from behind the mic are distinctly reduced.
I did not use the Cakewalk software. The stand works but only accepts the heavy mic in very limited stances. The heavy mic puts the center of gravity very high and the short stand legs have a difficult time compensating. I also purchased the isolation shockmount further raising the CG exacerbating the problem. To be sure, the stand works and I use the stand. I just use the stand in one position with the weight supported over one leg of the stand as the only viable option. It is definitely better to have the stand than not. It saved quite a bit of hassle and money to get the stand as a bundle.

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The C01U USB Studio Condenser Mic is an affordable studio condenser mic with a USB interface, granting musicians who record music on computers a simple, affordable way to capture high-quality vocal and acoustic instrument performances. The mic also opens up possibilities for anyone who records audio, from Podcasters, journalists and students to business people adding audio files to websites and multimedia presentations.

Based on the C01 The C01U condenser microphone is based on our Samson's C01, and features a 19mm internal shockmounted diaphragm with a cardioid pickup pattern, ensuring pristine, studio-quality recordings.
A high-quality A/D converter and USB output provide the direct PC connection, and the microphone itself is built to last, with solid die-cast construction.
Plug-and-Play Seamless integration was the idea, and it was obtained by creating a studio condenser microphone that can be plugged into any computer with no in/out boxes, no expensive computer pre-amps, and no drivers to install--just a USB cable.
The C01U works perfectly on any computer, Mac or PC, and with any DAW software program. It immediately solves a huge problem for users of many laptops, many of which have no other input method for audio devices.
Samson SoftPre The Samson C03U is designed to be fully functional without installing additional drivers. But for those who would like a little something extra, Samson offers its downloadable SoftPre software applet, which gives you an Input Level Meter, Volume control, High-pass filter and Phase Switch, for Mac or Windows.
Cakewalk Sonar LE The C01UCW package comes bundled with Cakewalk Sonar LE, the vastly popular digital audio workstation software, giving users additional power and versatility to digitally record audio in any situation.
SONAR LE has been designed to provide a simple yet complete solution for creating music. With support for up to 64 tracks and 24 track effects, 8 physical in/outs at 24bit/192kHz, SONAR LE is an ideal match for the CO1U. The package also includes 2 instruments, 6 MIDI effects, and 14 audio effects.
Accessories In addition to the C01U microphone and Cakewalk software, the package comes with a desktop mic stand, mic clip, and USB cable.
CO1U Specifications
Frequency Response: 20 - 18000 HZ
Polar pattern: Hypercardioid
Element type: Electret condenser type
Diaphragm thickness: 3 microns
SPL: 136 dB Max.
Dimensions (H x W x D): 7 x 2.125 x 2.125 inches (180 x 54 x 54 mm)
Weight: 1.06 lbs. (.48 kg)

What's in the Box C01U Microphone, Cakewalk Sonar LE Software, Desktop Mic Stand, Mic Clip, USB Cable, Owner's Manual

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AKG PERCEPTION 420 Professional large-dual-diaphragm true-condenser microphone with switchable polar patterns. Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I picked up a pair of these when they came out and they've done the job quite well as backup mics. They don't have the magical sound of premium microphones (my primary mics cost me a LOT more money), but they offer a rich feature set and sound pretty decent. I do primarily live classical recording, and I've used these both as spots and as a secondary main pair.
In a world full of cardiods, many beginning recordists are unaware of the effectiveness of other techniques. Multipattern mics let you easily experiment with both M/S (Mid-Side) and Blumlein recording. In a nice room, spaced omnis can also make the recording feel more natural. These mics are perfect for performing that sort of experiment, and they'll give you a result that you won't be ashamed of.
I should also point out that the shock mount that comes with this mic is very nice, as is the carrying case. In the last few years, we've had a flood of inexpensive microphones. Some are good and some aren't. These are good.

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The AKG Perception 420 Studio Condenser Microphone features legendary AKG sound quality and a dual-element design that accommodates cardioid, omni, and figure-8 patterns. The Perception 420 includes a shock mount and a metal case, and is equipped with a -20dB pad switch and a bass cut filter switch that allows easy removal of wind noise and other unwanted low frequencies. The AKG Perception 420 Studio Condenser Microphone is a new addition to the acclaimed Perception line of AKG microphones.

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Behringer PodcasStudio USB Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I honestly can't believe this was only a hundred dollars.
Don't get me wrong, this is not the rig you need to do serious, professional recording, especially if you want to have a guest in studio. But to do a high-quality, one person, talk-oriented podcast, I think it would be difficult to beat.
If you are like me, you love the idea of doing a podcast, but are slightly reluctant to spend a lot of money because you're not sure if you are really going to be able to pull it off. Maybe you won't get the website to work right, maybe you didn't read the fine print on your host site, maybe this, maybe that... There are just so many variables. I didn't want to pay several hundred dollars for a rig and then it end up being more trouble than it's worth. This set-up here makes it much less risky.
The mic is sensitive within several feet, but did not pick up the air conditioner that is about 15 feet away. This to me is a plus as I don't want to have to edit out every piece of atmospheric sound. The mixer is as basic as it gets, but gave me the flexibility to get my levels right for a consistent sound even when I added in promos and podcast safe music.
The head phones are on the cheap side, but they are functional. The cushions come off pretty easily and are a pain to get back on.
But all in all, this set-up allowed me to make a very convincing podcast with minimal financial investment. The first episode of my podcast was tinny sounding, but then I learned more about Audacity and how to use it and the future episodes got better and better. The problem was not the equipment, but the suggestions I was following to make the audio sound "better".
One thing I do recommend is a pop filter. I didn't think it was that big of a deal, but it is. It is much easier to listen to voice-only files when there is a pop filter.
If you would like to hear what a podcast created with this set-up sounds like, Google, "Christian With A Brain" and download the first episode and then some of the later episodes. Or look for it on iTunes. You can hear for yourself. Every episode was recorded with this rig.
Happy Podcasting!


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Looking for a new way to express yourself? Ever wanted to be a famous producer? Then podcasting is the answer and the Behringer PODCASTUDIO bundle has all you need to make high-quality podcasts and home recordings. Get a full recording studio "out of the box" including USB audio interface, mixer, microphone, headphones, professional audio software and more.

Everything You Need Go on air straight out of the box with this fantastic PODCASTUDIO recording package. It comes with a studio-grade USB audio interface as well as comprehensive DAW and podcasting software. The package also features a professional 5-input mixer, high-quality headphones, a dynamic broadcast-style microphone, and the necessary accessories.
Become part of the global broadcast revolution and let the world listen to you.
UCA200 Audio Interface The UCA200 is a high-resolution 2 In / 2 Out USB audio interface for Windows XP and Mac OS X operating systems. Plug and play operation means it'll work in a snap, without the need for installing drivers or other software. And since it's powered by the USB bus, there's no need for a wall-wart adapter.
XENYX 502 Mixer Got a solo gig at the local coffee shop? Need to make a quick public announcement? Simple sound calls for the simply excellent XENYX 502, the BEHRINGER mixer with everything you need to give an intimate setting incredible sound. And with the new addition of +48 V phantom power, the possibilities are even greater.
Premium ultra low-noise, high headroom analog mixer
State-of-the-art, phantom powered XENYX Mic Preamp comparable to stand-alone boutique preamps
Neo-classic "British" 2-band EQ for warm and musical sound
Main mix, stereo CD/tape plus separate headphone outputs
CD/tape inputs assignable to headphone output or ma

HPM1000 Headphones Whether you're mixing a recording, monitoring a bass line or just enjoying an MP3, you want your headphones to deliver a wide frequency response and high dynamic range. The HPM1000 headphones provide incredible performance for a price well within any budget.
Ultra-wide frequency response
High dynamic range
High-resolution capsules
1/8" connector plus 1/4" adapter included
Single-sided cord
Oval-shaped ear cups
Comfortable headband

Ultravoice XM8500 Dynamic Microphone Few things are more essential to recording or live performance than dynamic microphones. BEHRINGER's XM8500 has the crucial features and durability to come through for your sound again and again.
Dynamic vocal microphone with smooth mid-frequency presence rise for excellent voice projection
Ultra-wide frequency response for a brilliant and transparent sound
Extremely high signal output lets your voice cut through
Cardioid characteristic minimizes background noise and feedback
Shock mount system to cut down handling noise
Integrated spherical wind and pop noise filter
Microphone stand adapter and impact-resistant carrying case included

Accessories So you can get going right away, Behringer also includes a table microphone stand, XLR microphone cable and two stereo RCA cables.
Software Galore Comprehensive podcasting software is included, with apps like Audacity, Podifier, Juice, Podnova and Golden Ear, so you're ready to go live on your Mac or PC computer right out of the box.
The KRISTAL Audio Engine DAW software is also bundled--a powerful multi-track recorder, audio sequencer and mixer--ideal for anyone getting started with recording, mixing and mastering digital audio.
Still need a little assistance? Consult the illustrated quick-start guide "How to Podcast" and you'll be on the right track.
What's in the Box UCA200 Audio Interface, XENYX 502 Mixer, HPM1000 Headphones, Ultravoice XM8500 Dynamic Microphone, Table Microphone Stand, XLR Mic Cable, Two Stereo RCA Cables, Software CDs

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Behringer MS40 Recording Studio Equipment Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you need a inexpensive home theater PC speakers MS40 are fun. Their mids and highs are sweet e the mid-bass line is satisfatory. Those ones who intend to listen to MP3 and watch movies on PCs will enjoy MS40.
On other hand, if you need a reference monitor for recordings, forget it! No way! MS40 is quite uneven, lacks resolution and clarity on mid band and its treble has absolutely no resolution. Bass lines isn't good enough also, because of its lack of control and velocity (they are boomy speakers). Their quite apparent boxiness also let MS40 down.
Looking for a entry level reference monitor? I would recommend to spend a bit more and get KRK Rockit RP5G2 or a M-Audio BX5A. They cost twice as much, but sound 4 times better. You can't afford any of them as your budget is short, so go with M-Audio AV30 or AV40. In my opinion, even the chep M-Audio AV20 offers better mid and treble resolution than behringer MS40.

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Behringer ms40 studio monitors are 24-bit/192 khz digital 40-watt stereo near field speakers. these compact, super-affordable 2 x 20-watt near field monitors feature ultra-high resolution 24-bit/192 khz d/a converters, which let you connect digital sources directly in order to eliminate analog line-loss and hum. connect your computer sound card, keyboard, mp3 & mini disc players and enjoy excellent detail and great dynamics—optical and coaxial inputs to directly connect digital audio sources by s/pdif interface! the built-in amplifiers offer plenty of headroom, while the powerful woofers and tweeters provide an ultra-linear frequency response. two stereo analog inputs featuring 1/8- inch trs and stereo rca connectors can be used simultaneously or mixed with a digital stereo source. the speakers also feature individual volume controls for both line inputs plus bass and treble eq controls, and there is a 1/4- inch trs headphone connector with a front-panel auto-mute loudspeaker function.

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