Video & HQ Audio: https://podcastage.com/rev/bumblebee2
Today I'm reviewing and demoing the Neat Bumblebee 2, a budget USB condenser mic that I got for under $30. This offers really great sound quality for the price and leans slightly V-shaped with a supportive bass and low mid section and a bit of a boost in the treble and air. You get a single cardioid pattern, a mute button, a headphone output, and a mix dial for computer playback and zero latency monitoring. At $25 or less this is a great deal. At $60 it has some fair competition but stacks up admirably against the alternatives. At $100 I don't think the value proposition is as strong.
Buy the Neat Bumblebee II (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/bumblebee2
NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info check my FAQ page links below.
RECORDING SETTINGS:
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Mic Level: ~12%
Boosted in Post: +10dB
SPECS:
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Freq Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity: -36dB
Self Noise: 14dBA
Max SPL: 128dB
A/D & D/A: 16 or 24-bit / 44.1-96khz
00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer
00:25 - What’s in the Box
00:48 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:46 - Specifications
01:56 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:13 - Plosive Test
02:27 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:47 - Background Noise Test
03:01 - Untreated Room Test
03:21 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:35 - Desktop Stand Demo
04:21 - Mute Button Test
04:51 - Samson Go Mic Comparison
05:16 - Razer Seiren V3 Mini Comparison
05:42 - HyperX Solocast Comparison
06:08 - Logitech Blue Yeti Orb Comparison
06:40 - Rode NT USB Mini Comparison
07:11 - Sennheiser Profile USB Comparison
07:46 - Audio Technica AT2020 USB-X Comparison
08:14 - Shure SM57 Comparison
08:43 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:14 - Music Test
10:34 - Pros & Cons
12:20 - Overall Thoughts
14:10 - Recommendation