Audio Technica BP40 - Electrovoice RE320 - Audio Technica ATR2100 USB Microphone Shootout
Midroll Purchased by Scripps - Another shot of legitimacy for podcasting? Ask the Double Rainbow Guy The article mentions CPM (the amount you make per 1000 downloads) of $100. This seems unrealistic to what I typically hear ($15 - $30 CPM).
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Podcast Rewind:
I recently was asked back on the Coachzing Show talking why podcasting is here to stay.
I did a webinar with Steve Stewart on Podcast Workflow for his Audacity Workshop its only available for a limited time
I started listening to the Tim Ferriss show, and the one thing that he us just AWESOME at is follow up questions. When he interviewed Rick Rubin he asked how Rick got into the 99 Problems video by Jay Z. At the end of the answer Rick says, "He is one of my favorite people." To this Tim instantly asks, "Why do you say that?". Later when he interviews Glenn Beck he asks about Glenn's dilema of having to hire a large amount of people to build his Blaze network. Glen explains who he hired first. He said he knew within the first three minutes of their initial meeting that this woman was going to be hired. To this Tim instantly asked, "What did she say to make such an impression on you." It's an interesting show, and he has interviewed so many big names, that you can "cherry pick" episodes of just those people you like.
Podcast Microphone Shoot Out
Audio Technica 2020 (condensor XLR/USB $99)
Audio Technica 2100 (Dynamic XLR/USB $59)
Audio Technica BP40 (Dynamic XLR $349)
Electrovoice RE320 (Dynamic XLR $299).
You will hear that all these microphones sound great. I recommend podcasters NOT use a condensor microphone (2020). In listening to the 2005 vs the BP40. The 2100 seemed to carry more bass (odd as they have the same bass frequency). There is a low cut switch on the BP40 if you want to cut frequencies below 100 (these are so low, these are almost frequencies you feel more than hear).
The one thing that hit me right out of the gate is this microphone can double as a weapon. Its super solid, looks good, and just seem heavy duty. I really liked the AT8484 shock mount that is designed to be used with the microphone. It has a super slick lock that allows you to slide it in and out with ease (not that most of us will be switching microphones, but it is cool). As the shock mount is designed for the unit, it holds it well. I have a "off the shelf" shock mount for the RE320 and it seems a little strained to hold it (so here again sticking with factory stuff, even though slightly more expensive might be the way to go).
Test One: Gain
How much gain is coming out of the microphone?
All of the microphones seemed to need the same amount of gain. It seemed like the BP40 did provide a little more (and needed less gain).
Test Two: Tone
The ATR2100 (for me) had the most pleasing tone. Plenty of low and high end. The RE320 was the clearest, and the BP40 had a smooth sound (but didn't have the hi end of the RE20)
What is my first impression?
I love the look of the BP40. It's super rugged. It's super solid. I LOVE the shock mount that is an accessory as it is SUPER EASY to snap the microphone in and out.
Test Three: How much room noise does it pick up?
I put a fan on in the background and turned the radio on lightly. None of the microphones (accept the 2020) would pick up a noticeable amount of room noise. Can you hear it? Yes, but only if you are in a quiet room listening through headphones. Of the 2100, the bp40, and the RE320, it seemed the BP40 seemed to pick up the most room noise (but again, the amount of noise was something you would really have to strain to hear).
For me, for the money and the flexibility I still like the Audio Technica 2100. Now, the ATR2100 is not as durable as the BP40 or the RE320. These are microphones designed to be in a broadcast booth. They (the BP40 and the RE320) definitely have different tones (the RE320 is more clear). Keep mind you want your voice to not be abrasive or distracting. So having too much high end, or too much low end can ruin your tone. The more I use the BP40, it's really growing on me especially when I run it through my DBX 286 microphone preamp.
Bottom Line:
I couldn't really pick one that was miles above the others. I liked all the microphones, and when run through a mixer where you can boost and cut the EQ I was able to pull out any tone I wanted. None of them had any major proximity effect issues. I like the look for the BP40 more then the RE320. As always tone is a very subjective, and in the end it depends on how the microphone works with your voice.
Which one did you like?
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