$140 Shocker: TZAudio Stellar X2 (vs Neumann U87ai !!!)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ส.ค. 2024
- Thanks to the folks at TZAudio for sending this to me. What a nice surprise! techzoneaudiopr...
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“This microphone is so good, the company needs a better name.” ~ Best sales pitch ever.
Yeah right on bro!!. They should change to their last name or something.
TopicalContent.... His face was so genuine I truly believe this shit! Lol 😂
TopicalContent 😂
"With a name like Smuckers, it has to be good."
th-cam.com/video/onas6WLnn7M/w-d-xo.html
I like the company's name...a little Funky love it
They now have a waiting list for one of these X2 microphones. Well done, sir!
Just bought mine with a scarlet 2i2 2nd gen. First time dealing with an interface and an xlr mic. Blown away, by the quality. My first real mic and I love the quality over something like the blue snowball or yeti
Bro, I went to the Techzone website, and read every single review..You wouldn’t believe how many people in their reviews said they bought the mic because of your video... there is even other videos of people on TH-cam, who are reviewing the mic, because of your recommendation. You are popular in the audio community, And you should be, because you make great shit. When you can say something, and make people go out and spend their money, that’s respect.....Thanks to you, I bought one as well....
Tricia Lynn No. There's a waiting list on the website. I bought mine secondhand from someone else.
Yea, it’s Mike’s fault I now have a sound booth set up in the basement. But....I have learned a lot about mics, audio recording, pre-amps and digital recorders and recording. I’ve been a musician for years, and have done live sound for years, but I’ve learned voice over is an entirely different ball game. Thanks and cheers from Akron, Ohio
Just received my X2 today... price did go up to $199, but if you were on the waiting list it's $169. The new batch has improvements: 7db noise floor improvement. Now less than 13dBA. Plus tighter tolerance capacitors, powered coat paint. Headed to the studio to fire it up!
And they are coming out with a new vintage mic in 2020. hmmmmmmm
ha ha your mic looks like a neewer bm 800 ohh but it is. ha ha quick buy the guy a t shirt bah bah like a sheep.
a noise floor of less than 10dBA as of Feb., 2022
@@kmacradio how does it sound on the air?
Yep. Pulled the trigger on this before the video was even finished.
Like a lot of others, I bought it on Mike's recommendation. The Tech Zone Audio guys were GREAT to deal with. First off, they gave me a $20 discount, just because I asked for it...and secondly my PayPal account offered to credit me another $15 for the purchase. So basically, it comes to my door for $165. Now, I don't have a Neumann to compare it to...but I do use a Studio Projects C1 most of the time. The C1 has often been compared favorably to the U87 and retails for about $249, and has been my man mic for over 10 years now. I A/B'd my C1 and the X2 side by side. Incredible! I now have a new go to mic! The X2 was warmer and projected my voice much better than the C1. Hey, I'll still use the C1, but for the money, the X2 is an outstanding value. I'll eventually add the X2 Vintage to my collection. Its great supporting a small company (but maybe not so small in the future once more voiceover artists learn about their quality) that builds a high quality product at an affordable price....well done Booth Junkie!...well done Tech Zone!
Neumann U-87 u$3,279 ...TechZne Stellar X2 u$199 some difference there has to be...
i closed my eyes to see if I could tell when you switch them... and I could. Specifically in the high end, the neumann sounds better on the high end. But it was so subtle that comparing them price wise, the stellar is a huge contender to the neumann.
its more expensive now, and new design, i loved this gold on yours
still worth it
I believe that TechZone Audio Products should send you the vintage model as a gift for another review.
i think they should sent them to musicians free not youtubers. i won't buy anything a youtuber recommends that's for shure. Have you purchased a t shirt or hoodie yet from a guy that just talks. must have took him years to learn that.
@@mrblister8359 why are you so angry lol no one told you to be here xD
@@mrblister8359 someone mad
@@mrblister8359 Yes, I have in Fact ordered more then a dozen tech-related Products recommendet by TH-camrs (Mics, Amps, Pc parts ...) - find some you can Trust is the harder Part, but there are many. And of course: I buy Tshirts or other Merch to Support them, so they can stay independent. Thats the way it works.
@@Thomas_Speck the only reason they make videos is they earn 12 dollars every 1000 video views. And with that they get discount and even free merchandise. Are you getting anything by buying there products from there links not even discount. I am not against it it's ok to get rich from youtube it's youtube that has killed creativity and music musicians cant make money from youtube and putting your music on youtube for free is plain stupid. Spoken voice actor i laugh why would you need anything more than one cheap mic to do that.
Just received delivery on the X2 to up my game on Zoom meetings thanks to this fantastic video.
I got my Stellar X2 Vintage today and it has such a beautiful sound.
Is there a difference between the Vintage and non-vintage
@@HelamanGile From other videos I've watched comparing them, the Vintage is a bit warmer, more bass but neither seems better compared to the other.
WOW, that Stellar is so smooth. I don't like most mics and am very picky about how they sound in the high end. I almost exclusively demand warmer sounding mics or at least smooth highs if their are mics with a boost in that range...and I want this Stellar X2 BADLY!!!!
have you got one yet, if so compare it to the nt1a
I just received mine and thank you so much for reviewing this. I love the sound of this even more than my CAD E100s. It matches my voice much better and sounds so much clearer.
Does it really sound better though? I know that at some point it becomes preference, but I don't think that the difference between a E100s and this would be just up to preference. Maybe you got a bad E100s?
This mic just got better.
The new batch coming out in October has new circuitry that lowers the noise floor.
Wish I could easily get one but living in New Zealand doesn't make it that easy.
I’m in, thank you for the review
I emailed the company asking about sales to the UK.
They said they can't offer out of US Shipping.
*sad face*
Was just now wondering why I hadn’t heard anything from them at all. Guessing they flat out can’t be assed selling to Australia.
TechZone Audio Products so effectively, the wait list is meaningless for anyone outside of the US, as we’re just not that important. Because putting ourselves on the list, was pointless, as we just become a number for later, rather than securing ourselves a spot within the production queue.
SomeOldTHICCDude it’s literally two dudes making these microphones my guy, not some large company with a bunch of assets at their disposal. It takes time to be able to set up a shop that allows shipping outside of the country. It’s not as easy as you think it is
not gonna lie, I just got my first pair of monitors so i came to this channel to kinda test their clarity because this channel has the most crisp audio ever.
So which better?
@@reekrodriqguez6552 we may never know
Which monitors did you go with?
Thanks! Went to get one and they are sold out, AND, they don't sell them on their website. YOU were very wise to hang onto that one! Nice review of a mic none of us can get :)
I see you making that ASMR with the foam filters. ALSO HOLY COW THIS MIC IS SO GOOD, thanks for ruining my wallet.
Like ur vids fella GG!
@@cathywymark328 Thanks!
You both have great ASMR qualities in your voices. I think I need an upgrade from my neewer cheapo mic very soon.
I was hoping you were going to test it with the AVerMedia Live Streamer NEXUS to see how it work. But this will be the next mic I try out.
As always a great review Mike. Good work standing up for the little guy. Once again your integrity shines through. Keep doing what you do.
Sounds good. But a little bright/harsh consonants -- not terrible. But that's the real difference
Very harsh indeed but so is the U87. The U87 though has higher resolution and smoother midrange. And no, the difference is not subtle! Stellar doesn’t sound like a Neumann.
@@wentakura I agree. I have bought one. That said for 200$ you'd get a mic with performances that far exceeds the price.
@@wentakura How on Earth is the U87 harsh? Look at the graphs on here: recordinghacks.com/microphones/Neumann/U-87-Ai
The Cardioid pattern gives only a slight presence boost. The omni pattern is the only one that comes close to being harsh. What isn't a harsh mic by your standards?
@@TheZeroSbr I wonder if its possible to smoothen the Stellar X2 harsness with EQ in post prod. And about the best mic ever, The Neumann TLM49 could be the best voice over mic ever.
@@marcchapleau8343 Could be, but harshness is also a product of the capsule design itself. Frequency response just tells you which frequencies the capsule boosts or attenuates relative to the other frequencies it captures. For example, compare the frequency responses of the CAD E100s and a Neumann TLM 103. Just by looking at the graph, the Neumann should be the harsher mic since it seems to have a larger presence boost. But I've found that the E100s is significantly harsher than the TLM 103, and it's especially noticeable with "s" and "sh" sounds as you'd expect. The E100s' frequency response does peak higher in the highs than the TLM 103, but it doesn't have a shelf-like presence boost like the TLM 103 does, so it only boosts a handful of frequencies like 1dB higher. On paper, that's a very small difference in apparent harshness, so I can't see any other cause that could explain the disparity in harshness aside from the difference in capsule design itself.
The more I learn about mics, the more I see how name brands, no matter how good or popular they are, are clearly not worth the price. Great information, sir. Thank you. :-D
So happy I kept checking Amazon last night and got my boyfriend one before they sold again so quickly. Can't wait for him to use it.
That's so sweet
And the award for best girlfriend goes to...drum roll...YOU :)
@@jimiboi87 aaww... thank you so much lol he just got his mic yesterday and he's in love with it.
Just bought it. Waiting for delivery. Can't wait!!
So? How is it?
Hi BJ, I think they have assembled the right components and the sound is pleasant, tight, balanced, sweet and with a pinch of pepper in the Mids Frequency ..the doubts I have are how many years it will last...I have a 1983 Neumann U-87, that is used for 37 years and it sounds and works like it's just come out of the box...hmm I think the Stellar will last no more than half a decade and with luck...that's why they justify the $3,000 difference...hopefully I'm wrong. TechZne is a great company, excellent products and the Stellar X3 is coming...with 4db of noise... ;)
• THANKS FOR THE REVIEW...A GOOD ONE.
I can buy 10 of the X2 that would last me for 50 years and still save more than half the cost of the U87
The Stellar X2 Vintage edition has impressed me. The u47 capsule sounds so warm and pristine
You've sold them out Mike!
It is a fantastic microphone just got mine. Exactly like you have described thank you Mike!
Just bought this. It's actually crazy how good it sounds! I'm baffled.! Well done TZ.
I neglected to say that, even though I am saving for a Synco D2 personally, this webpage and info is most assuredly saved in my "Microphones" folder in my bookmarks! A VERY solid sounding VO mic!
Holy crap!!! Ok... so, I started recording life with a low budget. I did what I culd with what I had. But, I DID start out with a condenser mic.. one of the cheapie kit ones you tested a while back. The hissing from that other mic has been a real thorn in my side for months. Any way... I ordered this TZ x2 after watching your video and I am blown away! The noise floor if almost non existent! The clarity and range is phenomenal! Worth EVERY penny! Thanks Mike! I'm actually looking forward to recording this weekend! You're the best!
I just ordered mine. So Stoked!
I'm gonna give this thing a go, hopefully to be my new go-to. Thanks for the review.
It is a great time to be alive when it comes to GREAT poor man Audio Tech!
It's already $200. If it was ment for poor men they shouldn't raise the price.
@@schipbreukeling3 For the rise of $60.00, the Stellar X2 was improved! More warm and its self noise is now much lower!
Just got mine delivered.
Using a Audiant id14 had a much greater self noise then 13dba. The mic sounds as good or better than a WA48.
The wind screen was above average in effectiveness.
The case is light duty but is appreciated.
If the self noise was lower and a nicer body it could be a $500 mic.
I bought one of these because of this video. And I have been using it for the last 3-4 years to great effect. Thank you so much for such an in depth detailed and stellar video.
Dang it - you made me buy a X2 Vintage - you sexy beast - you got me spending money.
So I bought one of your t-shirts!
That does sound pretty good. U87 has a touch more low end and the X2 has a wee bit more presence on the high end. I’d bet upgrading the capacitors would make it even better.
I am sure it is a great mic, but the differences are quite clear; the U87 is much more "contained," and handles S's, plosives better, while having a pleasant distortion in the upper mids.
u$3000 more...some difference there has to be...
Oh wow! Glad to see you supporting new companies Mike. Thank you for your input and for the value you provide for thousands of booth junkies all over the world. I just received an email from them asking me to do a review of it as well and I'm super stoked!!!
I don't know if you'll read a comment after 4 months but I hope so! I've followed so much of your advice, including this mic, you've been invaluable and I thank you so much!! Today - I signed my first contract!
In this comparison, what I was impressed with is that a lot of inexpensive large diaphragm condensers, the top end is hyped too much - this one has a smoother top end which keeps it from feeling "cheap" - that said, in standard use, they seemed to sound rather similar, it was when he got close for the proximity that I noticed the difference the most - the Neumann seemed to remain smoother in its entire response, while the X2 seemed to compress more in the mids or something. Very impressive mic that doesn't suffer from that over hyped sound. Might look to add one to my cabinet.
Yes! New Booth Junkie Video!!!
O. M. G. What a fantastic microphone. I had a decent dynamic hand-held microphone as my starter but I had to get so close it was a pain. If I wasn't close enough, the recording was way too soft. This microphone lets me talk into it like a normal person. It certainly picks up the ambient sounds, so I'll have to work with that. Not sure I can create my own booth. I set up Reaper per guides #1 and #2 and got some good input setup guidance from the Reaper Blog. I bought the inexpensive Sony "cans" you mentioned in one of your other videos. Now I am ready to record something amazing. Thank you again...
That's amazing! Thanks for the review! Definitely want to grab one of these before the price goes up.
Great job! I also agree with your marketing suggestions!! You should pick up their other mic and review it too.
That noise floor will go great when in the mix, with the way that mic sounds.
Booth Junkie is right: an awesome mic under 2 bills!!!
You weren't kidding when you said they only had two microphones. Looks like they sold them already.
Hehe, I was thinking the same thing!
😂😂😂😂
Hahahahahahahh LOL.
BAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! 🤣
TechZone Audio Products but still not shipping outside of the US, or even mentioning it to people who signed up on the wait list, a month ago, from outside of the US. What’s the problem with international sales? Customers are clearly willing to pay for the product and shipping. It surely can’t be that difficult to write an international address on a box and package it securely?
The price for the X2 is now $199,-. But what a great great mic..... wow. Could see if you could make a test of the Aurycle A87 USB LDM?? This is half the prize of the Stella. I would love to see that. Thanks. Great show you make.
I'm excited to see the review for X3!
Holy moly! Blowing my mind. I'm going to need to test this one as well. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for this!! There’s a mic by AKG under $400 called the C214 and it has the exact same capsule/sound as the C414 which is a high end classic at around $1,000 I think. I’ve recorded in stereo with the original and was identical. The reason it’s a lot cheaper is because it doesn’t have the multiple pick up patterns which doesn’t matter if all you’re doing is vocals. There’s not a better condenser mic for vocals under $500. For dynamic mics the best mic under $400 is the SM7B (through a cloudlifter before the preamp because it’s output is very low) This is after working at guitar center for 6 years doing multiple shoot outs and then moving into a large studio with over 130 mics to test out any day.
The c214 was by far one of the worst mics I’ve ever used, that top end is absolutely atrocious and recordings didn’t even sound like me in my opinion there isn’t even a good microphone out there that just works. Not in the $100 price range and not in the $3,000. All still sounds metallic and unnatural to me
The Lewitt LCT440 Pure and 441 Flex are way better than the AKG C214. It's nothing like the classic C414, or even the C414 XLS, which is the flatter of the modern ones. A used AT4050 is probably one of the best mics for under $500. I think the CAD M179 is probably a better buy than the C214 too. You could get a pair for what the C214 would cost as well.
You were right about them not being able to sustain the price. Their website shows the price as $149.99 for the base model A2. Great information. Thanks. :)
Bought this mic from your review way back! Couldn’t be happier. Are there anymore mics that have surprised you this much?
Steller X2 mic comes with air band built in. So no need to eq your vocals on post anymore. :)
Looks like I found a new mic to try out! Thanks for the review man!
YEEIooooW!!!!I cranked up the audio to hear the hiss and then you came back on!!!! Great ear wa cleaner!!
Nice presentaton as usual Mike.
Very impressive. Great to see reviews of inexpensive yet excellent products such as this. I subscribed to your channel off the back of this video.
Just found this video. I have a project that has just surfaced and started looking into microphones and watching reviews. One of Mike’s previous mic comparison videos displayed the U87ai and it was really the only one in the bunch that jumped out at me, along with the price. That was yesterday. Today saw the video thumbnail and couldn’t play it fast enough. Could it be, u87ai (ish) sound an unbelievable price. Shortly after the video began I jumped on the manufacturers link and 💥 bam💥. Smacked in the face with reality. The deal was gone. Yep, the price has increased. I figured it was gonna be too good to be true. Lol. Still like the mic. Just not enough funds to make it happen. Thanks for posting this MIke. I will try not to hold it against you that you shattered my hopes and dreams! Lol. Great review and seriously thanks for sharing. Wish you the best. And congrats on getting a great mic at at great price.
Ok I found the video sweet! Thanks booth junkie!! So I'm getting a Focusrite scarlett solo 3rd gen usb audio interface, amazon xlr male female mic cables, and the stellar x2 large diaphragm cardioid condenser xlr mic...your videos really help now I just have to learn how to use them properly for VO lol
Hi Mike! After several reads and comparisons, i finally commited myself and i bough several pieces of gear today :
1) the Stellar X2 (regular version)
2) The Audient ID4 (i hold it in my hands right now!)
3) a microphone stand «On Stage MS7701b» (the one you suggested in one of your videos.)
4) A pop filter : the Stedman PS 101
5) a 15 feets XLR cable (Mogami 2534 Neglex Quad gold)
6) And for my DAW (Reaper 6.18)
Temporarely, my room closet will be converted to a vocal booth.
My mic was shipped from California today and will travel up north across the canadian border to me, in Quebec (french state of Canada). I hope those gears will make a good voice over beginner kit. My voice is somewhat like yours. So the Stellar X2 should be a good match with my voice. I will find out by myself if this microphone deserve all that hype ;) I'll let you know. Thanks for the advises and tips!
how does it sound?
@@jaysRiddum It sounds great! At that price range, nothing else can beat it.
The proximity effect on the U87 is much weightier and smoother, but overall, the X2 seems well worth the now $150 they are asking.
Having just visited their site - you might suggest they re-do their promo video with a better voice (hint) and a music bed that isn’t overmodulated - just sayin’ - the various sample bits of audio could also stand re-do’s
I agree, and they don't have a fully mixed female sample to hear.
sheeeiiiitttt, i have stereo pair of Oktavamod u67 emulation mics (that imo beat out the actual Neumann u67 in the blind shootout - I gave them $ right then and there), and when Oktavamod shifted to a different biz, i figured i'd never again see a small company hand building mics to this standard but WHOA. THESE GUYS SOUND LIKE THEY'VE DONE IT. And now i have a mic to recommend to all my VO/narrator friends!! thanks so much for reviewing this mic & company!! SMOOTH LIKE HOT CHOCOLATE, WOWZA :D
Thank you for this! Just got my X2 and it is a whole other level for me!!
I just closed down and sold the U-87 and the TL 103. Moving out of state and will need a 1" diaphragm at the new studio. You found it. I'm all in and subscribed.
Wow, what a crazy mic the SX2 is! The differenc for us regular deadly people is definitely not $3000-different! Beyond impressed by SX2. Totally getting myself a pair of them, yep! Another great video, btw!
The next mic I add has to be the one from Townsend Labs since it's an entire freakin locker in one.
Got ours in the mail a couple days ago! It's very nice for the price. At first I wasn't impressed but after several comparison tests the TZ audio shine. It's very warm and intimate. It also takes effects well (reverb, delay, compression). Supposedly they have a new improved one they're selling now. The price was higher ($199) but it was well worth it. We were also alarmed at first because it's very small. It's built well though and everything fits on a standard mic stand. Satisfied with our purchase!
Had the same experience with the $50 MXL larg diaphragm.
Just bought it - with tax, $183.59. If it's as good as this video makes it out to be, I'll be dancing!
Me too
If stands so close you can easily hear difference between two mics , if you little bit get back sound very very similar .Yes ,I'm impressed.
Thanks for the tip. Just purchased mine
I just bought my X2. Having grown up on U87's, Tube 47's, etc, I was impressed (as were you). What a great utility mic to have around. People who hear me on ZOOM sessions, buy one. (Sometimes while we are on the ZOOM session.). I run mine through an SSL 2+.
I just bought this one too. Set it up over the weekend and it goes live starting tomorrow .
Seems like a cool mic. Seems also like there has been a $60 increase in price which is pretty significant. at $200 does it still stand in the same favor or does it bring in other options? I mean $60 increase on a $140 microphone is pretty significant.
@TechZone Audio Products ...guys you rocks guys! We deserve the new Stellar X3 !! :)
The difference astonishingly big. The mid forward character of u87 ai is partly related to its k87 capusle.
Better naming strategy than the sE X1...
But yes, the company name is unnecessarily long.
Insanejughead , they could always DBA as: TZ Audio or TZA. I “think” the shorter modern name will help drive addt’l business their way. But either way, I’m buying this mic...just hope they haven’t foregone their by-hand processes. Peace.
Insanejughead I never noticed that and now It will never go unnoticed
Bought one also after emailing them to get on advanced waitlist. Took at least 10 tries to get one in the shopping cart. Amazon kept saying sold out. Coming before Christmas!
Mike, I received the the all black X2 microphone and it awesome! Smooth as silk, yet clear and the latest version has an extremely quiet noise floor. Thanks for sharing it with us. I used to think I wanted a Neumann TLM103. I don’t think I want/need one anymore.
I just bought the vintage. Just sounds amazing to me
Thank you! They reached out to me just recently to run a test. I'm curious about the design that you tested versus the design they have now. Apparently, it's still the same name, Stellar X2. Again, thank you for your hard work. Cheers , my brother.
Finally.... FINALLY.. Amazon has the Stellar listed for purchase and I snagged one using the discount code TechZone gave me when I signed up on their notification list. I won't get it until about 22 December, but I gots it. That is all. :O)
Phillip Withers hit me up on Instagram I wanna ask u 😴 : @soothv
I actually LOVE this Microphone and purchased it because of a recommendation from a friend after i heard a vocal done with it . I also have the Neumann U87 and of course is my favorite mic , but the X2 is awesome . The key for me is to make sure i use a high-quality Mic Pre, which is an absolute must for Microphones . This definitely is an awesome mic and highly recommend it . Thanks for the video
The future looks great for TZA! Selling out at the very beginning is always a good sign.
For that price, it sounds amazing ! And they're sold out.
this video was just so inspiring and hyped me up so much that there are even companies doing this, and so happy to see you represent them and recommend them the way you did, so positive and informative, I have the AT 2020 and you make me just want to create something awesome and I am jus gonna do it! oh and in the long run gotta try out one of TechZones products for sure
nice, they changed the mic apparently, it's now all matte black, and is $199.99 now
Man it sounds good, The U87 has a more pleasant resolution in the low miss but man, I'm impressed.
I follow you and am impressed by your candor and in this case for your compassion for this start up. And that is one reason I went ahead with a purchase with very high expectation. Even with the newer version of the Stellar X2 in hand and testing it for two weeks the sound though smooth is thin and lacks bottom. The comparison to the U87 is a PR trick.
Do you have a fairly bassy voice? This microphone is designed for fairly bassy male voices. If yours is more of high pitch, the microphone wont be a good match.
think the Tech Audio needs to go against the Gauge products and warm audio products as well
Mike, I'm such a fan of your channel. You inspired the latest upload on my Audio for Content Creators channel. Plugged you and left links. Hope it helps!
Bought it. Love it. Is my main mic,....stealing the place from my Rode mic.
the noise floor is considerably more pronounced and higher pitch as well. But the sound is almost identical. Maybe the bass sounds a bit better on the U87 but still crazy for $140 shit its crazy for $300. I'm on there wait list for sure
I work with the Neumann u87ai, c414, and C12 replica, and Sm7b for voices. Also these microphones obviously have other uses in a music recording setting. Here’s my take on these mics.
The u87 is a fantastic vocal mic and typically I’ll use them on rooms or overheads also. It has this almost ‘compressed and eq’d vibe. Vocals seem to sit right in or on the mix. I notice the stellar is a slight exaggeration of that. Which to me is pleasing, because you can put up on against a source and have that pillow on the mix effect, but with more low end and the same natural high end.
I could see these microphones being forever mics in a room. I can also see them being great as overheads. The u87 seems to be a microphone that works well with its source not having too much changes in proximity. It works well on smooth sources.
I could see it on top of a drum kit, grabbing the cymbals very articulated. And bumping in some low end from the shells. This scooped, hi-fi sound is perfect for overheads, which need spaces in the midrange for the room mics and shells.
Final thoughts, if the source has drastic qualities like lots of low end or high end, i can see the Stellar being too much of one thing. But a generally flat source, I can see the stellar actually enhancing the audio quite significantly. Basically it seems like this mic would be great for good sources, meanwhile the u87 can capture the sources without boosting too much low end or high end into it.
U87: Captures and places audio in a quality spectrum.
Stellar x2; Adds hifi, but could be trouble on boomy acoustics or dynamic vocals.
what do you think works best for rock vocals that are more dynamic? Or how about guitar cabinets? Would a flat sounding mic allow the guitar sound to come through or would it literally flatten out the dynamics and there fore would it make more sense to get a mic that has similar eqing as the guitar amp itself?
Most foam/windscreens usually affect the high frequencies.
that is the idea...a smooth HF filter...;)
What impressed me the most is that they make their own capsules. Either they have a skilled lathe operator or CNC machine.
I guess they could be ordering the parts in a machine shop too, but still...
Probably get better quality control this way instead of ordering in bulk from china 1000 capsules for ~10000$ who may have good quality control, be decently packaged and then not be damaged in shipping.
My goodness the difference is ..... hard to tell! For that price point this would be an EXCELLENT mic for those jumping into home studio! I'm happy with my TLM 103, but hot damn it'd be nice to nab a couple of these for training sessions with other aspiring VAs.
I think the Stellar X2 is just a bit more brighter than the Neumann. Which could probably explain why there's a bit of a noise floor on the X2. Not that its a bad thing at all. Its a shame they don't ship to where I am, though. :(
I finally managed to buy a pair of these and the $30 customs charge to send them to the UK will be worth every cent. It'll be amazing to hear how they sound paired up with my new DT770 250 ohm headphones. Seems like I'll need to keep my Rode NT1-A for back-up purposes now. Thanks for the review.
Always happy to see an upload. You've helped get me on the right path for me mic and post. Thanks = )