The Blue Ember: Best Streaming Mic?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ส.ค. 2024
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(clean links to compatible shock mounts at the bottom of this comment)
Hey Mike, awesome video! Some extra information for you that might help with a cheaper option for shock mounts for the Ember. If you do enough digging online, you should be able to find "handheld dynamic mic shock mounts". A few years ago I bought three of them for a roundtable podcast where the mics were coupled to the desk with clamped boom arms. The mounts I'm describing simply have a smaller diameter opening and function the same (chip clip style) as the cheapo Neewer mount you described. The Ember looks to be about the same diameter body as the SM58 minus the taper of the dynamic, though the shock mounts I'm describing do not taper, they're just a smaller diameter. I'll see if I can find a link and edit this comment with it here in a short while. Thank you again for all the wonderful information you provide in your videos.
Links to the products I describe:
2sets Black Handheld Condenser Microphone Shock Mount Clip Mic Shockmount Dynamic Studio Holder www.amazon.com/dp/B00E93RQQ0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zIrhDbWW0FDGD
Kmise A8175 1 Set Handheld Condenser Microphone Shock Mount Clip Dynamic Studio Holder, Black www.amazon.com/dp/B010ODOA58/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_KJrhDbADB005D
Handheld? As in holding in your hand? Or is that just a marketing thing?
@@Schmuddel it is, and it isn't. There are two different types (typically) of dynamic microphone styles. Stage varieties and studio varieties. The stage, or "handheld" varieties typically include narrow body microphones like the Shure SM58 vocal microphone or it's contemporaries, such as the CAD D90 or Blue enCORE 100.
Studio style dynamic microphone are mics like the Shure SM7B, ElectroVoice RE20/320, and the Heil PR40. These studio style dynamic microphone are not intended to be held in the hand, have a larger diameter body and are best suited for stationary applications.
So, utilizing keywords like "handheld" in a product title or name helps to differentiate the smaller diameter shock mounts from their typically larger bodied studio condenser counterparts, while also accurately describing which styles of mics they're intended for.
The Blue Ember is not a typical large body condenser microphone so it would be better suited to a shock mount intended for pencil condensers or handheld style dynamic stage microphones. Hope that helps.
@David I'm excited that you posted this! Thank you. Sadly, too many microphone manufacturers think too highly of their shockmounts. For example, Neumann has one for $375. But, knowing the diameter of your mic or it's thread can save you well over $350!
@@mageprostudios4334 thank you! It really is quite ghastly, the way these companies attempt to (from the feel of it) fleece customers for accessories, that cost them pennies to produce... Nigh shameful. In most cases there are workarounds, and I'm constantly attempting to find them so we can produce the audio we want, at the price we can afford. Cheers to you!
They look very much like cheaper shotgun/boom mic holders great tip for folks definitely
Your vids are better than any college course and your delivery is always so engaging. How can I watch 24 minutes of a mic I will never buy (own an EV)....because of you my man. Keep it going!
What kind of ev do you use? Mayby a re20?
Thanks for everything, Mike. You got me addicted to capturing good sound and you turned me onto Reaper.
Man you helped me sooo damn much with this whole podcasting and streaming stuff. I strive to be like you some day.
Mike, I came across your channel in my research on what mic to get for online voice use. I love the way you explain things in great detail and very clearly. Also, you have a great voice. Thanks for all the hard work you do for the channel.
I doubt I'll ever purchase this microphone, but I always learn so much from mike, I look forward to every video!
We love your videos, Mike! Please keep them coming!!!
You're so damn good to watch Mike, love your delivery!!! you need to post more!!! the internets needs you!! :)
You sneaky dog, you. I've been a fan of the no sleep podcast for YEARS now and I randomly discovered this youtube channel because I wanted to upgrade my audio for PC gaming. This is the first video I've watched where you introduced yourself, and I was floored that I didn't quite recognize your voice sooner. Great content man!
Oh gosh how I missed your videos. Thank you for all your hardwork :)
Welcome back big guy its been a while
This is one of if not the best microphone review i have ever heard [i heard many]. Very impformative, understandable, educative. Bravo.
Another great video. Thanks Mike !
Love your videos, so in-depth explained and funny!
Awesome video. I've had my blue ember for a while now and it's been great
Bro I respect you extremely! You don't let anyone influence you and you express your opinion. Thanks for your great videos. Greetings from Germany.
Thanks Luke, may the force be with you.
The legend is back!
Thank you for addressing one of my biggest pet peeves of live streamers. GET UP ON THE MIC PEOPLE! The audio quality of your stream is much better this way. Also thanks for another great review of a nice little condenser mic. I prefer dynamics for live streaming but this one from Blue is a solid mic for the price.
This channel is the best! Subscribed!
Great video again Mike. Thanks for using the SM58 as a comparison mic. I've got one and it was useful to learn the difference in the orientations of the capsule as well as being reassured that it's not the worst thing to use given that dynamics in an untreated room might give me a tiny benefit. FYI after 18:00 the video & audio go out of sync
honestly, for the shockmount, I would just get one of those cheap clampy ones and shove some dishwashing sponge in the clamp with it
Allan Sargeant
Stay classy! 😁
(Just kidding...😆)
This mic is a bargain, the low end is great, can't say about the top, cause your type of voice, using the scarlett gives the typical brightness of those pre's, a happy and clean great combination on a budget, nice definition. Love your channel!!!
Thanks, I bought the Ember, I LOVE IT
Incredible video! watched 23 minutes like it's nothing. Keep up the good work!
Good advice, thanks.
I love the big, clear address instruction on the box! It reminds me of a long-winded "appeal to authority" video made by an audiophile who claimed to be an electrical engineer (and so we all should respect his authoritah), but he didn't RTFM for his Blue Yeti and had the pointy end towards his face (and too far away), so we could barely hear what he was saying over the reverberations.
What I would do for the shock mount... wrap a sock or something around the Ember to fatten it up enough for the cheap clamp on one, lol.
...except I would get the SM58 (or 57) instead of the Ember.
thank you for the review!
I really think this mic is great. Although I've heard more body to sm58 and the overall sound appeared a bit more voluminous on the dynamic mic, I think Blue made a good product for such price.
I've seen most of the streamers have their yeti's on a boom arm for the reason stated in the video, but I've not seen many of them having a shock mount. More often a pop filter. To be honest, I don't think it's gonna be that terrible w/o a shock mount but w/ a boom arm, which sort of negates some of the vibrations. The fact that its gain is only at about 60% leaves some room for maybe even deeper proximity effect experiments or higher sensitivity for bigger venues, provided a user isn't close to the mic, so that's good. I definitely see a niche for ember. Take note though, Blue: many streamers love knobs and buttons. At least a mute button would be a great decisive factor for some. Perhaps a feature for future models.
Have a nice day, everyone.
Well, it’s Mike! I just finished building my second microphone. I took the body of a MXL 990, built a new electronics board, new microphone capsule and it takes fantom power. I can hear a pin drop from a hundred yards away. I wouldn’t have thought about doing this if not for your mic reviews. Yes, I have a degree in electronics and this project is not for the novice. This is my second mic and the quality is sound from both of them. Now my problem is that I pick up a pin dropping from a hundred yards away. So with some tweaking from my Yamaha mixer I get something incredible. You should do a review of these microphone modifications.
Mike! Been wondering where you went off to man! Always good to see a new video from you good sir!
I get your video on new Vegas plus Mike's video in the same day 😉
Here's a +1 for Mike to do a monthly live stream!
He could talk about VO as an industry and a career, equipment, chat with others and hear their VO or equipment stories, and even random whatever!
What does everyone else think?
Could listen to him talking about variances in dog food brands or the latest innovations in theme parks. It wouldn't matter, we're THERE!
Great vid, Mike! It's so crazy to see mic companies specifically targeting Streamers now. The world we live in, haha. It's also crazy 'cause Streaming is supposed to be this kinda "anyone can do it with anything" type of thing. Like, a blue yeti would be perfectly fine for it. People aren't gonna hear your loud hiss and stuff over the video game you're streaming. Even then, you're probably in an echo-y bedroom regardless. I dunno. So weird. But seeing a lot of big time streamers actually care about their mic quality is great though. Lots of them use pre-amps, mix boards, XLRs, etc. So why not, I guess.
Thanks for doing this video. I was under the impression that I absolutely needed a dynamic mic for my untreated space but knowing I can use a condenser opens a lot more possibilities.
On a related matter, if you're taking suggestions could you do a review (or just tell us your impressions) on the Neat King Bee? I saw one on Sound Speeds' channel and it looks very interesting and seems to be excellent value at its current price.
As an aside, I fixed my Samson Q2U to one of those cheap, wide Neewer shock mounts using the included rigid mount as a spacer. I guess someone could try that if they have a mount that fits the Ember around?
Shock mount? Get a piece of foam, trim it up, wrap it around the mic, and put it in the cheap-o Neewer. It's what I do with my sE V7. Works good, lasts long time. As to the clarity of the Blue, it's stunning! Well done on your demo, Mike!
Great video! There are a lot of shock mounts designed for shotgun mics that work well for thinner mics. Find one with bands that cross to hold the mic. I have a cheap one for my AT2005 by Cisno.
I bought the Blue Ember back in April, just for funsies. I like it...except for how susceptible it is to plosives and the lack of a shock mount. I solved the shock mount issue by gluing some soft foam inside a shock mount I had laying around. You do have to work it close, but not too close.
I honestly LOVE the sound of the Ember. To me at least, it sounds a bit more consistent and pleasant to the ears than the SM58 (though it could just be my headphones). Audio Hotline showed the rejection is surprisingly AMAZING. I want one really badly 😫
This microphone sounds like super clean dynamic mic.
I bought one but imo it sounds a bit meaty. Maybe its because of my voice. I'd like a bit more clarity on it
@@sasaha8389 interesting descriptive
still hoping for those weekly uploads Mike. You are the only legit Mic review guy. CMON!!!!! lol
For real though him and podcastage is amazing, they actually tell you the truth not like some of them out there just telling you to buy it because they want the kick back.
@@scoremoore4280 Yes 100% agreed
@@scoremoore4280 Also Audio Hotline. His reviews have been surprising me. They're amazing quality.
@@scoremoore4280 +1 for Bandrew and his Podcastage. Slightly different target audience though.
This made me appreciate the sm58 even more! It's such a good quality (and cheap) dynamic mic when everything else fails! Great for streaming and podcasts.
great all arounder
Finally another video!
This microphone sounds beautiful. I've been looking for a budget level XLR mic that *looks* like a podcast microphone and this looks the part and sounds so much better than the AT2020, which is another mic I've been looking at.
I dunno...at2020 is a legend, it earned its reputation. I am also deciding between at2020 and blue ember
@@sasaha8389 2020 is so tinny
I would love to see a comparison between the ember and a rode nt-1a which is a very common mic for streamers :)
Whew! Good to see you again, Mike. Thought you passed on.
In reference to the lack of a shock mount. Go to Home Depot Or Lowes plumbing dept & purchase a round piece of black/charcoal "pipe sweat foam". They come in different sizes. Cut it to size to fit a conventional shock mount. As an alternative you could use a round foam "pool noodle" that can be purchased at Walmart.
Thanks for the vid Mike, lots of really good options for streamers out there. The Audio Technica 2035 is a real bargain. I think it sounds crisper than the Ember, has several on mic controls, AND COMES WITH a really nice shock mount. For $160ish depending on where you look for a very nice side address condenser mic, cant beat it. Love the vids Mike and the shirts are awesome!
Epic Cat Productions that's the mic I got! AT2035. I like it so far
I kinda want you to do a video where you blend two mics like this and use the dynamic mic for the mids of your voice and a condensor for the rumble and air, would be interesting.
Awesome review !!!
I was shocked 2 c the price of d blue shock mount.
Awesome Video Mike, are there any voice acting books or courses you would recommend?
Here I was about to purchase some cheap egg foam to try to get rid of the echoes haha.
Great vid! A question I have is that a few days ago I encountered a discussion talking about the size of your sound booth. Some ppl make their makeshift sound booths out of boxes, but then they say it sounds too "dead" or muffled. I was wondering if the size of the recording space matters? Thank you so much! I'm relatively new to your channel but I'm loving your content!
Excellent as always. I don't think anyone has come close to dethroning king of the mic review! The SM58 picked up a lot more reflection on the back wall. I bet the gain had to be cranked a lot higher than the Ember. What surprised me most was that an SM58 is only $99 now. Back when I used to buy handheld dynamic mics, the SM58 was the like the center of the economy. No mater how much other prices fluctuated, it was always in the $120-130 range. So, that would be something like 500 of today's dollars, right?
I bought one of those 15 dollar ones and Weather treatment foam. I then put the foam in 2 pieces aroudn the inside covering the clamp clip. i can upload image later tonight
One thing I like about Blue is that the side address feels like it’s less blocking of your face for streaming/recording stuff.
Nice vid!
It’s not fair, Mike, you make any mic sound good.
great video as always. bad thing i cant find it (the mic) in my country yet
Thanks for another great vid! Yeah, this thing is one step forward, two steps back due to that shockmount issue. I feel like you could get any number of MXL mics for under a hundred to get started. Anyway, any interest in reviewing any of the Neat Mics? Since Gibson tanked, these nutty looking things are pennies on the dollar, getting blown out on all the usual online sellers. Got the King Bee for 139 on Amazon. Retailed for 350 originally I think.
could you please make a video about different mic stands? wondering if the yellowtec ones really deserve to be that expensive.
I’m not gonna lie, I hear more of the sound bouncing off walls when listening to the sm58. The ember seems to do a really good job at rejecting such vibrations. Awesome video and comparison!
Yeah but It looks like a dildo
For a second there I thought you were going to throw the box behind you.
Matt been watching podcastage?
@@NightWLKR1 I watch anything these guys put out, despite the fact I already have way more microphones than I probably will ever need.
I did find shock mounts that fit the SM58 and the Blue Encore 100. They were pretty cheap on Amazon.
What audio interface do you use to record your audio for these videos?
Edit: OH. you showed it. Bro, you read my mind
A streaming setup guide for people who focus on good sound quality would be awesome. One with what gear to get, budget and pro. Mabye even how to test and set it all up on the pc aswell. Ahah anyway great video!
I'd like to add a little bit of info for people not familiar with sound studios: Yes, you will always find SM58's there. For background vocals especially. Not always as a primary microphone, but typically used for things such as choirs of singers. If you're looking for a mic to record multiple people? The SM58 likely will sound a lot better than the Ember for you. If you're solo-recording? Up to you. (I'd go with the Ember personally between these 2, but I also already have a lot of XLR/Phantom power equipment since I use it for DIY smarthome stuff, so I don't have to buy new cables, a power/audio converter unit, etc.)
Edit: I already have a different mic, so I'm not looking for one, but this video is very informational nonetheless.
Also: ALWAYS use a shock mount, haha. That "thumping keyboard" sound issue is serious. And as far as the "too large barrel" issue? Just buy some cheap rubber or silicone no-slip pads and cut a strip (or 2 or 3) and just glue that to the stuff in the mic mount. Voila. Solved for $1. (And if it's the same color rubber/silicone, who's to know?)
they both sound very similar to me, but the blue is a bit more detailed on the highs but the sm58 doesnt sound weaker compared to the blue. they both sound really really close to each other
I just saw yoo vid starting from Pop Filter and I like it a lot, damn
For my streame - Pyle-Pro Professional Moving Coil Dynamic, Behringer Xenyx Q502USB, CISNO Studio Condenser Mic Microphone Shock Mount all on amazon. room to upgrade in the future. Added options TRITON AUDIO FetHead, mic boom.
Love from France
I recently replaced my Rode Procaster by the Rode M2. And it sounds better, way clearer.
As it is a small-diaphragm condenser microphone it is nearly as insensitive as the Procaster to the echo.
Hope you can review the M1 some day.
Thanks for all your advise and the great work.
Do you think an instrument mic clamp shock mount would work? I know they say they only goto 30mm but they may be enough give to work.
I think part of why it's "for streaming" is that it's such a slim form factor that it isn't very obstructive, even when right next to your mouth on a boom arm. Compare to the clunky Yeti. I think that's also why there isn't a shock mountt, since the web of rubber bands can be a bit obstructive too.
I also think that the decision to be side address adds to the streaming thing. letting you get your boom further out of the way.
You should use a shotgun shock mount to isolate the Ember. I use this with a PGA48 and it fits!
I switched a couple of pairs of headphones but weren't able to hear much difference between Shure and Blue in close-ups. They are really-really similar in this application.
Good little rant on the "acoustic foam" that _isn't_ anything more than cheap packing foam rebranded as "acoustic foam"; there is a lot of it on the market; moving blankets folded and stuck to the walls are far more effective at that price point.
Believe it or not, some guy did a video where he compared the sound blocking/absorbing qualities of a bunch of materials, and stacked bath towels worked better across the whole spectrum than anything else. Who'd of thought?
have you/will you plan on doing the Blue Spark? :O I looked and I couldn't find it.
Wondering if you can do a review of the Maono AU A04 USB Mic, i am hearing its a great cheap mic. Thanks!
very useful
I love your voice
I have a Knox shockmount on a hand mic and works good, is for 28 to 31 mm diameter mics $19.99 in Amazon
Very informative for an aspiring voiceover artist. I’ll check out more of your channel. (Subscribing)
As a less expensive alternative, take a look at the Behringer UMC202HD or UMC204HD interfaces
I find it interesting how you and Sound Speeds have a difference of opinion about mic placement for video. I tend to agree with you more. Of course, watching people side-address and end-address mic or end-address a side-address microphone makes me cringe.
Also, I think the AKG P120 or the AT2020 might have been a fairer competition, at least in terms of $99 condensers. I know you have one of those (at least an older version); I've seen it in one of your videos. I think we need a shootout of those three mics (four if someone throws in the sE Electronics X1 A). Though, I understand you were probably going for a comparison with a much more popular mic. I've never bought Blue and nothing about them makes me want to change that, despite the fact that I see lots of TH-camrs use Blues.
Nice mic Mike 👍 but I prefer the røde procaster and nt-2.. The ntg-4 is coming soon
Put the microphone into the cheap shock mount upside down?
Do you already have a video explaining "Commercial Rights VS Full Broadcast Rights"?
Trying to buy a mic can be overwhelming, specially if you are a rookie in the area like me! LOL - Now, my question to you is: would you recommend the ember mic for voice recording?
Streamers should always use dynamics unless he/she has a treated room. Even then, there are the monitors right there for the first reflection. Worse when they have three or curved monitor.
I've been hoping for someone to test the blue ember xlr.
Great video, as always. I think many would be better off with the Rode NT-1 studio kit for $349. Mic, shock mount, pop filter, and audio interface.
The NT1 is a fine mic, especially for the money. It works much better than it's brother, the NT1-A for VO.
But, for podcasting... I guess it depends upon the sound/feel you want to present including your environment. I think the idea he was trying to get across was a mic design that would help cut down on reflections is a goal for podcasting.
Dynamic mics, àlthough gain hungry, serve the purpose much better, but it's a trade off between amplifier noise (because you are forced to drive the circuit so hard), and it being in your face/way to your screen or controls.
Microphone placement and technique is part of good sound. Not having it in your face is another consideration. So, what are options to combat those?
Off hand, I can think of 2 options that possibly end up increasing your costs 10 fold! The first option would be to use a shotgun mic and mounting it from above... Out of camera and away from your hands (as long as you don't throw your hands up in victory). The other option would be a lavalier mic. They can be mounted on your clothing or you can get them to mount over your ear and come down by your mouth. The problem... Rustle. Clothes and hair/beard can make this choice a challenge, but not unsurmountable. (Some are straight Dynamic while others have a built-in preamp that may or may not use phantom power).
The best (and oftentimes cheapest) solution is to treat your room first. It's surprising how good a cheap mic will sound in good conditions and how horrible an perfect and expensive mic will sound in bad conditions.
I took a drink at 10:32, and Mike almost killed me.
Mike, you should try some Schoeps mics ;) cmit 5u and cmc6 with mk41
$99 for a shock mount? Those are some expensive rubber bands....
I got one for my Blue Yeti (yeah I'm cheap) and it's really a must-have for streaming if you have your mic stand on a standard desk mount.
What microphone boom arm did you use in this video?
From now on, I'm coming to your channel for any type of audio videos or microphone reviews. I haven't been digging very far but do you have a video about "acoustic foam", the proper stuff. When I search acoustic foam into Google, it's most if not all products are the ones that look like that stuff you said does next to nothing. I need to know what the good stuff is.
These would probably do well as overhead microphones in a studio recording session for drums 🤔
Yeah, Blue really messed up by not including a shock mount with the mic. I own an Audio Technica AT2035 and that's the same sort of mic, entry level XLR condenser with a cardioid pattern, maybe slightly better than entry level (it has a high pass and a -10 dB pad), but for $150 it comes with a shock mount.
Also, for streaming the best positioning of side-address mics that I've found is putting the mic sideways in from the side, around neck-height and directing it up at your mouth at about 45°. This will move it out of your face, so your loving audience will not be spared the blessing of your good looks and you can still get quite close enough to the mic for a good signal to noise ratio.
Does anyone know how much this compares to the other $100 microphones like the Podmic?
I use a Sennheiser e835 dynamic performance microphone. Same price.
My first mic was an ADK GC-1. It was so bad, ADK disowned it! I paid $40 for the mic and a Steinberg UR22 used. It sounded much better than the ember... If I needed budget, I'd buy used or go for a Procaster or something.
Dynamics and condensers both have their advantages.