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Mojave Audio MA-201fet Review / Test (vs. AT2020, NT1, TLM103, u87Ai)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ส.ค. 2024
- Today I review a microphone from David Royer, the Mojave MA-201fet. This thing offers a hefty low-end and a really smooth detailed and articulate top end. It does tend to suffer from plosives and pick up a lot of background noise, but the off-axis coloration is beautiful! Another thing to take note of is the Max SPL of 125dB.
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00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer
00:21 - Setup
00:36 - What’s in the Box
00:54 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:22 - Specifications
01:48 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:10 - Plosive Test
02:23 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:40 - Background Noise Test
02:59 - Untreated Room Test
03:12 - Mic Mount Bump Test
03:28 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:45 - Intro to Comparison
03:58 - AT2020 Comparison
04:42 - Neat King Bee Comparison
05:23 - Rode NT1 Comparison
06:00 - Shure KSM32 Comparison
06:48 - Neumann TLM102 Comparison
07:44 - Neumann TLM103 Comparison
08:47 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
10:06 - Music Test
11:16 - Pros & Cons
12:58 - Overall Thoughts
15:14 - Recommendation
16:27 - Outro
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Let me say that when I designed the 201fet I wanted a no bull**** microphone that would work well for many applications. Also, several comments mentioned the "poor" noise spec for the 201fet; suffice to say that there are tricks to make a microphone that measures "quieter", but you end up "fixing" one problem and making another one; if the mike "folds" on loud, complex sounds, the noise spec is moot.
Hi David, I'd love to watch/hear a video of a band that you are capturing the audio of with only 2 mics. Are any of your recordings out in the wild?
hellyea!
Hello David Sir. What a tank have you made. What a differenciated notes appear on your mic. It sounds better than U87ai. It is so exiciting mic.
@@HarvinderSingh-yy8th and thank you
@@davidroyer5049 Thanks for reply Sir. I will use 201 fet in my home studio. I reviewed almost all condenser mics. But your mic has no competitor.
I'm not even looking for a mic anymore but this guys is too cool and nice for me to not watch his videos
Same lol
Same haha
Same dude
Ya I get that lol
Agreed
Mojave just rocks. David Royer tests each microphone himself before they're sent out. That kind of QC is crazy. I went to get a new body for my MA1000, and David was there waiting for me! :)
What a legend David Royer is.
You nailed it in terms of the description: the microphone really has weight and girth to the sound but still comes across as clear. Was surprised at how dramatic that difference was compared to the other mics, especially since I’ve tracked a lot with LDCs from the Rode NT and Neumann TLM range. Incidentally, Royer’s tech support is pretty amazing - they even helped me over the phone with a ground loop issue on one of my first gigs with a 122V. If Mojave division’s is anything like that, it’ll be a real asset.
Sounds really damn good! It's smooth, articulate, warm in the lows but nice and open mids. Every application you put it through was great! Amazing video
notification squad?
@@CybertroninfiniteOfficial indeed
I like the high end response and handling. It outshines the Neaumans. Bob Heil could only dream of creating such a mic. Keep up the good work; your reviews are more than just entertainment.
Yeah the top end is pretty special on this one.
This has been my primary mic for about 6 years. I purchased a tlm103 because most of my clients wanted me to use that mic for the “name”. I returned it the same day. The Mojave sounded much better and wasn’t so sibilant like the tlm103. The Mojave for voice over is amazing, but when I used to use it in a recording studio for bands, it’s incredible! It always cuts through the mix and made anyone sound so good on it.
Can’t stand the TLM 103. Terrible with plosives.
Did you also find it picked up the room as much as was stated?
@@larrycom for me it wasn’t as noticeable because I was using it in tight treated spaces. When I first moved into my new home I was using it in an untreated space for a few weeks and it did pick up the room, but I still got paid work during that time. As long as you have a little treatment, the mic is great. It gives a great cut through sound for music. I used it last month on a rapper and man it sounded goood. I’m not very fond of it ANYMORE for voice over as it has a little harmonic distortion, but it worked for me for 2 years before I eventually moved on to a gefell m930 strictly for vo. I still use it for music though. Sounds much more expensive
I am not sure why no one has commented this so far but your voice sounds really good. I have watched few of your videos and the best part is when you start your music and sing ! If possible, I would love to hear your singing more !
Since you did this, Neumann has raised their prices dramatically. Because of that, I've been looking for what might become the replacement for the U87 for a lot of people. Seems like the Mojaves could be the ones. The special thing about the U87 is the "hair" in the top that makes things pop in the mix. Seems like the Mojave has it well without the nasality of the U87. I'm happy! Rather than a second U87 for a pair, I can spend less money for a pair of Mojaves.
I almost spit out my coffee when you said "Hello Neumann...."
I like this one a lot. Clear, crisp, balanced. I'd like one, if only to do a comparison with the Owwstrian Owwdio OC 818.
I have had five of these, purchased specifically for ensemble voice work for animation, and you hit it all dead center except for one con: The elastics on the shockmount all tend to die at about the same time. A little distressing, but not a deal breaker, and Mojave responded immediately when I emailed support.
This is an extremely useful mic in most situations. And they like VO just fine. Better than fine. I like them better than U87s for animation work. A lot of dynamic range.
I also use them for music recording and vocals. I have had one 6 string it didn't work with, an all mahogany 00 sized Collings. I should be clear- it worked, it just didn't sound *great* just pretty good.
Everything else has been very good to great.
The thing I learned from this is that Rode really knows how to pull off great sound for cheap
Spank me
@@davidmarley8387 on it
it's one of the best budget mic companies you can buy from
I love my NT1! Bought it thanks in part to the video from this channel that compared it to the NT1-A
Agreed
Your test songs need to be added to your channel! 🔥🔥🔥🔥 great review. That u87 sounds so crispy but this is a great mic
I bought one of these yesterday because of this video and I absolutely love it.
In the morning!!!! Had to look into this channel, thank you for your courage.
Just happened across your channel in the hunt for a new dynamic microphone, and felt grateful enough to want to leave a comment thanking you - your videos are so succinct and useful. The consistent structure is really useful for comparisons.
Really happy to know you find the videos useful. That means a lot.
The Mojave mic is nice. The sound is full, warm and clear for voice. It really holds on well with the other expensive mics, if not slightly better
yeah, it sounds really nice.. the tlm-102 (the microphone I have) is brighter and I like it a lot more for vocals but both sound like quality mics
It better sound good for 800 bucks, there is no “decent” expensive microphone really. Nobody would pay that amount of money without knowing the microphone is gonna be good, at least any mentally sane person lol
@@RainboomDash Yeah, a slightly brighter mic can work well with vocals.
I do agree. It may be better in some ways. Expensive tho
@@Daizlol Right. Lol. That's way too many coins.
@@CliftonOubre Mario does nota have enougha coins for the microphona after the taxesa
Wow, you’re absolutely right that KSM32 sounds very nice. Warm and soft, very lush with a very smooth top end. Everything else sounds harsh in comparison. Grabbing that mic for Shure!
Just bought one of these. The review was super helpful. Excited for it to arrive! Cheers
I hope you love the mic and you get some great recordings.
Awesome review and comparison of the mics! The MA-201 did add a nice weight to your voice while maintaining clarity in the hi-frequencies. The U87 sounded boxy by comparison, which is crazy! I'd say the Rode, the TLM103, and the 201fet are all great choices for your voice.
True findings.
My buddy's first thought when you said "FEDS" keys - "Is he somehow hitting the L-O-L-I keys?"
Best thing to watch while eating lunch
Ah that Mojave mic sounds so nice 👌. I think I need to watch every one of bandrews videos again. Ngl I'm one of those people that watch the videos on my phone and just watch for bandrews opinions. However I just got my first pair of flat studio headphones and a headphone amp and I'm blown away. This is like a new world of audio. Ahh. Going to rewatch a lot of videos. Can't say bandrew is a good influence. I've got 3 new microphones this year. But this dude has like 100. I dont have a problem 😌
While I think the KSM32 gives this mic a run for the money and the U87 has its own special thing going on, I preferred this mic to nearly every other mic in the comparison. It has a very robust low end that sounds warm and smooth as opposed to muddy and boomy like certain mics *cough Aston Element *cough, has detailed but not overly forward mids that makes it sound natural, and an open detailed high end that's ever so slightly sibilant on your voice but isn't ear gratingly so. I think its just a really great mic for your voice, and many others.
I was watching your first videos with like 4 amazon mics hahaha, the difference in content quality is wild keep it up! I love your reviews!
I want 10 hours of you saying Mojave Podcsts. I can't get enough of those.
this or the tlm 103
The neat king bee is damn amazing for the price point.
Shame it looks like a childs toy
@@Acenis more mics for me 😂
I believe it's a $349 microphone that a company was selling that went out of business and another company bought and sold for much, much cheaper.. so that's why.. and you can't even buy the microphone anymore, it sold out
@@RainboomDash nah the company is still in business. It used to be owned by Gibson, but Gibson went bankrupt, so Neat finally had its own financial freedom and sold their 1st gen mics off for really cheap. They're apparently making new ones later on. They might reintroduce the king bee eventually, but the ones that are left are overpriced by 3rd parties.
@@CybertroninfiniteOfficial ah, okay.. I just know the microphone is worth a lot more than it is selling for which is a lot of why it sounds so good for the price
Man, I'm surprised how good the Mojave sounded. I'd definitely check it out! To anyone who's looking for a new mic and also has no sound treatment, I personally recommend getting some bass traps and 3" wall panels, and an AT2020. Probably better than a more expensive mic without treatment. (Up until recently, I recorded a podcast with just sound treatment and an at2020 and it sounded great!)
U87 sounds best as usually. But i did like the Mojave 201fet. Would have like to have heard it up against an AT4050.
Not a bad mic for the price, but ignoring diminishing returns- the U87 definitely sounds lusher and more transparent.
I built one of the DIY kit mics Royer sold that eventually led to Mojave being formed. It’s a lovely mic - the tube predecessor to this mic. I ordered another kit but I was too late; Mojave was happening.
Just found this channel. Top notch reviews 👌Great work. Thanks
Great review! I watched this the first time on my laptop. Then I watched it on my Ipad. Then Finally I watched it in my studio through my monitors! HUGE Difference! With the exception of the 87, 102, and 103, the other mics sound real nasal. They have that Chinese mic harshness on the top end. The Mojave sounds more true to your voice, much like the 87. You can hear a slight bump in the high end on the 103 but it's nice and smooth. Great comparison. PSA: Listen to this through some GOOD headphones or through some studio monitors if you are an engineer looking for a studio comparison. For PodCasters, I guess it really doesn't matter because most listeners will be listening through some cellphone headphones or equivalent. But for audio engineers listen to this comparison in your studio if you really want to hear the difference. Great review!
As always, informative. Even though it is sometimes about mics I may never buy, nevertheless, I think it's good for a sound engineer to constantly critically listen to material, especially new material, with subtle or not-so-subtle differences -- in this case, spoken voice. Thanks for the informative material. I think this mic is very kind to your spoken voice, especially with a modest amount of proximity and close micing/room treatment to minimize ambient room effects.
Ohhh. This mic sounds wonderful. Quite literally preferred it over every single mic on the list. Quick question: If you have it on hand, would you be able to throw the CAD E100S into the comparison list? It's such a common mid-range/end game mic that it would be nice to see how others stack up.
Wonderful videos as always!
The only 2 contenders here are the MA-801 and the TLM 103. The Mojave has a bit more body and bass, without sounding muddy and retaining very refined top end, which makes it a great alternative to the Neumann sound. The U87 has an unreal high end and mids, but it's not in a contender in this price range.
this or the tlm 103
I find that the Neumann U87ai is a waaaaaaaaay overpriced microphone. And the frequency response is not much different from the less expensive mics. A high-mid bump around 5K hz, which is what most of these mics do in the cardioid position. The omni position is a nice addition, as it's really good for a choir. But to compare the Mojave to a mic costing more than 4 times the price is like comparing apples to gold bars. It doesn't work. Actually, the MA-50 sounds exactly the same as the MA-201, and it's $300 less expensive. But out of all of them, the Shure KSM 32 tops them all.
@@barneybarnes7796but people are ready to spend 3700 bucks as naumann has its own vocal texture.
Any mic made by this manufacturer is great.
this mic blew me away, think it's a winner and stacked up nicely to the 103.
I heard about your site on the No Agenda show. John didn't seem to get -age suffix. He wanted to call it "pod cast stage". Some needs to tell him its like having "coinage" in your pocket, (or insert your favorite "thingage" here).
I became an audiophile after joining the USAF in 1981. Spent nearly all of my first years pay on seperate pieces of stereo equipment, mixer, and microphone.
Now, (oh God) 40 years later, I can't hear a stinking difference between any of those microphones. Party age, and mostly 20 years working on the flight-line surrounded by jet engines.
ITM. That's the fun time when you first get into audio gear and hunt for the perfect component for you. That's unfortunate that you the job has hurt your hearing to the point where the differences aren't apparent, however, I know most of us are headed that way with the amount of folks who wear headphones all day every day and listen far too loud.
At that moment, we can all buy a $20 microphone and then we'll have more coinage to be NA producers.
I think I need this for both my vocals, and I saw a picture of one of these on Brian Setzer’s guitar cabinet that was mic’d by Mr. Royer himself. It had this on one speaker, and his ribbon mic on the other. Thanks for this detailed review.
I haven't listened to much Brian Setzer, but that's interesting. This would seem to match well with a ribbon. This gives a lot of the highs, the ribbon gives the low mids. Cool idea.
I'm just here for the music. My favorite part of Bandrew's reviews!
Big thanx for the video, great comparison! Sounds like NT1 is the closest one to heavy lows of Mojave, but got more midrange. TLM103 is next(same price as Mojave in EU), then KSM32.
I really enjoyed the sound of this microphone, so easy to listen to a the body of it is so weighty. If I was nit picking, it’s a little bit sibilant when it comes to spoken word. Favourite mic out of all the mics tested still has to be the KSM 32. Frickin love that mic so much.
This thing sounds great, especially for the price!
I can't wrap my head around this mic. At first, it sounded kind of odd. Almost "honkish". It was a little unnatural sounding. BUT..after hearing it and allowing my ear to adjust it started to sound really nice.
I cant decide if it's actually good for VO/spoken word. I think it may be just very different than what I'm used to hearing. Allllmost a little too heavy in the lows..but not really.
I kind of want to buy one lol
Also, this really highlighted how good the TLM 103 sounds on your voice.
Hey, surprised but pleased to see this mic's return. I was disappointed it didn't turn up in your best of 2020 vid. Is that because you were using it in your Bandrew Says but not your Podcastage vids? Let me just say this: I don't think your voice has ever sounded better on any other mic than the Mojave. It flatters all the right bits - and removes all the right bits too! The Neumanns emphasised that slightly nasal quality you often comment about. From the moment I first heard you use this mic I've been low-key obsessed with it, but simply cannot justify another mic purchase at the moment. My second fave in this lot was the King Bee, but I've always thought it was just a tad harsh/strident if money were no object. EDIT - I just went back to listen to you on your U67 (in the same studio space). Sorry, but I think I still prefer the Mojave. Maybe.
Anyone else having a Mojave/TLM102 dilemma? Great review, thanks
To me, there was a strange kind of rumbling noise on the TLM 102, although the sound was quite similar
@@brockmannolaf7182 Thanks! Do you mean on this video or your own experience of the TLM 102?
@@SavoPaddy im trying to decide which did you get i kinda like the TLM 102
I'm still waiting for the Samson Q9U..... They're taking forever to release it. You need to get your hands on that beauty of a Mic!
To someone I've been watching religiously lately....Thank you 👍
Bobby’s world 👍🏼
I like it. The Sure gets my vote, Alright I hit the bell already....
The King Bee sounds remarkably similar to the Mojave.
I think the king bee is actually a $349 microphone but the company went out of business or something and another company bought and sold for cheap.. you can't even get the king bee anymore I believe, it sold out...
@@RainboomDash nice copy paste :P The price was dictated by Gibson when the Neat brand was still under that umbrella. Once they bought themselves out during the Gibson Bankruptcy, they dropped the prices
No it doesn't. The Rode NT1 is closer. The NKB is really muted compared to both. I don't know what you're listening through, but I'm listening through Sennheiser HD 380 Pros.
hmm, after very careful listening.. I agree.. the nt1 sounds slightly higher quality than the king bee.. but not nearly as good as the mojave but the price difference of nt1 and mojave is pretty big
PM-3 headphones here
I liked the Shure, then the Neat (as someone who can’t contemplate the higher priced models)
Holy cow the Neat! They say they should have a new offering to replace it soon. Too bad it'll be a lot more money I'm sure. The big shocker on this one was the KSM32. I expected the Mojave to sound great. Didn't expect the Shure to hang with it. Wow.
U87Ai is better, but is more expensive! I have a simple NT1 with self noise of ~4 dBA aganst 16 dBA of the Mojave MA-201fet.
Here in Europe the King Bee has pretty much been out of stock ever since you did your review. ;)
At 7:15 did you just do the hello nuemann in reference to Jerry Seinfeld??? Ahahaha
One of the best mic I own, love it.
Glad you have a mic that you enjoy and that treats you well. Hope it gives you decades of great sounding recordings.
when you went from the Mojave to the At2020, I was like "ewwww". It sounds pretty good but mojave generally have a bright side that I dont like. But I'm pretty impress. But I think I would choose the tlm103. The u87Ai is a killer mic, but I don't think the price is justified anymore with all those offer in the more home studio budget price range, but In the mix I think the mojave was holding on verry well, didnt sound as bright in the mix. I may consider it, but would maybe go for the MA-301 Fet instead to get the multi-pattern versatility
I think it's a fantastic microphone. So well balanced, controlled and articulate...... No problem spots at all...... (I'm speaking about for music particular. But it's good I spoken word as well.)
Can i get a beanie review next?
Lewitt LCT 840?😳 I want to buy one but only if Bandrew approves
I like that Mojave, I think it would work for me.
Despite Bandrew owning a Newmann U87ai, I thought the Mojave sounded better on his voice at $800. Still pricey for most of us, but what a terrific sound!
My go-to mic is the Lewitt LCT 440 which was reviewed on this channel some time ago. Best LDC under $300 in my opinion, but the Rode NT1 sounds good too.
The SE2200 is a very good sounding mic at 299.00 as well
@@keithferris9574 that's also true. Se 2200, 23000 sound good.
New video new review new me... But not really though lol. Nice video Bandrew
That was one Tom Brady-level box throw. You sir have won the Microphone Super Bowl.
And be honest: Deep inside, are you actually sad when there's no sticker? I won't tell anyone.
I have learned that the best value mic still is the Earthworks Icon and the new Shure with their new capsule if you want a handheld/recording.
Do you still read these comments? I just came back to this to see if I'm still in love with this mic as much as I was at the time you introduced it to me. Let me just say that - in my opinion - I still believe you have never sounded better. I actually came here because I was thinking about how the AT 4040 compares with this. I just found your 4040 review but your style (and voice) has changed since then and it's not really and "apples to apples" comparison.
I do still read the comments. Thanks for the kind words. Yeah I stopped speaking so high energy because it strained my voice, speaking in a more normal voice is much healthier.
Sounds really nice!
Never been so early :D
same
same
It’s the wrong time to b early
The Neat King Bee is insane for the price.
You sound best on the MA-201 FET!
Please can you do the Mojave MA-50! your videos are awesome btw!
Thanks for helping me hammer the last nail on me Not wanting any Neumann Microphone.
Yes I sound great on it (studio work), but compared to the MA 201Fet/MKH416/Microphone Parts S87? The Extra 000s Make no sense.
Where did the additional pop filter come from at 11:17? At that point the MA-201fet sounded less sibilant, which had be preferring the Rode.
Any microphone recommendations specifically for picking up very quiet sounds, with as little noise as possible 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Lewitt lct 540 subzero
Look mom, I’m engaging! If you’re going to be hitting Royer’s mics I’d love to hear one of his ribbon mics run through your gamut. This mic blew me away - but I can’t believe you didn’t compare it to the sE4400, the C414, the Steller X2, the Lewitt 440,540, and 640, and the Blue Yeti - come on man!
Joking aside, there was a background hum I heard on most the mics except the MA-201, AT2020, and only somewhat on the NT1. Was the worst on the King Bee. Is it just me? If you hadn’t said it captures the room so much I’d suspect that the other mics were just more sensitive to something in the background.
And while joking about the mic comparison, it did spark an idea for a neat tool for your website which would be to have a tool where the user can select the mics they like and do their own A/B tests and let them compare what they’re considering head on. If you don’t care about timelines I’d be happy to donate the programming/design side of it - I imagine going through each mic with a standard sentence with a common gain setting and each normalized would be required to make the idea work so it would be an undertaking for sure. Food for thought though, hit me up if you want to flesh it out. I imagine it’d be a good way to drive even more traffic to the site.
Love your stuff, keep it up!
emmh Hey!! ok spectacular mic! Similar to the 87ai, but The Rode N1 seams to be his little brother!
Which one do you prefer amongst ma-201 and Aston Spirit and Lewitt LCT440 and also Rode NT1?
*i love your mic reviews. I wonder if you could do a review of SHURE SH 55 vintage microphone. Thanks and more power.*
I'm gonna get one for stage use and cup the mic.
;-)
Does the TLM 103 sound $300 better? For youtube clips, & the compression which comes with them? Not really. For voice over samples or audio-book narration? *Yes* .
It's so sibilant. If a sibilant microphone is what someone was going for they could buy one for a lot less than that. When you put the pop filter on it did help some.
Hi
first thanks for the review it was really good>>>
and Can you talk about this microphone please or review it
Alctron CK6.
Mojave sounds the best. It would have been nice to hear it compared to a Shure SM7B. With this mic out I'm curious what the Neumann mics Excel at. I noticed something like the mid high area coming through better on the 87 but for wholeness an completeness for just talking the Mojave wins. I'm also curious about he Aston Micro phones in comparison. Close to getting an Origin Lord willing and I think the crispiness is worth having to boost the lower frequencies in post because of how clear the high end is. Thanks God bless you!!! I'm watching just to learn at this point too like the top comment dude!
Can u review the ntk or k2 next please?
Thanks for making these videos! Perhaps you can do a giveaway?
Banging on the keyboard with cherry MX blues
That top end must be a feature of 1-in capsules. Top end sounds just like an NT1 But the lower mids are way different
Not bad considering the 15dba self noise.. Doesn't outshine the NT-1 though.
Rip King Bee press F to pay respects
Stevie Wonder bought one of those while David Royer was away from his NAMM booth…
New to the channel. Do you sing and make music? Great voice!
At the end of the music test, you should add an "Yeah" to the lyric and sing it in James Hetfield style.
The feds keys lmao 😂
Okay that went right over my head. I can tell it's a column of keys to the right of the usual SAD-W but other than that I'm totally lost, lmao.
I like it, also shure.
What about comparing condenser, dynamic and ribbon Microphones in one session.
FEDS keys...big thumbs up.
Did you skip mentioning where the mic was manufactured? I had to doublecheck the intro and I believe that bit is completely missing...
I completely forgot in the build quality. The answer is, I don't know. It's not listed anywhere. I believe they use Chinese made capsules, and the body is made in the usa? I think?
Hey, do you plan to review modeling mics like antelope edge solo, slate ml-1, Townsend's... thank you for your great unbiased reviews.
I already did the townsend labs l22
@@Podcastage Yes, you did. If you get some time, could you compare L-22 ($1,495) with Edge solo ($499) or Edge duo ($899)? Thank you