Funny story about the XM8500... A few years ago I brought a couple different vocalists into my home studio to help them find microphones which were most favorable for their voices. I had about two dozen different models of microphones -- everything from the XM8500 and SM58 and AT2020 up to the AKG C 414 XLS. Testing was done blind -- nobody knew which microphones we were listening to during playback. We took plenty of time to really narrow it down to the best 2-3 microphones for each of those two vocalists. For one singer the most pleasing microphone was the AKG C 5. But for the other, the XM8500 stood out above the rest. All of us listening thought so too. That vocalist has a bit of a darker jazz voice, and the character of the 8500 was the best match for her style. We were all quite shocked that a $20 mic (at the time) was the one we all liked best.
Not surprised. The XM8500 sounds similar to the SM7B in the mid, but is less smooth. This less smoothness is actually works well for a lot of vocals, as the presence area sounds more dynamic, giving the vocals a more upfront sound.
I was really on the fence about getting an SM7b, b/c I just felt like I needed an upgrade. But after watching so many comparison videos, I actually just bought another XM8500 instead lol
okay, this was an absolutely fantastic microphone review/test. You went through so many variations and tests and made a thorough review. So much so that I actually don't even need to finish the video. clicking on that affiliate link and buying one right now. Great job.
That is so incredibly kind of you to say. I"m happy the video was helpful for you in determining if it was the right mic for you. I hope it's treating you well. Happy recording Ryan!
I've had the XM8500 for around 3 years now and it's incredible for the price. Some of the really cheap audio equipment (especially Behringer) is not far off, in terms of quality, compared to higher priced items.
I've had a cheap behringer mixer which had the build quality of made in a mud hut. Though, I also have this microphone and it's absolutely decent for the price. It doesn't feel that much different than SM58 in your hands.
My first audio interface was a Behringer UMC22. It's solid for the price. I still keep it around whenever I need an additional XLR input, and I've been heartily recommending it to friends as their starter adc. Most people would point to a Scarlett Solo, but I always argue that UMC22 is better value for money (sure, a little bit worse build quality, but I personally like the preamps a lot better and I don't need to the extra frills that come with the SS).
I have 3 of these mics and use them for everything now. I used to use a great condenser mic but ever since i tried this out it's been in the case ever since. There is something about this mic that just sounds amazing for my vocals anyway.
I have 2 XM8500 mics. One my friend gave me in 2010 to function as a backup or spare to my Shure SM58 that I'd had since 2005 (which has since broken in 2012). He had had that XM8500 since 2006. It even has Behringer's old boxy letter logo with a capital B. The other one I got in 2011 because I had discovered I liked the XM8500 as a guitar mic to blend with my SM57 or e609. I've since bought 2 BA 85a's, an SB 78a, and a B906. I have more Behringer mics than any other brand, and I have mics from Zoom, Nady, Shure, and Sennheiser. My original XM8500 mics have survived over a decade of karaoke, studio, and live performance use, at this point. They've been dropped by drunk people at karaoke, fallen off of faulty XLR cables while being swung around and gone flying into walls and onto concrete. They've also moved across the country, with the friend who gave me the first one living in Kendall, FL, and then I took them from Hollywood, FL, to Tacoma, WA. Pretty impressive, NGL.
I was very impressed of how little sound it picked up from the tapping on the table and microphone arm, but the handling noise was devastating, then impressed by the deadness of the body itself (of the microphone..).
I think the older XM8500 sounds warmer or more V-shaped, so more people would prefer and also older XM8500 is louder, which i think is a good thing! I love the sound of the XM8500, the XM8500 has a more neutral and balanced sound than other cheap handheld dynamic mics. But I didn't expect the handing noise to be so bad, thanks for your review ❤ I also want to see a re-review of the SM58 to see how it performs(maybe vs PGA48, PGA58, SM48...) thanks!!
People prefer it at first because it is associated with "good radio voice" But once someone becomes accustomed to clean audio, that v curve starts getting irritating and easily noticeable.
I agree 100% with your comments. It has always been one of my preferred mics for spoken voice (never hold it by hand). Out of the other dynamic mics I have, only the AKG D5 clearly challenges the Behringer. After listening your vid I've just ordered another XM8500. Thanks!
I bought one a while back specifically because I wanted the cheapest mic I could find, the guy at the store opened it up as we talked out about it and why it would be so cheap. He noticed the capsule inside is pretty much the same one Shure uses in the SM58. I wholeheartedly agree with this being the best deal in audio, across the world. (I'm in Australia, it was $35 at Manny's/Store DJ)
@@rexify3342 it's great. Works perfectly adequately. That model really shines when you want to get recordings that you're going to edit a lot from the original sound.
Very similar FR in the mids to the Shure SM7B. One of the best traits of the XM8500 is that it sounds more dynamic around the presence area, making vocals and spoken word sound more upfront. The low mids give the vocals a nice body similar to the SM7B. It may be considered a "negative" compared to smoother sounding mics, but I see it as a distinguishing characteristic that makes it useful and unique.
Glad to see a review of this, I got one about 3 years ago for 13 GBP which is an absolute steal, paired with a UMC202HD its been an incredible package for the price of a regular "gamery" USB mic on its own!
I am thinking of getting the exact same setup for voice videos. Chosing between XM8500 and Rode Podmic, what would you recommend? Money isn't that big of a deal but I also hear no quality difference
@@CakeprogressS XM8500 is just great. I'm using it over my Q2U. TH-cam compresses audio heavily that's why you don't notice much difference between pricier mics too anyway. I'd recommend buying a mic booster cm-1 for $50 and a cheapest audio interface for $20 for overall a better quality of audio and a much, much better headroom in power. Cheap modern audio interfaces are good, they won't color your voice and will sound clean, even brand cheapest aliexpress ones. I'd only avoid the cheapest berhinger (non-HD), it's agey and colours audio a little bit, there are comparsions out there with other cheap interfaces. Where cheap interfaces struggle is quiet mics, they lack in clean power -- cheap audio interfaices are noisy on higher gains, anything after 3:00 becomes unusable and you sometimes need more power for some mics, especially dynamics. Mic booster fixes that cheaply (just don't fall for cloudlifter, it's insanely overpriced) and the setup of mic booster + cheapest audio interface will cost about the same for so much better audio. Don't buy the cheapest mic boosters tho because they can break easily -- CM-1 is the sweet spot and im using it, but fathead etc are fine too. Audio interfaces should be reliable regardless of price. I'm using Teyun Q-24 (is also under different brandings), but there are cheaper versions like $20 Q-12, I love how mine works with XM8500, I basically have no desire to buy anything better rn other than for the sake of having a hobby.
I bought this mic after watching your budget studio setup and it sounded phenomenal! I have the senhiser e835s and alot of other mics but there's something different about this mic, I just love using it!
@@AhaOk2398 I came here from a Q2U video comment section where 1 person mentioned the sibilance issues and another person mentioned that "a Behringer stage mic and an inexpensive audio interface" is the best way to go.
@@FlamingZelda3 to be fair the price for less sibilance is some sort of muddiness of audio that can be heard when you compare this mic to some more expensive/better mics. It's not noticeable in normal scenarios. Also -- bright sounding (usually more sibilant) mics can work with some specific voice tones or with languages that don't use a lot of such sounds. But overall, for my tastes, I stand with my statement. And I still think Q2U is big bait.
I've been using the mic for years! No issues at all! I recently got a new mic because I thought it was about time I needed an upgrade. The new mic sounds exactly the same as the XM8500. I wasted money. It's a great mic!
I bought this mic years ago after watching your comparison videos against more expensive options, and I’ve been happy ever since. I do all the voice overs for my videos, podcasts, streams, used it on the go in conjunction with Zoom u44 interface and iPad actually, and gotta say - it’s a great mic for the price. Especially given the fact it comes with that hard case. I still don’t get how they manage to make such a decent mic for so little money. Handling noise is bad, but if you’re careful it’s possible: I’ve managed to record a few podcasts while holding the mic in hands. Overall, would definitely recommend it. Thanks for your videos, man! They are quality!
Have you had any issues with insufficient gain using this on live Zoom / Meet video calls? I'm considering adding a dynamic to go along w/ my main condenser.
@@old_jota Well, it definitely needs a lot of gain. On my Zoom U44 I have it at like 9-9.5/10, so keep that in mind for sure. I haven’t really used it for calls, but if you can bring the mic close to your mouth and give it enough gain - it should be fine.
I work at a school and we need to put mics in the large classrooms and I use these mics. They sound great for that purpose and knowing that I don't have to care if the students don't treat it carefully is a huge value as well.
I'm glad you whipped this one back out. What an unbelievable deal. The handling noise sounds oddly satisfying to me, kinda like a nice warm & fuzzy sound in my ears
This review was extremely professionally made compared to others I've seen - well done, especially liked your attention to detail (how plosives sound, how length affects it, etc). Take my like! 👍
Great review, as always. Bought this mic about 5 or 6 years ago for a kid karaoke birthdayparty. Just needed a second mic next to a early '90's v-tec, cos I didn't want to use a more expensive Sennheiser from my music room. It did the job for something like 17 or 18 euros. I came with a box for my Sennheiser 😉👍🏻
I got the sb78 condenser mic by your review. It works great especially when I'm interviewing seniors and the bed bound, and the mumblers. I got the box of three of the xm8500 for a young friend and his band and they're still banging away three years later. I know you're not a fan of copy cats but it's still pretty good deal
It's such a good idea to have one or two of these around just in case... it is very versatile and so "Good Enough" for most applications... Chances are good that if we are in a situation where we would need a really good microphone, one can be obtained, but for anything from podcasts and some light VO to karaoke and live performance, they punch above their weight for sure! It is important to keep in mind, though, that this is a $25 piece of kit, so there are some limitations...there just are, so as long as expectations are properly set, I would say yes, get one of these! It might be just the thing you were needing.
Bought one about 4 years ago. It had the exact same spec's as a Shure sm 58 so I thought, why not? My first budget mic was a Nady SP1. The Behringer was so much better sounding and a better build quality.
For some reason the specs on the XM8500 list a senstivity referenced to 1 dyn/sq cm as opposed to modern standard reference unit of 1 Pascal. They use to use that system for mics back in the 50s. Fortunately, its very easy to translate from the old to the new - simply add 20dB. At 50 dB it's quite a high output for a dynamic. They've been selling this mic for at least 20 years now but Behringer never updated their manual. But that's not surprising, as they rarely update any of their stuff anyway.
Long time ago based on your recommendation for budget mics I bought Knox KN-UM01. Served me well and still does, and I was interested in this Behringer mic, however lack of physical on/off switch concerns me since I like to be really sure that mic is off when I need it to be!
I have a XM8500 connected to a Behringer UMC22. I like how the mic sounds except that it picks up a lot of background noise without adding something like a noise gate in Voicemeeter. Anything similar with better rejection that doesn't break the bank? :D
Very good review, just ordered one for recording an acoustic guitar cause of the price. Your video put my mind at ease about the quality I'll be looking at next week when it arrives
I wish I could talk like you. You are awesome man. We in Pakistan do not have many options when it comes to the recording devices but I accidentally found my Behringer XM 8500 3 years ago, Still haven't recorded anything but I am now definitely gonna record something soon.
I have a Condenser mic, probably BM700 but branded. Will Dynamic Microphone reduce echo from my recordings? It is a big room I record songs in. I connect it through 3.5mm into a decent 15$ USB soundcard from Hama. Should have less noise than Condeser also, right? My USB Soundcard is tiny and has 5v written on it, supports realtime monitoring surprisingly, but very quiet though.
It's pretty wild how good the mic sounds for the price. If the rejection is a deal breaker for you then I understand. I hope you're able to find the mic that fits your needs the best. Happy recording.
You can do an entire record with this mic and the right chain. I hate focusrite preamps I'd put the 8500 thru a tube amp or a neve and a 1176 or tube tech maybe those la2a clones and just use a high quality EQ like a Pultec or software. Also try using a Soyuz launcher. Cheers. Edit: Also, try this mic with an impedance input switcher like the ART Voice channel or Tps Ii or Art Pro MPA or UA 610 and many others to change the sonic characteristics and the low end and high end and mids on the 8500 and even a sm58/57 for amazing results especially with a solid chain and back end. It's how you use the gear.
Not a Shure 58 but certainly an excellent live stand mounted stage microphone for low cost and a similar sound to the 58. The Behringer XM5000 does a great job for the money. The Behringer XM1800S is also surprising good for the cost, especially with the many low cost karaoke mics that cost the same or more with questionable (poor) sound quality. Behringer also sell many condenser microphones (B1, B5, C1, C2, C3, and C4) that I have used and own that are reasonably priced with good sound quality often comparable to brand named microphones. Do they measure up to my AKG414's ? No. But for live stage pickups and recordings they work very well.
I think that was 4 palate cleansings in 16 minutes! 🎙️ I've still got 2 xm8500s left from around the late 2000s or so and I think the printing is different on them. Just last week I almost recorded some vocals with it but the e835 got the call. I agree it's really not too shabby for the price.
I'm a casual user playing acoustic guitar and voice just for fun. So I upgraded my mic to Sennheiser E935, yep It's not so affordable, and now I understand the difference at home. When you make some test on your own voice and your enviroment you can fell it way better. So now I can feel how the 8500 is kind of muddy, too much low end. Of course you can feel the placebo thing when you are using an upgraded gear. But it's no way back. Cristal clear voice on the new mic. Now I will buy a second one. And take care with lots of fake models all around.
I bought this as my first mic. I'm super happy with it. I probably wouldn't have bought it if it weren't for these reviews. They made it so much easier to compare and decide. Thanks
Bandrew, just wondering if you have ever reviewed any CAD microphones? I know you can't review everything and I appreciate your reviews and value your judgement. Thank you.
I'm thinking of buying a dynamic microphone, which one do you recommend? Pyle-Pro PDMIC78 vs Behringer XM8500 Thank you very much in advance for the answer, excellent content on your channel, you have a loyal follower. regards🤗
I actually really like this mic. I like it better than the SM58, too. I need to get back about 3 or 4 of them. I thought it sounded really good with the acoustic. Hey, can you do a review on the Sennheiser XS-1. It's around $50 and I really like it. You may not but I'd love to hear your take on it :)
Is anybody else having trouble reading the frequency response graph for the XM8500? I guess the next vertical line past 10kz is supposed to be 20khz? But it's weird there's so many lines past that point. So the chart goes up to 50khz? That doesn't make sense so I think something might be wrong with it.
With the recent price drops from Behringer, now this mic is sold only for $14 on Sweetwater. Also, the sensitivity rating is probably using V/µbar as opposed to V/Pascal, in which case you only need to add 20 dB to get V/Pascal. After typing all this, I realized that the quick start guide they have is showing -55 dBV/Pa for sensitivity and a frequency response chart that looks very different from the one they have on the spec sheet... Maybe a time for another review? lol
Great review as usual Bandrew, the AT is audibly thin in an unfavorable way. This XM85 sounds good for its price. But I'm watching on cellphone, so I'll re-watch from pc with my bluedio headset on.
I recorded some scratch vocals with one the other day, didn't even put headphones on (bought new ones now), and you can't hear the music in the track! In contrast, my Neewer condenser mics pick up the TV in the lounge room through a door with draught excluders and blankets with the gain almost off! Great off axis rejection! Nice sound too! I was struggling with the condenser microphones after 35 years singing into a 58 live, I just blow them away and I can't sing close enough to them to use the proximity effect like I'm used to. Neewer 700 and 800s are really good though, and about the same price. Get both, and you'll have both a decent dynamic and a decent condenser. 🙂👍
That is so incredibly kind of you to say. There are a bunch of fantastic mic reviewers out there now who share their experience and their input on mics, so I can't accept that label, but what a kind thing to say. Thank you Travis. Happy recording.
I should have watched your more recent videos. I just got the Samson Q2U and I don’t know if I should have bought this one instead of that. I mainly thought it would be good for me because I can use it as a USB plug and play and as an XLR mic depending on my needs. Now… I’m not so sure.
Maybe I have Stockholm syndrome from the repeated pallet cleansers, but I actually like the sound of the Behringer over the SM58... at least on your voice, in this setting. Only the V7 and SM7b (and yes, it should go without saying, the Neumann) struck me as obviously better, soundwise. Maybe the Lewitt?
i just want a version without the handling noise. Idk about you, but sometimes you do have to move the mic even when on a stand (different people, different height)
Between the $25 and $100 recommendations, the budget stretch is too large IMO... I think there should be a $50-ish option and a good example would be the PGA58... much more neutral sounding.
I am confused about how much this dynamic microphone captures sound from distance and from keyboard. So maybe not very suitable for noisy untreated room. A presentation video on Behringer's own channel claims this mic handles hand noise well, but it doesn't according to you test apparently.
Pro tip: I own one of these and saw a video of a guy that put a durable windscreen cover just over half the mic and he did a side-by-side comparison of the Shure SM58 and I couldn't tell much of a difference so, I tried it shocked that it worked remarkably well!
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Funny story about the XM8500...
A few years ago I brought a couple different vocalists into my home studio to help them find microphones which were most favorable for their voices. I had about two dozen different models of microphones -- everything from the XM8500 and SM58 and AT2020 up to the AKG C 414 XLS. Testing was done blind -- nobody knew which microphones we were listening to during playback. We took plenty of time to really narrow it down to the best 2-3 microphones for each of those two vocalists.
For one singer the most pleasing microphone was the AKG C 5. But for the other, the XM8500 stood out above the rest. All of us listening thought so too. That vocalist has a bit of a darker jazz voice, and the character of the 8500 was the best match for her style.
We were all quite shocked that a $20 mic (at the time) was the one we all liked best.
Wow, i kinda wanna hear her on the mic now
Not surprised. The XM8500 sounds similar to the SM7B in the mid, but is less smooth. This less smoothness is actually works well for a lot of vocals, as the presence area sounds more dynamic, giving the vocals a more upfront sound.
Recommended this to my ex. He sounded great until he broke up with me. 0/10 microphone.
At least it sounded good. This mic got me affiliated, it can also probably cook for you with enough love and care.
LOL!
💀💀💀
Good line
mine sounded great until my silly uncle opened it and broke the cables inside 🙆🏻 (just because he acts like he was 5y.o. kid)
this is the mic that started my obsession with mics and studio gear. such a great mic!
I've used these before. For recording they're great but for live settings they're notoriously sensitive to feedback issues at least in my experience.
I was really on the fence about getting an SM7b, b/c I just felt like I needed an upgrade. But after watching so many comparison videos, I actually just bought another XM8500 instead lol
okay, this was an absolutely fantastic microphone review/test. You went through so many variations and tests and made a thorough review. So much so that I actually don't even need to finish the video. clicking on that affiliate link and buying one right now. Great job.
That is so incredibly kind of you to say. I"m happy the video was helpful for you in determining if it was the right mic for you. I hope it's treating you well. Happy recording Ryan!
I've had the XM8500 for around 3 years now and it's incredible for the price. Some of the really cheap audio equipment (especially Behringer) is not far off, in terms of quality, compared to higher priced items.
I've had a cheap behringer mixer which had the build quality of made in a mud hut. Though, I also have this microphone and it's absolutely decent for the price. It doesn't feel that much different than SM58 in your hands.
My first audio interface was a Behringer UMC22. It's solid for the price. I still keep it around whenever I need an additional XLR input, and I've been heartily recommending it to friends as their starter adc. Most people would point to a Scarlett Solo, but I always argue that UMC22 is better value for money (sure, a little bit worse build quality, but I personally like the preamps a lot better and I don't need to the extra frills that come with the SS).
XM8500 so với BA85A thế nào vậy , cây nào hay hơn
It truly makes you wonder what extra percentage of performance you sometimes really pay that hefty price tag for.
@@sie11pervan You're mostly paying for the brand with all that extra dough.
I have 3 of these mics and use them for everything now. I used to use a great condenser mic but ever since i tried this out it's been in the case ever since. There is something about this mic that just sounds amazing for my vocals anyway.
I have 2 XM8500 mics. One my friend gave me in 2010 to function as a backup or spare to my Shure SM58 that I'd had since 2005 (which has since broken in 2012). He had had that XM8500 since 2006. It even has Behringer's old boxy letter logo with a capital B. The other one I got in 2011 because I had discovered I liked the XM8500 as a guitar mic to blend with my SM57 or e609. I've since bought 2 BA 85a's, an SB 78a, and a B906. I have more Behringer mics than any other brand, and I have mics from Zoom, Nady, Shure, and Sennheiser. My original XM8500 mics have survived over a decade of karaoke, studio, and live performance use, at this point. They've been dropped by drunk people at karaoke, fallen off of faulty XLR cables while being swung around and gone flying into walls and onto concrete. They've also moved across the country, with the friend who gave me the first one living in Kendall, FL, and then I took them from Hollywood, FL, to Tacoma, WA. Pretty impressive, NGL.
I’ve had one of these since 2008. It has been utterly and completely rock solid since day 1 and cost $20.
I was very impressed of how little sound it picked up from the tapping on the table and microphone arm, but the handling noise was devastating, then impressed by the deadness of the body itself (of the microphone..).
I think the older XM8500 sounds warmer or more V-shaped, so more people would prefer
and also older XM8500 is louder, which i think is a good thing!
I love the sound of the XM8500, the XM8500 has a more neutral and balanced sound than other cheap handheld dynamic mics.
But I didn't expect the handing noise to be so bad, thanks for your review ❤
I also want to see a re-review of the SM58 to see how it performs(maybe vs PGA48, PGA58, SM48...) thanks!!
People prefer it at first because it is associated with "good radio voice"
But once someone becomes accustomed to clean audio, that v curve starts getting irritating and easily noticeable.
I agree 100% with your comments. It has always been one of my preferred mics for spoken voice (never hold it by hand). Out of the other dynamic mics I have, only the AKG D5 clearly challenges the Behringer. After listening your vid I've just ordered another XM8500. Thanks!
I bought one a while back specifically because I wanted the cheapest mic I could find, the guy at the store opened it up as we talked out about it and why it would be so cheap. He noticed the capsule inside is pretty much the same one Shure uses in the SM58.
I wholeheartedly agree with this being the best deal in audio, across the world. (I'm in Australia, it was $35 at Manny's/Store DJ)
How is it performing ?
@@rexify3342 it's great. Works perfectly adequately. That model really shines when you want to get recordings that you're going to edit a lot from the original sound.
I've been using the XM8500 for several years for interviews in the field. It sounds better than a lot of higher priced microphones, and it's durable.
Very similar FR in the mids to the Shure SM7B. One of the best traits of the XM8500 is that it sounds more dynamic around the presence area, making vocals and spoken word sound more upfront. The low mids give the vocals a nice body similar to the SM7B. It may be considered a "negative" compared to smoother sounding mics, but I see it as a distinguishing characteristic that makes it useful and unique.
Glad to see a review of this, I got one about 3 years ago for 13 GBP which is an absolute steal, paired with a UMC202HD its been an incredible package for the price of a regular "gamery" USB mic on its own!
I am thinking of getting the exact same setup for voice videos. Chosing between XM8500 and Rode Podmic, what would you recommend? Money isn't that big of a deal but I also hear no quality difference
@@CakeprogressS I never tried the rode so can't give advice really but all else being equal rode probably has better quality/support
Grab a Neewer 700 or 800 too!
for a "gamer" mic you want usb condenser not dynamic... dynamics are too quiet for comfortable use for discord/gameplay videos
@@CakeprogressS XM8500 is just great. I'm using it over my Q2U.
TH-cam compresses audio heavily that's why you don't notice much difference between pricier mics too anyway. I'd recommend buying a mic booster cm-1 for $50 and a cheapest audio interface for $20 for overall a better quality of audio and a much, much better headroom in power.
Cheap modern audio interfaces are good, they won't color your voice and will sound clean, even brand cheapest aliexpress ones. I'd only avoid the cheapest berhinger (non-HD), it's agey and colours audio a little bit, there are comparsions out there with other cheap interfaces. Where cheap interfaces struggle is quiet mics, they lack in clean power -- cheap audio interfaices are noisy on higher gains, anything after 3:00 becomes unusable and you sometimes need more power for some mics, especially dynamics. Mic booster fixes that cheaply (just don't fall for cloudlifter, it's insanely overpriced) and the setup of mic booster + cheapest audio interface will cost about the same for so much better audio.
Don't buy the cheapest mic boosters tho because they can break easily -- CM-1 is the sweet spot and im using it, but fathead etc are fine too. Audio interfaces should be reliable regardless of price. I'm using Teyun Q-24 (is also under different brandings), but there are cheaper versions like $20 Q-12, I love how mine works with XM8500, I basically have no desire to buy anything better rn other than for the sake of having a hobby.
I bought this mic after watching your budget studio setup and it sounded phenomenal!
I have the senhiser e835s and alot of other mics but there's something different about this mic, I just love using it!
it's better to me than Q2U, less sibilance
@@AhaOk2398 I came here from a Q2U video comment section where 1 person mentioned the sibilance issues and another person mentioned that "a Behringer stage mic and an inexpensive audio interface" is the best way to go.
@@FlamingZelda3 to be fair the price for less sibilance is some sort of muddiness of audio that can be heard when you compare this mic to some more expensive/better mics. It's not noticeable in normal scenarios. Also -- bright sounding (usually more sibilant) mics can work with some specific voice tones or with languages that don't use a lot of such sounds. But overall, for my tastes, I stand with my statement. And I still think Q2U is big bait.
I've been using the mic for years! No issues at all! I recently got a new mic because I thought it was about time I needed an upgrade. The new mic sounds exactly the same as the XM8500. I wasted money. It's a great mic!
To my ears it sounded more natural than many of the more expensive mics :-)
I bought this mic years ago after watching your comparison videos against more expensive options, and I’ve been happy ever since.
I do all the voice overs for my videos, podcasts, streams, used it on the go in conjunction with Zoom u44 interface and iPad actually, and gotta say - it’s a great mic for the price. Especially given the fact it comes with that hard case.
I still don’t get how they manage to make such a decent mic for so little money.
Handling noise is bad, but if you’re careful it’s possible: I’ve managed to record a few podcasts while holding the mic in hands.
Overall, would definitely recommend it.
Thanks for your videos, man! They are quality!
Have you had any issues with insufficient gain using this on live Zoom / Meet video calls? I'm considering adding a dynamic to go along w/ my main condenser.
@@old_jota Well, it definitely needs a lot of gain. On my Zoom U44 I have it at like 9-9.5/10, so keep that in mind for sure.
I haven’t really used it for calls, but if you can bring the mic close to your mouth and give it enough gain - it should be fine.
I work at a school and we need to put mics in the large classrooms and I use these mics. They sound great for that purpose and knowing that I don't have to care if the students don't treat it carefully is a huge value as well.
I upgraded to this Mic and I've been extremely happy with it.
I'm glad you whipped this one back out. What an unbelievable deal. The handling noise sounds oddly satisfying to me, kinda like a nice warm & fuzzy sound in my ears
This review was extremely professionally made compared to others I've seen - well done, especially liked your attention to detail (how plosives sound, how length affects it, etc). Take my like! 👍
Thank you for those kind words, I appreciate it very much. Thanks for watching.
Because of the handling noise, I got the SM48 instead after watching the versus video between the two. Thanks for another video!
Great review, as always.
Bought this mic about 5 or 6 years ago for a kid karaoke birthdayparty. Just needed a second mic next to a early '90's v-tec, cos I didn't want to use a more expensive Sennheiser from my music room. It did the job for something like 17 or 18 euros.
I came with a box for my Sennheiser 😉👍🏻
I got the sb78 condenser mic by your review. It works great especially when I'm interviewing seniors and the bed bound, and the mumblers. I got the box of three of the xm8500 for a young friend and his band and they're still banging away three years later. I know you're not a fan of copy cats but it's still pretty good deal
Who can dislike copycats?
also among your older reviews I would appreciate it if you re-reviewed the Shure KSM8. Thanks
It's such a good idea to have one or two of these around just in case... it is very versatile and so "Good Enough" for most applications... Chances are good that if we are in a situation where we would need a really good microphone, one can be obtained, but for anything from podcasts and some light VO to karaoke and live performance, they punch above their weight for sure!
It is important to keep in mind, though, that this is a $25 piece of kit, so there are some limitations...there just are, so as long as expectations are properly set, I would say yes, get one of these! It might be just the thing you were needing.
Bought one about 4 years ago. It had the exact same spec's as a Shure sm 58 so I thought, why not? My first budget mic was a Nady SP1. The Behringer was so much better sounding and a better build quality.
For some reason the specs on the XM8500 list a senstivity referenced to 1 dyn/sq cm as opposed to modern standard reference unit of 1 Pascal. They use to use that system for mics back in the 50s. Fortunately, its very easy to translate from the old to the new - simply add 20dB. At 50 dB it's quite a high output for a dynamic. They've been selling this mic for at least 20 years now but Behringer never updated their manual. But that's not surprising, as they rarely update any of their stuff anyway.
Long time ago based on your recommendation for budget mics I bought Knox KN-UM01.
Served me well and still does, and I was interested in this Behringer mic, however lack of physical on/off switch concerns me since I like to be really sure that mic is off when I need it to be!
I have a XM8500 connected to a Behringer UMC22. I like how the mic sounds except that it picks up a lot of background noise without adding something like a noise gate in Voicemeeter. Anything similar with better rejection that doesn't break the bank? :D
Very good review, just ordered one for recording an acoustic guitar cause of the price. Your video put my mind at ease about the quality I'll be looking at next week when it arrives
I wish I could talk like you. You are awesome man. We in Pakistan do not have many options when it comes to the recording devices but I accidentally found my Behringer XM 8500 3 years ago, Still haven't recorded anything but I am now definitely gonna record something soon.
I have a Condenser mic, probably BM700 but branded. Will Dynamic Microphone reduce echo from my recordings? It is a big room I record songs in. I connect it through 3.5mm into a decent 15$ USB soundcard from Hama. Should have less noise than Condeser also, right? My USB Soundcard is tiny and has 5v written on it, supports realtime monitoring surprisingly, but very quiet though.
wow. That's really freaking good! There is no excuse for bad audio anymore!!!
to me the xm8500 sounds the best out of all those mics in the tests u did. however the rejection seems like a deal breaker
It's pretty wild how good the mic sounds for the price. If the rejection is a deal breaker for you then I understand. I hope you're able to find the mic that fits your needs the best. Happy recording.
You can do an entire record with this mic and the right chain. I hate focusrite preamps I'd put the 8500 thru a tube amp or a neve and a 1176 or tube tech maybe those la2a clones and just use a high quality EQ like a Pultec or software. Also try using a Soyuz launcher. Cheers.
Edit: Also, try this mic with an impedance input switcher like the ART Voice channel or Tps Ii or Art Pro MPA or UA 610 and many others to change the sonic characteristics and the low end and high end and mids on the 8500 and even a sm58/57 for amazing results especially with a solid chain and back end. It's how you use the gear.
The v7 blows me away every time you have it in your comparisons. I gotta get me one
Danke! No. 3 - now it's 25, just a Behringer XM8500 😎😁
Thank you so much Rainer. Time to go buy another XM8500! Haha. You rock!
@@Podcastage 😄😄 Yes, go ahead to Sweetwater or Thomann and get one right now. It's called instant satisfaction 😁😁
Incredible video bro. I have no words to describe how useful this was to me. So real and fair
Beautiful review as always! Love your channel! Thank you for what you do for the community!
The king, the legend, the XM8500
Not a Shure 58 but certainly an excellent live stand mounted stage microphone for low cost and a similar sound to the 58. The Behringer XM5000 does a great job for the money. The Behringer XM1800S is also surprising good for the cost, especially with the many low cost karaoke mics that cost the same or more with questionable (poor) sound quality. Behringer also sell many condenser microphones (B1, B5, C1, C2, C3, and C4) that I have used and own that are reasonably priced with good sound quality often comparable to brand named microphones. Do they measure up to my AKG414's ? No. But for live stage pickups and recordings they work very well.
The handling noise was a bit rough but if you put it on a descent stand or boom and DON'T bump it it's a great little mic.
I think that was 4 palate cleansings in 16 minutes! 🎙️
I've still got 2 xm8500s left from around the late 2000s or so and I think the printing is different on them. Just last week I almost recorded some vocals with it but the e835 got the call. I agree it's really not too shabby for the price.
Love your videos mate! Keep up the excellent work!
I'm a casual user playing acoustic guitar and voice just for fun. So I upgraded my mic to Sennheiser E935, yep It's not so affordable, and now I understand the difference at home. When you make some test on your own voice and your enviroment you can fell it way better. So now I can feel how the 8500 is kind of muddy, too much low end. Of course you can feel the placebo thing when you are using an upgraded gear. But it's no way back. Cristal clear voice on the new mic. Now I will buy a second one. And take care with lots of fake models all around.
Still the best deal in audio, but I remember when it was like $18! Glad I got all 4 of mine then!
Glad to see the rereview!
Thank you for this review! For me it was very helpful :)
with ATH-M50 Headphones the XM8500 sounds the best. Crazy how good is this mic. just bought one today !
It competes very well with the more expensive mics and beats some of them
Just bought 2 of these on an ebay auction for $29 total can't wait to try them out.
Would you record audio with the microphone 🎤
Samson Q2U or Behringer XM8500?
Awesome review!! I subscribed and will be looking at some of your other content. Thanks.
Now you've got new version! Me too!
I've got a 2 two mic from Behringer!
What about the BA 85a? You said in another video that it beats the XM8500. Does that still stand?
I bought this as my first mic. I'm super happy with it. I probably wouldn't have bought it if it weren't for these reviews. They made it so much easier to compare and decide. Thanks
It is a phenomenal microphone!
Bandrew, just wondering if you have ever reviewed any CAD microphones? I know you can't review everything and I appreciate your reviews and value your judgement. Thank you.
very good, but where is "Hello Neumann?"
I noticed that while editing. I have failed.
Came here for this comment.
Drop it on a cement floor a couple of times and THEN let me know how it sounds. I'll stick with my SM58.
I'm thinking of buying a dynamic microphone, which one do you recommend?
Pyle-Pro PDMIC78 vs Behringer XM8500
Thank you very much in advance for the answer, excellent content on your channel, you have a loyal follower.
regards🤗
great video!! love your mic comparison series!!
I actually really like this mic. I like it better than the SM58, too. I need to get back about 3 or 4 of them. I thought it sounded really good with the acoustic. Hey, can you do a review on the Sennheiser XS-1. It's around $50 and I really like it. You may not but I'd love to hear your take on it :)
Good review👍👍 hope you will review superlux tm58 dynamic mic soon
Great review as always! Would like to see what your thoughts are on the Fifine dynamic mics
Is anybody else having trouble reading the frequency response graph for the XM8500?
I guess the next vertical line past 10kz is supposed to be 20khz? But it's weird there's so many lines past that point. So the chart goes up to 50khz? That doesn't make sense so I think something might be wrong with it.
With the recent price drops from Behringer, now this mic is sold only for $14 on Sweetwater. Also, the sensitivity rating is probably using V/µbar as opposed to V/Pascal, in which case you only need to add 20 dB to get V/Pascal. After typing all this, I realized that the quick start guide they have is showing -55 dBV/Pa for sensitivity and a frequency response chart that looks very different from the one they have on the spec sheet... Maybe a time for another review? lol
I still think this was one of the better sounding mics on your voice
It's a very good mic for the price and it even out performs some more expensive options.
great review, do you think it exists something better at same (or lower) price than the Shure MV7X?
Danke!
Great review as usual Bandrew, the AT is audibly thin in an unfavorable way. This XM85 sounds good for its price. But I'm watching on cellphone, so I'll re-watch from pc with my bluedio headset on.
hmm can’t decide if I should buy the U87 or 148 of these….
that doesnt sound bad at all, some of the behringer stuff is pretty great, have a few items in my studio
Wow I’m SHOCKED at how good this mic sounds for the price.
If they bring back the $14.53 deal on amazon jump on it.
MAN! I JUST literally BOUGHT THIS 3 DAYS AGO!!! XXDD
I recorded some scratch vocals with one the other day, didn't even put headphones on (bought new ones now), and you can't hear the music in the track! In contrast, my Neewer condenser mics pick up the TV in the lounge room through a door with draught excluders and blankets with the gain almost off!
Great off axis rejection! Nice sound too!
I was struggling with the condenser microphones after 35 years singing into a 58 live, I just blow them away and I can't sing close enough to them to use the proximity effect like I'm used to.
Neewer 700 and 800s are really good though, and about the same price.
Get both, and you'll have both a decent dynamic and a decent condenser. 🙂👍
Very cool that the mic is able to fit your needs better than the other mics you have. Happy recording.
Yo seguí tu consejo hace unos 2 años cuando lo recomendaste y la verdad muy bueno por el precio va perfecto todavía. Muchas gracias por tu ayuda
Best mic reviewer on our planet .
That is so incredibly kind of you to say. There are a bunch of fantastic mic reviewers out there now who share their experience and their input on mics, so I can't accept that label, but what a kind thing to say. Thank you Travis. Happy recording.
It would be helpful to many of us if you could just use the N, G, E, I and R keys.
I was looking into a “cheap” dynamic… thank you 🙏🏽
I should have watched your more recent videos. I just got the Samson Q2U and I don’t know if I should have bought this one instead of that. I mainly thought it would be good for me because I can use it as a USB plug and play and as an XLR mic depending on my needs. Now… I’m not so sure.
I have been using these for 15+ years. On gigs where the budget is small, or the weather is questionable, this is what you get. And they are fine.
Danke! No. 2
Conclusion: your voice and acoustic tratment sounds great
super awesome . loved it. how is the sounds quality on iphone ?
Even on speakers for the price it offers great performance. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Maybe I have Stockholm syndrome from the repeated pallet cleansers, but I actually like the sound of the Behringer over the SM58... at least on your voice, in this setting. Only the V7 and SM7b (and yes, it should go without saying, the Neumann) struck me as obviously better, soundwise. Maybe the Lewitt?
i just want a version without the handling noise. Idk about you, but sometimes you do have to move the mic even when on a stand (different people, different height)
For a portable podcast, considering noise rejection, do you recommend this or other mic like k688? Or another alternatives?
I keep forgetting I've got a couple of these, I haven't even tried them! Still can't find my 58. ☹️
Between the $25 and $100 recommendations, the budget stretch is too large IMO... I think there should be a $50-ish option and a good example would be the PGA58... much more neutral sounding.
I am confused about how much this dynamic microphone captures sound from distance and from keyboard. So maybe not very suitable for noisy untreated room. A presentation video on Behringer's own channel claims this mic handles hand noise well, but it doesn't according to you test apparently.
Pro tip: I own one of these and saw a video of a guy that put a durable windscreen cover just over half the mic and he did a side-by-side comparison of the Shure SM58 and I couldn't tell much of a difference so, I tried it shocked that it worked remarkably well!
With all of the mics you own I’d love to know what you have been using the 8500 heavily for.