Vocal Mic Comparison - Shure SM7B, Rode K2, AKG 414 XLS + Shure SM58 video free download


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Duration: 03:38
Uploaded: 2015/01/02

Read Me!

First music production related video, feedback would be appreciated!

All microphones were recorded into an SSL Duality SE console, completely unprocessed on the way in.

Later processing was done using the SSL G Series EQ Plugin, Logic Compressor and Lexicon Reverb emulations.

A slight amount of parallel compression was also used on the final versions.

The song is 'Red - Not Alone' You can purchase it here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/until-we-have-faces/id416155893

Thanks for watching!

Huge thanks to Emma Hiley for the visuals and filming. Check her out in 'The Small Society' http://thesmallsociety.com + https://soundcloud.com/thesmallsociety/sets/the-troubadour-manifesto

Thanks to Alice Williams for providing vocals, check her out at https://www.facebook.com/AliceWilliamsMusic?fref=ts + http://www.alicewilliamsmusic.co.uk

Comments

9 years ago

JBlongz

I came here with the idea of buying the SM7B, but now I may take the K2 instead.  It cut the mix nicely.

9 years ago

Luceria Neo

Guys, it's not about which mic is better overall. Everyone has a different voice, so what makes my voice sound great or at least picks it up as it should, might be terrible for someone else.Personally, I find myself enjoying the SM58 without much effort.

9 years ago

Philip DiCicco

thank you for a good review.

9 years ago

Maria Florencia

Wow! Just wow!

9 years ago

Arib Crisp

Even though I know that the Rode K2 and C 414 are the most expensive of these mics, It did not influence the way I liked the sound of the Shure SM7B, this Mic just sounds amazing, with a lot of fullness that other mics (in this test are lacking), I like to compare the sm7b to the u87, especially for its mids that many condensers lack. The K2 sounded expensive with its highs, but I'd still prefer the sm7b over it.

9 years ago

Guto Santana

Hi, thanks for this comparison. I´m curious: how to harmonies were added? Thanks in advance! And best regards from Brazil!

9 years ago

Lucas Medina

My favorite was the SHURE SM7B.

9 years ago

Papa John

Hey, fantastic comparison. I'm pondering purchasing a SM7b, and I think this was the clincher. Thanks!

9 years ago

Aei Ou

So hard to choose a mic for home recording... dont want a condenser. And when you mix a song you are going to eq and hi/low pass the tone anyway. tough choice, I keep steering away from the 58 and towards the AKG d5 but still am not sure... anyone got any info to add :)

9 years ago

OLMO HEREDIA - COUNTERTENOR

Beautiful voice! Rode wins. 

9 years ago

Tumble Butt

I'm somewhat surprised and not surprised on how close the SM58 is compared to the SM7B, Rode K2, and the AKG 414 XLS.

9 years ago

Moreofthesamez

It's clear from the comments here that there's no such thing as best, only favorite

9 years ago

David Carlyon

Thanks for the vid! Very nicely done. This has inspired me to use the k2 at the studio a bit more. I always end up with the 87 by default, which I find a bit annoying to mix due to the 700-800hz area. And i never use the 414s for vocals! A must try also. Got to get my hands on an sm7b too, which was my favourite in the test along with the 414

9 years ago

Mike Jordan

Thanks for the comparison

9 years ago

Mark Ferrizzi

Both Shures are nice I picked up a C414 but I'm liking the Shures for your talent and for the price, lots of 57s and 58s lying around but I'll have to pick up an SM7B, love the Lexi too.Great vocalist and writing, cheers

9 years ago

Артем Шевченко

Good comparison, interesting and relevant mic models. Thank you!

9 years ago

nel lo

k2 is the best

9 years ago

Fastguitars

The sm 58 sounds thin, the AKG sounds flat and dead, the Rode K2 has nice air, but the SM7 wins overall with more body and  more depth, with just a hint of presence.

9 years ago

thebikerack

my favorite was the K2! It had a nice "airiness" to the top end.

9 years ago

rolf hunt

best mic video on youtube, thanks.

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