XM8500 Dynamic Vocal Microphone with XLR Connector, Cardioid Pickup for Studio Recording & Live Performance on Stage, Podcasting, Streaming

This microphone is fantastic. Sound is clear and hits well above its weight for the price. I would highly recommend this mic for backing vocals and recording guitars. But with the caveat that you get a windshield for it, to stop plosives. Also, use a mic stand to reduce the handling noise. I would also say to some of the low rated comments I think it is down to the users knowledge of microphones. This item does not come with a lead. It is the standard mic leads XLR cables it uses and will only plug into a PA with XLR ports or an audio interface that excepts XLR ports.

Great little mic for the price! It was listed on Amazon UK for around £14 at the time I bought it though. Still fantastic value that for the money vs sound quality! It is comparable to an SM58 from Shure as the frequency response is similar to the 58 and the build quality isn't bad at all for the money ( it won't break but if it does buy another). You get a three- year guarantee so you're onto a winner. There's no need for any phantom power as the mic is a dynamic mic with a cardioid polar pattern (picks sound up from the front mainly with quite a steep drop off at the sides). There's no on / off switch on this mic - no proper mic such as this should have one anyway as it means that the user could switch the mic off mid-recording!! The case and mic clip aren't bad either but, there's no XLR cable included - buy a stagg one they're cheap enough on here. I have an SM58 too and was put off buying further 58's due to the price vs my use case ( I produce spoken word recordings for radio - I'm not a singer) My signal chain: XM8500 via XLR into the input of an ART Tube MP Tube Pre Amp with 20db pad enabled and phase inversion disabled. The output from the tube amp is then fed into the input of my Focusrite Scarlet Solo audio interface via a further XLR cable. The audio then goes into my iMac via USB and is recorded into Audacity raking care not to clip the audio at any stage of the Sinaloa chain. I originally got the Tube amp to add extra gain to the signal from my SM58 as that was a bit low, but I still use it with the XM8500 and in fact just swapped the mics over when the XM8500 arrived and haven't gone back since. I'm not beating meant to Shure - they make a fantastic mic but for those on a budget the XM8500 is a good option! Don't be fooled by the name sounding a bit like the more expensive mic - it's not a cheap copy - it IS a GREAT mic in it's own right. I probably won't buy another 58 again now that I've discovered this alternative!

Updated Review: Since I wrote my first review I've been listening to a lot more dynamic mics on reference headphones (so the flaws have nowhere to hide). I've listened to a lot of other SM58 clones of varying quality (one by Chord is worth a look). I've also been listening to more expensive dynamics e.g. SM7b, Rode Procaster and the Beyer M201. Why only 4/5? The handling noise. If you are using in a stand, then consider this a 5/5. My B+ 85% rating was partly my amazement you could get a half decent mic at this price point! If it cost £100 rather than £15 I'd be more critical. I stand by my original review because price is relevant for most people. BTW the study construction is still holding up well. XM8500 Review: This is a competent vocal microphone for a surprisingly low price. Taken on its own terms, ignoring price, this is an ok mic with excellent construction, ideal for something like a podcast or backing vocals. When I use the term "ok" I mean that it doesn't have any glaring problems, but it isn't stunning (other than the price). It is a good choice for rooms that have not been acoustically treated. It doesn't pick up much noise from the sides or behind, so that minimises echo or feedback if using with a PA system. Is it as good as the industry standard hand-held dynamic vocal mic, the Shure SM58? Not quite, but surprisingly close... * The bass proximity effect is slightly more evident, so it booms a bit if very close (especially male voices). * The mid-range is slightly less distinct than the SM58, but can be fixed with EQ. In general I don't like mics to require EQ to sound right, but it's relatively minor. * There is marginally more handling noise than with the SM58, but it is a non issue with a stand or boom arm. * Much like the SM58 it doesn't handle plosive sounds ("p" and "b") very well. The easy solution is a foam pop filter on the mic. Foam pop filters are cheap, like a couple of quid (or less if you get a few). Technically it's better to stop the pop sound before it reaches the mic, so if the mic is on a stand in a home studio, putting a pop filter in front works well. However the convenience of the foam option may suit more people. With those points I am being VERY picky and noticed them in a side by side comparison with SM58. + Good for noisy environments and rejecting off axis sound (i.e. noise from behind/sides) + Warm vocals + Relatively clean audio + Very solid construction in metal housing (feels similar to Shure SM58) Good choice for a podcast, mobile DJ, home studio, schools/universities. In top end professional work the SM58 is the industry standard and to some extent "expected" if you are playing gigs. However, with the money saved you can buy a decent mic stand and think about whether you want a mixer, or audio interface for feeding the sound into your computer. Yes the Shure SM58 is a bit better, but not 5x better! This is a classic example of diminishing returns. All the weaknesses can be worked around. That said the SM58 has been surpassed with some great mics from Seinhesier and AKG's D5 (at the mid point between this mic and the SM58). But if you are on a budget then this is the best "cheap mic" you're likely to find. My photo shows the Behringer (left) next to a Shure SM58 (right) for the purposes of comparison. The foam pop filter to the left fits either mic.

Decent sound quality from these very cheap mics. Can’t fault the build quality and the storage case is a bonus.

Great quality and very decent sound for only £13, perfect for karaoke if you have a karaoke speaker to go with it, as it had a case and is a cardiod pattern. Definitely would recommend if you can get it for £13

This dynamic vocal microphone delivers exceptional performance for its price. The sound quality is clear and crisp, with a rich, full-bodied tone that captures every detail of your voice. It’s great at rejecting background noise, which makes it ideal for live performances or recordings in less-than-ideal environments. The build is rugged and durable, designed to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Overall, it's a solid mic that punches above its weight, providing professional-grade audio without the hefty price tag. Perfect for singers, podcasters, and anyone needing a reliable vocal mic.

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Bra mic!

Have been browsing countless sites and reviewing various brands and specifications of microphones, then accidentally stumbled upon this product. Then going through so many reviews and videos all overwhelmingly positive, decided to go ahead and get this mic. There so many excellent reviews about this mic and mine will be lost in the endless response and comments, but I felt that I should give my views. Packing: Ergonomic packing. Solid plastic box with foam coated mic holder and clip. Quality:Did not disappoint. It's built solidly, full metal set up. Built to last considerably longer. Plugged into the Scarlett interface without Phantom power, very pleased to note that it picked very minimal background and white noice. If there are some feeble noice this could be very easily rectified. Voice recording is more prone to low ends, suitable for high pitched vocals. Though it sounds a little darker when one gets closer. An ideal distance 3 to 4 finger lengths will provide that full richness to the voice. The gain has to be set at 2 to 3 o'clock or litte more to get the desired results. Low gain sounds feeble, but could be post processed. To get benefits from proximity effect, using a wind screen or pop filter would be more sensible, it not only blocks plosives but also protects the mic from spits and moisture. It's better not to have a on and off switch. These are prone to wear and tear. Handling noice is little on the higher side when hand held. Use a stand or boom arm. PROS: Fantastic for the price. :Great entry level mic. :Sounds full and warm that will be ideal for many. : Comparable to many higher end mics with a little tweak. CONS: So far None. Overall: A great cheap entry-level product suitable for Home studios, and live programs. You will be very pleased with the purchase. Go ahead.

Muy buena calidad, para mí superior al shure, tiene los bajos mas limpios y no chilla tanto en los agudos.