[HOOK]
For those serious about audio, I’ve always recommended staying away from USB mics, but
it’s about time that changed!
[Intro]
Vox Test - Mic review series of sorts, to see which mics can handle an epic voice quite
well Multiple mics will “pass” but this is
still
a formal review Full quality samples in SoundCLoud description
sE Electronics X1 - or the SEX1 ha..ha..
no.
This model is a USB mic - which normally I abhor - never had a good experience with USB
mics, but this one has renewed my faith.
For $300, this mic is competing with a selection of very high-quality mics, so how does it
hold up in the Vox Test?
[Physical Overview]
They do have 3 different diaphragm types on their site -
titanium-sputtered (X1 D), Ribbon Mic (X1 R) and then the gold-sputtered diaphragm,
this one.
This is a side-address condenser mic.
It’s got a nice, wide grill to talk into the diagragm.
Comes with a mic stand or arm mount and the USB connection is at the bottom - standard
A-B USB.
Between these is the fun part - a -10db switch and a low-bass cut filter for flexibility
in a variety of environments.
Being a USB mic, this mic also acts as a USB sound card for your computer - and as such,
you have a 3.5mm headphone jack on the side for both monitoring your live audio and being
able to play back from your software, with a headphone volume adjustment in the middle
of the mic, above the SE logo and X1 USB model identifier.
[Quality]
Now let’s look at the raw audio sample, shall we?
I recorded the audio sample in Adobe Audition using the ASIO mode for the mic, at 96000
hz.
[Mic Tests]
I never thought I’d say this about a USB mic - but this mic is really good.
Despite running strictly via USB - even from a USB hub at times - the mic sounds great
- it sounds natural while still carrying plenty of oomph.
In fact, this is
one microphone
I could use as my main mic without doing much processing to it, if my environment was more
conducive to a condenser microphone.
Fun fact that long-term subscribers of the channel will know - I actually used a condenser
mic - the AT2020 as my main microphone for a long time.
This makes me almost miss it.
A couple things I want to note about this mic, though.
Firstly, my “Esses” get picked up on this mic quite strongly.
When processing the audio sample for what you’ll hear in a moment, I even added a
De-Esser to my processing chain and it didn’t seem to help much.
So if you’re using a Hard Limiter in your audio processing - be very careful, as you
might just rip someone’s ears out.
Instead, I took a slightly different route with processing, to still provide you with
an audio sample close to how I normally process my audio.
Some of the esses are sharp, but it’s a bit better.
[Processed Mic Test]
For a full explanation of how I process my audio, check out the video I made on it in
the YouTube card icon.
Secondly, I want to note that this mic - like many condenser mics - can be a bit quiet if
you’re not a loud speaker.
This is good, as peaking or clipping with a condenser mic sounds really bad, but it
can be bad for those without a sound-conditioned room to record in, as the more gain or amplification
you have to apply in post, the more background noise is going to pop up.
[Conclusion]
And that leads my into my conclusion.
Does this mic pass the Vox Test?
Absolutely - and I’ve used it in quite a few videos already: A few tutorials, the HotFix
news Episode 2 on this channel and the gaming channel, and a couple of my gameplay commentaries.
Would I recommend this mic to others?
YES - as long as you can compensate for background noise.
Recording in a proper studio, utilizing low computer fan speeds and sound foam or hanging
blankets around your recording area, etc.
This mic sounds fantastic, even without post-processing, but loud environments will let your listeners
hear everything going on around you.
You will, of course, also need a pop filter for this mic, as well, or your plosives will
leave someone deaf - as with most condensers.
For $300, this mic is a little on the pricey side - as the $200 price range for the XLR
version is a little more ideal for this, but they do have to price up for the additional
sound card and USB hardware.
If you have an XLR interface and pre-amp already, consider picking up the XLR mic.
Those of you looking for cheaper solutions, stay tuned!
The next episode of the Vox Test will be on a great XLR AND USB microphone for under $50!
Get subscribed for that video.
I hope you enjoyed this episode, consider smashing the like button if you did, and leave
a comment down below.
Otherwise, my name’s been Adam or EposVox, and I’ll catch you in the next one.