Just bought mine with a scarlet 2i2 2nd gen. First time dealing with an interface and an xlr mic. Blown away, by the quality. My first real mic and I love the quality over something like the blue snowball or yeti
Just received my X2 today... price did go up to $199, but if you were on the waiting list it's $169. The new batch has improvements: 7db noise floor improvement. Now less than 13dBA. Plus tighter tolerance capacitors, powered coat paint. Headed to the studio to fire it up!
Bro, I went to the Techzone website, and read every single review..You wouldn’t believe how many people in their reviews said they bought the mic because of your video... there is even other videos of people on UA-cam, who are reviewing the mic, because of your recommendation. You are popular in the audio community, And you should be, because you make great shit. When you can say something, and make people go out and spend their money, that’s respect.....Thanks to you, I bought one as well....
Yea, it’s Mike’s fault I now have a sound booth set up in the basement. But....I have learned a lot about mics, audio recording, pre-amps and digital recorders and recording. I’ve been a musician for years, and have done live sound for years, but I’ve learned voice over is an entirely different ball game. Thanks and cheers from Akron, Ohio
Very harsh indeed but so is the U87. The U87 though has higher resolution and smoother midrange. And no, the difference is not subtle! Stellar doesn’t sound like a Neumann.
@@wentakura How on Earth is the U87 harsh? Look at the graphs on here: recordinghacks.com/microphones/Neumann/U-87-Ai The Cardioid pattern gives only a slight presence boost. The omni pattern is the only one that comes close to being harsh. What isn't a harsh mic by your standards?
@@TheZeroSbr I wonder if its possible to smoothen the Stellar X2 harsness with EQ in post prod. And about the best mic ever, The Neumann TLM49 could be the best voice over mic ever.
@@marcchapleau8343 Could be, but harshness is also a product of the capsule design itself. Frequency response just tells you which frequencies the capsule boosts or attenuates relative to the other frequencies it captures. For example, compare the frequency responses of the CAD E100s and a Neumann TLM 103. Just by looking at the graph, the Neumann should be the harsher mic since it seems to have a larger presence boost. But I've found that the E100s is significantly harsher than the TLM 103, and it's especially noticeable with "s" and "sh" sounds as you'd expect. The E100s' frequency response does peak higher in the highs than the TLM 103, but it doesn't have a shelf-like presence boost like the TLM 103 does, so it only boosts a handful of frequencies like 1dB higher. On paper, that's a very small difference in apparent harshness, so I can't see any other cause that could explain the disparity in harshness aside from the difference in capsule design itself.
i closed my eyes to see if I could tell when you switch them... and I could. Specifically in the high end, the neumann sounds better on the high end. But it was so subtle that comparing them price wise, the stellar is a huge contender to the neumann.
Thanks! Went to get one and they are sold out, AND, they don't sell them on their website. YOU were very wise to hang onto that one! Nice review of a mic none of us can get :)
Like a lot of others, I bought it on Mike's recommendation. The Tech Zone Audio guys were GREAT to deal with. First off, they gave me a $20 discount, just because I asked for it...and secondly my PayPal account offered to credit me another $15 for the purchase. So basically, it comes to my door for $165. Now, I don't have a Neumann to compare it to...but I do use a Studio Projects C1 most of the time. The C1 has often been compared favorably to the U87 and retails for about $249, and has been my man mic for over 10 years now. I A/B'd my C1 and the X2 side by side. Incredible! I now have a new go to mic! The X2 was warmer and projected my voice much better than the C1. Hey, I'll still use the C1, but for the money, the X2 is an outstanding value. I'll eventually add the X2 Vintage to my collection. Its great supporting a small company (but maybe not so small in the future once more voiceover artists learn about their quality) that builds a high quality product at an affordable price....well done Booth Junkie!...well done Tech Zone!
WOW, that Stellar is so smooth. I don't like most mics and am very picky about how they sound in the high end. I almost exclusively demand warmer sounding mics or at least smooth highs if their are mics with a boost in that range...and I want this Stellar X2 BADLY!!!!
This mic just got better. The new batch coming out in October has new circuitry that lowers the noise floor. Wish I could easily get one but living in New Zealand doesn't make it that easy.
TechZone Audio Products so effectively, the wait list is meaningless for anyone outside of the US, as we’re just not that important. Because putting ourselves on the list, was pointless, as we just become a number for later, rather than securing ourselves a spot within the production queue.
SomeOldTHICCDude it’s literally two dudes making these microphones my guy, not some large company with a bunch of assets at their disposal. It takes time to be able to set up a shop that allows shipping outside of the country. It’s not as easy as you think it is
I just received mine and thank you so much for reviewing this. I love the sound of this even more than my CAD E100s. It matches my voice much better and sounds so much clearer.
Does it really sound better though? I know that at some point it becomes preference, but I don't think that the difference between a E100s and this would be just up to preference. Maybe you got a bad E100s?
i think they should sent them to musicians free not youtubers. i won't buy anything a youtuber recommends that's for shure. Have you purchased a t shirt or hoodie yet from a guy that just talks. must have took him years to learn that.
@@mrblister8359 Yes, I have in Fact ordered more then a dozen tech-related Products recommendet by UA-camrs (Mics, Amps, Pc parts ...) - find some you can Trust is the harder Part, but there are many. And of course: I buy Tshirts or other Merch to Support them, so they can stay independent. Thats the way it works.
@@Thomas_Speck the only reason they make videos is they earn 12 dollars every 1000 video views. And with that they get discount and even free merchandise. Are you getting anything by buying there products from there links not even discount. I am not against it it's ok to get rich from youtube it's youtube that has killed creativity and music musicians cant make money from youtube and putting your music on youtube for free is plain stupid. Spoken voice actor i laugh why would you need anything more than one cheap mic to do that.
Hi BJ, I think they have assembled the right components and the sound is pleasant, tight, balanced, sweet and with a pinch of pepper in the Mids Frequency ..the doubts I have are how many years it will last...I have a 1983 Neumann U-87, that is used for 37 years and it sounds and works like it's just come out of the box...hmm I think the Stellar will last no more than half a decade and with luck...that's why they justify the $3,000 difference...hopefully I'm wrong. TechZne is a great company, excellent products and the Stellar X3 is coming...with 4db of noise... ;) • THANKS FOR THE REVIEW...A GOOD ONE.
not gonna lie, I just got my first pair of monitors so i came to this channel to kinda test their clarity because this channel has the most crisp audio ever.
I neglected to say that, even though I am saving for a Synco D2 personally, this webpage and info is most assuredly saved in my "Microphones" folder in my bookmarks! A VERY solid sounding VO mic!
Oh wow! Glad to see you supporting new companies Mike. Thank you for your input and for the value you provide for thousands of booth junkies all over the world. I just received an email from them asking me to do a review of it as well and I'm super stoked!!!
I bought one of these because of this video. And I have been using it for the last 3-4 years to great effect. Thank you so much for such an in depth detailed and stellar video.
Holy crap!!! Ok... so, I started recording life with a low budget. I did what I culd with what I had. But, I DID start out with a condenser mic.. one of the cheapie kit ones you tested a while back. The hissing from that other mic has been a real thorn in my side for months. Any way... I ordered this TZ x2 after watching your video and I am blown away! The noise floor if almost non existent! The clarity and range is phenomenal! Worth EVERY penny! Thanks Mike! I'm actually looking forward to recording this weekend! You're the best!
The price for the X2 is now $199,-. But what a great great mic..... wow. Could see if you could make a test of the Aurycle A87 USB LDM?? This is half the prize of the Stella. I would love to see that. Thanks. Great show you make.
Ok I found the video sweet! Thanks booth junkie!! So I'm getting a Focusrite scarlett solo 3rd gen usb audio interface, amazon xlr male female mic cables, and the stellar x2 large diaphragm cardioid condenser xlr mic...your videos really help now I just have to learn how to use them properly for VO lol
I don't know if you'll read a comment after 4 months but I hope so! I've followed so much of your advice, including this mic, you've been invaluable and I thank you so much!! Today - I signed my first contract!
O. M. G. What a fantastic microphone. I had a decent dynamic hand-held microphone as my starter but I had to get so close it was a pain. If I wasn't close enough, the recording was way too soft. This microphone lets me talk into it like a normal person. It certainly picks up the ambient sounds, so I'll have to work with that. Not sure I can create my own booth. I set up Reaper per guides #1 and #2 and got some good input setup guidance from the Reaper Blog. I bought the inexpensive Sony "cans" you mentioned in one of your other videos. Now I am ready to record something amazing. Thank you again...
That does sound pretty good. U87 has a touch more low end and the X2 has a wee bit more presence on the high end. I’d bet upgrading the capacitors would make it even better.
Seems like a cool mic. Seems also like there has been a $60 increase in price which is pretty significant. at $200 does it still stand in the same favor or does it bring in other options? I mean $60 increase on a $140 microphone is pretty significant.
In this comparison, what I was impressed with is that a lot of inexpensive large diaphragm condensers, the top end is hyped too much - this one has a smoother top end which keeps it from feeling "cheap" - that said, in standard use, they seemed to sound rather similar, it was when he got close for the proximity that I noticed the difference the most - the Neumann seemed to remain smoother in its entire response, while the X2 seemed to compress more in the mids or something. Very impressive mic that doesn't suffer from that over hyped sound. Might look to add one to my cabinet.
Hi Mike, Thanks for the review. I'm trying to decide between this X2 (with international shipping) vs the Lewitt LCT-440 ($40 lower overall) which can be purchased locally here in Australia.
sheeeiiiitttt, i have stereo pair of Oktavamod u67 emulation mics (that imo beat out the actual Neumann u67 in the blind shootout - I gave them $ right then and there), and when Oktavamod shifted to a different biz, i figured i'd never again see a small company hand building mics to this standard but WHOA. THESE GUYS SOUND LIKE THEY'VE DONE IT. And now i have a mic to recommend to all my VO/narrator friends!! thanks so much for reviewing this mic & company!! SMOOTH LIKE HOT CHOCOLATE, WOWZA :D
You were right about them not being able to sustain the price. Their website shows the price as $149.99 for the base model A2. Great information. Thanks. :)
TechZone Audio Products but still not shipping outside of the US, or even mentioning it to people who signed up on the wait list, a month ago, from outside of the US. What’s the problem with international sales? Customers are clearly willing to pay for the product and shipping. It surely can’t be that difficult to write an international address on a box and package it securely?
Thank you! They reached out to me just recently to run a test. I'm curious about the design that you tested versus the design they have now. Apparently, it's still the same name, Stellar X2. Again, thank you for your hard work. Cheers , my brother.
What was your signal path here? Sounds like a warm preamp, maybe a little compression, and clean converters. In other videos the mic had a brighter high end but that doesn't seem to be the case in your video. I have a Warm WA12 and have a feeling it would sound pretty good through that.
Just got mine delivered. Using a Audiant id14 had a much greater self noise then 13dba. The mic sounds as good or better than a WA48. The wind screen was above average in effectiveness. The case is light duty but is appreciated. If the self noise was lower and a nicer body it could be a $500 mic.
Nice review. Tell us something about your Audio Interface...In other reviews the stellar X" sounds harsh. In your review not. Maybe the interface smoothes the HF? thanks
I just closed down and sold the U-87 and the TL 103. Moving out of state and will need a 1" diaphragm at the new studio. You found it. I'm all in and subscribed.
I actually LOVE this Microphone and purchased it because of a recommendation from a friend after i heard a vocal done with it . I also have the Neumann U87 and of course is my favorite mic , but the X2 is awesome . The key for me is to make sure i use a high-quality Mic Pre, which is an absolute must for Microphones . This definitely is an awesome mic and highly recommend it . Thanks for the video
Mike, I'm such a fan of your channel. You inspired the latest upload on my Audio for Content Creators channel. Plugged you and left links. Hope it helps!
The more I learn about mics, the more I see how name brands, no matter how good or popular they are, are clearly not worth the price. Great information, sir. Thank you. :-D
Finally.... FINALLY.. Amazon has the Stellar listed for purchase and I snagged one using the discount code TechZone gave me when I signed up on their notification list. I won't get it until about 22 December, but I gots it. That is all. :O)
Quite impressive, Thx for sharing. However, I have a question mic from microphone part. Their 87 model. I think is sa87. They claim in sounds like u87, but is it. Have you tried. Thx . Hope I can hear back from you. Also mow the newest one is Xe with grayish screen. Is there any difference.
I think the Stellar X2 is just a bit more brighter than the Neumann. Which could probably explain why there's a bit of a noise floor on the X2. Not that its a bad thing at all. Its a shame they don't ship to where I am, though. :(
Wow, what a crazy mic the SX2 is! The differenc for us regular deadly people is definitely not $3000-different! Beyond impressed by SX2. Totally getting myself a pair of them, yep! Another great video, btw!
Just found this video. I have a project that has just surfaced and started looking into microphones and watching reviews. One of Mike’s previous mic comparison videos displayed the U87ai and it was really the only one in the bunch that jumped out at me, along with the price. That was yesterday. Today saw the video thumbnail and couldn’t play it fast enough. Could it be, u87ai (ish) sound an unbelievable price. Shortly after the video began I jumped on the manufacturers link and 💥 bam💥. Smacked in the face with reality. The deal was gone. Yep, the price has increased. I figured it was gonna be too good to be true. Lol. Still like the mic. Just not enough funds to make it happen. Thanks for posting this MIke. I will try not to hold it against you that you shattered my hopes and dreams! Lol. Great review and seriously thanks for sharing. Wish you the best. And congrats on getting a great mic at at great price.
Mike is this microphone you just reviewed in this video s forever microphone for a person who is new to voice work? Do you think it has staying power? Its price puts it squarely in my sights....
Bought one also after emailing them to get on advanced waitlist. Took at least 10 tries to get one in the shopping cart. Amazon kept saying sold out. Coming before Christmas!
Mike, I received the the all black X2 microphone and it awesome! Smooth as silk, yet clear and the latest version has an extremely quiet noise floor. Thanks for sharing it with us. I used to think I wanted a Neumann TLM103. I don’t think I want/need one anymore.
Got ours in the mail a couple days ago! It's very nice for the price. At first I wasn't impressed but after several comparison tests the TZ audio shine. It's very warm and intimate. It also takes effects well (reverb, delay, compression). Supposedly they have a new improved one they're selling now. The price was higher ($199) but it was well worth it. We were also alarmed at first because it's very small. It's built well though and everything fits on a standard mic stand. Satisfied with our purchase!
Hi Mike, I know you do the voice thing and really enjoy your videos. But I record Violin, cello, piano, brass and was considerink buting a pair of AKG 214 mics. How would your wonder Stellar X2 Series Large Capsule Condenser Microphone compare ? Thanx, J
My goodness the difference is ..... hard to tell! For that price point this would be an EXCELLENT mic for those jumping into home studio! I'm happy with my TLM 103, but hot damn it'd be nice to nab a couple of these for training sessions with other aspiring VAs.
Does Combo XLR in audio interfaces are for symmetric jack connections? And if yes does connect TS(tip-sleeve) jack instead TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) can cause any damage to equipment? Could be any other consequences of such connection, i.e.buzz? Does using TRS ->TRS connections between any other parts is safer in use than TS-TS? Can it cause any unexpected accidents in audio quality? Just in case of an answer "that depends on equipment" iI am talking about typical midrange UA-camr equipment - lots of cables many cheap small boxes like monitor headphones splitter/amp, preamps, mixers, splitters, two computers, mics, etc. So basically I am asking for any connection. Just to make sure to not burn equipment.
Having just visited their site - you might suggest they re-do their promo video with a better voice (hint) and a music bed that isn’t overmodulated - just sayin’ - the various sample bits of audio could also stand re-do’s
I work with the Neumann u87ai, c414, and C12 replica, and Sm7b for voices. Also these microphones obviously have other uses in a music recording setting. Here’s my take on these mics. The u87 is a fantastic vocal mic and typically I’ll use them on rooms or overheads also. It has this almost ‘compressed and eq’d vibe. Vocals seem to sit right in or on the mix. I notice the stellar is a slight exaggeration of that. Which to me is pleasing, because you can put up on against a source and have that pillow on the mix effect, but with more low end and the same natural high end. I could see these microphones being forever mics in a room. I can also see them being great as overheads. The u87 seems to be a microphone that works well with its source not having too much changes in proximity. It works well on smooth sources. I could see it on top of a drum kit, grabbing the cymbals very articulated. And bumping in some low end from the shells. This scooped, hi-fi sound is perfect for overheads, which need spaces in the midrange for the room mics and shells. Final thoughts, if the source has drastic qualities like lots of low end or high end, i can see the Stellar being too much of one thing. But a generally flat source, I can see the stellar actually enhancing the audio quite significantly. Basically it seems like this mic would be great for good sources, meanwhile the u87 can capture the sources without boosting too much low end or high end into it. U87: Captures and places audio in a quality spectrum. Stellar x2; Adds hifi, but could be trouble on boomy acoustics or dynamic vocals.
what do you think works best for rock vocals that are more dynamic? Or how about guitar cabinets? Would a flat sounding mic allow the guitar sound to come through or would it literally flatten out the dynamics and there fore would it make more sense to get a mic that has similar eqing as the guitar amp itself?
Great video Mike. I was checking this out and now I find the Stellar X2 And Stellar X2 Vintage. Do you know which one this is in your video? Thanks again.
I am sure it is a great mic, but the differences are quite clear; the U87 is much more "contained," and handles S's, plosives better, while having a pleasant distortion in the upper mids.
Thanks for this!! There’s a mic by AKG under $400 called the C214 and it has the exact same capsule/sound as the C414 which is a high end classic at around $1,000 I think. I’ve recorded in stereo with the original and was identical. The reason it’s a lot cheaper is because it doesn’t have the multiple pick up patterns which doesn’t matter if all you’re doing is vocals. There’s not a better condenser mic for vocals under $500. For dynamic mics the best mic under $400 is the SM7B (through a cloudlifter before the preamp because it’s output is very low) This is after working at guitar center for 6 years doing multiple shoot outs and then moving into a large studio with over 130 mics to test out any day.
The c214 was by far one of the worst mics I’ve ever used, that top end is absolutely atrocious and recordings didn’t even sound like me in my opinion there isn’t even a good microphone out there that just works. Not in the $100 price range and not in the $3,000. All still sounds metallic and unnatural to me
The Lewitt LCT440 Pure and 441 Flex are way better than the AKG C214. It's nothing like the classic C414, or even the C414 XLS, which is the flatter of the modern ones. A used AT4050 is probably one of the best mics for under $500. I think the CAD M179 is probably a better buy than the C214 too. You could get a pair for what the C214 would cost as well.
@@threadoflife The new version arrives tomorrow. I will put it to several test and report back. The original sounded great except for the self noise. I will compare both and let you know the results.
I just bought my X2. Having grown up on U87's, Tube 47's, etc, I was impressed (as were you). What a great utility mic to have around. People who hear me on ZOOM sessions, buy one. (Sometimes while we are on the ZOOM session.). I run mine through an SSL 2+.
They now have a waiting list for one of these X2 microphones. Well done, sir!
Just bought mine with a scarlet 2i2 2nd gen. First time dealing with an interface and an xlr mic. Blown away, by the quality. My first real mic and I love the quality over something like the blue snowball or yeti
“This microphone is so good, the company needs a better name.” ~ Best sales pitch ever.
Yeah right on bro!!. They should change to their last name or something.
TopicalContent.... His face was so genuine I truly believe this shit! Lol 😂
TopicalContent 😂
"With a name like Smuckers, it has to be good."
ua-cam.com/video/onas6WLnn7M/v-deo.html
I like the company's name...a little Funky love it
Just received my X2 today... price did go up to $199, but if you were on the waiting list it's $169. The new batch has improvements: 7db noise floor improvement. Now less than 13dBA. Plus tighter tolerance capacitors, powered coat paint. Headed to the studio to fire it up!
And they are coming out with a new vintage mic in 2020. hmmmmmmm
ha ha your mic looks like a neewer bm 800 ohh but it is. ha ha quick buy the guy a t shirt bah bah like a sheep.
a noise floor of less than 10dBA as of Feb., 2022
@@kmacradio how does it sound on the air?
Yep. Pulled the trigger on this before the video was even finished.
Bro, I went to the Techzone website, and read every single review..You wouldn’t believe how many people in their reviews said they bought the mic because of your video... there is even other videos of people on UA-cam, who are reviewing the mic, because of your recommendation. You are popular in the audio community, And you should be, because you make great shit. When you can say something, and make people go out and spend their money, that’s respect.....Thanks to you, I bought one as well....
Tricia Lynn No. There's a waiting list on the website. I bought mine secondhand from someone else.
Yea, it’s Mike’s fault I now have a sound booth set up in the basement. But....I have learned a lot about mics, audio recording, pre-amps and digital recorders and recording. I’ve been a musician for years, and have done live sound for years, but I’ve learned voice over is an entirely different ball game. Thanks and cheers from Akron, Ohio
Sounds good. But a little bright/harsh consonants -- not terrible. But that's the real difference
Very harsh indeed but so is the U87. The U87 though has higher resolution and smoother midrange. And no, the difference is not subtle! Stellar doesn’t sound like a Neumann.
@@wentakura I agree. I have bought one. That said for 200$ you'd get a mic with performances that far exceeds the price.
@@wentakura How on Earth is the U87 harsh? Look at the graphs on here: recordinghacks.com/microphones/Neumann/U-87-Ai
The Cardioid pattern gives only a slight presence boost. The omni pattern is the only one that comes close to being harsh. What isn't a harsh mic by your standards?
@@TheZeroSbr I wonder if its possible to smoothen the Stellar X2 harsness with EQ in post prod. And about the best mic ever, The Neumann TLM49 could be the best voice over mic ever.
@@marcchapleau8343 Could be, but harshness is also a product of the capsule design itself. Frequency response just tells you which frequencies the capsule boosts or attenuates relative to the other frequencies it captures. For example, compare the frequency responses of the CAD E100s and a Neumann TLM 103. Just by looking at the graph, the Neumann should be the harsher mic since it seems to have a larger presence boost. But I've found that the E100s is significantly harsher than the TLM 103, and it's especially noticeable with "s" and "sh" sounds as you'd expect. The E100s' frequency response does peak higher in the highs than the TLM 103, but it doesn't have a shelf-like presence boost like the TLM 103 does, so it only boosts a handful of frequencies like 1dB higher. On paper, that's a very small difference in apparent harshness, so I can't see any other cause that could explain the disparity in harshness aside from the difference in capsule design itself.
its more expensive now, and new design, i loved this gold on yours
still worth it
i closed my eyes to see if I could tell when you switch them... and I could. Specifically in the high end, the neumann sounds better on the high end. But it was so subtle that comparing them price wise, the stellar is a huge contender to the neumann.
Thanks! Went to get one and they are sold out, AND, they don't sell them on their website. YOU were very wise to hang onto that one! Nice review of a mic none of us can get :)
Like a lot of others, I bought it on Mike's recommendation. The Tech Zone Audio guys were GREAT to deal with. First off, they gave me a $20 discount, just because I asked for it...and secondly my PayPal account offered to credit me another $15 for the purchase. So basically, it comes to my door for $165. Now, I don't have a Neumann to compare it to...but I do use a Studio Projects C1 most of the time. The C1 has often been compared favorably to the U87 and retails for about $249, and has been my man mic for over 10 years now. I A/B'd my C1 and the X2 side by side. Incredible! I now have a new go to mic! The X2 was warmer and projected my voice much better than the C1. Hey, I'll still use the C1, but for the money, the X2 is an outstanding value. I'll eventually add the X2 Vintage to my collection. Its great supporting a small company (but maybe not so small in the future once more voiceover artists learn about their quality) that builds a high quality product at an affordable price....well done Booth Junkie!...well done Tech Zone!
Neumann U-87 u$3,279 ...TechZne Stellar X2 u$199 some difference there has to be...
I got my Stellar X2 Vintage today and it has such a beautiful sound.
Is there a difference between the Vintage and non-vintage
@@HelamanGile From other videos I've watched comparing them, the Vintage is a bit warmer, more bass but neither seems better compared to the other.
Just received delivery on the X2 to up my game on Zoom meetings thanks to this fantastic video.
WOW, that Stellar is so smooth. I don't like most mics and am very picky about how they sound in the high end. I almost exclusively demand warmer sounding mics or at least smooth highs if their are mics with a boost in that range...and I want this Stellar X2 BADLY!!!!
have you got one yet, if so compare it to the nt1a
This mic just got better.
The new batch coming out in October has new circuitry that lowers the noise floor.
Wish I could easily get one but living in New Zealand doesn't make it that easy.
I’m in, thank you for the review
I emailed the company asking about sales to the UK.
They said they can't offer out of US Shipping.
*sad face*
Was just now wondering why I hadn’t heard anything from them at all. Guessing they flat out can’t be assed selling to Australia.
TechZone Audio Products so effectively, the wait list is meaningless for anyone outside of the US, as we’re just not that important. Because putting ourselves on the list, was pointless, as we just become a number for later, rather than securing ourselves a spot within the production queue.
SomeOldTHICCDude it’s literally two dudes making these microphones my guy, not some large company with a bunch of assets at their disposal. It takes time to be able to set up a shop that allows shipping outside of the country. It’s not as easy as you think it is
I just received mine and thank you so much for reviewing this. I love the sound of this even more than my CAD E100s. It matches my voice much better and sounds so much clearer.
Does it really sound better though? I know that at some point it becomes preference, but I don't think that the difference between a E100s and this would be just up to preference. Maybe you got a bad E100s?
I believe that TechZone Audio Products should send you the vintage model as a gift for another review.
i think they should sent them to musicians free not youtubers. i won't buy anything a youtuber recommends that's for shure. Have you purchased a t shirt or hoodie yet from a guy that just talks. must have took him years to learn that.
@@mrblister8359 why are you so angry lol no one told you to be here xD
@@mrblister8359 someone mad
@@mrblister8359 Yes, I have in Fact ordered more then a dozen tech-related Products recommendet by UA-camrs (Mics, Amps, Pc parts ...) - find some you can Trust is the harder Part, but there are many. And of course: I buy Tshirts or other Merch to Support them, so they can stay independent. Thats the way it works.
@@Thomas_Speck the only reason they make videos is they earn 12 dollars every 1000 video views. And with that they get discount and even free merchandise. Are you getting anything by buying there products from there links not even discount. I am not against it it's ok to get rich from youtube it's youtube that has killed creativity and music musicians cant make money from youtube and putting your music on youtube for free is plain stupid. Spoken voice actor i laugh why would you need anything more than one cheap mic to do that.
The Stellar X2 Vintage edition has impressed me. The u47 capsule sounds so warm and pristine
As always a great review Mike. Good work standing up for the little guy. Once again your integrity shines through. Keep doing what you do.
So happy I kept checking Amazon last night and got my boyfriend one before they sold again so quickly. Can't wait for him to use it.
That's so sweet
And the award for best girlfriend goes to...drum roll...YOU :)
@@jimiboi87 aaww... thank you so much lol he just got his mic yesterday and he's in love with it.
Hi BJ, I think they have assembled the right components and the sound is pleasant, tight, balanced, sweet and with a pinch of pepper in the Mids Frequency ..the doubts I have are how many years it will last...I have a 1983 Neumann U-87, that is used for 37 years and it sounds and works like it's just come out of the box...hmm I think the Stellar will last no more than half a decade and with luck...that's why they justify the $3,000 difference...hopefully I'm wrong. TechZne is a great company, excellent products and the Stellar X3 is coming...with 4db of noise... ;)
• THANKS FOR THE REVIEW...A GOOD ONE.
I can buy 10 of the X2 that would last me for 50 years and still save more than half the cost of the U87
not gonna lie, I just got my first pair of monitors so i came to this channel to kinda test their clarity because this channel has the most crisp audio ever.
So which better?
@@reekrodriqguez6552 we may never know
Which monitors did you go with?
I neglected to say that, even though I am saving for a Synco D2 personally, this webpage and info is most assuredly saved in my "Microphones" folder in my bookmarks! A VERY solid sounding VO mic!
Just bought it. Waiting for delivery. Can't wait!!
So? How is it?
Oh wow! Glad to see you supporting new companies Mike. Thank you for your input and for the value you provide for thousands of booth junkies all over the world. I just received an email from them asking me to do a review of it as well and I'm super stoked!!!
It is a fantastic microphone just got mine. Exactly like you have described thank you Mike!
I'm gonna give this thing a go, hopefully to be my new go-to. Thanks for the review.
I bought one of these because of this video. And I have been using it for the last 3-4 years to great effect. Thank you so much for such an in depth detailed and stellar video.
Just bought this. It's actually crazy how good it sounds! I'm baffled.! Well done TZ.
That noise floor will go great when in the mix, with the way that mic sounds.
I see you making that ASMR with the foam filters. ALSO HOLY COW THIS MIC IS SO GOOD, thanks for ruining my wallet.
Like ur vids fella GG!
@@cathywymark328 Thanks!
You both have great ASMR qualities in your voices. I think I need an upgrade from my neewer cheapo mic very soon.
I was hoping you were going to test it with the AVerMedia Live Streamer NEXUS to see how it work. But this will be the next mic I try out.
Holy crap!!! Ok... so, I started recording life with a low budget. I did what I culd with what I had. But, I DID start out with a condenser mic.. one of the cheapie kit ones you tested a while back. The hissing from that other mic has been a real thorn in my side for months. Any way... I ordered this TZ x2 after watching your video and I am blown away! The noise floor if almost non existent! The clarity and range is phenomenal! Worth EVERY penny! Thanks Mike! I'm actually looking forward to recording this weekend! You're the best!
The price for the X2 is now $199,-. But what a great great mic..... wow. Could see if you could make a test of the Aurycle A87 USB LDM?? This is half the prize of the Stella. I would love to see that. Thanks. Great show you make.
It is a great time to be alive when it comes to GREAT poor man Audio Tech!
It's already $200. If it was ment for poor men they shouldn't raise the price.
@@schipbreukeling3 For the rise of $60.00, the Stellar X2 was improved! More warm and its self noise is now much lower!
Ok I found the video sweet! Thanks booth junkie!! So I'm getting a Focusrite scarlett solo 3rd gen usb audio interface, amazon xlr male female mic cables, and the stellar x2 large diaphragm cardioid condenser xlr mic...your videos really help now I just have to learn how to use them properly for VO lol
That's amazing! Thanks for the review! Definitely want to grab one of these before the price goes up.
Great job! I also agree with your marketing suggestions!! You should pick up their other mic and review it too.
Holy moly! Blowing my mind. I'm going to need to test this one as well. Thanks for sharing!
I don't know if you'll read a comment after 4 months but I hope so! I've followed so much of your advice, including this mic, you've been invaluable and I thank you so much!! Today - I signed my first contract!
I just bought this one too. Set it up over the weekend and it goes live starting tomorrow .
O. M. G. What a fantastic microphone. I had a decent dynamic hand-held microphone as my starter but I had to get so close it was a pain. If I wasn't close enough, the recording was way too soft. This microphone lets me talk into it like a normal person. It certainly picks up the ambient sounds, so I'll have to work with that. Not sure I can create my own booth. I set up Reaper per guides #1 and #2 and got some good input setup guidance from the Reaper Blog. I bought the inexpensive Sony "cans" you mentioned in one of your other videos. Now I am ready to record something amazing. Thank you again...
That does sound pretty good. U87 has a touch more low end and the X2 has a wee bit more presence on the high end. I’d bet upgrading the capacitors would make it even better.
Seems like a cool mic. Seems also like there has been a $60 increase in price which is pretty significant. at $200 does it still stand in the same favor or does it bring in other options? I mean $60 increase on a $140 microphone is pretty significant.
@TechZone Audio Products ...guys you rocks guys! We deserve the new Stellar X3 !! :)
Bought this mic from your review way back! Couldn’t be happier. Are there anymore mics that have surprised you this much?
You've sold them out Mike!
In this comparison, what I was impressed with is that a lot of inexpensive large diaphragm condensers, the top end is hyped too much - this one has a smoother top end which keeps it from feeling "cheap" - that said, in standard use, they seemed to sound rather similar, it was when he got close for the proximity that I noticed the difference the most - the Neumann seemed to remain smoother in its entire response, while the X2 seemed to compress more in the mids or something. Very impressive mic that doesn't suffer from that over hyped sound. Might look to add one to my cabinet.
Had the same experience with the $50 MXL larg diaphragm.
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the review. I'm trying to decide between this X2 (with international shipping) vs the Lewitt LCT-440 ($40 lower overall) which can be purchased locally here in Australia.
sheeeiiiitttt, i have stereo pair of Oktavamod u67 emulation mics (that imo beat out the actual Neumann u67 in the blind shootout - I gave them $ right then and there), and when Oktavamod shifted to a different biz, i figured i'd never again see a small company hand building mics to this standard but WHOA. THESE GUYS SOUND LIKE THEY'VE DONE IT. And now i have a mic to recommend to all my VO/narrator friends!! thanks so much for reviewing this mic & company!! SMOOTH LIKE HOT CHOCOLATE, WOWZA :D
You were right about them not being able to sustain the price. Their website shows the price as $149.99 for the base model A2. Great information. Thanks. :)
Great review thank you! 🙏
I also bought one for my Ham radio station.
I will do a review soon.
You weren't kidding when you said they only had two microphones. Looks like they sold them already.
Hehe, I was thinking the same thing!
😂😂😂😂
Hahahahahahahh LOL.
BAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! 🤣
TechZone Audio Products but still not shipping outside of the US, or even mentioning it to people who signed up on the wait list, a month ago, from outside of the US. What’s the problem with international sales? Customers are clearly willing to pay for the product and shipping. It surely can’t be that difficult to write an international address on a box and package it securely?
Thank you! They reached out to me just recently to run a test. I'm curious about the design that you tested versus the design they have now. Apparently, it's still the same name, Stellar X2. Again, thank you for your hard work. Cheers , my brother.
What was your signal path here? Sounds like a warm preamp, maybe a little compression, and clean converters. In other videos the mic had a brighter high end but that doesn't seem to be the case in your video. I have a Warm WA12 and have a feeling it would sound pretty good through that.
Just got mine delivered.
Using a Audiant id14 had a much greater self noise then 13dba. The mic sounds as good or better than a WA48.
The wind screen was above average in effectiveness.
The case is light duty but is appreciated.
If the self noise was lower and a nicer body it could be a $500 mic.
Nice review. Tell us something about your Audio Interface...In other reviews the stellar X" sounds harsh. In your review not. Maybe the interface smoothes the HF? thanks
YEEIooooW!!!!I cranked up the audio to hear the hiss and then you came back on!!!! Great ear wa cleaner!!
Nice presentaton as usual Mike.
I just closed down and sold the U-87 and the TL 103. Moving out of state and will need a 1" diaphragm at the new studio. You found it. I'm all in and subscribed.
Steller X2 mic comes with air band built in. So no need to eq your vocals on post anymore. :)
I just ordered mine. So Stoked!
I actually LOVE this Microphone and purchased it because of a recommendation from a friend after i heard a vocal done with it . I also have the Neumann U87 and of course is my favorite mic , but the X2 is awesome . The key for me is to make sure i use a high-quality Mic Pre, which is an absolute must for Microphones . This definitely is an awesome mic and highly recommend it . Thanks for the video
Mike, I'm such a fan of your channel. You inspired the latest upload on my Audio for Content Creators channel. Plugged you and left links. Hope it helps!
The more I learn about mics, the more I see how name brands, no matter how good or popular they are, are clearly not worth the price. Great information, sir. Thank you. :-D
Very impressive. Great to see reviews of inexpensive yet excellent products such as this. I subscribed to your channel off the back of this video.
There's so many options which one should I get
Finally.... FINALLY.. Amazon has the Stellar listed for purchase and I snagged one using the discount code TechZone gave me when I signed up on their notification list. I won't get it until about 22 December, but I gots it. That is all. :O)
Phillip Withers hit me up on Instagram I wanna ask u 😴 : @soothv
Quite impressive, Thx for sharing.
However, I have a question mic from microphone part. Their 87 model.
I think is sa87. They claim in sounds like u87, but is it. Have you tried. Thx .
Hope I can hear back from you.
Also mow the newest one is Xe with grayish screen. Is there any difference.
I think the Stellar X2 is just a bit more brighter than the Neumann. Which could probably explain why there's a bit of a noise floor on the X2. Not that its a bad thing at all. Its a shame they don't ship to where I am, though. :(
I just bought the vintage. Just sounds amazing to me
Wow, what a crazy mic the SX2 is! The differenc for us regular deadly people is definitely not $3000-different! Beyond impressed by SX2. Totally getting myself a pair of them, yep! Another great video, btw!
Thank you for this! Just got my X2 and it is a whole other level for me!!
Looks like I found a new mic to try out! Thanks for the review man!
Just found this video. I have a project that has just surfaced and started looking into microphones and watching reviews. One of Mike’s previous mic comparison videos displayed the U87ai and it was really the only one in the bunch that jumped out at me, along with the price. That was yesterday. Today saw the video thumbnail and couldn’t play it fast enough. Could it be, u87ai (ish) sound an unbelievable price. Shortly after the video began I jumped on the manufacturers link and 💥 bam💥. Smacked in the face with reality. The deal was gone. Yep, the price has increased. I figured it was gonna be too good to be true. Lol. Still like the mic. Just not enough funds to make it happen. Thanks for posting this MIke. I will try not to hold it against you that you shattered my hopes and dreams! Lol. Great review and seriously thanks for sharing. Wish you the best. And congrats on getting a great mic at at great price.
The difference astonishingly big. The mid forward character of u87 ai is partly related to its k87 capusle.
Mike is this microphone you just reviewed in this video s forever microphone for a person who is new to voice work? Do you think it has staying power? Its price puts it squarely in my sights....
If stands so close you can easily hear difference between two mics , if you little bit get back sound very very similar .Yes ,I'm impressed.
Bought one also after emailing them to get on advanced waitlist. Took at least 10 tries to get one in the shopping cart. Amazon kept saying sold out. Coming before Christmas!
Mike, I received the the all black X2 microphone and it awesome! Smooth as silk, yet clear and the latest version has an extremely quiet noise floor. Thanks for sharing it with us. I used to think I wanted a Neumann TLM103. I don’t think I want/need one anymore.
Got ours in the mail a couple days ago! It's very nice for the price. At first I wasn't impressed but after several comparison tests the TZ audio shine. It's very warm and intimate. It also takes effects well (reverb, delay, compression). Supposedly they have a new improved one they're selling now. The price was higher ($199) but it was well worth it. We were also alarmed at first because it's very small. It's built well though and everything fits on a standard mic stand. Satisfied with our purchase!
Hi Mike, I know you do the voice thing and really enjoy your videos. But I record Violin, cello, piano, brass and was considerink buting a pair of AKG 214 mics. How would your wonder Stellar X2 Series Large Capsule Condenser Microphone compare ?
Thanx, J
My goodness the difference is ..... hard to tell! For that price point this would be an EXCELLENT mic for those jumping into home studio! I'm happy with my TLM 103, but hot damn it'd be nice to nab a couple of these for training sessions with other aspiring VAs.
Thanks for the tip. Just purchased mine
Loving your videos and voice. Have you ever tried the T.Bone SC600 against the U87 I've heard it is comparable
For that price, it sounds amazing ! And they're sold out.
Does Combo XLR in audio interfaces are for symmetric jack connections? And if yes does connect TS(tip-sleeve) jack instead TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) can cause any damage to equipment? Could be any other consequences of such connection, i.e.buzz? Does using TRS ->TRS connections between any other parts is safer in use than TS-TS? Can it cause any unexpected accidents in audio quality? Just in case of an answer "that depends on equipment" iI am talking about typical midrange UA-camr equipment - lots of cables many cheap small boxes like monitor headphones splitter/amp, preamps, mixers, splitters, two computers, mics, etc. So basically I am asking for any connection. Just to make sure to not burn equipment.
Having just visited their site - you might suggest they re-do their promo video with a better voice (hint) and a music bed that isn’t overmodulated - just sayin’ - the various sample bits of audio could also stand re-do’s
I agree, and they don't have a fully mixed female sample to hear.
Man it sounds good, The U87 has a more pleasant resolution in the low miss but man, I'm impressed.
Advanced Audio are also producing very interesting mics, some of them (FET) are very affordable. Any plans to review some? Thanks.
The next mic I add has to be the one from Townsend Labs since it's an entire freakin locker in one.
Dang it - you made me buy a X2 Vintage - you sexy beast - you got me spending money.
So I bought one of your t-shirts!
The future looks great for TZA! Selling out at the very beginning is always a good sign.
Great review...thank you! ??? How do you think this X2 would compare to an ADK A-51 Type V, for voice over?
I'm excited to see the review for X3!
I work with the Neumann u87ai, c414, and C12 replica, and Sm7b for voices. Also these microphones obviously have other uses in a music recording setting. Here’s my take on these mics.
The u87 is a fantastic vocal mic and typically I’ll use them on rooms or overheads also. It has this almost ‘compressed and eq’d vibe. Vocals seem to sit right in or on the mix. I notice the stellar is a slight exaggeration of that. Which to me is pleasing, because you can put up on against a source and have that pillow on the mix effect, but with more low end and the same natural high end.
I could see these microphones being forever mics in a room. I can also see them being great as overheads. The u87 seems to be a microphone that works well with its source not having too much changes in proximity. It works well on smooth sources.
I could see it on top of a drum kit, grabbing the cymbals very articulated. And bumping in some low end from the shells. This scooped, hi-fi sound is perfect for overheads, which need spaces in the midrange for the room mics and shells.
Final thoughts, if the source has drastic qualities like lots of low end or high end, i can see the Stellar being too much of one thing. But a generally flat source, I can see the stellar actually enhancing the audio quite significantly. Basically it seems like this mic would be great for good sources, meanwhile the u87 can capture the sources without boosting too much low end or high end into it.
U87: Captures and places audio in a quality spectrum.
Stellar x2; Adds hifi, but could be trouble on boomy acoustics or dynamic vocals.
what do you think works best for rock vocals that are more dynamic? Or how about guitar cabinets? Would a flat sounding mic allow the guitar sound to come through or would it literally flatten out the dynamics and there fore would it make more sense to get a mic that has similar eqing as the guitar amp itself?
Great video Mike.
I was checking this out and now I find the Stellar X2
And Stellar X2 Vintage.
Do you know which one this is in your video?
Thanks again.
I am sure it is a great mic, but the differences are quite clear; the U87 is much more "contained," and handles S's, plosives better, while having a pleasant distortion in the upper mids.
u$3000 more...some difference there has to be...
Bought it. Love it. Is my main mic,....stealing the place from my Rode mic.
Thanks for this!! There’s a mic by AKG under $400 called the C214 and it has the exact same capsule/sound as the C414 which is a high end classic at around $1,000 I think. I’ve recorded in stereo with the original and was identical. The reason it’s a lot cheaper is because it doesn’t have the multiple pick up patterns which doesn’t matter if all you’re doing is vocals. There’s not a better condenser mic for vocals under $500. For dynamic mics the best mic under $400 is the SM7B (through a cloudlifter before the preamp because it’s output is very low) This is after working at guitar center for 6 years doing multiple shoot outs and then moving into a large studio with over 130 mics to test out any day.
The c214 was by far one of the worst mics I’ve ever used, that top end is absolutely atrocious and recordings didn’t even sound like me in my opinion there isn’t even a good microphone out there that just works. Not in the $100 price range and not in the $3,000. All still sounds metallic and unnatural to me
The Lewitt LCT440 Pure and 441 Flex are way better than the AKG C214. It's nothing like the classic C414, or even the C414 XLS, which is the flatter of the modern ones. A used AT4050 is probably one of the best mics for under $500. I think the CAD M179 is probably a better buy than the C214 too. You could get a pair for what the C214 would cost as well.
The new version should be at my door the 15th of December. Just got an update from Amazon.
Rod Wheeler and do you love it? Please tell, just ordered mine.
@@threadoflife The new version arrives tomorrow. I will put it to several test and report back. The original sounded great except for the self noise. I will compare both and let you know the results.
I just bought my X2. Having grown up on U87's, Tube 47's, etc, I was impressed (as were you). What a great utility mic to have around. People who hear me on ZOOM sessions, buy one. (Sometimes while we are on the ZOOM session.). I run mine through an SSL 2+.
can't find it. paypal ready. no place to blow cash. were these guys sued or something?