Shure KSM8 Dualdyne Vocal Mic Review / Test
Вставка
- Опубліковано 11 лип 2024
- oday we look at the a brand new microphone from Shure; the KSM8 Dualdyne Dual Diaphragm Handheld Dynamic Vocal Microphone…that’s a mouth full. This thing use 2 diaphragms to assist in reducing proximity effect and improve off axis rejection. It has a much more neutral frequency response compared to the SM58, and provides a smooth and articulate tone with a full low-end without introducing any muddiness.
Buy the Shure KSM8 (Amazon)
Global: geni.us/ksm8
Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (2nd Gen) (Amazon)
Global: geni.us/2i22nd
00:00 - Intro / Price
00:26 - Why is the Mic So Expensive?
00:41 - Setup / Disclaimers
00:55 - What’s in the Box
01:12 - Build Quality
01:39 - Specifications
01:53 - Polar Pattern Test
02:14 - Handling Noise Test
02:21 - Background Noise Test
02:29 - Proximity Effect Test
02:53 - Distance Test
03:05 - Plosive Rejection Test
03:13 - Comparison to SM58
03:39 - Music Test
04:23 - Pros & Cons
05:37 - Overall thoughts
07:41 - Conclusion / Recommendation
08:29 - Outro
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I've been wondering about the KSM8 for a while. It really does sound overall smooth.
How'd it get gouged up like that though?
I’ve been using it for a few months now and while carrying it with an interface that has a locking xlr port, the release lever just scraped the hell out of the side.
That'll certainly do it. I was wondering if it's more of a soft finish, but it doesn't really sound like it since it took a metal tab to scrape it up.
(My bet is an SM57 or SM58 wouldn't fair any better in the same situation either).
Yeah. I think any mic would lose a battle with a sharp piece of metal.
Can not get a better review than this! Thank you Andrew for your expertise in microphones and music.
Excellent, thorough review. I was able to hear with my own two ears that everything you said was true. Thanks for your well thought out and well executed video.
Always love your videos and incisive and perceptive analysis / commentary - thank you!
Thank you, this is a very nice review. I own both a $500 KSM8 and a $700 KSM9 from Shure. The KSM9 is a condenser, it's more sensitive than the KSM8 and has the switching pattern switch. I use the super cardioid pick up pattern and I never switch it. The ability to switch is almost useless to me, but could be important to another person. The KSM9 is a little bit darker or muddy on the top end than the KSM8 and seems to have a hotter output. I like both microphones, but use the KSM8 more than the 9. The KSM8 just has a cleaner top end and more balanced sound and for me as a high tenor it just sounds better to my ears. I think if you go to the store you should try both, to see which works better for your voice. Thank you again for your review, you do a really nice job of trying to help people and it's really appreciated.
I love the KSM8 for many things, but I don't understand how people think the treble is anything but non-existent. There's literally nothing above 10K on it. The drop-off is so sharp there is literally no EQ you can put on that will bring back that extra "air". So as long as you don't need the air (say, for spoken word, or live rock vocals, or for bass instruments), the KSM8 is fantastic. But for studio singing, or anything that needs a bit of treble airiness, it's just the wrong mic for the job.
I don't see how the KSM9 is darker. It's scooped, but the top treble (above 10k) is very present and a bit poky. It also has a relatively high self-noise so for quiet speaking or singing it will be a problem, but it works very well live where treble will be smeared by the PA and the self-noise will be swamped by everything else going on.
I bought mine today (the nickle version) because after testing a lot of mics, this one was the ultimate one for my voice. The others all lost definition in the low and in the high regions or distorted the high notes. It's a gem and worth every cent. And it even looks stunning.
Awesome review. So informative. Real facts and the opinion presented relates to the facts. Thank you so much! I want one of these now 🙂
Excellent review. It is very helpful for me to understand my options. Thanks for sharing.
Amazing review!! One of the best!
Eagerly awaiting a review of Shure's new Nexadyne mic(s)
Awesome review. Mines in the mail thanks bud
Though the spec sheet says 16,000hz, it is sharply rolled off by that point, and you can hear it. It’s a great example of what kind of bandwidth is actually needed for a stage vocal; much less than for studio use. It is a very narrowly purposed microphone, excelling at live performance for vocals, where rejection of unwanted sound is top of the list. Definitely an acquired taste though.
I love when I listen and think to myself "hey that sounds pretty good on the electric" and then you confirm what I was thinking :)
I read that as iDubbbbz saying "Hey, That's pretty good!"
i can hear two layers, it captures your deep chest bass and crisp throat break up. nice review.
Sounds awesome
I'm no audiophile but that Mic sounded pretty good to my ear & I agree with you about the cost. Very good review.........................
The brushed nickel version is gorgeous and outputs +2dB
Thank you for these useful clips
I have a set of Shure SM58 , beta 58a microphones, but in fact I do not like it very much. It requires a lot of gain and does not isolate well. We are a group that records live songs together. Can you suggest me a good microphone that isolates musical instruments well? I was thinking about Mike Shure KSM8 or KSM9, but I also found new Sennheiser MD445 , 435 microphones and in some way for strong isolation, but I have not tried anything on the reality, can you compare the best mics for isolation Thank u ..
Hi mr. Scott! will you make a video about the new mic Shure Nexadyne 8C and 8S ? it's time to do it . many thanks and best regards From Italy
For your next vid could you do Expensive VS Cheap mics such as MXL 770 against Tonor BM-700
This sounds much nicer to my ears for spoken word than the SM7b.
Nice riffs this week
Thank you kindly.
Yo man the new nexadyne is out, you planning on making a review video?
Could you do a video not on how to treat a room with acoustic foam, but when you need it, things that may make recordings worse and stuff like that
Sounds warm and smooth
Yeah it's a really nice sounding mic. Doesn't seem to get too much attention though.
@@Podcastage , for me it sounds better than SM7B. SM7B sounds muddy compared to KSM8. Really intrigued to buy it. I wish to see some compassion with Neumann Neumann KMS 105….
You think you are so covering all your bases!! Whats your pop filter you’re using?
Can you please make a versus video on C01U Pro and Shure mics of similiar price tags.
how would you compare it to the Sennheiser e935/e945?
Thank you for the post. I like the mic, but will get SM58 and dial it in to sound the way i like to sound and save some money. Do you want to set a giveaway?
Great video! Ever get around to doing the ksm 9?
Thank you very much. I have not considered the KSM9. I'm now looking forward to their new line of mics though.
Hi Bandrew, Please do a review of Heil pr 35 vs Telefunken M80. Thanks Bandrew.
I think this mic combines the sharpness from the sm7b and the lows from the sm 58 really well. I also think this would be a great go to mic for podcasters.
Agreed
@Andrew M. Sheppard You would need a gain booster like fathead. So +100$ to your chain.
@Andrew M. Sheppard Thanks. I didn't know about that. But this Shure KSM8 sounds darker, which I like more. At least if you compare two videos of Podcastage. What's the most darkest stage mic in your opinion? I tried Neumann 105 but it's not that good for a low-medium voice.
RICH podcasters.
The Shure KSM8 seems to be considered to be a stage mic, but after seeing this video, I might get the KSM8 for broadcasting (Instead of a Broadcasting mic).
hi i have one of these mics just wondering if there is a power cable cheap for it anywhere thanks
Can you review the Fantech hg15 Headset
Edit : Can you connect it into smaetphone?
I've listened to like 300 of your mic reviews and this is the one that sounds the least like a microphone. Very, very natural sounding, sufficiently articulate but with some body.
¡Excellent! ¡Thank you so much Bandrew!
This mike is so beautiful, and sounds very very nice.
This is the mike I wish to get right now, and this rewiew really help me. 👍🏻👍🏻
you deserve millions of subscribers, no joke. I going to get this mic for singing, I love to sing Twenty One Pilots songs. I also have a Sennheiser 441-u.
I'm in love.
Don't forget to tell them this mic will squeal like a pig if the vents/logo area is cupped. This is critical for live sound as most singers aren't disciplined enough. It sounds OK to good on well-trained singers. DPA and Neumann are condensers but they're a significant step up.
Yo Andrew, love your channel man... its been incredibly helpful, i just have a question, i have decided to buy a samson g track pro but i wanted a windscreen filter for it. do you know any filter that might fit it?
Not of any that fit on the capsule. You'd probably be better served by getting a pop filter.
@@Podcastage thanks for your quick response Andrew! :D
First
Love the entertaining and informative videos.
Thanks mate
My pleasure
It is such a great mic. The 58 is, well, a 58, not much more to say, but... man! the KSM is just plain bad ass. It just has that little bit more of the warmth, fullness and even more gain.. It is a little pricey, but you get what you pay for. It is a Shure, you will never be sorry.
is this mic possible use for wind instruments
How did you scratch that up ?
I like your video men you're the best . I just bought ksm9 SL for 300 $ brand new ,it was on sale .did I get the right microphone in this price range ?? Thanks for your videos they are dope .
I have never used the KSM9, but that seems like an amazing deal considering it goes for $700 new.
Which one is better compare MD441U and KSM8?
Hey please test the nxn8c/s from shure for us ❤
Shurely another great microphone and review....Ok, this is epic 😉
Haha. Great call back. :)
Can you make ksm8 vs sm7b video, please? 🙏🏻
I miss "greetings earthlings and welcome back to Podcastage, my name is 🅱️ A N D R E W" good thing we don't have to deal with any more neewer mics though. And great video! these reviews are always so in depth.
My dream microphone. I think it will stay as dream :'(
The handling noise and plosives response really kill it for me with this mic. Since you are so knowledgeable about all these mics you have so kindly and professionally demonstrated, is there a live vocal mic that has great plosive resistant and handling noise with the same or similar EQ response? I love your videos by the way subbed and liked!!!
It literally handled both of them amazingly. You’ll never find a mic that will cancel those out perfectly.
@@EthanKlemenz no one said that there are mics that exist like that. I also asked the OP, since I can verify he carefully, and professional dives into the important details without bias.
might be a new contender for podcasting
Yeah it's very good. Not sure if the $500-$550 price tag is something that a lot of people will be able to stomach. I'm guessing this technology MAY trickle down to some cheaper options in a few years though....maybe.
@@Podcastage Miktek T89 is a hundred dollar delight that sounds good. Love to see a shootout on that one.
What cable do you use?
I've been looking to upgrade from my Rode Procaster, which I run through my DBX 286s processor when I stream. I feel the Procaster is a microphone that sounds quite lifeless and requires a lot of processing work to achieve a high level of quality. In your professional opinion, do you think this microphone would be an ample upgrade and do you feel it would work well with the DBX, or should I opt for an RE20 instead given its price tag?
That's something I'd have to do some testing for before I can say for certain. So I can't give any answers right now.
Podcastage I appreciate the direct answer, given the size this purchase would be.
I found it an interesting idea to compare EV’s Variable D tech with Shure’s double diaphragm tech, given that they both sort of attempt to alleviate the proximity effect.
@Podcastage Hey, Bandrew! Love your reviews! Any chance we could get a review of the Neumann BCM 705 in the near future? I've been dying to get your take on it!
EDIT: 705 not 107
J.T. Dimino I do t have any plans on the 107, but I did pick up the 705, and I’m currently testing that guy out! :) I’m gonna have to use it on my podcast after the NTG3 run. Then we get the review.
@@Podcastage Haha I actually meant the 705 (the dynamic one) - perfect! :)
J.T. Dimino awesome! Its definitely an interesting mic. But I can’t say too much. Need to leave a bit of mystique. :)
@@Podcastage Looking forward to it!
Wow, what did you do to that poor mic to create those scratches?
just to get a perspective on the price
the original Shure 55b Unidyne was 45.00 bucks in 1939 that comes to about $820.0O in today's money. at the time this was the latest and greatest thing form shure.
back then early adopters for shure's latest technology would have paid close to 400 dollars more than you will today!
this is history in the making bois get one board or get left behind.
LONG LIVE LORD DUALIDINE MAY THEIR REIGN LAST 1000 MOONS!
thanks for this review! I currently use sm7b with a cloudlifter for audiobooks, what are your thoughtts on this vs the sm7b? my studio has some background noise challenges from time to time, that's way I don't use large condenser mics, plus I love the sound of it. I really like the sound of your voice with this mic, plus it reduces plosives really well.
I haven't done direct a/b's of this and the SM7b, but I imagine this will sound much more modern and fuller with the clarity up top and smooth low end.
@@Podcastage many thanks for responding, really enjoy your reviews!!! That mic sounds great, now I've got my DT770 pro headphones on, I'll have to add this to my mic locker--- ! I'll use your link to get it once I do. Cheers!!!
Have fun with the mic. It's pretty rad to my ears. =)
I know it’s more of a stage/performance mic but I wanted an excellent microphone that I could easily just plug in and handhold and speak into for my podcast... so I got the brushed nickel version coming.
Would you all say it’s a great choice for just spoken word in general??? 🤔
I guess, you would have done just fine with cheaper ones
@Podcastage what if you run out of microphones to review? =/ (also what happened to the microphone that you reviewed? It had scrapes....)
I doubt I'll run out. And check the pinned comment on this video for the story.
@@Podcastage what are you talking about? The pinned comment is just a simple question about the KSM8 mic. How is that a story? (I can't believe your going to waste your time reading this... I'm sorry, your awesome if you read this and reply. I love youtubers who reply and care for their subscribers =)
You are indeed awesome.
You indeed are too kind.
This is the second iteration of Shure’s dual diaphragm microphones. The KSM9 started it about 15 years ago. It was widely used in capsule form on many high-end RF bodies for awards shows, touring. It was a bear to manufacture and very expensive! The KSM8 has brought down the cost a bit and might even be better.
Cool
...this mic sounds like a great balance between a Sennheiser dynamic and a $300 -$400 condenser. The KSM8 sounds clear, but not too sterile (my only complaint w/ Sennheiser dynamics) yet it’s not muddy or off balanced as many mid-grade condensers I’ve tried. But, one does have to pay out the juice to buy it...getting close to entry level Neumann. Be well.
That's a very interesting analysis. I'll have to do some comparisons down the road. What do you mean, "where's my signature line"? Did I forget to include it?
Hey, i apologize....i was not listenig well. You said it: "Greetings earthlings". I wii edit my feedback...thanks for the response.
can you share with us your workflow (recording your voice and processes)?
I think I saw you comment on the community post sharing this. =)
Can you review the KSM42? It also uses new technology.
I have a KSM42, KSM9, SM7B, and various entry-level Shure mics, and for anything involving the human voice, the KSM42 (and KSM9 for stage) has no competition-at least out of the Shure lineup. The KSM44a might be their flagship LDC, but I think it’s a better instrument mic than vocal mic.
@@JeremyHalterman I feel the same way! The KSM42 has an incredibly smooth sound and even tone without proximity effect.
Oh wow, I love the sound of this one! I wonder how it fairs against the AKG c636???
Stoppppp! Now I want to spend more money!
@@Podcastage You're going to anyway!
I know. Damn you.
Can you review the audix i5 ?, vs the shure sm57 :)
yes more audix mic reviews! I would like to see the OM7
I’m sorry I insulted you on one of your videos cuz I was pissed off and looking for a beginner mic .. I didn’t know what I was talking about and I’m sorry .. so if you find this comment the other will be on one of your videos dated today cuz I watched a few and subscribed later lol .. again you’re awesome and a master at this .. Thank you ..
Wowza, listed on amazon as more than $1100 in Australia
Oooooopppph. That’s a kick and a half in the pants.
Question. I'm a noob to online gaming. I'm trying to use my Shure sm58 and a two channel interface for online gaming. Nobody can hear me. So do I need a boost of some sort? Or maybe windows settings? I don't want to buy a USB mic cuz they suck. My mic works just fine in my DAW
It sounds like some kind of issue with your software. If it works fine in the DAW, but not in the streaming service, then it's an issue with the software. Go into your audio settings of the streaming software and check you have the audio set to MONO or Mix to Mono.Also check the audio level settings in your streaming software.
Use a compressor effect to boost the audio before it gets broadcast.
OBS Studio has a basic compressor and gain vst that work well.
Well done! (also I want that #RodeCaster board)
It’s a pretty nifty board. In my initial testing it definitely does have some drawbacks though.
The pads are a nifty inclusion which I want to see more of. Intros, outros, segment audio, sound byes. More of this needs to be included in home broadcasting boards
@Andrew M. Sheppard fair. I haven't touched it yet, but a free engineering sample for test runs wouldn't suck
@Andrew M. Sheppard
I hear that. Some solid answers would be nice.
I don't care that i ain't first. Love the review! I know this isn't about this specific microphone but when you compared it to the 58 for some reason I noticed that MY sm58 sounds sooo muddy compared to yours. Any idea why?
Do you have a very bassy voice?
@@Podcastage nah I don't really
I don't know what would cause it to be even more bassy and muddy. Maybe try backing away an inch or so.
@Andrew M. Sheppard HAHA SORRY I FORGOT TO EAT BEFORE I RECORD LOL. Nah seriously I know not to eat the mic but even being a bit far back still does it. I ended up using my 57 as that sounds way better in my opinion.
Does anybody think it's worth it's price tag?
KSM8 vs KMS-105, who would win? Place your bets
As an artist with a deep voice any tips on what would be a great dynamic mic for me?
I highly suggest you to try the AKG D7
@@Excavator-xb5wk I would but I can't find enough reviews/tests on them.
I am hearing some kind of metallic or slight "pinging on the rim of a glass" sound or echo sometimes , anyone else?
I have KSM8 ....👍👍👍
Hey bro Just wondering I have a twitch channel and my viewers like when my mics distorted and make earrape through my mic. It sounds funny but how can I make my mic more distorted?
I don’t advocate this type of behavior and will not tell you how to do it. 👽
Podcastage oh ok ;-;
I'd like if shure made this mic in an sm7b body like call it the ksm7.
Dallen9 I would not argue with that at all!
Is this better than the beta 87A
It's very relative. KSM8 is way better for singers using in ear monitors for example... B87A is great but it was designed when IEM were not as common. Just saying!
I'm just a podcaster so $450 on Amazon is a lot. I do find that spending a little extra saves you in the long run. Our main mic's are sm7b's. For on the road I got sm58's. The 58's are just okay. You can EQ them to sound a bit better, but still. I'd like a good backup mic I can use on the road. Still searching.
I've been wanting to try the RE20. I wonder if that's a better option for an on the road and backup mic.
The RE20 is a lot of people's primary mics because it's so good. So if that's your backup/road mic...I don't think you'd have any problems whatsoever. But as you said $450 is a lot of money for a backup mic. I think the SM58's are probably one of the best road mics out there.
@@Podcastage Mic technique is an issue. We don't have good technique. Practice might be the best and most cost effective option. Thanks for the quick response and suggestions.
Oh absolutely. Mic technique is essential. Practice practice practice is the best way to get a better sounding podcast. Especially if the technique is not all there. I say that because you can make a $10,000 mic sound bad with bad mic technique. But you can make a $100 mic technique sound incredible if you use it properly and throw some processing on to finish it off.
Hey Bandrew,this is probably the last time i will be asking a question,thanks for all the help
So i asked you which interface i should get between the focusrite scarlett solo or behringer umc 202hd or umc22,and asked what the difference between the umc202hd and umc22 is
You responded and told me if I am using windows i should go for behringer cause focusrite has issues sometimes with windows. And that the difference between the umc202hd and umc22 is the 2nd mic preamp on the umc202hd,the a/d converter and umc202hd records in HD
I replied on your reply,however since it's probably lost in the comments i will copy paste it here in the comment
(the following was what i asked then)
Okay so ill need to pick between umc 202hd and umc22 now...
I will be using one microphone so i will not need the 2 mic inputs,however i do not understand the following... on the behringer umc22 it says it has 48kHz A/D resolution and the umc 202hd has 24-bit/192kHz A/D Resolution , I tried to do research on this, and in somebody's opinion you don't need 192kHz , what is the difference anyways? And umm I know what HD means but,the umc22 not recording in HD does that mean it won't sound good enough?
I thought the amount of inputs would be the only difference,so i thought i could easily decide on the umc22,but i do not quite understand some of these things ..
Considering i plan on using this to talk,podcast,commentate,and perhaps occasionally make a song for fun or something,does the A/D resolution on the umc202hd and the HD audio outperform the umc22 by a lot? If not,then i think ill decide on the umc22 for 50$ + behringer Xm8500 or blue encore 100/200
I will never own more than 1 mic so i will not need the 2nd input,however if the difference is big enough,Then waiting a month to get 20$ and get the umc202hd instead won't kill me :P (20$ is a lot where I'm coming from,but i really want a budget,but good sounding setup :D )
I found this post and a guy said :
"The sample rate refers to how many 24--bit samples are recorded every second. 96 kHz recording have 96,000 24-bit samples recorded each second. 192 kHz has 192,000. Keep in mind that a commercial CD has a resolution of 44.1, 16-bit. There are many, many, MANY arguments and papers over which is "better," with one side arguing that capturing as many frequencies as possible with higher sample rates yields better recordings because is a more realistic simulation of reality, while others contend that 44.1 is more than adequate since you can't hear anything above 20 kHz anyway.
I doubt that you will be able to tell any differences ...unless you record bats or dolphins.
"
If that's the case,then i should just go for the umc22 :D
Anyways i always love your reviews,This mic sounds amazing! Anyway this is really random but i noticed your description is missing a T at the start lol
No sticker ?
2:05 rip boom arms "mom I'm in the TV" fame 11.12.2018
BTW: I dont know if wouldn't rather buy somenthing like Neumann KMS104 or 105.
or rather career?
Sounds a bit muffled to me. Very impressive off-axis sound rejection, tho.
I kinda wanna buy a fake wish version of this just because its the prettiest mic I’ve ever seen and I will never ever be able to justify dropping $1,350 NZD on a real one lol
🌻🌻🌻
Noice
0:56 I hope aswell
Can you make a review on USB mic trust emita gxt 252?
Black tape or Sharpie 👍
Sounds amazing on acoustic guitar, wasn't too impressed though for $400
FWIW you forgot the T in "today" in your description.
Thanks! I’ll fix that later.
No problem! I've been watching quite a few of your reviews now and it was about time I subscribed.
please do Yamaha MG10 X U
Currently in the process of testing.
The ironic thing is that many podcasters actually prefer an overly bassy proximity effect.
Exactly
@Andrew M. Sheppard you literaly made ma day xD
I like dark mics, but i don't want any proximity effect
Perhaps this could use a reboot?
Yeah probably. A lot of these videos that are older than 2-3 years old should be redone. It's about finding the time to do them when there are so many new items coming out to test as well.
@@Podcastage Finding the balance and rationale for reboots, definitely understand that. After following your channel the last couple of years, it’s sobering to realize how many variations of dynamics and condensers are available, which reiterates the “rationale” behind fresh takes of past production pieces.
One mic that’s surprised me, is the Blue Encore 100, and that’s because I used them exclusively for a live recording recently; they do really well in post, and the handling noise was acceptable despite a couple of instances!
I really love and preffer the sound of this mic, but personally feel like the sm58 sounds better on your voice.
Definitely less low end but the highs on the 58 sounded harsh in comparison. But it is all personal preference.
I personally think the ksm8 is horrible in popping and general sound.
246th liker. no dislikes so far. Great review!#iwashere
Nobody gets dislikes now, anywhere. Liberal pussies got their feelings hurt.