Microtech Gefell UMT70s Review / Test (vs. NW700, U87 Ai, TLM103)
Вставка
- Опубліковано 24 лип 2024
- Today I review a mic that uses the same capsule as the Neumann U47, the Microtech Gefell UMT70s. This is a multi pattern condenser mic with Omni, Cardioid, and Figure-8 patterns with a High Pass filter and -10dB pad. This mic offers a reserved lowend, forward upper mid range, and a tame and controlled top end. It does suffer from a pretty resonant body, so be careful not to bump it while recording and it also picks up quite a bit of ambient noise.
Paid Promotion Selected because I received Lauten Audio Atlantis & Neat Mic free of charge to review. I was not paid, compensated, or required to include it in this video. I just thought it was interesting to include. Now I have to click that stupid paid promo button. Everything else in this video was paid for out of my own pocket.
HQ Audio Of Review: podcastage.com/rev/umt70s
DISCLOSURE: As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Buy the Microtech Gefell UMT70s (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: N/A
Sweetwater: N/A
Thomann: N/A
Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen) (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/k6g4d
Thomann: www.thomann.de/intl/focusrite...
00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer
00:25 - Setup
00:50 - What’s in the Box
01:25 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
02:02 - Specifications
02:20 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
03:33 - Plosive Test
03:44 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
04:11 - Background Noise Test
04:31 - Untreated Room Test
04:54 - Shock Rejection Test
05:18 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
05:36 - High Pass Filter Test
06:05 - High End Audio Interface Test
06:45 - High End Preamp Demo
07:51 - Intro to Comparison
08:13 - Neewer NW700 Comparison
08:34 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
08:57 - Neat King Bee II Comparison
09:24 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
09:51 - Rode NT1 Comparison
10:22 - Shure KSM32 Comparison
10:48 - Neumann TLM102 Comparison
11:17 - Neumann TLM103 Comparison
11:45 - Soyuz 023 Bomblet Comparison
12:16 - AKG C414 XLS Comparison
12:48 - Austrian Audio OC818 Comparison
13:23 - Lauten Audio Atlantis Comparison
14:07 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
14:42 - Music Test
16:04 - Pros & Cons
18:58 - Overall Thoughts
21:39 - Recommendation
18:02 - Outro
#UMT70s #M7Capsule #MicReview
Become a Patreon: / podcastage
Become a Member: / @podcastage
Subscribe For More Videos: ua-cam.com/users/podcastage?su...
My UA-cam Setup: podcastage.com/studio
My Favorite XLR Mics: podcastage.com/rev/favxlr
My Favorite USB Mics: podcastage.com/rev/favusb
Check the Frequently Asked Questions: podcastage.com/faq
Vote For What You Want Reviewed: podcastage.com/vote
NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): If you purchase an item using an affiliate link, it provides me a small referral fee. As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info check my FAQ page links below.
Check Out This Stuff TOO:
Website: www.podcastage.com
Giveaways: podcastage.com/giveaways
Discord: www.podcastage.com/discord
Merch: podcastage.com/store
Company Relationship Disclosure: podcastage.com/disclosure
Personal: www.bandrewscott.com - Наука та технологія
Yes! Gefell. We missed that, I hope that you also get the opportunity to try out their other mics m 930, M 940 etc. It sounds very good on your voice. Thank you Bandrew.
The M930 is a standard in European radio stations, in part because of its diminutive size, in part because of its very low self-noise, and in part because it just sounds good!
@@sinocelt I wish but we use tlm 103 which is often crappy against the m930
Thank you so much for this in-depth review and comparison, Bandrew!
Love the review! I've been watching you for a couple of years now and the law of diminishing returns for microphones are more noticeable than ever!
Thanks so much Rod. I agree. The law of dim returns on condensers I think really shows up around $500. Dynamics is probably around $100.
Love what you do, bruh! You are appreciated.
So glad you did this mic, I have been looking at Gefell's.
Been waiting on this one, THANK YOU!
A very informative, entertaining and sophisticated review. Great work Bandrew!
This mic is incredible!! James Arnold Taylor swears by it!! He's voiced tons of characters from Fred Flintstone to Obi Wan in the Clone Wars and many many many more!
What an incredible talent.. 🙏
Another straight simple but great review!!
I got my hands on the cardioid only version of this mic today, the MT71S. Easily one of, if not the single best mic in my locker. I’m blown away by how good this mic sounds. How it’s so clear and present without even remotely approaching harsh. I think this will be my main mic from now on.
Heyoo Bandrew, I've been watching your vids for a little while now and I'm very impressed. The depth of your reviews and the way you check every aspect the microphones is unrivaled. You've been going super deep into the reviews a lot more in your recent videos and that brings me to my request. I request you to make a re-review of the Samson Q2U because IMO it deserves a full blown review and comparison. I'd also like to see if you would still recommend it no matter what or are there other microphones you would recommend int that price point too. Thanks a ton
I love Gefell mics, I have been using the M930 for Voice over application and I am loving it. The mic has an excellent smooth sound and fix to any voice. My first was damaged for humidity, I wrote to the store where I bought it, then, Gefell send me a new one with reinforced capsule and I am still using it. I like this brand. I have been thinking about the MT71 S or UMT70 but I am happy with my M930.
Is the price difference due to its various polar patterns vs only cardiod? Thinking about the M930.
@@voa23 Yes- I have the mt71s and love it. Considering the UMt70 now
Hi Bandrew, Happy Australia Day! Nice video, as always.
Wow this mic sounds so good on everything.
Really great review.
Could I offer a suggestion? When you do the off-axis test could you stay a bit longer on the 30 and 45 degrees axis, that would be great.
Glad microtech gefell getting more recognition. Its an awesome company
Very helpful review! Thanks!!!
This Video is a nice Demonstration for important it is to have a good outboard preamp.
Love my MT71S! Such an underrated mic!
dito!
Hey Bandrew! Another great review!
Forgive my ignorance, this is the first time I'm hearing you "split a mic signal" into two audio interfaces (and external hardware!). Can you point me to a video where you talk about 'this' particular setup? What splitter are you using? Or if anyone from the comments can chime in. Thanks!
Welcome back. Shure Beta 27 and EV ND96 please.
Last year this video, along with a bunch of reading on various forums, inspired me to sell my U87ai and replace it with this mic. I wasn't even disappointed or unhappy with the 87, but I got pretty obsessed with the Gefell. Six months with it and I am super satisfied. I hate to admit that what I miss most about the 87 was owning what was my "dream mic". But man I am getting consistent results with this thing. I feel like the 87 had a smaller sweet spot. When in the sweet spot, my recordings with never better, but I was rerecording more often than I realized. The sweet spot on the UMT70s seems bigger or more forgiving. This sounds like a sales pitch for the Gefell, but really I just never imagined the day would come where I would replace my dream mic. Came back to rewatch the video that got that ball rolling. Thanks for your videos, Bandrew!
Great review! Thanks man :)
I found it quit similar to the Austrian audio 818 in sound and in function
What are your thoughts about this?
I think the Austrian audio is also good with taming high and harsh frequencies and has a multi pattern option.
Do you think it does it as well as the gaffel?
Would love to hear the Gefel M930/M930Ts
I know I missed out on commenting on this video when it came out, but I’m rectifying that now. I just bought myself the cardioid-only version of this mic for my birthday. The MT71S should more or less be exactly the same tone as the UMT70S, which imo is one of the best value condenser mice ever made. A versatile Neumann quality German mic without the over inflated Neumann price tag with a classic mid forward sound that I’m incredibly partial to. Cannot wait for mine to arrive.
Really great mic! I have the M930 since about 2016. Best mic I’ve ever owned (!!) and I am a mic-o-holic. I can tell you that the Swedish Public Radio use m930 all over the country in about 20 local stations.
I wish Bandrew tested the M930.
I was wondering on a budget if I could get away with using a 320 for vocal duty and get away with it...
I see the ads, this is the first time I've heard one of the Microtech Gefell mics that I'm aware of.
Is it me, or is the King Bee V2 a really good mic performing well above it's cost?
Sounds great honestly
Wow. When those mics started coming into the country in the late '80s they were around $800. Actually one of the first "low cost" quality mics.
After accounting for inflation that's still around the same value I think.
About five months late, I’m aware lol. But it just hit me that I would’ve loved to have heard the TLM 49 in the comparison section of this video. Both mics are around the same price, both use classic Neumann capsules that were both used in the U47 and M49 at different points in their life, and both have a distinctly midforward and vintage leaning sound.
Btw still loving the cardioid only little brother of the UMT70S. It’s my go to mic for spoken word, singing and acoustic guitar and I can’t stress enough how much I love it.
Great video, i need one of these, i like it more than the u-87ai.
Need more Gefell reviews.
Sooooo smooooth. The kind of velvet I usually associate with ribbon mics.
Bought the mt71s a week ago… love it .. especially through my UA 610 Solo
Love the sound on this mic. Have you ever reviewed Ehrlund mics? There’s very little info on them. They have a triangular capsule and very wide frequency response. I’m just waiting for a responsible reviewer like yourself to do a comparison.
You have a moustache and you said 'shaft'. It's a wonderful day. Also the mic sounds great.
I love getting your notifications! Let’s go!
*patiently waits for the Telefunken TF47 and TF51 review* but still enjoying the Austrian Audio OC18 I purchased 😉
I liked the UMT70 concept of a cardioid pattern with a low end roll off and slight rise in the presence range. But every time I put it up, I took it down because the LF roll off and the presence boost were just too much, plus the noise floor was too high for my applications. Caveat: most of my recording is "classical" or film scoring, so even the slightest coloration is a deal breaker. The only application I found useful was on vocals where the frequency curve was useful and the noise was not an issue.
Then MG came out with the M930 and I was in love -- they modified the frequency response and took the noise floor to Mars!
My Humble Opinion :)
Thanks for this review!!
Have you tried the TLM103 as well? I’ve heard the comparison made quite a bit that the M930 is Gefell’s answer to the TLM103. If so what do you think there?
@@Podcastage I've owned both, but not at the same time. The TLM 103 has that rich chocolate neumann sound that the gefell lacks, but both are insanely quiet and transparent. The gefell also has a smoother top end, a slightly narrower pickup pattern, and a smaller and lighter form factor that I love!
Interesting, reading your comparison of Tlm 103 and M930 it shows me once again how microphones are really dependant on the individual voice. Had M930 and tlm 103 for testing as well and chose tlm 103 cause it had waaay smoother top end on my voice. My voice was really badly interacting with the m930 in sibilance, actually about the harshest I've ever heard on my voice. While the tlm 103 is quite smooth on me, about as smooth as um92.1. Kinda sad, cause I enjoyed the overall clear character of the m930, but that harshness was just overkill
@@seandaeley7079 I own a TLM 103 and "rich chocolate" doesn't describe it's character at all. It's very smooth and metallic sounding. A lot colder compared to classic Neumann, but very modern and cool. The M930 I feel is much smoother across the upper range with a little bit more information down low, and definitely more natural sounding all around.
@@BeauStephenson Hey, Beau! Great to hear from you!
Maybe “rich chocolate” isn’t the best word for that indescribable Neumann touch. Its both transparent, and subtly enhanced (my voice sounded fuller and deeper). The gefell sounds similar, albeit less exciting.
I’d love to try the TLM again and do a direct comparison. At the time I was too concerned about it’s sensitivity and fragility!
Sounds pretty good on you ngl - liked it on acoustic pretty much
this mic sounds better than any mic u have in yur storage,nice job C3PO
It would be great if you could test review the miktek mk300. It's been on sale for $200 the last couple months.
my boy finally checkin out a gefell
When are you going to review some measurement microphones?
I hope you will tryout the relative affordable Oktava microphones , especially the "gooey" Oktava 319 . From Gearspace:"Completely un-hyped and natural sounding, warm, full and gooey-smooth"
I take it back since Oktava is a Russian brand!
Gefell, the real Neumann.
Sssshhhhhh
I think this mic sounds absolutely beautiful. I thought the u87ai sounds very similar, but I preferred the Gefell. I purchased the M930 after returning the tlm103 because I felt it was too harsh on the top end on my particular voice. My daughter sounded great on the 103, but the m930 took the best of the 103 and made it so much better. It sounded so much better on my voice with none of the harshness that the 103 has. m930 sounds closer to the u87ai than the 103. Almost like it sits in the middle of the two. Im extremely happy with my purchase and think I won't be saving for the u87ai any longer for spoken word work.
The 930 is a totally different microphone.
Great Job...I do own that microphone and I do totally agree with your evaluation and comments..it shines on every source and it's a real pleasure to use it...however, nobody's perfect and I always recommend to the musicians or singers not to touche the microphone ...but, that's not a big issue isn't... Regarding the shock mount missing..I totally agree, that's scandalous...but I had to cope with this..and bought one...Thanks again for this review Christian
WTH??? I have seriously been obsessing over Gefell for several weeks now, and this just pops up?? I have a vintage Neumann Gefell CMV563 with an M7 capsule and it is phenomenal. I know that Gefell is the only original M7 capsule manufacturer still in operation, so I've been very interested in how great their new stuff sounds with some of these classic components.
They make awesome mics
Personally not a fan of this mic on spoken word/vocals compared to competitors like the OC818 or some of the Neumann microphones like the TLM103, but I was surprised and impressed by how it sounds on electric and acoustic guitar! Probably not my first pick because this microphone has a lot of steep competition at this price point but I can definitely respect the tone it gives for those instruments.
I swear, every music test with the electric guitar sounds like it belongs in a Sonic the Hedgehog video game.
Try reviewing the Fifine K658 dynamic mic. They say its a great budget microphone and some say its better than the sm7b.
Yo can you re review the lewitt lct 440 pure?
Quite nice! Maybe a little nasal sounding on your voice in particular, but for singing that really helps your voice come through
Hi Bandrew! Will you be reviewing the sE Electronics Dynacaster? :) It looks nice! :D
When it arrives, yes.
You know there are smaller screw drivers than the big honking one you used to mangle the pad switches...
I would buy this mic just based on this review, it sounds "sweet"~
As I might have suspected, the differences are in the highs and mid-highs. Only the Lauten and the U87 were comparable. The King Bee was the most surprising.
Wow this mic sounds just insanely good-- I'd say 1600 is wayyy worth it!
How does that mic love the portico
Perfect Mix ready Vocal mic
Sounds Brilliant on acoustic guitar 👏🏻
How would you compare this to the u67 reissue you reviewed?
Hey what about a full review of the Lauten Atlantis?? Sounds awesome!
There is one in the works.
@@Podcastage You're the man
I have one and it is awesome!!! I tested the gefell side by side for singing with a U87ai and a Manley Reference Cardioid and the gefell wins every time!!!
how about some more microtech gefell mics, comrade?
these videos are informative!
Once I have more money I will get the M930 (I think that's what it is). I want to hear why people say it's better than the TLM103.
@@Podcastage awesome. I used one of those years ago but never got to compare it to a TLM103. But i'm pretty sure I liked it better than an AT4040 on most things.
I'm also super curious about their tube mics.
Have you ever done a review with a mic someone loaned you?
For example, if some chap sent you one of Microtech Gefell's tube mics, would you consider doing a review? 😀
@@jeffreysbrother I can recommend the tube mics, I borrowed the M92.1S and it is the best tube mic I have heard yet, imo as good as a U67 and in the same league, it's expensive but truly high end in every way.
300 quid for the shock mount. Brutal. And its the same construct as a Warm Audio one. IIRC these mics are loved by classical recording engineers.
I absolutely love the Microtech Gefell UMT70s FET. I got the 3 polar pattern option and cannot recommend the upgrade enough. I use it on acoustic guitars and female vocals mostly, but it sounds good on just about anything. The only thing I will say is that it is a brighter, hi fi almost crystal clear mic and it doesn't have a very warm low end, but then again you could use a different mic for that. This is my go to mic for most applications. I do think the Neumann U87 is a bit more balanced and full and am interested in having both in my collection one day. Hope this helps others make a decision.
A well-known A-list Hollywood voice actor with an ear for these things once had a very apt rant posted called "The World's Most Tasteless Microphone," the Sennheiser 416. Long story short, he and I both object to the ubiquity of the 416 in voiceover studios. They perform particularly poorly in smaller booths in voiceover applications. He contrasted the results obtained by the 416 in a session that was not going well with a very experienced actress just not getting "the magic," as it were. The engineer was blaming the talent, and our hero suggested he hang a U87 instead. After much resistance and grumbling, the engineer put out an 87 and voila! The magic returned. Our hero further indicated his experience with the UMT70S offered 87 performance at a much lower price point. And of course, we know that MT Gefell is the original Neumann, before that pesky WWII got in the way. (I have blind compared the UMT70s with two other mics, including my own Lawson L47, and the L47 yielded significantly better performance for me.)
I do think the Gefell despite its low end roll off, can still sound very warm and full, you just need to get an inch or two closer to it than you would with most LDCs. I was doing the whole hang ten distance rule thing with the Gefell, but at least in my space it made it sound way too thin. Simply getting a couple inches closer fixed the issue entirely, then I got the full benefits of the low end roll off cleanly capturing my deep baritone voice with very little mud that I usually struggle with on many mics while still sounding very warm and full. Love this mic, can’t sing it’s praises enough.
@@ArtVandelay592 Yes, the UMT is a terrific mic, and I would have bought it all day long as a U87 equivalent, but the Lawson L47 worked head and shoulders above it for my baritone. Glad you are getting the results you want!
I used to own one of these for around 10 years, super great mic! One thing though, as always, the mic needs to match the voice. If you have a voice that is strong in the mids, then KSM 32 can be a better choice from experience. Bomblet sounds like a good contender for a mid heavy voice also. Ymmv….
Gefell's modern M7 capsule uses different material than the OG Neumann U47 M7 capsules.. Though based on the OG design..
PVC?
Slate Ml-1 or the blue encore 300 please!!!
Please review the sE Eletronics Dynacaster
I feel like the mic together with the LA610 sounded very close to the U87ai. I like the Gefell with the RND pre but it accentuated the mids a bit too much for just VO. I liked the way the tube pre interacted with the mic a lot.
Thanks for sharing your input on the preamp test, I really appreciate it.
This is a jewel.
You really make something boring as demoing a mic fun and entertaining. I come here to check the reviews even when I’m not interested in anything.
That really means a lot Rafael. Thank you for the kind words. I hope you have a fantastic day.
I had a dream the other day that Bandrew started selling Please Bring Pizza Pronto t-shirts.
I had a plan to make merch like that. Pronto Pizza Delivery Service.
Heeeey. Thank you for recording the WASD on this mic for me, Bandrew.
I aim to please the duck overlords.
Please review the sE Electronics DynaCaster
TFW when you prefer the mic you have (a gently used KSM32, picked up partly on the basis of Bandrew's review) to the one being reviewed. :)
The KSM32 is an incredible mic. Great pick there.
A bit smoother than Austrian Audio, but the configurable post recording pattern makes me neglect that fraction of smoothness to sacrifice versatility 😁
I just got my neumann u89i for 2600 dollars and it did not come with a mount or pop filter or anything as well ... bugger
"and to the one gaming folk out there" yes, I will buy a vintage U67 for gaming and chatting with friends on discord
In an alternate universe, Microtech Geffel became the most popular microphone company, with Neumann being the more obscure sister company.
To me it was a flaw to cut the low end. It made me feel like there is something missing compaeing to the other mics. So it sounded lless good then it is.
When the low end is in and on the e-guitar its clear that its awesome
I don't agree personally, and here's why. While on solo playback you might prefer one of these mics with a warmer bottom end, often times in a mix you end up needing to cut some of that low end anyways to make it gell well in a mix. The Gefell to my ears has a pre-EQd sound that you don't need to do much with afterwards, and I find just a bit of compression gives you that warm and full sound without the low end getting too muddy or out of control.
I think this is easily up there with a U87ai and the much higher end mics, an absolute bargain.
I agree with your reason to keep the mustache. A troll at heart, but a nice troll.
increible mic umt70s , solo fue superado brevemente por el u87 en esa prueba. el umt70s tiena la capsula M7 , la misma que los vintage u47 neumann y telefunken. Gefell la siguio fabricando de la misma manera , poco se sabe de eso.
Sir plz review AKG Ara Microphone 🎤🎤🙏🏻🙏🏻
Would love to eventually hear a Beesneez bu87i c. Another u87 clone against the real thing and maybe the WA-87
Love this one on the acoustic guitar & vocals, but not so much on the electric guitar though.
The bee mic, the Lewitt, the Shure KSM and the U87 were all preferable to me over the Gefell.
The Gefell sounds better than any of them except the U87i.
It resonates in Eb. Bonus if you’re playing in the key of Eb!
Aha! The new secret weapon Alto Sax mic. : )
i was going to buy it. Then saw it was 1600 i was like..... not today
$1600 and no sticker? You gotta be kidding me.
Gefell M930ts is on par with Neumann u87 if not even better in cardioid mode. All Gefell mics are a must have piece of equipment in any home studio or professional big studio. Never dissapointing.
I’m sorry but until I get it I’m gonna keep saying se V7 re review😂 I’ll take it on channel dos. Love ya
M930 please!!!
I really like the sound of this 🎤. But at this price point there shouldn't be any resonant frequencies.
My 2 brass capsule AKG C414EBs have similar resonances. I can live with it and just use good shock mounts (Royer)