Regarding mid-tier vocal and broadcast microphones, a few of the legacy models have held a top spot for decades and have gotten comfortable with the level of clout and esteem that they’ve earned. But with more and more content creators, video makers, streamers, and musicians getting their work done at home and on ever-increasingly smaller budgets, countless newer microphone models have been brought to market to meet the demand.
And while beyerdynamic certainly is a legacy brand with dozens of industry-leading tools and devices on the market, their new(ish) M 70 Pro X has been making some serious waves as it seeks to dethrone some of the leading mics in hopes of being the best vocal and broadcasting mic at a far more approachable price point.
We finally got our hands on this mic, and more importantly, the studio time needed to get familiar with what it can do to discover how beyerdynamic’s M 70 Pro X stacks up against the many other microphones on the market these days. So let’s dive in…
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What Is The Beyerdynamic M 70 Pro X Mic?
The Beyerdynamic M 70 Pro X microphone is billed mostly for video casting and podcasting. It is similar in design to the M 90 Pro X. Still; it can also double as a great studio mic for recording instruments and vocals. Proximity to the mic allows full use of its capabilities but also requires management of plosive and breathing noise. A pop shield and a few centimeters from the mic can help manage plosives.
Being a broadcast mic, first and foremost, the M 70 Pro X is designed for speech, with the frequency curve enhanced in the high mids. The frequency focus is around 4kHz and 8kHz, with a lift from about 1kHz upwards. The polar pattern is smooth in the mid-range but can decrease with higher frequencies when off-axis. While it is mainly designed for speech, it can also be used with acoustic guitars but not high-frequency sources like tambourines or shakers. Considering its features, the M 70 Pro X is priced competitively and can be used for broadcasting voice and more.
Okay, now, with the more technical stuff out of the way, let’s dive into the fun stuff.
What I Liked Most About The Beyerdynamic M 70 Pro X
Let’s take a second to dive into some of our favorite features of this microphone. There’s a lot to be excited about with this mic, and while we could talk about every feature for days on end, let’s instead focus on the most impactful features that stood out with this mic from the second we unboxed the M 70 Pro X and that stayed with us throughout the past few weeks getting familiar with it in the studio.
It’s An Awesome Entry-Level Studio Mic
I’ve said it once, and I’ll likely say it many more times to come.
Still, with AI quickly encroaching on much of the music production space, it will soon become ever more critical for smaller indie artists and producers to not rely so heavily on VST synths, MIDI drums, and vocal samples, instead suggesting to opt to record themselves playing those percussions or singing those vocal lines. The next generation of artists will see a return to authenticity, and they will need a workhorse microphone to capture the source material as cleanly as possible (post-processing will always be there to adjust your lack of timing and pitch!).
And that’s exactly what the M 70 Pro X brings to the table and what I truly believe to be this mic’s X-Factor. It’s not a thousand-dollar mic that captures one specific instrument flawlessly like you’d expect to see in a million-dollar Hollywood studio. No, but it does handle all vocals, guitars, re-amped electrics, keys, and more in smaller spaces quickly and clearly, which is about as much as you would want!
Plus, indie musicians need to be as much content creators as they do musicians. This mic can easily switch from studio work to vocal work like podcasting, YouTube content, and so much more (and at a far more approachable price point than many of the other industry-standard mics which do the same thing, but we’ll get to that here shortly).
It’s Even Better For Vocal Work
Okay, so we touched upon the fact that this mic excels in vocal work above, but let’s take a moment more to dive more into the specifics as to why this is the case.
Many mics color and shape the sound in their own way, and the M 70 Pro X is no different, with a frequency response that dials in on the vocal-focused frequency band and even gives a slight boost to the 1kHz+ range to ensure vocal clarity and presence. This high-end boost helps compensate for the slightly unforgiving polar pattern of the mic, which gives a slightly dampened sound whenever you’re not bang-on axis of the mic. This is not a bad thing, as in 90% of cases that you will likely be using this mic will have you on-axis without much reason to move anyways, allowing you to get as best of possible results as you’d expect without worrying.
And while I know this shouldn’t ever be a priority, I think this mic looks cooler, sleeker, and more professional than most other mics at this price point or designed for this purpose. So if you’re a streamer or video content creator who plans to have their mic in the frame for a lot of your work, the aesthetic and design of this mic is a great set piece for your content and studio.
It Comes With [Almost] All You Need
Who doesn’t like getting something extra when ordering a new toy for the studio or creative space?! The M 70 Pro X comes with a ton of extras which saves you time and money having to buy them in addition to the mic (which is already a sizable investment in its own right).
This mix comes out of the box with a pop filter and suspension cradle, which was super fun to see! If anything, I see this as a gesture of good faith from beyerdynamic. They know that the price point of this mic will likely attract those who are new to the audio field and who either wouldn’t expect to pick up something like a suspension cradle or pop filter or who haven’t been doing this long enough to have a small collection of them piled in a drawer in the corner.
It’s Affordable!
Many industry-standard mics that seek to accomplish the same things as the M 70 Pro X will cost $400+ (even those are hailed as giving their users a lot of bang for their buck). But with its $199 price tag, this mic is far more affordable than almost any other option at this tier of quality and performance. And while it might not have all of the bells, whistles, and sound profiles as something like the Shure SM7B, those looking to do what this mic is meant for – and at the level it is priced at – likely won’t notice a difference. And if they do, I don’t think it would be nearly $200+ worth of difference.
There isn’t much more to say outside of this! It’s affordable, approachable, and easily justifiable when budgeting for your studio and content creation toolkit.
What I Wasn’t Crazy About
It would be hard to imagine a world where a mic at this price point checks every box imaginable. And while I didn’t exactly expect it to, it’s essential to take a second to talk about some of the features (or lack thereof) which might give some artists and users hesitation when deciding if they should pull the trigger on this mic or not.
It’s Not Super Portable
The simple fact that this mic is connected via XLR cable instead of lighter methods like a USB-C means it won’t be the most portable mic on the planet. You’ll need a cable and an interface to connect this mic to your DAW, which isn’t necessarily uncommon these days. However, it still should be noted as I know more and more content creators and musicians are working on the go and need tools to keep up with their mobile workflows.
I haven’t ever been a fan of USB mics, as I’ve always found that, at best, they take up a valuable USB slot in my already massive daisy chain and, at worst, have a far more finicky connection when compared to those routed through my interface. So while I am always on the side of cabled microphones, I wanted to include this in case you prioritized portability.
It’s Not Entirely Flat
This was also mentioned above, but it should be noted that the coloration this mic brings to the sound isn’t for everyone. Many creators want as flat as possible of a recording in which they can shape and alter the source sound in post-production. And if this sounds like you, other options might suit your needs.
But if you want to sound like you, only slightly better and more “modern,” then this is a fantastic mic that is more or less plug-and-play as long as you have the interface and cables needed to get this thing online and recording.
Who Is The Beyerdynamic M 70 Pro X For?
STREAMERS
For video game streamers, the beyerdynamic M 70 Pro X microphone brings features that can significantly enhance their streaming experience. The durable and sleek design of the microphone, featuring simple lines and a matte black chassis, blends well with various gaming setups, contributing positively to the overall aesthetics.
One of the standout features for streamers is its high-pass frequency response, beginning at 1,000 Hz. This amplifies vocal clarity, ensuring streamers’ commentary is crisp and clear, even when the gameplay’s background noise or sound effects are intense. It helps in capturing engaging commentary that resonates with the audience.
The M 70 Pro X’s shock mount, using a single screw mechanism, provides stability and minimizes handling noise, a crucial factor when streamers need to move their mic frequently to accommodate their gaming needs. This ensures unwanted noise does not disrupt viewers’ audio experience during crucial gameplay moments.
PODCASTERS
The Beyerdynamic M 70 Pro X microphone’s key strength for podcasters lies in its design, particularly engineered to prioritize speech. With its front-addressed dynamic structure, it can minimize room echoes and background noise, an attribute paramount for podcasting. This ensures that the speaker’s voice is captured with clarity and precision, an essential aspect of any successful podcast.
Moreover, the M 70 Pro X features a distinct frequency response curve with a high-end boost around the vocal spectrum. This curve is designed to provide a more lively, broadcast-ready sound. It significantly reduces the need for post-recording editing, leading to a streamlined production process, particularly beneficial for podcasters with a regular production schedule.
MUSICIANS
The Beyerdynamic M 70 Pro X microphone is invaluable for independent musicians who prefer in-house production. With its ability to effectively track acoustic guitars, vocals, and keys, this microphone delivers finely-tuned sound, ready for music production. Operating through an XLR connection, it offers compatibility with professional audio equipment, allowing musicians to customize their setup for optimal results.
As musicians strive to differentiate themselves in an era of increasing AI influence and VST-Synth-based music, recording real instruments authentically becomes essential. The M 70 Pro X captures clear, consistent sound across various acoustic environments, proving ideal for music recording. Its frequency response curve provides a lively, production-ready sound that minimizes the need for post-production editing, allowing musicians to create unique, authentic soundscapes efficiently.
Learn More About This Mic While Supporting Our Small Team Of Writers Through Our Affiliate Partnership With Sweetwater Here
Specs
- Microphone Type:Dynamic
- Polar Pattern:Cardioid
- Frequency Response:25Hz-18kHz
- Output Impedance:350 ohms
- Color:Black
- Connector:XLR
- Dimensions:7.28″ x 2.04″
- Weight:0.70 lbs.
- Included Accessories:Shock Mount, Pop Filter, Storage Bag
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
