Test: t-bone MB 7 Beta vs SC 500
At least since the beginning of the pandemic and the associated increase in online meetings, but also podcasts and streams in the music sector, the market for inexpensive microphones for voice recordings has been booming. Musikhaus Thomann offers two microphones from its own brand t-bone below the magic 100 euro mark. Although they are both suitable for this area of application, they are equipped quite differently.
MB 7, the broadcast specialist
With the t.bone MB 7 Beta, the focus is clearly on broadcast-quality sound. Based on one of the most popular speaker microphones, the Shure SM7B, it uses a moving coil capsule to convert the sound and has a bracket mount so that it can also be attached to a tripod upside down. The well-made microphone is very flexible and can be rotated on two axes towards the speaker. This makes sense, since the cardioid polar pattern cannot be changed, and recording must be done from the front. The microphone is connected via the XLR connector on the bottom, where the USB version also has a USB connector and headphone jack. However, due to the lack of further setting options, USB should rather be seen as a bonus. Features like low-cut filter or pad attenuation are also not available, but we did not miss them in the intended application.
Broadcastable voice recordings
Even without much post-processing, we got a classic broadcast sound with the MB7 Beta in the practical test: warm, round, thick and very present with good speech intelligibility, which is due to a boost of the frequencies at 10-12 kHz. Despite this boost, the recordings did not tend to have sharp and peaked highs, so we did not need a de-esser. The low-vibration capsule proved to be very insensitive to structure-borne noise and the construction of the speech opening effectively prevents pop noises.
Affordable alternative to the SM7B?
Thomann can‘t do magic at the price either. Thus a comparison with the SM7B reveals a richer, contoured bass as well as airier and more detailed highs in the classic, and the damping against side and rear background noise is also a little better with the Shure microphone. However, with a good alignment, the right angle from the front, and a few centimeters of distance, the MB7 Beta produces surprisingly professional voice recordings that can also be easily edited.
SC 500, the affordable all-rounder
Although the t.bone SC 500 USB is also intended for voice recordings for podcasts, etc., it can be used universally with its extensive features and is primarily aimed at those who do not already have a fully equipped recording studio. This is because the microphone and headphone amplifier as well as a 24-bit/96kHz audio interface are already built into the thoroughly chicly designed microphone, and you only need a USB cable to connect it to the computer. The sturdy and stable table stand also eliminates the need for a microphone stand. SC 500 is equipped with no less than three microphone capsules, which, in addition to cardioid, allows additional polar patterns such as omnidirectional and figure-of-eight, and even stereo recording with just one microphone - interesting especially for mobile applications such as field recording or video recording. The USB and headphone connections are on the underside, the controls for the volume of the headphones, the level, the directional characteristic and a button to mute the microphone in the event of a sneeze attack are on the side. Unfortunately, there is no option to adjust the mixing ratio between playback and recording signal for direct monitoring. In return, the headphone amplifier is quite powerful and low-noise for USB-powered. The recordings are also pleasantly low-noise, and the SC 500 USB was relatively insensitive to structure-borne noise and pop sounds in the test. However, you have to rely on your hearing when adjusting the level; the microphone does not offer an overload indicator here.
Good-natured microphone for beginners
In the practical test, the microphone convinced us with very open, direct and present recordings. Almost every recorded signal source, from vocals to acoustic instruments, was able to assert itself well in the mix without much post-processing, which is particularly beneficial for recording beginners. Of course, such a universal orientation also has disadvantages. In contrast to specialists, there is a little lack of detail and the sound also has a certain coloration, really neutral recordings are not possible. Also the bass boost at close miking sounds less nice than with a good large-diaphragm microphone. But expecting a professional sound from such a comprehensive and inexpensive complete solution would be a bit presumptuous anyway.
Verdict
Both inexpensive microphones from t.bone convinced us in the test. The SC500 does not offer an absolutely professional sound, but recording beginners can also create assertive recordings without much effort. A well-made, chic and extensively equipped microphone with a wide range of possible applications including stereo recordings is offered. The MB7, which is also very well manufactured, is more sparsely equipped; here, the focus is clearly on the sound. And indeed, the microphone offers thick broadcast sound that, with a little practice, sounds significantly more expensive than a glance at the price tag would suggest.
Manufacturer: t.bone
Web: thomann.de
Distribution: Thomann
Price: SC 500 USB: 89 euros, MB 7 Beta USB: 99 euros