Among the microphones offered to the most demanding professionals, there is the Beyerdynamic M 88 TG. It is a multifunction pro microphone that has received many positive reviews from users. There are those who have said that it far exceeds models like the Beyer M818 stereo , the Rode NT1 , etc. To take stock of this microphone with dynamic characteristics , I tested it. Below is my feedback regarding him.
Beyerdynamic M 88 TG Microphone Overview
Several sectors need microphones to capture sound waves. This is the case of the media sector or even that of music and sound systems. There are many microphones on the market, for example the Rode NT USB microphone , the Neumann brand models, the Dpa, the Blue Yeti Usb, and many others.
Please note that there are some that are intended to be used in a home studio , as a vocal microphone only, for sound recording , etc. There are also versatile microphones like this Beyerdynamic M 88 TG. This is actually its greatest asset. Indeed, with a preamp , it can work miracles. In front of a microphone like this, you can make your listeners vibrate.
This is not a condenser mic, but rather a dynamic microphone . moving coil model . It is perfect for professional use. It can be used in a recording studio , replacing a micro-USB even without the windshield, etc. It can be placed on a stand, a gooseneck, on a pole, and others.
It offers a very wide frequency range , is equipped with feedback protection and has a hum compensation coil to effectively counter a magnetic field. Thanks to its hypercardioid polar pattern , it allows precise recording. Off-axis noise and background noise are banned by the receiver.
This is also a large diaphragm microphone , but I have the impression that it is more of a medium diaphragm model given the diameter. The hypothesis that it is a large membrane still holds water, because this stereo microphone offers good bass against light treble unlike small and medium membranes.
In addition, large diaphragms are known to have nice directivity at high frequencies . This means they provide more clarity and pick up sounds better. This type of microphone also offers a better signal-to-noise ratio . Additionally, a large diaphragm is capable of producing a strong electrical signal without the amplifier exceeding its capabilities.
A design that reflects German know-how
Hypercardioid type dynamic description microphone has the same design adopted by other microphones from the German brand Beyerdynamic. The head is made up of a silver grid while the body is more fluid and clear. Rest assured, this is not an ordinary stereo microphone.
Looking closer, I noticed the beautiful finish of this model. We immediately see the know-how of the Germans and the microphone was designed by hand . It was built to last given its solid brass body. This makes it a robust microphone .
In terms of weight, however, the Beyerdynamic M 88 TG is a little heavy. Afterwards, it's all a matter of habit.
Another review guide : AMS Neve 1073 DPX mic preamp . Discover in this guide our complete test as well as our opinion on this Channel Strip preamp.
Great versatility and high sensitivity
The Beyerdynamic M 88 TG is famous for its versatility. This is a point that I was able to verify during the test and indeed, it is very versatile. It also offers generous lows and strong resistance to high sound pressure .
If the majority of microphones of the same size generally have a cardioid directivity with an average sound pressure hypercardioid type model ( like the Beyerdynamic M160 ) is perfect for the proximity effect.
This is not a best USB microphone . It is suitable for studio recordings or even live performances on stage. A hypercardioid, unlike a cardioid, an omnidirectional, bidirectional or a unidirectional model, is known for its ability to reject a large part of the sounds coming from the rear or even the sides. This allows them to isolate the main sound for optimal rendering.
What also struck me after testing this dynamic microphone was its high sensitivity . We see the same sensitivity in a shotgun microphone or even a Sennheiser MKH 416 . It can completely compete with these models or even a Sennheiser MD 441 or a RE20. Despite this, he is slightly overwhelmed by an electrostatic cannon.
Thanks to this sensitivity, it can be used as a studio microphone . However, it is difficult to use it as a handheld microphone. First of all, there is its weight which is not very practical. Then, handling noises can be heard due to the sensitivity of the microphone.
Also because of its weight and high sensitivity, it is difficult to use it on a pole. The ideal is a fixed use for a voice-over, to capture the sound of an instrument, for studio recording, etc.
The Beyerdynamic M 88 TG: a real Swiss army knife
The Beyerdynamic M 88 TG has exceptional reproduction quality . I love how it looks on a bass drum. It is also perfect on toms, a guitar amp or even a bass amp and a dynamic instrument. The same goes for acoustic instruments.
Its bass capability is impressive. It also offers a soft sound. It's not the aggressive kind of microphone. I used it in the studio, perfectly, using it in addition to static and the result was impeccable. I haven't used it live yet, but it will probably also perform flawlessly on a snare drum since it is hypercardioid.
The sound coming from the snare drum will be both dry and precise . This microphone is exceptional whether in a home studio or on stage . However, it needs a preamplifier . I tested this dynamic studio microphone on female and male voices and frankly, I have nothing to complain about it.
Of course, since it is very sensitive and is hypercardioid, you must avoid moving too much. Afterwards, it's just fun. Regardless of the voice in question, it is easy to find the right settings in the studio since the microphone reproduces the sounds it captures well .
On this point, it managed to surpass the Shure SM58 microphone . Even though there were several noises around, you could easily hear the singer. Concerning powerful and high-pitched voices, the microphone reproduces them perfectly without aggressiveness.
It is also possible to reduce , or even avoid, clicking or “pop” effects in the studio by placing this model on a microphone stand and tilting it slightly under the mouth. The sound must land on top of the microphone for optimal results.
Beyerdynamic M 88 TG: its frequency curve
The frequency response of this model is around 30 Hz with high frequencies reaching 20 kHz . Below 1 kHz , the low mids are a bit flat. Once the mic reaches above 1 Hz , the low mids increase to 4 dB at 2.5 kHz .
There is also a 1 dB boost for 6.5 kHz then a gradual decrease up to 20 kHz . Overall, for vocals, it's an excellent microphone. It perfectly targets the sound, is softer and offers a well-balanced result.
Regarding its frequency curve, if models like the Shure SM57 dynamic microphone display a straight response at 5 m , the Beyerdynamic M 88 TG displays a straight response at 1 m . Since it is hypercardoid and has a high sensitivity unlike condenser microphones, it is therefore ideal for filming.
You will just need good resistance, because its weight at the end of a pole makes it not very ergonomic. Compared to the MD 421, this is a less noisy microphone. There is a slight treble roll-off with this external mic, but it is possible to amplify the dynamics.
Zoom on the sound quality of the Beyerdynamic M 88 TG
Concerning sound quality, the Beyerdynamic M 88 TG offers a nice clean and round attack once on the bass. The lows are excellent, same for a sub. Hear the bass drum clearly. The treble is also well managed.
In short, it offers perfect sound balance. The rendering is very realistic and even reminiscent of a pro studio condenser microphone although this is a dynamic model. In addition to offering the punch that lovers of quality sounds are looking for, this Beyerdynamic M 88 TG model offers a soft, airy and very realistic sound.
On a mid tom, we notice that the attack is slightly faded at the treble level unlike an SM57 which focuses all on the treble. The Beyerdynamic M 88 TG rather seeks to identify the fundamental of the tom. There is still a slight bump of 2.5 and 4 k noted.
On a snare drum, the treble is very present, although it is a little reduced compared to an SM57 or a RE20. On an electric guitar, the Beyerdynamic M 88 TG displays warm lows and low mids. The highs are softer here. It sounds like the amp is humming.
This microphone is not intended for those looking for aggression. It is perfect for the artistic community. I also tested it on a saxophone. I compared it to around 4 dynamic microphones including the SM57 and the results are impressive . It beats all the mics I've used with a rounder sound , smooth highs and pleasant high-mids. The texture is very satisfying.
Finally, on a 12-string acoustic guitar, I found that the Beyerdynamic M 88 TG represents the sound of the strings well . In the high-mids, you can hear the attack of the strings perfectly. It reproduces the bottom properly.
In short, the Beyerdynamic M 88 TG is a good dynamic microphone . I really appreciated its softness, its generous lows, its way of managing the highs. Although I really liked it, those who make more modern recordings and who are looking for more treble will not necessarily find what they are looking for with this model.
The connection used
Regarding the connection, this microphone uses a 3-pin XLR port . The advantage is that the sound is completely configurable using a mixing desk. It is therefore possible to correct some detected imperfections or even correct the equalization .
You also have the option of adding effects. You will just need an interface that is equipped with phantom power . This is not really a disadvantage, because almost all mixers have them. There are also boxes with an external power supply sold on the market for those who do not have phantom power. All that remains is to identify the microphone input.
The technical characteristics of the Beyerdynamic M 88 TG
- Transducer Type: Dynamic
- Bandwidth: 30 to 20,000 Hz
- Directivity: Hypercardioid
- Nominal impedance: 200 ohms
- Load impedance: ≥1000 ohms
- Body finish: Brass
- Connector: 3-pin XLR, male
- Weight (without cable): 320 g
- Port: 3-pin XLR
Our Overall Opinion
Overall Sound Quality
Value for money
Global mark
Our opinion on the Beyerdynamic M 88 TG
After testing the Beyerdynamic M 88 TG, I am satisfied with the results. It is versatile. This is the microphone that all professionals must have in their sound range. The Beyerdynamic M 88 TG adapts to all instruments and voices.
It offers a realistic, soft and well-balanced rendering. So you can use it in the studio, on stage, etc. You can even use it as micro monitoring. Despite this, it is a bit heavy. Otherwise, although this microphone is versatile, it may not be suitable for everyone.
For my part, I loved using it, but those looking for an aggressive sound will not be satisfied since this microphone offers softer sounds. The highs, although present, are not enhanced with this model. Afterwards, in terms of design and robustness, there is nothing to say. We clearly see the signature of the brand with the silver grille, the brass body and unparalleled solidity.
Beyerdynamic M 88 TG Microphone Demo
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