Do you want to acquire a microphone with clear and natural sound reproduction for your home studio? Why not opt for the Woodbrass UM3 USB microphone? Featuring a supercardioid polar pattern , this electret condenser microphone is used for studio recording . Discover through this guide the complete test of this microphone.
If you have had the chance to record sounds with the Bird UM1 by Woodbrass , you would certainly have noticed that this model is missing settings options. Fortunately, this French brand did not fail to add a few additional options in the UM3. And of course, these new features are not without consequences on its use and sound performance.
Let's take a closer look at the technical characteristics of this studio microphone, its sound quality and the accessories that come with it. In this article, we also give you our opinion on the Bird UM3.
Focus on the Woodbrassbrand
Pilot models from the Woodbrass , the microphone models initially bore the name Bird, recently left by the brand of the large French music distributor site, their products will certainly not displease you in their design and in their sound quality. This manufacturer has specialized in the design of audio equipment since 2011. Among the products offered by this brand, we can cite in particular cables, mixing consoles, monitoring speakers, acoustic instruments, microphones and many others Again.
Woodbrass is best known to the general public for its quality, affordable microphones . The Bird UM1 is the perfect example. We have already had the opportunity to test the latter. Now another replacement model is on our test bench today: the UM3.
Woodbrass UM3 Microphone Overview
With its magnificent black finish, the Woodbrass UM3 has an elegant . Its front panel displays 3 adjustment options , namely:
- A mute function to freeze the sound if necessary
- A headphone output with volume control to adjust the sound level to your liking
- A gain adjustment
Just below its grille, we find a red band. This is decorated with an inverted heart-shaped legend to refer to its supercardioid polar pattern .
The UM3 does not come alone in its storage box. Indeed, this microphone is accompanied by some accessories which are very practical. Among other things, it comes with a height-adjustable tripod support to facilitate your recording in the studio . Added to this is a clamp to securely attach the support to the microphone.
Assembling this micro studio is child's play. Simply place it on the included tripod mount. Then secure it using the mic clip. All you have to do is adjust the tightening level to stabilize the microphone on your desk.
Now for the installation. Here again, there is nothing rocket science. Note that the Woodbrass UM3 is a plug & play microphone like the Blue Yeti and the Rode NT USB. Unlike XLR condenser mics, you won't need an audio interface or sound card to operate a mic like this. Simply connect the USB cable that comes with the mic to your computer's USB port and you're done.
As for the system requirements, note that this USB microphone is compatible with Windows (2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8 and 10) and Mac OSX.
Woodbrass UM3 Microphone Audio Processing Technology
Woodbrass microphone belongs to the electret condenser microphones The operation of this type of microphone is a little different from that of true condenser microphones. The difference between these two types of microphones lies in particular in the magnetic field between the membrane and the back plate.
Indeed, classic condenser microphones require an external power supply. 48V phantom power is used , such as that generated by the microphone input of a mixing desk.
As for electret microphones, these are equipped with a magnetic layer located on the membrane or the back plate. Thus, they are permanently polarized . This is why they do not need an external power supply to operate.
Note that the preamp integrated into a condenser microphone with an electret capsule requires a power supply. However, battery power is sufficient since the required voltage remains very low.
Compared to dynamic microphones, condenser microphones are more sensitive to handling noise . This is why the latter are more efficient in reproducing sound sources with great detail.
A condenser microphone benefits from a thinner diaphragm compared to that of a dynamic microphone. In addition, the diaphragm of a condenser microphone is not connected to a voice coil unlike that of a dynamic microphone. As a result, it moves more easily, promoting a wider frequency response .
As noted above, the Bird UM3 displays a supercardioid polar pattern . This is none other than a variation of the cardioid directivity.
Indeed, this microphone was designed to capture sounds in front of it . However, its pickup area is narrower than that of a cardioid microphone. Furthermore, this type of microphone offers higher sensitivity towards the rear.
Due to its supercardioid polar pattern, the UM3 is mainly used for recording vocals or capturing other instruments (guitar, piano, snare drum, etc.). In all cases, the ideal would be to position the source in front of the microphone.
That said, if you're looking for a mic to record the ambiance in a room, opt for an omnidirectional mic . If the plug and play system is an essential criterion for you, you will certainly find what you are looking for with the Blue Yeti X. Indeed, the latter offers 3 types of switchable directivities (cardioid, omnidirectional, figure 8). Note, however, that the price of this model is higher than that of Bird's UM3, which is priced around 80 euros.
Areas of application for Woodbrass UM3
This microphone was designed for studio recording . To give you ideas, here are some examples of applications of this model:
- Recording a singer's voice (female voice or male voice)
- Voice over recording
- Recording of musical instruments (snare drum, guitar, clarinet, etc.)
- Gaming
- Podcasting
- Streaming
- Discussion on Skype or Zoom
- YouTube videos
Technical characteristics of the Woodbrass UM3 microphone
The frequency response of the Woodbrass UM3 is between 30 Hz (for bass sounds) and 18 kHz (for high sounds). This corresponds to the reaction of the microphone depending on the sound in front of it. For an electret, this model displays a fairly linear response curve .
It should be noted that unlike the MXL 770 , this model does not have a high-pass filter. This filter is used in particular to cut low frequencies to leave high frequencies at a certain level. This helps eliminate unwanted noise .
The operation of the UM3 is different from that of a wireless microphone. Indeed, the voltage of its integrated preamplifier requires a USB cable.
This Bird microphone model has a signal-to-noise ratio of 96 dB . This value corresponds to the ratio between the voltage produced by the microphone without impacting the noise and the voltage of the microphone with a frequency of 1000 Hz and acoustic pressure of 1 Pa .
The Woodbrass has a resolution of 16 bits/48kHz . The output power for the headphones is 400 mW .
Its distortion rate is less than 0.8%. This indicator determines the degradation of the outgoing signal compared to the incoming signal. This value therefore indicates the processing quality of the audio signal.
The sensitivity of the Woodbrass UM3 is -32 dB knowing that 0 dB is equivalent to 1V/Pa . This determines the effectiveness of the microphone as a transducer. In other words, the sensitivity of a microphone indicates its ability to transform acoustic energy into electrical energy.
The sensitivity of a microphone also defines whether it is more efficient for loud or soft sound recording. It makes more sense to use a microphone with low sensitivity to record a loud sound source. Conversely, a microphone with high sensitivity offers better performance in front of a weak sound source.
In addition, you can also consult our test and review on the Townsend Labs Sphere L22 . It is a condenser microphone model belonging to the modeling microphone category. Discover in this guide our complete test of this microphone, as well as our opinion on its sound quality.
Focus on the sound quality of the Woodbrass UM3
The Woodbrass UM3 features a linear frequency response . This gives it a natural sound, especially when recording a voiceover. We can also notice this effect when recording some acoustic instruments, to name only the snare drum, bass drum and clarinet.
In terms of sound quality, this electret condenser microphone delivers performance on par with a standard condenser .
It is important to note that the majority of condenser microphones are sensitive to proximity effect. And the Bird UM3 is no exception to this rule. This means that low frequencies become more emphasized the closer the source gets to the mic.
This particularity can be an advantage or a disadvantage depending on the type of voice of the singer. For example, if you have a slightly thin voice, recording from a short distance will produce a better result. On the other hand, if your voice is already quite deep, there is no point in getting too close to the microphone when you sing.
However, consider using a shock mount to optimize the quality of your recordings . This device makes it possible to eliminate vibrations linked to the ground. Also, in order to optimize sound reproduction , consider investing in an anti-pop filter. This device will limit the impact of plosive consonants and prevent contact between the microphone and saliva.
Our Overall Opinion
Overall Sound Quality
Value for money
Global mark
Our opinion on the Woodbrass UM3 microphone
The Woodbrass UM3 offers more than adequate sound quality at this price. It's not a high-end mic, but it still offers excellent value for money. Added to this is its high level of performance which allows it to compete with other USB microphones sold more expensively.
Acquiring the Woodbrass UM3 is therefore an interesting solution if you want to enjoy good sound quality with a USB microphone without breaking the bank. This is the ideal alternative if you don't have the financial means to purchase, for example, the famous Rode NT-USB.
Another advantage of this model: its versatility. Although this model was designed for vocal recording, its performance when recording musical instruments is very interesting.
Furthermore, the accessories included with the microphone are really useful. In fact, it is no longer necessary to invest in other accessories to start recording with the UM3. From the USB cable to the tripod support to the microphone clip, everything is there to work in the best conditions.
We also like this model for its practical side. No need for a preamplifier or audio interface to use it. Simply plug the included USB cable into a computer.
Given the advantages of the Bird UM3, we can only recommend this model to you. Without forgetting that its price remains completely affordable although it tickles the high-end models in terms of sound quality.
Unboxing and testing of the Woodbrass UM3
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