Introduction
The Apogee MiC 96k is a microphone designed for professionals who demand top-notch audio quality. In this review, we’ll delve into its properties, performance, and overall value.
Sound Quality
- Crystal-clear recordings: MiC 96k delivers studio-grade audio with a 96kHz sample rate.
- Natural warmth: Captures the nuances of vocals and instruments, ensuring lifelike sound.
Design and Build
- Sleek and sturdy: Its a metal construction is built to last.
- Portable power: Compact and lightweight, perfect for on-the-go recording.
Setup and Compatibility
- Plug-and-play: No need for complex installations or drivers.
- Universal compatibility: Works seamlessly with Mac, Windows, and iOS devices.
Pros:
- Exceptional sound quality.
- Durable, mobile design.
- Easy setup for beginners.
- Versatile compatibility.
Cons:
- Pricey for beginners.
- No accessories.
Performance
- Noiseless recordings: MiC 96k reduces background noise for pristine audio.
- Sensitive yet reliable: Captures the softest whispers and the loudest instruments with precision.
Ease of Use
- Simple operation: Start recording in seconds.
- Gain control: Adjust recording sensitivity on the fly.
Accessories
- Apogee offers separate kits with desktop stands and tripods.
- Customization options: Tailor your setup to suit your specific needs.
Conclusion
In summary, the Apogee MiC 96k is a good device that’s great for making music, or content. It’s not cheap, but it’s a good choice for people who want the best sound and a mic that will last. It’s easy to use and works well with different equipment, making it a great pick for anyone who wants to improve their recordings.
R. Brown –
(I’m reviewing this as an iphone user, but this mic also works with ipads and Apple computers.) I bought my first smart phone a couple weeks ago, and chose the iphone simply because it was smaller than most of the others I was interested in and would fit in my pocket. I’d heard of garageband but thought it was probably a toy app. Then I found reviews of the Apogee Mic which, when combined with an iphone and garageband, could actually record very good sound. That’s when I got excited about my new phone! I’ve bought thousands of dollars worth of home recording gear over the last 25 years, including several microphones, but the sound that I get from this Apogee Mic 96k with a bit of Garageband reverb is better than most of the sound that I’ve gotten in the past. I’m no professional engineer, and probably made a lot of mistakes with my other complicated equipment, but this iphone/garageband/Apogee Mic combo is dead easy and great sounding. The main control to set is the gain switch on the mic itself. I was initially going to buy the original Apogee Mic for $199, but I needed the lightning cable and didn’t think that one came with it. I also wanted a mic stand adapter. This 96k version comes with both those things for less money than if I’d bought them separately with the cheaper mic. I’m guessing this is the exact same mic except this one is able to record at higher quality if your software supports it, which iphone garageband doesn’t. Both versions come with a tabletop tripod, and you can use any generic camera tripod if you have one. I think this setup is perfect for the person who wants to do fairly simple but good sounding recordings. The iphone garageband interface is limited compared to other recording software available, but I can get 32 tracks going (I think) on my iphone 5s, so there’s a lot I can do with that many tracks. The mic doesn’t come with a carrying case, you have to buy that extra if you want it. It’s a little smaller than an average mic, but feels substantial. The lightning cable is pretty short, so you have to have your iphone/ipad/mac computer close by, unless you buy the optional longer cable. The mic runs off the juice of my iphone, so when I’m out of battery I have to wait to recharge my phone to do any more recording. That may not be the case with the ipad/mac. And garageband may be a lot more substantial on the ipad/mac as well, and this mic will also work with some other recording software on the ipad and mac. My only personal experience is with the iphone, so that’s why I’m coming at it from that angle. The mic seems to work well from several feet away as well as several inches away. I haven’t found that I need a windscreen either. I wish this mic worked with windows computers, but other reviews I’ve read said no. It also has a USB cable and a 30-pin cable for older Apple devices. I had so much fun with it tonight that I sang until my throat gave out. I’m not planning on doing anything too serious with it, but I think I could if I wanted to. If you’re any kind of a musician with an iphone, how can you pass up a recording studio you can carry in your pockets?
Jordan –
Ive had this mic for awhile now. I have used it with my iPhone and it’s a great tool. Great for vocals. As a hobby I like to make music with the FL Studio app, it’s actually quite nice once you learn how to use it. At first I had to use the iPhone’s built in mic, which picked up a lot of background noise and a strong hiss.The first time I used the mic I was amazed, you can hear the lows in vocals and it’s clear to understand words, they’re not clouded by background noise. You can use the gain wheel to control how sensitive the mic is. It has a durable design too. I also like to use this mic for video with the camera app. Even if your not into video you’d be impressed with what you can do. Just take your phone downtown at night and turn the gain up all the way and shoot a video of cars passing by maybe. Go home and listen to how clear the sound is.If you plan to use this in a more serious manner you can hook it up to your apple computer. You can partially use it with your PC, if using a DAW that supports ASIO4ALL it will work. If you have windows 7 (not 8 or 8.1) you can do this special trick and get the mic to work fully. This means you can use it for Skype and other applications.As far as what does it record best, Id have to say vocals. It also does a good job with instruments and environmental noise for film, some may choose to use a stereo mic for that though. I’ve recorded vocals, guitar, saxaphone and random noises to sample. It does everything great. Id say this mic is well balanced and maybe upper mid forward. I have yet to hear what the 96k sample rate sounds like because I don’t think I have any apps that support it. But when I finish building my hackintosh I will find out.The only bad thing I can say about this mic is that the stand could’ve been better. And sometimes if the wire is not securely in you can hear a buzzing clicky noise. It usually is only during monitoring. But sometimes it stays in the file. Not that big of a deal considering it’s got a nice waranty
Richard C Rios Stevens –
By far the easiest mic you can work with. Plug and play has never been more literal! My iPad Pro had no problems recognizing the hardware, and no further setup was required. The gain dial on the side is really convenient, and the single light on the front will show you how high your input is and if you’re clipping. The mic is tiny, tiny, tiny – about the size of a fat stick of sidewalk chalk. Don’t let that fool you though, because it is built solid. I haven’t dropped mine or anything, but I’m confident that it could stand up to a bit of abuse and still work fine.There is a separate carrying case made for this mic, made by the same company. This is definitely a great travel mic. Good for traveling and such (never know when inspiration will strike!).Sound quality is clear, but far from perfect. Bass tones will lose a significant amount of warmth, and high tones will sound a little tinnier. Of course, you can fix this in your DAW, but it won’t be quite like the organic sound. Overall, this mic is well worth the money. If you’re on the fence, just buy it already!
Patricia Silva Novoa –
El micrófono llegó bien pero el trípode llegó roto de una pata.
VivaLaMaxico –
Super Mic für YouTuber und andere Semi-Professionelle KünstlerNach sehr langer Recherche und viel “Probehören” von Mikrofonen bei anderen YouTubern habe ich mich für dieses Mic entschieden. Ich kann damit in Final Cut Pro X und Garage Band mit bis zu 96 kHz Qualität aufnehmen (natürlich geht auf Wunsch auch 48 kHz usw.)Die Einrichtung klappt dank einfachem USB-Anschluss sehr leicht. Das mitgelieferte USB-Kabel habe ich mit Hilfe eines aktiven USB 2.0 Verlängerungskabel auf über 5 Meter verlängert. So habe ich in meinem Heimstudio genügend Bewegungsfreiheit.Das Einstellen des Pegels mittels der farbigen LED und des Drehrades finde ich simpel und gut. Die Verarbeitung des Metallgehäuses ist toll. Auch das Gitter ist übrigens aus Metall. Das Mic ist für seine geringe Größe erstaunlich schwer und macht dadurch einen stabilen, wertigen Gesamteindruck.Auch der Anschluss über das mitgelieferte Lightning Kabel am iPhone und iPad habe ich ausprobiert. Hier werden die Audioaufnahmen auch sehr gut. Allerdings “nur” mit 48 kHz. Das reicht aber im Normalfall aus. Oft liest man dass der Unterschied zwischen 96 kHz und 48 kHz nur von Profis hörbar sei… Ich gehe aber nicht gern Kompromisse ein und habe mir deshalb die 96k Variante gekauft. Ist ja auch mehr Zubehör dabei…Ich verwende das Mic zusammen mit einem Samson PS01 “Popschutz” der ungewollte Laute herausfiltert. Ich habe es sehr oft im Einsatz, da ich damit alle meine YouTube Videos vertone.Wer das Mic “in Aktion” erleben bzw. hören will, der kann ja mal in meinem YouTube Kanal vorbei schauen. Alle meine Videos ab dem Jahr 2015 wurden damit aufgenommen. Du findest meinen Kanal indem du den Namen “Maxico Anleitungen und Tutorials” bei YouTube in die Suche eingibst.
Mr Stephen J Harris –
Good sound qualityArrived in good time and good quality sound
Fabian Mizzi –
Its a great mic and has a nice clear recordingIts a great mic and has a nice clear recording. The only missing feature is a headphone jack for live monitoring.
Yann Gourvennec –
Super micro pour les podcastsJe recommande ce micro pour les podcasts et les webinaire, il permet un enregistrement de haute qualité et sans souffle. Produit cher mais les bons micros sont chers. Manque juste une housse pour pouvoir le transporter à mon avis.
H. Cemre G. –
Sehr gutes Mic, aber keine lange HaltbarkeitDa ich Mobiler Amateur Producer bin, wollte ich nicht viel Geld für ein Mikrofon ausgeben. Kompakt musste es sein und am liebsten per USB.Pro:- wirklich klare Stimme, detailreich- super Integration mit Apple SW: Garageband, Logic Pro- kompakt- Usb Anschluss mit KabelContra:Nach einer weile fing das gute Mikro an zu knistern, obwohl ich es nie runterfallen lassen habe.Fazit:An sich sehr gutes mobiles Mikrofon. Reicht für Amateur Anwendungen. Das Defekt war für mich definitiv ein k.o. Kriterium aber dennoch empfehle ich diesen Kauf.