XM8500 makes an incredible choice for anyone looking for an affordable yet reliable dynamic microphone. Only a handful of options offer features as good as XM8500 in this price bracket. It is exactly why the microphone has grown quite popular among musicians and singers. So, if you were on the fence about XM8500, we have compiled this piece for you.
This article will discuss everything XM8500 offers and whether it lives up to the hype. So, let’s get to it.
First thing first, the XM8500 by Behringer is a professional-quality microphone designed for live performances. The cardioid pattern on the microphone prevents the noise from getting into it and delivers clear and crisp audio to the audience. Furthermore, it features rugged construction, which makes it ideal for people who are often on the road.
The stand-out feature of the XM8500 is the incredible response rate, which makes it ideal for capturing both instruments and vocals. Furthermore, it delivers exceptional audio quality, especially considering its price tag. The frequency response is wide and flat, which delivers detail-rich output. Also, the microphone’s sensitivity is incredible, capturing all the details.
Consequently, the microphone sounds great while recording a sound or delivering it to a live audience. If we have to put everything in a nutshell, it will be;
- The construction of the mic is excellent.
- The sound quality of the mic is amazing.
- Behringer XM8500 is very versatile.
Now that you have a bit of an idea about what to expect from the XM8500 let’s get to the actual review of the product.
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Features List of The Behringer XM8500
The features of the XM8500 make it quite versatile and reliable, all while remaining in an affordable price bracket. Wide frequency response and cardioid polar are the highlight features, which enable it to capture detailed sound without allowing background noises.
Furthermore, the package also includes a pop filter, which reduces unwanted plosives that are needed while recording. It is one of the few options that can be used for both studio recording and live performances.
What makes it so good? The following features;
Body and Grip:
The construction of the X8500 is solid but does not compromise ergonomics. It features a metallic head with a matte black finish which resists scratch. The rest of the body is also metallic and features the same finish. It is sturdy enough to withstand the accidental drops and the abuse that frequent travel throws at it.
Furthermore, it features a classic dynamic microphone design with a body that keeps getting narrow along the length. It is an ergonomic design, which can be held in hand without experiencing any fatigue or cramps.
Cardioid Polar Pattern
The XM8500 features a cardioid polar pattern, which only accepts input from one direction. You have to put the sound source next to the active site for it to capture that sound. It has an excellent off-axis rejection, which prevents background noise from making it into the input.
Thus, even when you are on stage, the noise from the background of the crowd would not make it into the microphone. Consequently, the audio of the microphone will remain crisp and clear.
Frequency Response:
The frequency response on the XM8500 ranges from 50Hz to 15kHz, which means it captures the most important frequencies of speech. It is a kind of response that is ideal for a microphone intended for vocal recording. Thanks to such frequency response, the microphone can capture all the details, which enables it to deliver a crisp but natural-sounding output.
Quality:
As discussed earlier, the microphone does not cut any corners when it comes to quality. The output is incredible, rich in detail, and sounds crisp. It is mainly because of the cardioid polar pattern, pop filters, and the shock mount system, which decrease noise in the audio. Furthermore, the frequency response also plays a part as it reproduces all important frequencies.
Performance:
XM8500 is a microphone that fits both live performances and studio recordings. The low mass-diaphragm helps in that regard. Furthermore, the tight polar pattern and the accessories that come with the microphone contribute to delivering an overall crisp output.
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Technical Details
- Type: Dynamic
- Frequency response: 50Hz-15kHz
- Sensitivity: -54dBV/Pa (2.0mV/Pa)
- Impedance: 600 ohms
- Connector: XLR
- Weight: 340g
- Dimensions: 155mm x 52mm x 52mm
- Made in: China
5 Pros about Behringer XM8500
- Reliable and sturdy option.
- Two-stage pop filter to reduce pops and breath noise.
- The cardioid polar pattern does an excellent job of reducing background noise.
- Shock mount system reduces handling noise, making it perfect for live recordings or podcasts.
- The frequency range is 50 Hz to 15 kHz,
The Behringer XM8500 is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable option.
It offers excellent sound quality for its price point, and it’s also very versatile.
It can be used for both vocals and instruments, making it a great choice for those who need a versatile microphone.
Cons about Behringer XM8500
- Does not come with a cord
While there are not many problems with the XM8500, if we have to nitpick, the cord is probably one area where it lags behind. You have to purchase it separately, but at this price point, it does not deserve a hard time for it or the lack thereof.
The Best target audience for the Behringer XM8500
The best target audience for this microphone is
- Content creators
- YouTubers
- Podcasters
- Streamers.
- Singers and musicians
XM8500 targets a wide audience ranging from podcasters to singers. Basically, anyone who is looking for an excellent dynamic microphone on a budget would find it an appealing option. Since the microphone features a rugged construction, it makes an excellent choice, particularly for people who travel frequently. The metallic body of the microphone can endure the abuse that travel has to offer.
Furthermore, people who are looking for a two-in-one solution for studio recording and live performance can also purchase this microphone. It is a very versatile microphone and delivers equally good performance in studio recording and live performances.
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3 Comparison of Behringer XM8500 with Other similar products on the market
If the XM8500 is not suitable for your liking, there are other options that you can explore. It is commonly compared with Shure SM58 and Audio Technica AT2020. However, before making any decision, you should know about the key differences.
The difference between Shure SM58 and the XM8500 is the level of sensitivity. SM58 has a sensitivity of -52dB, whereas the XM8500 offers a sensitivity of -54 dB. Apart from that, there are not many differences between the two as both share the same frequency response and polar pattern. That said, Shure’s offering is at least $100 expensive.
The second comparison is often drawn with Audio Technica AT2020, and there are some key differences between the two. For starters, the AT2020 features an omnidirectional polar pattern, which means it captures sound from all directions, making it more suitable for people who want to record ambiance. Furthermore, the sensitivity and the frequency response also vary greatly as it offers a 20Hz-20kHZ range with a sensitivity of -37 dB.
Conclusion – The Behringer XM8500 Review
The XM8500 is an excellent option for anyone looking for a quality dynamic microphone at an affordable price. Obviously, the sound quality is not at par with the premium microphones, but it is one of the best that you can get in this price bracket. There are a number of reasons that make it an appealing purchase – cardioid polar pattern, metallic body, excellent off-axis rejection, and travel-friendliness are some of those reasons.
FAQs – The Behringer XM8500 Review
What is the Behringer XM8500?
The Behringer XM8500 is a professional-quality dynamic microphone that is perfect for live performances. It features a cardioid pickup pattern that helps to reduce feedback, and its rugged construction makes it ideal for use on the road.
What are the benefits of using the Behringer XM8500?
The Behringer XM8500 offers many benefits, including excellent sound quality, reduced feedback, increased durability, and an affordable price point.
Where can I buy the Behringer XM8500?
The Behringer XM8500 is available for purchase from many online and offline retailers.
Is the Behringer XM8500 a good microphone for recording?
Yes, the Behringer XM8500 is a great option for recording. It has a great response rate and captures vocals and instruments well.
What type of connector does the Behringer XM8500 have?
The Behringer XM8500 has an XLR connector.
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