Behringer XM8500

The Behringer Ultravoice XM8500 dynamic microphone is the perfect addition to anyones gear arsenal. I will admit, you aren't going to use this mic for vocals in the studio. Don't let that discourage you from buying one, this is a handy mic to have around. Ya I'd mic up a guitar amp with one of these, I've done it in the past and it sounded just fine, but it's not going to capture much vibrance in the high end. Works great live where an SM58 may pick up lots of noise. It's a great talkback mic for the studio, great DJ mic (no on/off switch though). At the end of the day you can find it on the internet for $20. Go out for dinner - vs - have a mic forever. And for $20 you might as well get 2 (true story, happened to me).

Specs:
-Wide frequency response
-Common noise bearing frequencies reduced for minimal feedback on stage
-50Hz - 15 kHz response
-Builtin shock mount system
-High balanced output
-Unidirectional cardioid
-Sensitivity -70dB
-Low IMP 250Ω
-XLR
-Builtin round wind/pop screen filter
-Mic clip
-Hard shell carrying case
-Strong design
-3 year warranty
-Black
-6.5"X2"
-.65lbs
-Made by Behringer Germany

OVERALL OPINION

What I liked most about it had to be the tailored frequency reduction to help out in situations where there is a lot of noise. What I mean by that string of words is the XM8500 will output less feedback than the SM58. Lets not beat around the bush, this is a copy of the SM58. sM58 xM8500. They also look almost identical, minus the black grill for the 8500. Behringer gets a lot of hate for "stealing" other companies patents/designs, but Behringer also makes a lot of affordable gear for the everyday person. Behringer helps people like me (and many of you) buy enough gear to meet my needs without having to take out a loan or go broke.

Sound quality-wise it's not the vocal mic for a studio recording. Yes you CAN do it, but if you have virtually any $100+ mic use that instead. I mainly say this because the Ultravoice only takes in up to 15kHz (human range is 20kHz max). In other words, if you use this on a beautiful grand piano in a brilliant hall, you aren't going to be happy with the results. The reason for this 15kHz max is that that's where a lot of feedback effects the average live vocal mic. Behringer has also dipped down other frequencies surrounding 15kHz in effort to help reduce any other noise.

Value for price, awesome. I got mine 2 for $40 used, but this was a couple years back. Now they are about $20 each new online. You probably can't even buy this in parts that cheap. It's in my top 5 for best value for price of gear ever.

I didn't try out other models before this one, I had used others in the past though so I had a benchmark for what I wanted. Knowing what I know now, yes absolutely I might even buy another 2 someday. Put it in your audio engineer "go-bag", yes the case is bulky but you can always find another.

Pros:
-Less feedback in live situations
-Heavy duty
-Versatile
-Looks like a SM58

Cons:
-15kHz frequency limit
-Not good for studio vocals

The XM8500 is a dynamic vocal microphone that made itself popular when it first came out because of the price. Behringer released this microphone for a really low price and people went crazy over it. It is great with rejecting feedback and cutting out the background noise. The sound is very clean and warm; the mid range frequencies are where all of the action is because they are very smooth and you can tell that instantly. It is very similar to the SM58 but the difference is the price. This microphone only cost about 30 bucks when it came out and I remember getting two of them right away. You can use this microphone on instruments or as a live microphone and I have used it as both and it sounds great.

OVERALL OPINION

Using it on instruments is great if you are using a brighter instrument like an alto sax, it will give you a fluid like sound that sounds very smooth while getting rid of other sounds that may be going on around you. For a live microphone you need those attributes in order for the mic to function properly. On vocals it sounds just as good live, but in a recording session do not use this microphone because the quality is not as good and you will really have to get in there and do some EQ work on your tracks.
The frequency response is 50 Hz to 15 kHz giving it all of the range needed for instruments and vocals live. This is a very common microphone as far as specs go, but at this price you almost have to purchase a couple of them. I recommend getting this if you are into performing at smaller venues, or it would even be a great practice microphone for your home set up.

I have been a bassist for over 22 yrs. I currently am playing with PHOENIXX from Amarillo, TX, I have recorded and toured extensively with Hacienda Records Artist "Algo Simple", recorded and toured with Grandma Gerber Records Artist "The Carmen Espinoza-Rodriquez Jazz Band", have recorded for PBS (KACV-TV), recorded and sat in many studio sessions (still do), recorded and toured with the WTAMA Faculty Jazz Quintet, performed with the WTAMU Jazz Ensemble, performed with the world reknown outdoor musical drama "Texas Legacies" and toured with their band "Texas X-press", and received an award for "The Most Outstanding Soloist" at the UNC of Greeley Jazz Festival in Greeley, CO.
I play a variety of styles; Jazz, Latin, Latin Jazz, Tejano, Blues, Funk, Rock and Country
I enjoy good music, (hate rap).

I heard about Behringer while touring with The Carmen Espinoza-Rodriquez Jazz Band. I fell in love with it and since have acquired more Behringer products. I paid $59.98 for a 3-pack through Musician's Friend.

I do back-up vocals and the ULTRAVOICE XM8500 gives a very rich presents to my voice. It has a very low feedback response which is good when you need to output a lot of volume.

........nothing negative to say about this product.

very durable. I gig no less than 12 times a month and this product has been right on it each time.... I am pretty hard on my gear, and so far, the ULTRAVOICE XM8500 is a very tough act!

I completely, fullheartedly recommend this product to any vocalist whether you are lead or back-up.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I purchased two of these mics at a local music store here in Canada for $34 each (Can).

These mics for the price are amazing - believe it or not, they come with a carrying case as well! The sound is comparible to a Shure SM58, (I've owned a few) but you can buy three or four of these for the same amount of money! (I don't know how they do it).

I can't honestly say there is anything I don't really like. Usually I'm not into Behringer products too much, but these mics are a bargain. I just bought them two weeks ago, so maybe it's a little early to say - but so far so good.

The quality and construction seems rock solid, plus as I mentioned already, a carrying case is included.

If you are on a budget and looking for low cost vocal mics for a practice space, etc, I would highly recommend this model.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com