CAD Equitek E100S

Overview

Working on a home studio budget comes with its own set of challenges and limitations. When resources are limited, versatility and functionality are essential in equipment choices. When you need a microphone that can do it all, the CAD Equitek e100s stands up to the challenge.

The e100s is a supercardiod condenser microphone. Though CAD is often seen as a low-end affordable brand, the Equitek series of microphones raises the bar for high quality microphones at affordable prices. The CAD e100s boasts a $500 price tag and is proudly made in the USA. According to CAD, it has the "lowest noise floor in its class," meaning that the microphone itself produces very little self-noise (3.7 dBA, to be exact), and eliminates unwanted room noise (largely due to its 'tight' supercardiod polar patten). I can testify, this makes the e100s virtually silent when it is plugged in and waiting to be used. The e100s can also withstand up to 150 dB of sound pressure with the -10dB pad engaged, making it almost indestructible (you could record a jet engine with this microphone!)

In the Studio

While the e100s has some very utilitarian features--such as the -10dB pad and the 80Hz high-pass filter--the microphone truly stands out for its flat frequency response across the spectrum. It evenly captures frequencies ranging from 40Hz–18KHz, and offers a slight boost between 5-10kHz for added signal clarity. Because it has such an even frequency response, it is one of the most competitive "workhorse microphones" on the market.

I have personally used the microphone for both acoustic guitar and vocals in my home studio, which have given me very clean and professional results, only requiring slight EQ adjustments in post-production. I have yet to use it for electric guitar, bass guitar, or drums, but other reviews I have read seem to speak highly of the microphone's versatility in capturing many sounds fully and accurately.

Another unique feature of this microphone is its built-in shock mount design (similar to the Shure SM7B). The microphone is very flat in design, and can fit tightly up to flat surfaces like pop filters, guitar cabinets, or drum heads. This feature only reinforces its versatility in capturing sounds in the studio from a variety of sound sources.

For all of the great features this microphone boasts, one thing is does (subjectively) lack in is "character." The CAD e100s really won't 'color' or 'enhance' any sound it captures. To some, this might be considered a negative trait of the microphone, but I believe there are situations in the studio that do call for accurate sound capturing; the e100s will get the job done in these cases. But if you're looking for a vocal microphone that automatically makes you sound like Freddy Mercury or Taylor Swift, then this is probably not the microphone for you.

Bottom-Line

Want a microphone that will (almost) do it all? Look into the CAD Equitek e100s. You won't regret it.