Charter Oak E700

The CharterOak E700 is a multi pattern condenser microphone that has a modern look to it. When I had this microphone I use to get all sorts of compliments on not just the sound quality but the look of it. It has Omni, figure 8 and Cardioid patterns. It is not an “affordable” microphone to me costing well over 800 dollars but if you have the money I would really suggest investing in this microphone.

OVERALL OPINION

We mainly used this microphone on acoustic guitars and vocal recordings, it was the perfect microphone for the home musician that plays the acoustic and sings. It is a very versatile microphone but still has a clean and modern sound to it.
The E700 is also built very well, it got knocked over once in the studio by accident due to bringing some drums in and we tipped over the stand. But it didn’t damage the microphone at all and it worked perfectly, it didn’t even scratch. But when you purchase this microphone directly from CharterOak you will get a lifetime warranty on all parts and/or labor so there are no worries just in case something was to happen to it. I have only used maybe two other products from CharterOak but they seem to have great customer service since I have been using them and they are very passionate about their products.
The E700 requires phantom power (48 v) and has an impedance less than 200 ohms. With the frequency respons being 25Hz to 20 kHz and 3 polar patterns, there really aren’t too many things that this microphone cannot handle. If you want quality you will have to pay for it, this microphone has a higher price tag on it but the quality is amazing and the sound is very clean and not colored at all; and with the lifetime warranty that CharterOak offers makes this a must have in my book!

The E700 from Charter Oak is an instrument and vocal mic, but I prefer to use it for instruments only. More along the lines of acoustic instruments because with the sound that it can record you will want to use instruments that don’t have a lot of punch to them like brass. Though you can record brass with it but it wont be as good as it will with acoustic guitar or grand piano’s and such. The price tag that is on the Charter Oak E700 is pretty large, it is out of most home musicians budgets that’s why you really only see it in a larger studio that has the money to invest into mics like this but if you get the chance to use it especially on guitar you will love the way it sounds and want to take it home then you will realize you can afford it like I did. It just cost to much when there are other mics that are similar maybe not as good but close that you can afford to have at home.


OVERALL OPINION

Overall, this is a very good large diaphragm condenser mic it has a switch able pattern which really makes a difference with this mic. It does also require some phantom power as well and hooks up with the basic XLR cables. This mic is a top quality mic that If have the money and a well treated room you will be on your way to getting great recording of your instruments. I have no used it for voice yet, so I really cant say to much about vocals on the E700. But from what I have heard it records mid to higher tone vocals at great crips clean quality. It is a flawless mic in my oppinion and anyone who can afford it should make the purchase .

This is a very nice large diaphragm condenser mic. It is a little pricey so you probably will want to keep this one safe in the studio in the nice box they give you. It is by default a cardioid pickup pattern, but you can switch it to be omni or figure 8. The switchable pattern really comes in handy depending on your recording situation, and really increases the value of this mic. It connects with a standard XLR cable and requires phantom power to work. The grill on this mic is a little bit thicker than most tend to be, so plosives are reduced more than you would expect.

OVERALL OPINION

I got this mic about a year ago. I was considering getting a TLM149, but decided to try this mic out instead because I'd heard good things. I'm glad I did! Basically this mic sounds great. I love to use it on female vocals. It really suits those kinds of sources, where you want a nice and soft recording. This mic definitely has a character to it, which does limit its usefulness just a little bit, but since the character is very pleasing that definitely makes up for it. My favorite facet of this mic is the switchable pattern, and the warmth and softness it imparts to your source material. You won't be disappointed with this mic on your lead vocals! This mic isn't cheap, but for the money you get a very high quality condenser that's made in the US. Not to mention they give you a fancy box for storing it, which is a nice bonus. I use this on vocals sometimes over much more expensive mics, just because the character you get from this mic really complements some singers' voices. I definitely highly recommend this mic, it sounds great. I would get it again.