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Thomann MB85 versus Shure SM58
The MB85 is a hand-held vocal mic, presumably designed for live work. It's similar, but not identical, in appearance to the classic Shure SM58.
I recently wrote a review comparing Thomann's MB75 microphone to the Shure SM57, and in that review I described the A/B testing that I did with the two mics. In those tests, the Thomann mic won! Yes, the Thomann MB75, costing about a quarter of the price of the Shure SM57, scored above the '57 in all counts!
So it was with a great deal of keenness and hope that I set about doing a similar test with this mic, the Thomann MB85. I set it up against one of my Shure SM58 mics, and did almost exactly the same tests that I did with the '57 and the MB75. I recorded two identical tracks on my computer, with no compression or EQ settings at all. One track used the Thomann MB75 and the other used the '58. I recorded both speech and singing. Then I compared the two and decided which one was better. So are we ready for the fanfare…?
Ah. Well, not quite. On this occasion the Thomann mic didn't quite make it. It came close, but the SM58 did actually win out on this occasion. The MB85 had a very slightly more "middle-y" sound and not quite as rich a lower end. The top end was perfectly respectable and overall the sound was very acceptable indeed - it's just that up against the '58 it didn't quite sound as good. I'm not saying that with a decent bit of EQ the MB85 could not be made to sound exactly like a '58; it's just that you'd obviously need an EQ to get that '58 sound from it. The sound of the mic is perfectly good on its own, but the '58 does make a good standard to judge it against, and the '58 wins out slightly on this occasion.
I also tested it for handling noise. I got the MB85 and the SM58, and swung them from hand to hand, then shook them (not violently - just in a similar way you would a pair of maracas) in my hand, and recorded the results. It has to be said that BOTH mics scored extremely well in this test, with hardly any handling noise coming from either of them. But again, the '58 came out fractionally on top here, with a little less handling noise being audible. I might add, though, that handling noise is not really going to be an issue with EITHER of these two mics; they were both very quiet and would be perfect for live vocals.
Although the MB85 didn't win on this occasion, it is a very good mic with a perfectly acceptable sound, and given the price compared to the SM58, I can't really see it as being anything less than a complete bargain. If you're on a budget, this is unquestionably the right mic for live vocals.
I recently wrote a review comparing Thomann's MB75 microphone to the Shure SM57, and in that review I described the A/B testing that I did with the two mics. In those tests, the Thomann mic won! Yes, the Thomann MB75, costing about a quarter of the price of the Shure SM57, scored above the '57 in all counts!
So it was with a great deal of keenness and hope that I set about doing a similar test with this mic, the Thomann MB85. I set it up against one of my Shure SM58 mics, and did almost exactly the same tests that I did with the '57 and the MB75. I recorded two identical tracks on my computer, with no compression or EQ settings at all. One track used the Thomann MB75 and the other used the '58. I recorded both speech and singing. Then I compared the two and decided which one was better. So are we ready for the fanfare…?
Ah. Well, not quite. On this occasion the Thomann mic didn't quite make it. It came close, but the SM58 did actually win out on this occasion. The MB85 had a very slightly more "middle-y" sound and not quite as rich a lower end. The top end was perfectly respectable and overall the sound was very acceptable indeed - it's just that up against the '58 it didn't quite sound as good. I'm not saying that with a decent bit of EQ the MB85 could not be made to sound exactly like a '58; it's just that you'd obviously need an EQ to get that '58 sound from it. The sound of the mic is perfectly good on its own, but the '58 does make a good standard to judge it against, and the '58 wins out slightly on this occasion.
I also tested it for handling noise. I got the MB85 and the SM58, and swung them from hand to hand, then shook them (not violently - just in a similar way you would a pair of maracas) in my hand, and recorded the results. It has to be said that BOTH mics scored extremely well in this test, with hardly any handling noise coming from either of them. But again, the '58 came out fractionally on top here, with a little less handling noise being audible. I might add, though, that handling noise is not really going to be an issue with EITHER of these two mics; they were both very quiet and would be perfect for live vocals.
Although the MB85 didn't win on this occasion, it is a very good mic with a perfectly acceptable sound, and given the price compared to the SM58, I can't really see it as being anything less than a complete bargain. If you're on a budget, this is unquestionably the right mic for live vocals.
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R
Great quality mic!
This was my first microphone and it's exactly what I needed. It has a nice weight to it and I can easily fit it into my mic stand while playing guitar. No complaints whatsoever.
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z
Good
After 2 months using and comparison that mic, I found it very similar with SM 58(!) in many ways. So I think is very good for the price...
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J3
Nice mic for vocals and guitars
Of course it's not a premium toy, but it definitely does the job. I bought it specifically to amplify cajon, but tested it on guitar amp, acoustic guitar and vocals. It's sensivity is pretty low, but in my case it does the job perfectly.
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KB
Genuinely Impressed for less!
Its got that classic look and immediately puts you in mind of a well known brand industry standard mic; But its not just the looks that are remarkably reminiscent.
I use this for some home recording and backing vocals live. The clarity is as good as the more expensive mics and its sturdy and well made. The pouch and clip at this price are a great touch and save you the trouble of purchasing additions.
For the home recording side, I will probably look to purchase something specifically designed for that purpose. But sometime in the future, when i feel the outlay is justified.
When you consider you can purchase around 3-4 of these mics for the price of one of the more expensive branded, its live application becomes apparent for the gigging musician out on the road who needs to spend his money wisely.
Value for money, balanced with quality and sturdiness mean Thomann have yet again surprised me with the quality of their own brand item!
I use this for some home recording and backing vocals live. The clarity is as good as the more expensive mics and its sturdy and well made. The pouch and clip at this price are a great touch and save you the trouble of purchasing additions.
For the home recording side, I will probably look to purchase something specifically designed for that purpose. But sometime in the future, when i feel the outlay is justified.
When you consider you can purchase around 3-4 of these mics for the price of one of the more expensive branded, its live application becomes apparent for the gigging musician out on the road who needs to spend his money wisely.
Value for money, balanced with quality and sturdiness mean Thomann have yet again surprised me with the quality of their own brand item!
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C
Quarter the price of a Shure sm 58 all of the features
This mic is indestructible, I got one for a local comedy club and it is still running perfectly despite many mic drops and slingshots..... Sounds 99% the same as the Shure it replaced.... Really nice with vocals but I also use one for sampling... Can't recommend this mic anymore
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P
A decent contender against much more expensive mics
I haven't used this in live situations, only studio use and predemoninantly for vocals.
Build quality is better than you might expect at this proce point, though not bomb-proof, and it did come with pouch and clip etc.
The MB 85 seems to cope relatively well with a variety of inputs but does really need to be cranked in order to get good levels.
Overall, as with many of the t.bone products, it is a good workable mic that gets the job done perfectly well without breaking the bank.
Build quality is better than you might expect at this proce point, though not bomb-proof, and it did come with pouch and clip etc.
The MB 85 seems to cope relatively well with a variety of inputs but does really need to be cranked in order to get good levels.
Overall, as with many of the t.bone products, it is a good workable mic that gets the job done perfectly well without breaking the bank.
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DJ
Much better than I expected
Ordered one of these mics as specs looked pretty good for the money. Our gigs were mainly charity events etc. so not much money for the go to brand.
When tested was amazed at the sound quality for the price. Other members of the band were impressed and ordered their own.
Bought a second as a back up as thought wrongly at this price point it's going to fail. Second mic is still in it's box, has stood up very well to my clumsiness.
Very good mic for the money, recommended.
When tested was amazed at the sound quality for the price. Other members of the band were impressed and ordered their own.
Bought a second as a back up as thought wrongly at this price point it's going to fail. Second mic is still in it's box, has stood up very well to my clumsiness.
Very good mic for the money, recommended.
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a
Simple mic for domestic use
This is a very accomplished microphone for home use, and karaoke sessions. Not very dynamic, but good for basic stuff.
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A
Great budget Microphone, a Workhorse!
I bought this microphone not expecting much but it turned out to be an absolute bargain.
After reading a few reviews I bought one of these along with other items I was ordering. The look and feel of it is something similar to the Shure SM58, although this microphone has a On/Off switch which I find to be a handy feature, others may disagree.
The build quality is actually very good and this is a very sturdy mic. I have dropped this a number of times and thrown it into my bag during packing up after recording sessions. The microphone still looks like new.
Sound wise I have found this to be comparable to the Shure SM58. Is it the same? No, but I doubt many people could tell the difference. I know a few live engineers who use this microphone as stage mics for vocals and they don't get any complaints.
I intend to buy a load more of these, as they are a very handy mic to have around, If you run a rehearsal room then these are a no brainer.
After reading a few reviews I bought one of these along with other items I was ordering. The look and feel of it is something similar to the Shure SM58, although this microphone has a On/Off switch which I find to be a handy feature, others may disagree.
The build quality is actually very good and this is a very sturdy mic. I have dropped this a number of times and thrown it into my bag during packing up after recording sessions. The microphone still looks like new.
Sound wise I have found this to be comparable to the Shure SM58. Is it the same? No, but I doubt many people could tell the difference. I know a few live engineers who use this microphone as stage mics for vocals and they don't get any complaints.
I intend to buy a load more of these, as they are a very handy mic to have around, If you run a rehearsal room then these are a no brainer.
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