What is the cheapest measurement mic you would use with REW?

[dickiefunk]

Hi,

What is the cheapest measurement mic you would recommend to use with REW?
I don’t want to spend a lot because I may end up changing my monitoring system to Neumann monitors with the MA1 system.
I have a MOTU 828ES audio interface.

 

[Berwhale]

If you don't already own an interface, the MiniDSP UMIK-1 is the standard recommendation. I use UMIK-1 myself, it just works.

If you already own an interface, then I believe the Behringer ECM8000 is good enough for most purposes.

You could also pair the ECM8000 with a cheap interface like the Behringer UMC22, I think the total cost would be around half of the UMIK-1 (you might need to add the cost of a cable and stand to the price).

 

[staticV3]

What is the cheapest measurement mic you would recommend to use with REW?

Could use some 101 advice

Hello, First of all I‘d like to say I’m super impressed with the wealth of exact information and knowledge available here. I had a homestudio once but started traveling about five years ago and haven’t done anything with recording music since. It is now that I’ve temporarily settled in a place...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[dickiefunk]

I should have mentioned I have a MOTU 828ES interface. I’ll update my original post.

 

[dickiefunk]

Could use some 101 advice

Hello, First of all I‘d like to say I’m super impressed with the wealth of exact information and knowledge available here. I had a homestudio once but started traveling about five years ago and haven’t done anything with recording music since. It is now that I’ve temporarily settled in a place...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Can’t seem to find the Primo EM248 mic for sale?

 

[staticV3]

Can’t seem to find the Primo EM248 mic for sale?

It's the EM258: https://micbooster.com/product/primo-em258-mono-module-with-35mm-plug/?v=5f02f0889301

 

[dickiefunk]

It's the EM258: https://micbooster.com/product/primo-em258-mono-module-with-35mm-plug/?v=5f02f0889301

Ah ok thanks. Is this a condenser mic? It says in the description that it needs to be in a casing? Also, it’s a mini jack plug?

 

[Berwhale]

Ah ok thanks. Is this a condenser mic? It says in the description that it needs to be in a casing? Also, it’s a mini jack plug?

Yes, given that you already have an interface and probably a cable and maybe a stand, the ECM8000 would be a better buy as it comes in a standard mic body with stand adapter and a carry case. There's also a downloadable calibration file for the ECM8000, although I think this is a generic file, rather than one that is individual to each ECM8000 (you have to provide the serial number to get the specific file a UMIK-1).

 

[staticV3]

Ah ok thanks. Is this a condenser mic?

It's an Electret mic, requiring plug-in power for the internal FET.

You can plug it into an audio interface using a Rode VXLR+, or use an Apple headphone adapter as your interface, which is purpose-built for Electret mics.

It says in the description that it needs to be in a casing?

No, that's just weirldy worded. You don't need anything extra. You can just hold up the mic by its cable while you measure.

Also, it’s a mini jack plug?

Correct.

 

[Shrek6]

Dayton audio EMM-6. Unlike the Behringer it comes with calibration file

 

[DVDdoug]

You can plug the EM258 into your regular soundcard or laptop. Those connections provide 5V for "computer electret condenser mics". If you have a "modern" laptop with a mic/headphone combo jack you'll need a TRRS adapter (with the "extra" microphone contact).

 

[westyjeff]

I found this on Amazon, Superlux ECM 999, for $50 it works well

 

[shurioto]

One Idea: You can buy the MA1 and use ist in REW as well. Neumann provides the calibration files on their homepage. If you don't invest in neumanns, you may sell it for a quite good price and go for a cheaper or keep it.

 

[DVDdoug]

I found this on Amazon, Superlux ECM 999, for $50 it works well

It may be OK but it (like the EM258) doesn't seem to come with a calibration file. Usually low frequency room modes are worse than the microphone but it depends on how accurate you want to be.

You don't always need SPL (loudness measurement) but one advantage to USB measurement mics is that the SPL level is calibrated as well as the frequency response. With an analog mic, the digital level depends on the ADC and preamp gain. You can make an SPL calibration if you have an SPL meter/