Audix VX5 Review
Handheld Supercardioid Condenser Microphone
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 11 of 11 Reviews
A condensor for bands that ROCk
Audix VX5 Handheld Supercardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Heavy G on Guitar Center
Wow. I have to admit that I was skeptical about deploying a condensor on stage with my band (heavy pop/rock/blues)...obviously the Audix engineers have done some great things in their lineup (the I5, which also have, smokes an SM57 for the "swiss army mic" honors...the D6 is the finest kick drum mic for those "in the know"...the OM5/OM7 are tremendous live dynamics for high volume applications)...and now the VX5 (the little brother to the high end VX10) has officially blow me away, too. I have used a Beta 58 for at least 10 years now and was pretty pleased with it...but since I am singing more in the band...I wanted to see if there was something better out there...so I " A / B'ed" the Beta 87, Beta 58, OM-7, EV-967 and the VX-5. The VX5 was easily the most balanced sounding, delivered with the most detail and clarity, the highest volume....well, you get the idea. I know that sound is very subjective, so all I would say in closing is...don't buy on reputation (Audis is a relatively unknown company compared to Shure, Neumann, EV, etc). Listen for yourself with truly open ears...you might be surprised...I sure was...I was determined to buy the Beta 87 (I had already made up my mind)...but my ears decided otherwise. Bravo, Audix...I am your biggest fan. Now if she will just hold up for 10 years like my Beta 58 (which I gave to my keyboard player to use). Rock on... ... More
Studio Vocals, ...On The Road !
Audix VX5 - Cardioid Handheld Condenser Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
This mic is tailor-made for those of us who would like to tour with the vocal sound of an AKG C12, Neumann TLM170 or Rode NT1-A, but (like nearly all of us) lack the funds for both the mics themselves and/or the feedback-preventing monitoring they'd require onstage, ...not to mention the impracticality of shielding such studio thoroughbreds from road-induced damage, along with the ugliness of their sheer bulk in front of a vocalist's face.The detailed, ribbon-like, golden age of radio naturalness of vocal bass from an Audix VX5 really is as good as that. Honestly. Truly. No exaggeration.If that weren't enough, its dual-layered wind-basket and rear porting allow pop-free working of proximity effect, although a foamy will be needed outdoors to allow roll-off free operation without wind rumbling into those rear ports.Then there's the shock of hearing one of these for the first time after fading down, removing anybody else's standard vocal mic and fading up an Audix VX5.First off, you'll need more input gain as (even with its trombone or sax attenuator switched out) it's quieter by about 10 dB or so.Then, ...look out !It's as though your vocals just leapt into the listeners' brains, by-passing all transducers and amplification. Open-mouthed FOH and monitor mixers shake their heads in disbelief. Band members now hear the vocal foldback as though the other mic had been receiving its sound from beneath a pile of laundry. Tech-heads will be wondering what multi-band magic processor has just been switched in......and...heaps more crystal-clear gain is available before the onset of feedback.Best of all, the VX5 costs about the same as any other vocal mic that approaches its level of roadworthy ruggedness.It appears indestructible with tamper-proof switches that seem built for eternity, the only clue to both its cheapness and its method of achieving total freedom from overload being slight residual self-noise.In over forty years of professional audio (mostly live and on location) I've found very few mics that also approach the Audix VX5's detailed and eminently workable response, regardless of price.To my mind, that makes it a genuine bargain.Be warned, ...lethal force will be required to deprive me of mine. ... More
Studio Vocals, ...On The Road !
Audix VX5 - Cardioid Handheld Condenser Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
This mic is tailor-made for those of us who would like to tour with an AKG C12, Neumann TLM170 or Rode NT1-A, but (like nearly all of us) lack the funds for both the mics themselves and/or the feedback-preventing monitoring they'd require onstage, ...not to mention the impracticality of shielding such studio thoroughbreds from road-induced damage, along with the ugliness of their sheer bulk in front of a vocalist's face.The detailed, ribbon-like, golden age of radio naturalness of vocal bass from an Audix VX5 really is as good as that. Honestly. Truly. No exaggeration. If that weren't enough, its dual-layered wind-basket and rear porting allow pop-free working of proximity effect, although a foamy will be needed outdoors to allow roll-off free operation without wind rumbling into those rear ports.Then there's the shock of hearing one of these for the first time after fading down, removing anybody else's standard vocal mic and fading up an Audix VX5.First off, you'll need more input gain as (even with its trombone or sax attenuator switched out) it's quieter by about 10 dB or so. Then, ...look out !It's as though your vocals just leapt into the listeners' brains, by-passing all transducers and amplification. Open-mouthed FOH and monitor mixers shake their heads in disbelief. Band members now hear the vocal foldback as though the other mic had been receiving its sound from beneath a pile of laundry. Tech-heads will be wondering what multi-band magic processor has just been switched in......and...heaps more crystal-clear gain is available before the onset of feedback.Best of all, the VX5 costs about the same as any other vocal mic that approaches its level of roadworthy ruggedness. It appears indestructible with tamper-proof switches that seem built for eternity, the only clue to both its cheapness and its method of achieving total freedom from overload being slight residual self-noise.In over forty years of professional audio (mostly live and on location) I've found very few mics that also approach the Audix VX5's detailed and eminently workable response, regardless of price.To my mind, that makes it a genuine bargain.Be warned, ...lethal force will be required to deprive me of mine. ... More
Amazing mic how sweet the sound.
Audix VX5 Handheld Supercardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Everyday Rain on Guitar Center
I love this mic (Audix vx5), it cuts through the mix. My sound guy loves how natural it sounds. I've been using a Shure beta58 for the past 10 years (good mic). We have started recording live and I knew I needed a condenser mic to sit right in the mix. After trying a few other mic's, I tried the Audix; the warmth and presence was awesome for my voice. We use IEM's and I could tell right away it just sounded amazing to me. Plus it didn't break my budget.
Still A top Contender in 2024
Audix VX5 Handheld Supercardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Paul on Guitar Center
Get them while you can. Natural/transparent and a good feedback fighter. Fans of the Senny e935 will probably like this a lot. I thought that the Audix OM5 was great, and it is, but when I heard this mic I was blown away. It really is one of those best kept secrets (hint- so is a Miktek PM9 if condensers scare you)... Audix really never gave this mic the PR it deserves. I don't know if anyone has ever ponied up for a Audix VX10, or even heard of them, but I'd love to get my hands on one. Totally worth it. db cut and bass roll-off are things the mixer does and I guess I'd prefer they not be in the mic but they are there if you want them. Personally I'll never touch the switches. On the plus side they are recessed so there is no way you'll change the settings accidentally. The one somewhat odd thing is that the shape of Audix mics is unique and some mic clips don't work well and the Audix brand ones work best, of course. Made up the road in Wilsonville, Oregon, USA baby! ... More
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NO BETTER MIC!!
Audix VX5 Handheld Supercardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Carlos Lopez on Guitar Center
I was told that the Beta 87a was the best microphone after the the KSM9 Shure mic, but after comparing them, I was sold for the VX-5. I saw that it adds more crisp and more power to the high end and it gave me that clarity that I was looking for. We have an beta 87a for our Pastor, but I always like to stick to the VX-5. I would recommend the VX-5 over any dynamic or condencer microphone, except the KSM9. I am waiting for the wireless version of this. It has a -10 dB pad and a bass roll off that is perfect for the loud stage or the loud singer (I'm guilty!). It is lightweight and it truly cuts through the mix, I love this mic! ... More
A breakthrough in microphones
Audix VX5 Handheld Supercardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Jarema Pylypczak on Guitar Center
I sing in a folk/rock band and was looking for a new mic about 7 months ago. Previously I had used some sm-57's and 58's as well as a few AKG mic's (all cardioid). I went to a local guitar center and compared a Shure Beta 87a to the Audix VX5. I was sold by the anti-pop features and the crisp articulation that I was able to hear with the Audix. It was clear, yet kept the warm smooth condenser sound in my voice. After using this mic for 7 months I must say that I have no regrets. Frankly, I am grateful that I went with Audix and not the Shure powerhouse. I have played in some loud settings and not once has feedback been an issue. Overall this mic gets 10s across the board. ... More
Professional sounding mic
Audix VX5 - Cardioid Handheld Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Chuong on B&H Photo Video
I was tired of listening to myself singing with the Audio Technica AtT2010 for 2 years, proximity effect was awful on that mic. With the Audix vx5 everything is better, no more proximity effect!!! Voice is warm, clarity is high, I love it. Thanks to B&H also, I got the price match and received the microphone in 3 days, I live in California, what a great company to deal with.
Awesome condeser vocal Mic
Audix VX5 Handheld Supercardioid Condenser Mic
Reviewed by Joseph S. on Reverb
I was using a sm58 for vocals and this Mic absolutely blows it out of the water. Loads of presence, nice mid range and low end oomph make the audix vx5 a winner. But, make sure you can give it close to a full 48v of phantom power, it didn't like a weak voltage.
Nice Mic
Audix VX5 Handheld Supercardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by CHARLES LOOMIS on Guitar Center
Great hand held design. Our sound tech is upgrading us to condensor mics for stage use. He prefers AUDIX over the Beta 87A. We will be in soundcheck, shake out mode this week so we will see what happens! TY
Great Vocal Mic with a Studio sound
Audix VX5 - Cardioid Handheld Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Brian on B&H Photo Video
Great Vocal mic, studio sound in live situation. Rarely have to do much EQing with this mic, very transparent.
