CAD M179 Review
Variable-Pattern Condenser Microphone
- For Vocals, Voice-Overs & Instruments
- Continuously Variable Polar Pattern Dial
- Switchable -20 dB Pad
- High-Pass Filter at 100 Hz
- Shockmount Inhibits Vibration Noise
- Dual 1.1" Gold-Sputtered Diaphragms
- Fast Transient Response and Low Noise
- Stainless Steel Internal Pop Filter
- XLR 3-Pin Output Connector
- Runs on 24 to 52 VDC Phantom Power
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 3,010 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the CAD M179. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the CAD M179. For example, 84% of 163 users who have commented on the Versatility of the CAD M179 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 20 Reviews
For the price, you can't do better.
CAD M179 Variable-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Before buying this microphone, I had read a lot of glowingly positive reviews as well as a few mixed reviews. I had been expecting good things, but now, having used this microphone, it has far surpassed my expectations. It sounds fantastic, better than I expected, especially considering the price. I am currently using this microphone for acoustic guitar and vocals. I have been playing guitar for 15 years and have been professionally recording and mixing for 4 years, so I know guitar sounds. On acoustic guitar (strummed, with pick): positioned around where the fretboard meets the body, about 9 inches back, pointed towards the fretboard, this microphones yields an incredibly clear, balanced, and full sound. The lows are tremendous, extended, and clear without being boomy, absolutely no mud. I have heard people say that this is one of the best low tom mics, and now I can see why. The lows are clean, with no distortion whatsoever. It is a big, deep sound. The highs are present and clear without being spiky or peaky. The highs have a nice chewiness to them when strumming. Nothing is jumping out and piercing my ear drums. I hear no harsh high mid/high frequencies at all (those between 1.8kHz and 6 kHz), and normally those frequencies drive me up a wall. I always find myself EQing those frequencies out of my acoustic tracks, but not with this mic. Very smooth. I was convinced to buy this mic when I saw a youtube video where it was compared side by side with a $1600 Schoeps mic. Even so, it still surpassed my expectations in recording acoustic guitar. On vocals, male, baritone: similar result as with the acoustic guitar. Lows are deep and full without being muddy or woofy. No annoying resonances in the upper mids. It will be a bit too sibilant and essy if you are not using a pop filter or you don't position it correctly, so you use a pop filter to tame those sibilant frequencies, and/or put the mic off axis from the mouth. Mine came with an audible 60 cycle hum, especially when utilizing patterns other than cardioid. The further you turn polar pattern toward figure 8 or omni (dialing in the second diaphragm), the hum increases. However, it is barely noticeable on cardioid mode (only utilizing the one diaphragm). I gather from the forums and from other reviews that this problem is not uncommon, so it looks like there needs to be an improvement in QC here. Fortunately CAD puts a generous 2 year warranty on this mic and they will take care of it and you will have a hum-free mic, so no points off for this. I would take off half a star if I could, just for the inconvenience, but since I can't do half stars I'll give it 5 because in the end you still get a great mic for a great price. Just keep your receipt! ... More
Best bang-for-buck LDC for instruments
CAD M179 Variable Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Matt W. on Reverb
My rating reflects value for money. The M179 is basically a poor-man's C414, but with a bit more of a U87 vibe (since it has a K67-style capsule, mostly noticeable in the off-axis treble response). Noise is very low for this price category, sensitivity and dynamic range are solid too -- not at the level of a newer 414 or CAD's E100S, but really fine for just about any instrument recording application. For the price? Amazing. CAD's opamp-based transformerless electronics are excellent, totally neutral. People love M179s on toms for a reason -- they are a bit brighter than 414s and have a tiny bit more stick slap. They work extremely well on drum room, toms, mallet percussion, banjo, and mandolin. They work pretty well on overheads, acoustic guitar, piano, horns, and bass cabs. They're so-so on vocals and strings. ... More
Great Do it all mic!
CAD M179 Variable-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
This was my first condenser mic when I was young. I had moved on to higher end mics such as the U87ai. I can assure you this mic can holds its own when comparing it to other microphones. I have used it to record vocals, guitar and percussion. It records them all great! I was recently looking for a Swiss army knife mic, and I decided to grab one of these for a second time. What a great mic to compliment the U87ai. This mic is light on the bass or warmth area. So I really don't use any eq. It just sits in a mix without adding mud. I don't recommend this on thin sounding voices. This mic is very neutral. It does not impart the high frequency harshness that most Chinese capsules impart! Great job CAD! ... More
great for beginners/intermediate
CAD M179 Variable-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by jnTracks on B&H Photo Video
this is a great mic for beginners to recording starting out with a home studio, and will still have value later. the variable pattern and pad/highpass make it good for a wide variety of applications and one of the best values for the price range.
A real bargain....
CAD M179 Variable-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by HR Bassman on B&H Photo Video
As much of a snob as many of us studio guys can be, I know I like a cool bargain and value. I bought a pair of these and could not be happier. Just the adjustable patterns alone make it a great deal. Put these in an X/Y or a Blumlein setup for an acoustic singer songwriter or a room mic pair and you won't be disappointed. They won't replace your U47s but they get the job done. My only question...why do they come packaged in cases that seem built to transport ballistics? I had to chuck the way overbuilt cases to store the mics. ... More
Ads
Neutral sound, low noise, bulky case
CAD M179 Variable-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by BlueInRed on B&H Photo Video
I think this mic has neutral sound so it would be easier to use than Rode NT1A which has special accent at high frequency, but still has open sound with wider range at high frequency than some MXL mics which produce warm sound with a little compressor effect. I like my Rode and MXL, but I often have to try to find the best settings (distance or direction) for those mics. I may prefer my Audio Technica AT2035 to CAD M179, though I cannot find a big differece. M179 is cheaper than AT2035 but has variable pattern and also comes with 2 types of mount (shock and non-shock mounts, good quality). The plastic case is good, but too bulky. I haven't tried with toms which many people recommends this mic for. The best price found at B&H. Possibly the best budget LDC (large diaphragm condenser) mic. ... More
Excellent Mic
CAD M179 Variable-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by TomH on B&H Photo Video
I've recorded live music for years and use many brands of mics, many much more expensive. The CAD M177 and M179 are extremely neutral open sounding microphones. They are not bright but deliver a very open sound with fast transient response, very low noise and an open natural presentation of the recorded instrument. The multi pattern capability of the M179 mic adds significant flexibility to the mic.
Best budget multi-pattern condenser!
CAD M179 Variable-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Negative Snowman on B&H Photo Video
The M-179 doesn't cost much at all for a microphone, but nothing about what you get for a little over $ is cheap: a solid, hard plastic case with protective foam, shockmount and regular mount, and a no-nonsense microphone. The M-179 will get the job done for anything percussion, and its variable pattern gives you flexibility, especially if you get two like I did! :)B&H gives you good deals, fast shipping, and reliable service. If you need a inexpensive workhorse condenser, snag one of these now!
Sounds much better than my MXL!
CAD M179 Variable-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
All jokes aside (which is a very true and accurate statement), this microphone really did put a smile on my face. It didn't need EQ or compression for it to accurately portray the sounds I put in front of it. I bought a pair of these and set one up in front of my guitar and one for my vocal and played a live song that I tracked into pro tools. I couldn't have been happier with the results. Great product and an even better one for the price!
Bang for the buck, most versatile mic available.
CAD M179 Variable Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Mike M. on Reverb
First, this is a stellar tom mic. It will be your first choice for most toms at nearly any price. After that, it is uncolored and full range, and as such works well for any task. This is a great first step into condensers, and will likely never leave your collection.
Great versatility
CAD M179 Variable-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
It's well known that this microphone is great quality for the price. The continuously variable polar pattern makes this mic suitable as a general condenser for recording band practices/rehearsals, and recording a single singer or instrument. I still have yet to experiment much with the HP filter and attenuation, but will post another review in a couple months.
Extremely neutral mic at a low price
CAD M179 Variable-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Tom on B&H Photo Video
I own 3 of these mics, as well as Shure SM81s, AT4050s and Senheisser Mk 4s. If you want extremely quite, low distortion, low coloration mic,s at a low cost, these mics are an excellent buy. I've owned mine for about 10 years and they have been flawless. They are great for drums, acoustic guitars, orchestral recording, etc. These are accurate mics, without romantic colorations.
Use it on everything!
CAD M179 Variable Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Jeremy B. on Reverb
This is the best condenser for the money. It would be hard to find something this mic isn't good for.
A very multi-purpose(versatile) microphone!
CAD M179 Variable-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Payotte on B&H Photo Video
A very multi-purpose(versatile) microphone! The powerful and beautiful sound definition! I ve got three examples and I use it for voice(vote), accordion, Drums! To use with a good microphone stand because it is a little bit heavy! That of the happiness! In Live or in studio! Bravo CAD !
A Versatile , Great Sounding mid priced mic
CAD M179 Variable Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Vince M. on Reverb
Nice mic...the various configurations can be quite handy when needed...good overall clean sound..can be hyped if needed
Tom Tom Bomb
CAD M179 Variable Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Erik G. on Reverb
This makes your Toms sounds like the way you hear them in your mind. Rack, Floor...score!
Nice tom mic!!!...
CAD M179 Variable-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I use it for drums. As overhead or for toms. Perfect for toms!!! Variable patterns are great for different applications (guitar, piano,...). Maybe not as good as some $ mics, but for the price... wow! (best mic for toms!... regardless of price)
Great mic!
CAD M179 Variable-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by jazzin on B&H Photo Video
Great affordable mic! Precise sound, easy to use
Great miv but defective
CAD M179 Variable-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Xgman on B&H Photo Video
This mic have good sound but the patern selector make a hum when i touch it and when i turn it is make a lot moise like a loose contact It seem like a commun problem i return it for a other model.
Good mike. Terrible threads on mic mount
CAD M179 Variable-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Roger on B&H Photo Video
Bought this mic for use @ work as we expand into social media. Will be used with consumer-level HD camcorder. Initial testing shows that mic works well, BUT... the diameter of the threading on the mic-stand mounting bracket is too large...have tried on two different mic stands, and am having difficulty tightening. This mic is too good to risk it falling off the mic stand. Will check with B&H (or with manufacturer, if necessary) to see if the support can be replaced.
