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Are you looking to add some sparkle to your sound? Look no further than the Telefunken M80.
This microphone features a supercardioid polar pattern and frequency response of 50 Hz – 18 kHz, making it perfect for those wanting a lively high end.
With its solid build and affordable price, the M80 is a great choice for both studio and live sound reinforcement applications.
Read on to learn more and find out if the M80 is the right microphone for you.
Key Takeaways
- The Telefunken M80 is an affordable microphone with a solid build and a bright, lively high end.
- It has a supercardioid polar pattern that minimizes unwanted noise and a frequency response of 50 Hz – 18 kHz.
- In studio applications, the M80’s brightness can be a blessing or a curse, and may require EQ adjustments or a de-esser.
- It may not be the obvious choice for live vocals as its bright character may not blend well with the mix, and heavy EQ-ing may be required.
Overview
Though it’s affordable, the Telefunken M80 is an incredibly bright microphone with a lively high end and solid build. Its supercardioid polar pattern minimizes unwanted noise, while its frequency response of 50 Hz – 18 kHz accentuates the high end.
Its brightness can be a blessing or a curse depending on the application. Build quality is solid and attractive, and it compares favorably to other microphones like the M81, Sennheiser e 945, Shure SM58, Shure SM57, and Neumann KMS 105.
With its bright character, it may be better suited for those seeking a bright and energetic sound, though adjustments may be necessary for different contexts.
Polar Pattern and Frequency Response
You’ll find the Telefunken M80 is equipped with a supercardioid polar pattern and a frequency response of 50 Hz – 18 kHz.
Its supercardioid pattern helps to reduce unwanted noise, while the bright frequency response gives it an energetic sound.
Compared to a cardioid polar pattern, the supercardioid shape is more directional and better suited to reducing ambient noise.
The bright frequency response gives it a lively high end, which can be desirable or problematic depending on the context.
It’s important to note that this bright, pronounced high end may require EQ adjustments or a de-esser to keep it from overpowering the mix.
Studio Applications
In the studio, the Telefunken M80’s brightness can be a blessing or a curse. Its accentuated high end can require high end adjustments and EQ-ing requirements, depending on the desired sound.
While the M80 can provide a lively sound, it may not be the ideal choice for all genres and requires careful considerations. Its supercardioid polar pattern can minimize unwanted noise and its frequency response of 50 Hz – 18 kHz helps to capture a range of frequencies.
As a vocal microphone, the M80 can be a great choice for those seeking a bright and energetic sound, though it may require adjustments for different contexts.
Live Sound Reinforcement
For live sound reinforcement, the Telefunken M80 isn’t the obvious choice. Its bright character may not blend well with the mix, and require heavy EQ-ing.
There are other alternative microphone options which may be better suited for this purpose. For example, the Sennheiser e 945 and Neumann KMS 105 both offer a more balanced sound and are more suitable for mixing challenges.
The M80 is still a great microphone, but may not be the best choice for live sound reinforcement.
Instrument Specific Applications
Frequently, the Telefunken M80 is used to mic guitar amps, acoustic guitars, bass amps, and drums.
Using the Telefunken M80 for guitar amps, it works well for heavier, aggressive guitar sounds, but may not be ideal for cleaner tones.
On acoustic guitars, it’s not the first choice, as it may emphasize transients on steel-strings.
When used with bass amps, it’s best to experiment with it in conjunction with another microphone, such as in punkier settings.
For drums, the M80 is excellent as a snare microphone, providing snap and punch, though limited experience exists on other parts of the kit.
Exploring the M80’s capabilities on drums can be a great way to get creative with sound.
Conclusion
The Telefunken M80 is an excellent microphone for those looking for a bright and energetic sound.
With its supercardioid polar pattern and wide frequency response, it’s great for studio and live sound reinforcement applications.
Plus, the solid build and affordable price make it an attractive choice for any budget.
So, if you’re looking to add some sparkle to your sound, the Telefunken M80 is definitely worth considering.
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