Behringer XM8500 Microphone Review
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Believe it or not, there are plenty of incredible microphones out there that don’t cost a fortune if you know where to look. Many professionals, reviewers, or sound critics will have you believe that a mic has to be expensive in order to have great sound quality. The Behringer XM8500 mic quickly disproves this. Below, we’ll get into what makes this $20 mic a valuable investment. Keep scrolling to learn more.
About the Behringer XM8500
| Manufacturer | Behringer |
| Model Name | XM8500 |
| Polar Pattern | Unidirectional Cardioid |
| Connectivity | XLR cable |
| Color | Black |
| Weight | 11.4 ounces |
| Dimensions | 1.97 x 1.99 x 0.63 inches |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Frequency Response Range | 50 Hz to 15 kHz |
| Inclusions | Steel windscreen Rugged hard case Mic clip Mic stand adapter |
As you can see above, the Behringer XM8500 is as pretty straightforward as they come. It’s a cardioid dynamic microphone encased in steel and made to withstand a little beating.
Its two-stage pop filter is incredible at handling noise and its unidirectional capsule makes the voice sound as natural as possible. Being a Behringer product makes this mic unsurprisingly reliable when it comes to capturing music and filtering out a large portion of environmental noise in live applications.
Is Behringer a Good Microphone?
Behringer is an audio equipment company that originated in Germany but is now manufacturing products in China. They specialize in sound tools for live performances, concerts, musicians, studio recordings, and broadcasts.
Founded by musician and sound engineer Uli Behringer, the brand started off as a small business that provided equipment to the founder’s close friends until it became the powerhouse it is today.
Behringer has a wide range of products in its catalog, all of which are functional, reliable, and vary in design. Today, we’ll be focusing on the Behringer XM8500, a dynamic cardioid handheld microphone that has been held in high esteem among many professionals for its reliability and affordable price. It’s also been compared to the Shure SM58.
Benefits of the Behringer XM8500
If you had to choose one mic to bring with you on a tour and you happen to be on a budget, the Behringer XM8500 mic is a perfect choice. From its superior output to distinct voice pickup, there’s a lot to love about this mic. Here are a few of the main features that make it a worthy purchase.
Built-in Shock Mount
A shock mount can protect one’s mic from low-frequency static vibrations and the Behringer XM8500 comes with a built-in one. Whenever you’re out on the road or trying to record outdoors, the Behringer XM8500 guarantees clear and interference-free audio.
It also includes a two-stage pop filter that mutes pop noises whether it comes from the air or from the subject’s voice, making the mic perfect for outdoor music venues, live performances, and stadium-wide lectures.
You’ll never have to worry about traveling with the Behringer XM8500 microphone either. It comes with a beautifully sturdy microphone case with a cutout mold for the mic itself.
Solid Audio Output
We mentioned above that the Behringer XM8500 mic shines in live vocal applications and in recording amplified instruments. This is because it is able to achieve high gain before feedback, withstanding louder sounds and vocals without static or white noise interfering.
Upon testing the mic, we found that it does hold true to its unidirectional sensitivity. Sounds even slightly off-axis — in this case, coming from the sides and the rear of the microphone — are barely audible in the final recording.
Streamers will be happy to find that our keyboard test showed positive results as well. Typing sounds with the keyboard just below the microphone are barely heard on their own and much less so under the human voice.
Value Buy
At $20, you’ll never guess that the microphone performs this well. The Behringer XM8500 is our best value buy for a reason, and it’s because the price point is a huge steal when you consider its loud signal output and overall quality.
Other mics have the quality, others have the price, but rarely can you find a microphone that has both. From the reduced handling noise to the filtering out of pop noises, recording with the Behringer XM8500 almost feels like you’re recording with something three times its price. Any beginner or pro on a budget should have this in their arsenal.
Pros and Cons of the Behringer XM8500
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Comes with built-in shock mount ✔ Fantastic price ✔ Great output of sound | ✘ Lacks Cord |
What People Are Saying About This Microphone
“It is a very good and well-built microphone having a durable construction with its metal-based body and reinforced connections. This is the best option as a handheld microphone because it is reasonably priced for the features that it offers.”
REVIEWER – GEEKSPER
Where to Buy the Behringer XM8500
Enjoyed this review? The Behringer XM8500 is available now at Amazon. Go to the website to avail some of the greatest deals and prices.
Want to browse a little more? Our guide to the best dynamic microphones will be able to help you out.
Behringer XM8500
The Behringer XM8500 stands out as a remarkable microphone, boasting an array of impressive features. Equipped with a built-in shock mount, this microphone ensures optimal stability and minimizes unwanted vibrations, resulting in clear and pristine audio recordings.
What truly sets the XM8500 apart is its exceptional affordability, offering a fantastic price point without compromising on quality. Moreover, this microphone delivers a remarkable output of sound, capturing every nuance and detail with utmost precision.
Summary
The Behringer XM8500 is an impressive and affordable microphone, featuring a built-in shock mount for stability and clear audio. It delivers exceptional sound quality, capturing details with precision.
