Customer Reviews

CAD GXL2200 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought two of these a number of years ago and use it to record instruments (clarinet, saxophone etc.) as well as vocals. The sound is warm, transparent, and very life-like. I've also used them for recording voice-over for a documentary. They've held up very well and I very happy with how well they work for me.

When these microphones are positioned fairly close to the speakers (with the microphone is facing away from the speakers) the directional sensitivity (cardioid pickup pattern) is such that there is no feedback at all. Like most condenser microphones these requires 48v standard "phantom power".

After a few years the shock-mount rubber bands deteriorated and I e-mailed CAD customer support to inquire about purchasing replacements, but to my surprise, they simply mailed me a double set of replacements at no charge right away.

Now, is this any way to run a company? You bet it is, because they've made a friend and booster for life.

In summary, these microphones will let you make for superb recordings of a large variety of musical instruments including vocals.

I like this microphone so much for my home studio podcasting and voice work that this is the second one I've purchased. And for an odd reason - this one is about 4 years later than the first - this seems to sound a wee bit better. Plus it's a sharp-looking silver. Nice.

For the price, if you want a condenser mike - you can't go wrong with this.

I'm a big fan of how technology can help the 'average man' do things that used to be reserved for professionals. A friend and I got to talking about a hobby we both enjoy, and decided to start a podcast. My first 'solution' was to buy a USB mic. After some inconsistency issues, I returned it and pondered going the XLR route after a friend recommended CAD mics to me.

Once the mic arrived, I plugged everything in and read some content from wikipedia as a test. I was impressed with the mics balance of clarity of voice capture and richness. The USB mics I was looking at seemed to offer either somewhat muddy richness (AT2020USB), or characterless clarity (Blue Yeti). I wasn't looking for a mic that distorted my voice, but I also wanted one that accentuated my voice.

As we've been recording our podcast, my friend and I haven't noticed a tremendous difference between the CAD GXL2200 and a slightly more expensive AKG mic we borrowed. I've since purchased another CAD GXL2200 so we have the same mics.

Pros:
- 1" diaphragm
- Included shock mount
- Nice balance of clarity and richness in recording voice
- Internal high-pass filter, great if you want/need it for your use
- Sharp look, in my opinion of course

Cons:
- Comes with a bag for the mic, but no storage for the shock mount. Not a huge deal because of cost, but even a small bag would be nice for protection
- Build quality of the body is just ok. Once I unscrewed the bottom to access the internal high-pass filter, the body didn't seem to line up right when put back together, and some of the information printed on the mic wore off. No performance issues whatsoever, just something I noticed

While I'm no professional when it comes to recording audio or critiquing the final output, I am very satisfied with the CAD GXL2200, and would suggest it to anyone who wants to start a podcast or do some basic voice recording.

I ordered this through Amazon as it is nearly half the price of what I would pay here in NZ for it. At first I thought there was a problem as it was very distorted and static sounding but I then realized I had to turn the gain way down as compared to using dynamic Mic's when setting the input level in my DAW. This is my first experience with a condenser Mic and they are so sensitive at picking up the slightest sound. I recorded my guitar amp at about 5 feet away and if the mixer gain / guitar volume is too high and you hit the strings hard there is a sharp clipping that sounds horrible so care is needed on setting a very low input level. The recordings sound very natural and uncoloured. Recorded voice is really amazing sounding and crystal clear as compared to a dynamic AKG Mic Ive got.
I experimented with my acoustic guitar as well and found with the Mic aimed towards the fingerboard about 3 feet away sounded very natural. I wondered if the GXL2400 was any better as it has much the same specs but hardly any reviews.

This microphone is decent, probably the best for its price. Tweak the eq and the compressor, you will get a very decent sound via this mic.
I used this for saxophone, vocal, and other instruments. Works great in all of them. Loving the way it looks.
But the shockmount is cheaply made, but fairly reliable.

This mic is really good for the money. Bought for the bf and he says it has great quality sound. Records over tracks with it and he is pleased.

Bought this mic to record straight to my pc through a mixer board. Sounds AMAZING! With studio headphone, i can hear so much clarity. Get a pop filter and a mic stand and you're all set.

My daughter wanted to record her singing and read about this microphone. It came exactly as promised and is just
what she wanted.

I have to admit, I'm a bit of a newbie when it comes to condenser mics, but the moment I plugged this thing in I fell in love with it. I quickly discovered that pop filters are a MUST, but the sound reproduction is incredible as is its sensitivity! It even picked up my office chair creaking as I moved on it! I would happily buy another one if the need arose. Build quality is awesome and it even comes with its own protective carry bag and a great shock mount. For the money, you can't go wrong in my opinion.

i bought this about 4 days ago it is already here hooked it up to my preamp and it had a lot of static then i blew into the input holes and it sounded great i also bought it cuz im upgrading from a cad u37 usb mic very good to highly recommended