Customer Reviews

M-Audio Nova Affordable Large Capsule Cardioid Microphone

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have been recording and engineering for more than 30 years. I own quite a number of excellent microphones ranging from AKG, Rode, Audio Technica and more. I was helping a friend mix a song he recorded on his digital work station and told him how impressed I was by the sound of his vocal tracks. He pulled out the M-Audio Nova and said that was the microphone he had used on all of the vocals. When he told me it was around $100.00 new I had to have one. I have microphones that cost 5 to 6 times more than this mic but honestly this mic ranks right up there with them. Don't think the cheap mic comes with a cheap sound, it is an excellent vocal or acoustic instrument microphone. (Remember it is a condenser and needs to be powered by your mixer, recorder or pre amp)

I am using two of this since a year (together with m-audios mobile pre and a Mac notebook). It is just great to record with this mics. You like examples? Hear this http://www.ecliptic.ch/Horn/home.html

Great mic for Podcasting. I put it on a nice desk stand and hook it into the Maudio USB Preamp. It does require phantom power and has XLR connectors.. so it won't plug directly into your powerbook.

As Rick says, this is the best under $200 mic going.
It is crisp and clear and warm and clean.
I like it on acoustic guitar, and placement is not critical.
I like it on my voice and it seems to have less quirks than the Oktava 319 and MXL 990, both of which I have.
It is very hefty and solid and tracks recorded with it stand out. Vocal prescence is excellent.
I am quite happy with this mic.
Deal-wise, I was fortunate enough to get a B-stock lightly handled show mic.
It came with a cable and case and cost ME less than $60 delivered.
Extremely hard to beat at that price. It even came with a cable.
This mic is a very good deal at the 99 bones it is advertised at currently.
You could easily spend more and get less.

This is a very good microphone to make music. It has a 'large cardioid' which is very good for picking up vocal and instrumental sounds. I play the violin and guitar. So it is essential that mic placement doesn't effect the tonal quality too much. It costs $100 but sounds well like one worth twice its price. This microphone does require to be powered, so you need to have phantom power capabilities in your preamp/audio interface. If you wish to consider a computer/laptop as your direct end point and not a mixer, then please invest in a good preamp. Latency is a HUGE issue in most pre-amps. If you just wish to record speech, latency shouldn't be a problem at all. I use the Yamaha Audiogram 3 and would highly recommend it. It is beyond better than most of the preamps on Amazon which are of poor quality.

I hate the cheap plasticy feels of most products. This mic has a very solid metalic feel to it. I found a used for a great deal and it still works like a charm. Mine came with a soft case. So if your's doesn't I would recommend one. I would surely recommend a pop filter if you wish to record singing or speech. It makes a huge difference and isn't very expensive. This mic is very under-rated. It should well be the best selling non-usb condenser mic.

Sound Quality : 4.5/5
Durability: 4.5/5
Value: 5/5
Overall: 5/5

I have been recording and engineering for more than 30 years. I own quite a number of excellent microphones ranging from AKG, Rode, Audio Technica and more. I was helping a friend mix a song he recorded on his digital work station and told him how impressed I was by the sound of his vocal tracks. He pulled out the M-Audio Nova and said that was the microphone he had used on all of the vocals. When he told me it was around $100.00 new I had to have one. I have microphones that cost 5 to 6 times more than this mic but honestly this mic ranks right up there with them. Don't think the cheap mic comes with a cheap sound, it is an excellent vocal or acoustic instrument microphone. (Remember it is a condenser and needs to be powered by your mixer, recorder or pre amp)

M-Audio is the future of recording. I have 7 other M-Audio products and I love every one the same. This is the product that I will use to record my self titled album (V.I.P.E.R. The Hate That Motivates). This microphone is crisp and clear. No need for a pop guard with this propely priced condenser. I love this mic. Like Nas said " All I need is one Mic". To all the aspiring artist out there. Follow your Dreams and get this mic. Reid O Brown DJ V.i.P. V.I.P.E.R. 9325) 261-2191

This is an excellent microphone in price range of $100. Overall, satisfied with the product