iPad Cubasis Focusrite 18i20 microphone comparison test AKG D 870 C1000 Sennheiser ME 66 Rode NT5 4K

iPad Cubasis Focusrite 18i20 microphone comparison test AKG D 870 C1000 Sennheiser ME 66 Rode NT5 filmed in 4K

Hi I'm Paul Straws and I have 10 years of recording experience, primarily as an artist. Together with my friend Dave from Liverpool TV, who is a producer with 25 years of recording experience, we do a lot of production work. Over the years, it has become apparent that the traditional routes to high quality recordings are becoming outdated. As a result, we have decided to do a number of tests that take us out of the realms of traditional large recording environments.

This first test is working towards achieving the highest possible audio recording quality, for the least amount of money and equipment. In this test, we are specifically looking at vocal recordings, using a number of affordable microphones.

Due to the mobile and self sufficient nature of the modern artist in comparison to his or her counterpart from those of the past, it made a lot of sense to use an ipad as the hardware centre of these tests. Although we are looking for the most cost effective and flexible system, there is no doubt that a good microphone pre-amp and analogue to digital converters are absolutely necessary. For the interface and conversion process we are using the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20. Whilst this unit isn't necessarily the cheapest, Focusrite and other manufactures do make other high quality affordable interfaces, such as the cheaper models in the Scarlett range.

For recording, we are using the Cubasis ipad app by Steinberg. Although we are only using this as an audio recorder for the sake of these tests, this in our opinion is the singular most important app for ios devices for any musician who is recording or producing using a tablet. We are so impressed with Cubasis, that we are in the process of completing some songs that are produced entirely in Cubasis.

To make this test as transparent and as equal as possible, all microphones are plugged directly into the Scarlett 18i20 via the same front XLR input. There are no compressors or other effects applied before, during or after any of the recordings. Basically the audio is as direct as possible between the input to the output. We used the entire dynamic range, so there may be the odd slight peak in some of the signals. There was a slight re-balancing of the microphone takes to maintain a relative level of volume between them through to the output.

Also, the recording environment was a loft studio which is not soundproofed, so on close inspection with eg headphones, you may hear some spill from noise outside. This actually helps to determine the sensitivity of some of the microphones.

For more information on David Harry please visit

[marciabizakis]

Good information, along with hearing Paul sing a bit. 🎤🎧

[paulstraws]

iPad Cubasis Focusrite 18i20 microphone comparison test AKG D 870 C1000 Sennheiser ME 66 Rode NT5 filmed in 4K

Hi I'm Paul Straws and I have 10 years of recording experience, primarily as an artist. Together with my friend Dave from Liverpool TV, who is a producer with 25 years of recording experience, we do a lot of production work. Over the years, it has become apparent that the traditional routes to high quality recordings are becoming outdated. As a result, we have decided to do a number of tests that take us out of the realms of traditional large recording environments. 

This first test is working towards achieving the highest possible audio recording quality, for the least amount of money and equipment. In this test, we are specifically looking at vocal recordings, using a number of affordable microphones. 
 
Due to the mobile and self sufficient nature of the modern artist in comparison to his or her counterpart from those of the past, it made a lot of sense to use an ipad as the hardware centre of these tests. Although we are looking for the most cost effective and flexible system, there is no doubt that a good microphone pre-amp and analogue to digital converters are absolutely necessary. For the interface and conversion process we are using the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20. Whilst this unit isn't necessarily the cheapest, Focusrite and other manufactures do make other high quality affordable interfaces, such as the cheaper models in the Scarlett range.

For recording, we are using the Cubasis ipad app by Steinberg. Although we are only using this as an audio recorder for the sake of these tests, this in our opinion is the singular most important app for ios devices for any musician who is recording or producing using a tablet. We are so impressed with Cubasis, that we are in the process of completing some songs that are produced entirely in Cubasis.

To make this test as transparent and as equal as possible, all microphones are plugged directly into the Scarlett 18i20 via the same front XLR input. There are no compressors or other effects applied before, during or after any of the recordings. Basically the audio is as direct as possible between the input to the output. We used the entire dynamic range, so there may be the odd slight peak in some of the signals. There was a slight re-balancing of the microphone takes to maintain a relative level of volume between them through to the output.

Also, the recording environment was a loft studio which is not soundproofed, so on close inspection with eg headphones, you may hear some spill from noise outside. This actually helps to determine the sensitivity of some of the microphones.

For more information on David Harry please visit 

[yaroslavyaroslavovich]

I hate sennhiesers Mics. But it's the best for your voice i think) it takes the best in sound)