Capture new levels of sound detail with the M179's variable polar pattern settings and highly sensitive dual diaphragm design.
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Similar to the M177 except with an adjustable Polar Pattern, the M179 features a dual-sided, externally-biased capsule with a gold sputtered 1.1 in. diaphragm. The M179 has a high-speed, low-noise operational amplifier, coupled with a new discrete high-efficiency power supply circuit. This results in incredibly low noise, low distortion and fast transient response. The M179 will even work with 24-volt phantom power supplies! The M179 also features a non-capacitive 20 dB pad switch and an 80 Hz high-pass filter.
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CAD products.
Specifications
Type: Side Address, External bias condenser
Frequency Response: 10 Hz - 20 kHz
Polar Pattern: Variable
Impedance: Low (200 ohms nominal)
Output Level At 1 kHz: Open Circuit
Voltage: -56 dB (0 dB = 1 volt per microbar). 15.9 mV/Pascal
Dynamic Range: 133 dB
Equivalent Noise Level: 11 dB Equivalent SPL, A-weighted
Maximum SPL: 143 dB SPL (With pad on)
Total Harmonic Distortion: Less than 0.15%
Powering: Minimum Requirements are 24, 48 Volt Phantom Power capable of delivering at least 8 mA
Connector: Three pin male XLR type
Finish: Titanium Grey with Nickel Plated front & rear screen
Dimensions: 2.25 in. (57.2 mm) Dia., x 7.00 in. (177.8 mm) Height
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Sound:
Very flat, very neutral sound. I've used this mic on an acoustic guitar and vocals so far, and both applications have surpassed my expectations. I appled the highpass filter for the guitar, and I get a great sound with just enough low end. Nice trebles, but more importantly a good balance between highs and lows.
Great op-amps, I can turn my level all the way up until I can hear a whisper... and still no hiss!
Feature:
I was skeptical that the variable pickup pattern would be of much use, but it really works well! In the cardiroid setting, the M179 barely picks up anything behind it (even if i clap my hands or snap my fingers). On the other hand, if it is turned to omni or figure-8 my sound gets a good presence and reverb from the room.
Ease of Use:
Easy to mount, easy to adjust the pickup, or the pad. Easy to set levels; picks up everything from the slightest whispers to the hardest rock. Easy to get a good position.
Quality:
This thing is built very well. My only disappointment is with the shockmount (mine came with one included). It helps with light bumps but I still get some noise if someone is walking on the studio floor or if anything even touches the stand. I was expecting a little better isolation.
Otherwise, this seems like a solid mic. The carry case is a nice plus too.
Value:
I'm really glad I got this mic. I was thinking about getting a $100 cheapo model the guy at the local Guitar Center was trying to push on me, since I'm new to 'home studio' recording, but I'm very glad I spent a little extra money, because what I've been getting is very near professional quality from this mic, and at an amazing price!
Manufacturer Support:
I have not contacted CAD with any concerns at this time.
The Wow Factor:
Whats not to like about this side-address condenser. It looks beautiful with a shockmount and pop filter, just begging to be sang to. I think this mic has classic styling, yet brings forward great versitility and new techologies that can't be beat at this price.
Overall:
Obviously there are 'professional' mics that sound better. That are flatter. That are better at their specific application. But for an all-around, versitiale, and affordable mic, the CAD M179 is amazing. Its features are great because they really work well, there is no hiss or noise, it works for very quiet, delicate sounds as well as for high volume applications.
This mic is a great way for anyone with a little ambition and $200 to get a professional sounding recording.
Style of Music: Alternative, Light Rock, Folk
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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
"Compared to the AKG C3000 and AT 3035, not bad. Not bad at all!"
Sound:
I find this mic to have a fairly neutral characteristic. Maybe a tad, but just a tad, on the rich side. Vocals sound full, not brassy or tinny. Presence is very good. Does drums and acoustic guitars well. The low-end roll-off works decent for eliminating pops when getting up-close. It seems to be pretty quiet, even without a special mount, which is available from the company if you need one. I give it a 9 because there are mics out there that do sound better, but not much.
Feature:
It included some accessories, like a hard case and a ring mount. No dust cover or spider mount. It has nice selectable patterns that work VERY well. The low end rolloff and 20 db pad also work very well.
Quality:
I give this mic a 10 for quality because, for its price, it just can't be beat. It is well put together, heavy, with a sturdy, stiff screen and tight XLR socket. The finish is tough and durable.
I would definitely keep this one in the studio, though it appears it could handle "road" use though, if you were so inclined. But let me say this, when you got one of these in your mit, you want to take care of it.
Value:
Worth the price. Being a dual diaphram design, its multi-pattern selectability, sound aspect, specifications and overall quality. It rates with mics in, or well above, its price range.
Manufacturer Support:
Like the review I've seen here, what better support than not needing any?
The Wow Factor:
I like this mic. It's a little different looking than most, but hey, look at the Blue "Baby Bottle." Now there's a strange looking mic.
Overall:
This CAD M179 is definitely for keeps. Like other reviewers here have said, it has a permenant place in my recording studio (wherever that may be).
I compared this mic to lots of others, mostly in or above its price range. It reminds me of the AKG C3000b and the Audio-Technica AT3035 in its overall sound quality. I think it actually sounds better than the AT 4050 (which costs a lot more, and the CAD has better specs to boot, with the exception of sensitivity and power requirements. The CAD wants around 8 mA, while the others only need 3 to 5). The AKG, the AT 4050 and AT3035 are a bit more sensitive, but the CAD goes far lower in frequency response. The AKG, the 4050, and the 3035, do not have dual diaphrams. All of these, mics however, are very good to excelent overall.
Style of Music: I like a little bit of everything. But not too much! Man some of that stuff is bad!
5 of 5 people
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We'll beat any price
Really. It's not a problem for us. In fact, we'll thank you
for the chance to live up to our lowest price guarantee!
It's fast and easy
Just tell us where you saw the lower price - another
website, an email offer, your local store - and we'll send
you our lowest price offer in a matter of hours.
Simply click the Seen it for less? link
Next to the item you want, or give us a
call at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637).
A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.
