Anyone use one of those cheap chinese condenser microphones?

Ria

I don't want to buy an expensive Shure mic. This is just to letmy kids to talk on the radio. I bought a kit from amazon with a "professional" looking mic, stand and pop filter. If it breaks in 6 months, so be it. I don't have one hand tied behind my back with talent on loan from God anyway...

That said... this is it:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MZCS8MY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Curious to know if anyone used such a setup and how good (or awful) it sounded?

Ria

John - K3MA

Ria, I have used the BM800 for the last year or so on my Flex 6500 and they sound good with some equalization.  I use the model that requires phantom power.

EA4GLI

If you add an in-line phantom power unit you will be surprised how nice these work.
Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/InnoGear-Condenser-Microphone-Recording-Equipment/dp/B00KAPGLQC/ref=pd_bxgy_2...

ctate243

I think you may be cutting new ground here Ria. ;-).   But it is an interesting value it will be interesting how it sounds and its certainly a fancy set with the boom and all, that actually may be worth the cost in it self.

in the value headset department, John Miller K6MM spoke highly of this set,

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00081A2CW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

that is even significantly cheaper than the CM-500.  I have ordered one of these to evaluate as a travel and loaner set.

~Chris
N6WM

KC2QMA_John

I have  heard some of these mic's and they sound quite good, more than good enough for ham radio. And for $40 bucks the accessories alone are worth that.

K5CG

I use an SB-45 also. +1

Milen KG2C

I use the Koss SB-45 headset as my primary radio headset and mic and it works surprisingly well, compared to my Beyerdynamic DT770 and my $100 dynamic mic. I've stopped using them in favor of that headset and it gets unsolicited excellent audio reports all the time, and that's only with the very basic equalization of my Icom 7100, so you'll be able to make it sound great. They are often available even cheaper as open box units from the Amazon Warehouse deals program.

It gets a bit stuffy if I use it for a long period, like I do when I do the KC2RC 10m net for 2-4 hours, but it is comfortable and doesn't squeeze my head.
I had to add a mix 31 tiroid on the cable to avoid occasional RF, but I run 450ohm window line to a non-resonant antenna above the station, so I wouldn't blame the headset for this.

Ria

This one says it doesn't need phantom power. 

OK, upon further reading, that looks like it refers to PC applications. For radio use I'll need the phantom power unit. I'll order one. Thanks. 

Mike VE3CKO

I have the BM-800 (requires phantom power) and it's a great microphone for the price. It is NOT a PR-40 but for the price it is quite attractive looking (gold version). Unlike the PR-40 you will have to talk into it on the broadside facing the label. OK, now sound wise it is much more on the bassy side you will definitely need to EQ it and SmartSDR surely provides for that. It may have been my main microphone if I didn't have the PR-40 and Rhode NT-1, but sure looks pretty on my shelf as a spare

Ted VE3TRQ

I've had one of these (BM-800) on my K3 for about a year. I'm told it sounds good. I provide it voltage on the mic input from the K3 and use the high gain setting. Apparently if you use phantom power, it sounds better and you don't need as much gain.

Michael Coslo

Here's something interesting - a fellow took apart a Mic of a well known brand of Ham microphones, and found one of the little inexpensive condenser elements inside. Not surprising, because the little things work pretty well.

Ria

I've been watching comparison videos on YouTube. They are mind blowing. The audio is pretty much just only slightly different from the expensive mics and you can correct it with EQ to get it identical to them. 

Mike VE3CKO

Yep, Ria like I said you can EQ it easily to make it sound pretty damm good. The real test is to move away up and down six inches or so and then left and right six inches each way from the BM-800 hotpot. It noticeably varies in sound quality as compared to the PR-40 which is much more consistent.  I'm one of those who tend to move away from the microphone when I get distracted, live headphones would help that but I also stuck a Dorrough Loudness Monitor right in front of me that helps too.

Ria

So by Saturday I should have a full setup. Between the state fair and my other duties here I'll make some time to do a video with it connected to the 6700. I got the BM800, boom kit, shock mount, pop filter, XLR cable and phantom power. 6700 has an XLR jack so it should work really nice. 

Milen KG2C

I'm looking forward to watching it.

KY6LA_Howard

Since most everything electronic these days in manufactured in China it should be no surprise that the major Ham Brand Mikes are just relabeled inexpensive Chinese mikes with a higher price tag. 

We found that when we took apart a Heil Pro 7 at Visalia a couple of years ago... Don't know if they improved quality or changed since then.

Tony Hateley

I have 3 of the bm-800 with a little mixer with phantom power,they work very well,get great reports on my 6500,and kenwood ts2000,and my yaesu ftdx3000,you cannt go wrong for the price.

Ria

Got it yesterday. XLR cables and phantom power arrive Saturday

Ria

I got the phantom power installed. It works great! Everyone gives me good audio reports. Video to follow soon. 

Mike - ZL1MRC

Can't wait to see the video. Well done

Chris DL5NAM

>> This is just to letmy kids to talk on the radio <<

So don't touch it again and wait until they are ready !

Peter Bentley

Hello Ria,

Have ordered one in the UK to work with 6700 and Optimod 9300.

Current mic is Rode NTK or sometimes Rode NT1.

I hope the result is not embarrassing ...!!!

G4BIM

EA4GLI

For the range of voice that you can transmit in 2.4 KHz in SSB ALL microphones are overkill.
A properlly equalized chinese cheap mic with the necessary gain for your voice and the Flex PROC algorithm can work better than a professional mic.

The RODE mics are very good and for broadcasting, even some music recording, they will be outstanding.

EA4GLI

I have been using that setup for about a year and I still like the Yamaha CM500 better.

Ria

Sometimes I need a mic rather than a headset.

Lawrence Kellar KB5ZZB

Doesn't the flex have a setting to include phantom power?

Bill -VA3WTB

Ria, a few of us are on 7.192.000 most mornings at 11:00am we should be there this morning as well, Sunday,, come join us,,we want to hear your mic.
anyone eles can join us as well of coarse.  If the freq is busy we are close buy.

EA4GLI

I wish....

EA4GLI

@Ria I end up moving my head too much, and that makes the headset more efficient

Ria

There is no 48V phantom power from the Flex. There is only a small DC current from the front mic jack which is not really sufficient. 

Yes, the headset will be efficient for most use but I like having options.

Ria

https://soundcloud.com/rjairam/mictest

Mic test audio. Working on howto video.