CAD M179 Multi-Pattern Microphone

Best choice for performance , versatility and value..... period.

Purchased this mic to use as a main recording mic after hearing pretty good reviews for it from around the web and i was not disappointing. It doesn't flatter the vocals to much like everyone says, but for me that's perfect because I was looking for a neutral raw-ish kinda sound. My acoustic sounds amazing on it as well. The recording pattern being able the change is a great feature and was one of the main points in why I chose this mic over others. The switch is kinda gimpy, don't know if anyone else has this problem and apparently the shock mount doesn't fit standard mic stands which was a real bummer...but overall the mic is great I hope it last a long as I plan to use it for all my recording needs.

I purchased this mic for natural clarity instead of those filtered condenser mics that are attempted to be sold off as professional. Which could lead to a recording's greatest downfall. Any ways, I got what I wanted. I was able to utilize the mic for a live performance and record it in the process. When I played it back it sounded as if the artist was still up on the mic. I love it. Frontend audio and CAD combine made my money worth while because if I were to purchase it on amazon for the same price, I would only get the benefits CAD gives you with the mic (box, shock mount and universal mic stand attachment). If purchased here at frontend audio, I get a pop filter and a 25 ft XLR cable free for the same price as amazon and everywhere else. Thanks frontend audio.

I bought a pair of these primarily for capturing natural soundscapes.. There self noise is very low. With summer crick TDDets and a brook 1/2 mile away I have not been able to discern it using a TASCAM DR 60 recorder set on full gain. Nor do I hear preamp noise. At these gain levels there is some handling noise through the mic case and the first bit of cable but it is lower than I expected. The shock mounts do an excellent job of isolating. We have been in a virtual monsoon with rain and high humidity since my purchase and no problems with the 179s. I have only recorded with the mics in cardio in a 60 degree ORTF position but I listened to the omni through figure eight patterns and it is amazing what diversity is here. The sound great with detail and no harshness in my usage. This is a lot of mic at a great price.

I have been auditiong the M179 for vocal and VO since I bought it. It is a very good and natural sounding mic. Hypercardoid sound great! 5 patterns means it has many uses, e.g. recording Mid/Side, toms, 2 person in figure 8, choral on omni, etc etc. I have no problem using it as primary or as a reinforce/room sound, it’s just so versatile! 3 very minor gripes. 1)the case is bigger than it should be and stores the mic/mount assembled. This may put extra strain on the mount over time. 2)turning off 48v causes a 'squeak' as the capacitors drain down (annoying). For the record, more than a few mics do this. 3)touching the dial while on creates a small hum. Likely due to impedance difference in engaging the second capsule. And you won’t be touching the dial while recording anyway. None of these would keep me from buying it again. Front End Audio was a great seller! Lowest price with free goodies, and when the shipper screwed up something, FEA made it right immediately!

Neutral sounding mic.. Pro sounding, not your average $150 mic!!! Really like what it does in the mid range.. Nice on vocals and acoustic guitars. CAD and Front End Audio..!

But I don't understand what the hype is about. I sincerely think this is just your average low end condenser with a somewhat harsh highend, at least on vocal to me.

When I buy a mic, regardless of price, I look for two things, sound quality and versatility. The CAD M179 has both of these. Let me just say that the sonic characteristics remind me of an old AKG414, very flat, quiet in standard cardioid. There is a slight bass presence which works well with my speaking voice, I'm using this mic for Voice Overs. The top end is not overly scooped, as many mics in this price range are. Second, the adjust ability of the polar patterns from various cardioid, to figure of 8 to omni and anything in between gives you more options and versatility than anyone could hope for. Especially at this price. A high pass filter and 20 db pad and you have a mic than can do it all. My only gripe, and it does not have to do with the mic itself, is the shock mount fits loosely on some of my stands.

I bought my CAD M179 about 7 years ago. It was next to it's predecessor in my locker - the CAD M177(another fine mic)- so I was able to compare the two. The M179 is an excellent choice, given the features at this price point. If it cost $500, I would give it four stars; if it cost $700 only three stars. But at this price, five stars. Not only is this mic quiet, it is versitile, sturdy, and an all around workhorse in capturing sound. It has a cool look too. I do not know if they are still made in the USA, but they were when I purchased mine(all of the M series mics were). Highly recommended !