CAD M179 Variable Pattern Condenser Microphone
The CAD M179 Condenser Microphone combines a vintage capsule design with advanced electronics.The M179 features the dual pattern version of the original Equitek E-300 capsule, an externally biased capsule with a gold sputtered 1.1-inch diaphragm. The pattern control knob on the M179 has a center detented Cardioid position. This allows you to quickly and consistently lock the mic in ahardCardioid pattern. By turning the knob clockwise from the center, the pattern varies continuously from Cardioid, to Subcardioid, through Omnidirectional. By turning the knob counterclockwise from the center, the pattern varies continuously from Cardioid, to Hypercardioid through Bidirectional. This allows you to adjust to the optimal pattern needed for almost any recording or live situation.The American Made M179 has a high speed, low noise operational amplifier head amp, 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 supplies! The M179 also features a non-capacitive 20 dB pad switch and an 80 Hz high-pass filter.CAD M179 FeaturesContinuously Variable Pattern with aHardCardioid center detentLarge 1.1-inch Dual Diaphragm External Bias Condenser CapsuleGold Sputtered DiaphragmsHigh SPL Capability (143 dB SPL with pad)Transformerless balanced output circuits20 dB non capacitive pad6dB/Octave @ 100Hz High-Pass filterStainless steel internal pop/EMI filterTypical FET (field effect transistor) condenser microphones use discrete designs. This means they use individual transistors that must be carefully matched for proper characteristics. Even with careful matching, discrete designs are inherently nonlinear. M Series microphones use a different approach. CAD does not use any di
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars CAD M179 mic ROCKS!!!
I have used many mics over the years, from AKG’s to Neumann’s, and as you know, they’re pretty costly but get you that great full warm sound. I always thought that to get that sound, you needed to shell out the bucks for studio time in the places that use them. How can you get that sound for less than $1,000 (and that’s IF you’re lucky enough to find them for that price!!!)? GET YOURSELF THIS CAD M179 MIC!!! I kid you not-it’s versatile Variable pattern selector function alone is worth it! With a low self-noise rating, sleek design, great shockmount, and just an overall warm vintage-but-still-modern sound, this baby has impressed a good number of my clients that SWEAR it’s been souped-up with high-end German tech modifying! Get it…you won’t be disappointed!!!
4 Stars Made in China these days
Contrary to the product description, all CAD mikes are made in China now, and receive only batch-level inspection in the U.S. (according to CAD Sales). I bought one of these to go along with my U.S.-made M177. Based on my initial tests, the two mikes are quite comparable in sound quality, which is to say, they sound quite good and are certainly worth their price. My older U.S.-made M177 has been very reliable.
Noise: very quiet (low self-noise from the mike). The M179 is slightly noisier than the M177.
Frequency response: designed to be flat, almost like a reference mike (what you hear is what you get). Good low-end response means that low frequency rumble is easily recorded; a roll-off switch is provided that will clean that up.
The neat feature of the M179 is the ability to change recording pattern from Figure-8 through omni. This works as advertised, although fresh out of the box the dial is quite stiff and generates noise/clicks as the pattern is changed (since this is normally set prior to recording, this should seldom if ever actually matter.) This feature is usually only available on relatively expensive mikes. Having it on the M179 makes this mike a good choice for a first home studio mike. Given the variety of uses this mike can be put to, I suspect I’ll be giving it plenty of work.
5 Stars Excellent mic for the price — esp. for vocals
I bought this mic after hearing good things about it, but I had never tried it. It has impressed me quite a bit since then. I use it in a small home studio set-up, along with a Presonus Firebox and Logic Pro on a Macbook.
For the price, this mic is a very good deal. It sounds much better than an Audio Technica 3035 that I had (and ended up selling shortly after getting this mic). I also got an Oktava MK-319 that is a much more expensive mic, and that was then sent to be mod’ed by Michael Joly (and therefore cost even more) and I’d say the two mics are very similar. I end up using the CAD M179 a lot more because it’s less valuable, but sounds just as good.
What else? It has low noise and combines the crispness you want from a condenser without being unpleasant. It sounds particularly great for male vocals, in my opinion, although I have used it for as a room drum-mic. I would highly recommend this mic, especially at this price point.
