M Audio Nova Affordable Large Capsule Cardioid Microphone
Using manufacturing breakthroughs pioneered by M-Audio’s popular Luna and Solaris, the new Nova cardioid redefines the entry-level price point for quality studio condenser microphones. The 1.1″ evaporated gold diaphragm mounted in a solid brass capsule ensures recordings that are faithful to the source, and the Class A solid state electronics are engineered for low noise, distortion and coloration. You’ll be amazed at how much microphone Nova gives you for the money.
Specifications
- type: large diaphragm condenser, gold evaporated
- polar pattern: cardiod
- frequency response: 20Hz-18kHz
- sensitivity: 16 mV/Pa (-36dBV)
- max. SPL for 0.5% THD: 128dB
- equivalent noise level: 14dB A-weighted
- output impedance: 200 ohms
- recommended load impedance: > 1,000 ohms
- preamp topology: Class A FET preamp
- power requirement: 48V phantom power
- connector: 3-pin male XLR
- grille and body: wire mesh grille and body, all brass
- finishing: silver nickel plating
- size/weight: 7.3″ (h) x 1.9″ (w); 23 oz.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Best in class by a mile.
This is a very good microphone to make music. It has a ‘large cardioid’ which is very good for picking up vocal and instrumental sounds. I play the violin and guitar. So it is essential that mic placement doesn’t effect the tonal quality too much. It costs $100 but sounds well like one worth twice its price. This microphone does require to be powered, so you need to have phantom power capabilities in your preamp/audio interface. If you wish to consider a computer/laptop as your direct end point and not a mixer, then please invest in a good preamp. Latency is a HUGE issue in most pre-amps. If you just wish to record speech, latency shouldn’t be a problem at all. I use the Yamaha Audiogram 3 and would highly recommend it. It is beyond better than most of the preamps on Amazon which are of poor quality.
I hate the cheap plasticy feels of most products. This mic has a very solid metalic feel to it. I found a used for a great deal and it still works like a charm. Mine came with a soft case. So if your’s doesn’t I would recommend one. I would surely recommend a pop filter if you wish to record singing or speech. It makes a huge difference and isn’t very expensive. This mic is very under-rated. It should well be the best selling non-usb condenser mic.
Sound Quality : 4.5/5
Durability: 4.5/5
Value: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
4 Stars Best microphone you can get under $200.00
I have been recording and engineering for more than 30 years. I own quite a number of excellent microphones ranging from AKG, Rode, Audio Technica and more. I was helping a friend mix a song he recorded on his digital work station and told him how impressed I was by the sound of his vocal tracks. He pulled out the M-Audio Nova and said that was the microphone he had used on all of the vocals. When he told me it was around $100.00 new I had to have one. I have microphones that cost 5 to 6 times more than this mic but honestly this mic ranks right up there with them. Don’t think the cheap mic comes with a cheap sound, it is an excellent vocal or acoustic instrument microphone. (Remember it is a condenser and needs to be powered by your mixer, recorder or pre amp)
5 Stars Great for musicians
I am using two of this since a year (together with m-audios mobile pre and a Mac notebook). It is just great to record with this mics. You like examples? Hear this http://www.ecliptic.ch/Horn/home.html
5 Stars A very good mic
As Rick says, this is the best under $200 mic going.
It is crisp and clear and warm and clean.
I like it on acoustic guitar, and placement is not critical.
I like it on my voice and it seems to have less quirks than the Oktava 319 and MXL 990, both of which I have.
It is very hefty and solid and tracks recorded with it stand out. Vocal prescence is excellent.
I am quite happy with this mic.
Deal-wise, I was fortunate enough to get a B-stock lightly handled show mic.
It came with a cable and case and cost ME less than $60 delivered.
Extremely hard to beat at that price. It even came with a cable.
This mic is a very good deal at the 99 bones it is advertised at currently.
You could easily spend more and get less.
4 Stars Best microphone you can get under $200.00
I have been recording and engineering for more than 30 years. I own quite a number of excellent microphones ranging from AKG, Rode, Audio Technica and more. I was helping a friend mix a song he recorded on his digital work station and told him how impressed I was by the sound of his vocal tracks. He pulled out the M-Audio Nova and said that was the microphone he had used on all of the vocals. When he told me it was around $100.00 new I had to have one. I have microphones that cost 5 to 6 times more than this mic but honestly this mic ranks right up there with them. Don’t think the cheap mic comes with a cheap sound, it is an excellent vocal or acoustic instrument microphone. (Remember it is a condenser and needs to be powered by your mixer, recorder or pre amp)
