Creative has finally launched a USB microphone. And like all their products launched in recent months, it is very competitively priced yet the features are above average. The Creative Live! Mic M3 retails at S$89 in Singapore, and comes with a comprehensive set of accessories, like a sturdy table stand, mic mount, and a magnetic pop filter.
The mic is shaped like a studio condenser mic, comes with headphone port and volume controls for audio monitoring. It supports two polar patterns – cardioid and omni – picked up by two 14mm condenser capsules. The polar switch knob is at the back of the mic.
This polar pattern option is seldom found in premium mics because it requires additional mic pickup to be built. Creative spares no expense to offer this option for consumers so that the Live! Mic M3 can be versatile.
You can listen to the mic quality in my YouTube unboxing and video review here:
I have also done a quick comparison with the Audio-Technica AT2020 professional condenser microphone. Listen to the difference.
The mic quality is quite close to the AT2020, but the pro-grade AT2020 captures higher fidelity and better sensitivity. You can barely tell the difference and is definitely good enough for quality productions which you can improve the output with post-editing. The only drawback that I find is that due to the lightweight body, the mic has a tendency to pick up vibrations from the environment.
Verdict
The Creative Live! Mic M3 comes in such a comprehensive package that it is an ideal starter pack for any one who is serious in doing voice work. What makes the Live! Mic M3 a great buy is the accessories that come with the package. The sturdy mic stand, magnetic pop filter, the screw mount supports both 1/4-inch and 5/8-inch threads. The mic itself is practically an external sound card, which you can connect a headphone to enjoy hi-res 24-bit audio, with volume controls and mute button. This mic retails at S$89, and you can purchase from the Creative online store.
Likes
- Supports 2 polar patterns
- Comes with useful accessories for a proper mic setup
- Acts as external audio interface
- Built-in mic mute and volume controls
- Screw mount supports 1/4-inch and 5/8-inch sizes
Dislikes
- Plastic build quality susceptible to ambient vibration
