The t.bone EM 800 is a condenser microphone that comes at a very beginner-friendly price, which alone makes it quite remarkable. However, what really sets it apart is the fact that the EM 800 covers the entire audible range of human hearing. Users who keep their expectations of a budget microphone within reasonable limits will be more than pleased with their EM 800, as its cardioid polar pattern strikes a successful balance between rear sound shielding and lateral flexibility when compared to supercardioid and omnidirectional models. The scope of delivery here also includes a microphone stand clip, a wind shield, and a transport case.
The t.bone EM 800 connects to a mixer or recorder via an XLR socket and, being a condenser microphone, requires 48V phantom power to operate. The mic can handle up to 107dB SPL and its frequency response is remarkable, as it is identical to the range of human hearing, from 20Hz to 20kHz. As can be seen from the frequency diagram, the curve rises slightly between 20Hz and 500Hz, and it then remains almost linear before dropping off sharply after a slight treble boost. Measured at 1kHz, the cardioid polar pattern of the t.bone EM 800 boasts optimum characteristics and thus ensures consistent recordings and excellent live performance.
For anyone looking for a flexible and budget-friendly microphone for their first performance or recording session, a t.bone EM 800 is an excellent choice. This tried-and-tested tool produces the familiar sound of a condenser capsule, and is suitable for different instruments: Drummers can use the EM 800's cardioid polar pattern to effectively mic up their drumkit's cymbals, but it's equally at home with other percussion instruments, the acoustic guitar, or flute. It's at concerts, though, where the polar pattern is at its most effective, because it isn't susceptible to ambient sounds from behind. The EM 800 is also ideal for podcasts and vocal recordings in a home studio, while inexperienced presenters will also be delighted to find out that the EM 800 delivers great results even when speaking slightly off-centre.
Since 1994, the t.bone has been one of Thomann's in-house brands, and its name can be found on devices such as headphones, wireless systems, in-ear equipment, and various microphones and matching accessories. "the t.bone" products are made exclusively by renowned companies who also manufacture products for other well-known brands. This provides a clear advantage: Brand-quality products at very reasonable prices. And word gets around: One in seven Thomann customers has already bought at least one product from the t.bone.
To get started with their new t.bone EM 800, users need to activate the phantom power on the input to which they are connecting the microphone. At a gig, this is located on the live mixer, whereas when recording, it can be found on the recording equipment itself. The audio signal enters the console via a standard cable (the sssnake's SM10 BK microphone cable being just one excellent example here), and the final step is to position the microphone using the included clip. The Millenium MS-2003 is an affordable choice of microphone stand: Of course, there is an endless range of similar products, but apart from being useful for singers and speakers, the boom on the MS-2003 allows instruments to be miked up flexibly from the side or above, with the height minutely adjustable for this very purpose.