Rode M2

I have been using a Rode M1 for live vocals in a trio in which the other 2 guys are using Shure Beta 58s. Although the M1 was a much rounder sounding Mic, it lacked the Beta's higher input sensitivity .Thus, I had to bring the input gain on my M1 up a little more. The M2 on the other hand has the Betas beaten hands down on input gain and overall sound quality. This condenser Mic would be at home in the studio as well as for live performances. It has a far clearer high end clarity to it and more controllable proximity effect on the low end. The only down side to the M2 would be the on-off switch which could be deployed if using it hand held. Although it can be locked to the on position. At the price Thomann are selling at you would be crazy not to have one of these M2's in your Mic collection.

I've owned Shure Beta 58A and SM58 for more then 5 years and never thought I would jump ship. I thought why it's cheaper and has decent reviews I'll give it a try and if I don't like it I'll sell it. This mic is better sounding and appears to be as good if not better built. What I like most about it is the absence of the super high frequency somewhere around 14-16khz that the Beta 58a seems to produces. This has was a nice warm full spectrum tone but not muffled like a SM58. I've had no issues with feedback and its sits in a live heavy rock band mix perfectly. Built like a tank. Zero buyers remorse. I highly recommend it!!!

This is a wonderful microphone that offers clean sound with robust build quality.

If you are looking for a quality mic that can take the abuse of live shows and being tossed around on the road, look no further than the M2.

When it comes to mics I'm definitely a Shure fan. However, recently our band had an urgent need for 2 phantom powered mics and after thorough research, the price tag vs. specs of this Rode M2 caught my eye. Relying on Thomann' super warranty and return policies I ordered 2 pieces without further hesitation.

The build is robust, the materials used and the look & feel leave no doubt of quality, immediately after unpacking. Even the on/off switch is top class, which I never expected, not to mention the connector and the shape of the grill which I like a lot. There's an inclusive protector sleeve (pretty much the same as for Shure with different labeling) and a holder for mic stand which is also quality built.
The tone is great (5/5 in this price range, really), and this mic is also VERY suitable for "whispering" singers who have low volume. I assume there's a sensitivity difference and not just the +dB gain with the 48V. I'm quite sure that there's no actual competition in this price range who could beat the Rode M2. Would buy over and over again, highly recommended.

I am not all that happy with the M2.
Firstly, even with the blue ring inserted in the XLR socket all my xlr leads are loose when clicked in, o matter what brand.
I used this for the first time at a gig and the connection is that loose that when I adjusted the mic height it caused serious rattles and bad connections sounds in the PA at full volume. Any other mic I have from Audix,Shure, AKG and thomann's own t-bones dynamics never do this.
If you were doing sound for a show etc where various people are using the mic on a stand, it is very common for each to adjust the height and angle of the mic as they come on. In this regard I couldn't use the M2 as with loose connection it would produce too much rattles etc in the FOH pa. I do a lot of sound, have used hundreds of mics, stands , cables and never had this problem with any other mic.

I have an NT2000 which is great but it is one of the Australian made ones I think.

My main vocal mic for myself as a performer is the Audix OM7 and it is still the best live mic for 'gain before feedback' of the all but it very different from most and does require some EQing etc compared to an SM58 etc, but once dialed in, still the great and worth it.

I intend returning the M2 to Thomann. Perhaps I just for a bad one. Most reviews are good for the M2 but this is an honest review from and engineer and performer of over 20 years experience and I'm only stating my findings and as stated perhaps I just got a bad one.

I'm ordered three mics, I'm write a small comparing:
- E 865 S - Really much detail, good dynamic, nice EQ resp
- RODE M2 - Good detail, less dynamic
- Senheiser e945 - Nice details, amazing eq resp, great dynamic
- Beta 58 - Less details than the e945 on high freq, boomy at low (I'm using this about 8years)

I know that these mics are mixed dynamic and condenser, so it's a little interesting feedback, but after I did a test recording with my voice, my EXACTLY best of these four, is the Senheiser E945.

All of the michrophones more than enough rough and perfectly assembled. The feedback was also not a problem.

The E945 has the whole advantages from the 3 others.