Beyerdynamic M 90 Pro X & M 70 Pro X – Microphone Review

Beyerdynamic is on a roll right now it seems. In addition to the release of two new headphones, the DT 900 Pro X and DT 700 Pro X, they’ve also released two new mics. The new M 90 Pro X and M 70 Pro X microphones both have different builds and purposes. The M 90 Pro X is mostly aimed at vocal recording, home studio use, etc. while the M 70 Pro X is being marketed as best for podcasting, streaming, and radio use. Both mics come in at moderate prices, the M 90 Pro X running for $349, and the M 70 Pro X going for slightly less at $299. Let’s check out both of these mics and see what they have to offer.

If you’d like to hear sound demos of these mics, I made a video review and sound test of them. You can watch it here. 

What’s in the Box

• Microphone
• Shock mount
• Pop filter
• Carrying pouch

DESIGN

M 90 Pro X ($349):

• Large diaphragm cardiod condenser
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Output impedance: 180 Ohms
• Side addressed 
• Connector: XLR

M 70 Pro X ($299):

• Cardiod dynamic
• Frequency Response: 25Hz – 18kHz
• Output impedance: 350 Ohms
• Front addressed 
• Connector: XLR

SOUND QUALITY

M 90 Pro X:

The M 90 Pro X has a very professional, versatile sound. Its unprocessed, dry signal is already considerably purified and warmed up as is, giving you a great head start on your vocal processing. The M 90 Pro X has a bit of an extended low and high end, with a more recessed mid range. This frequency response gives it a pretty intimate, cinematic sound that catches each syllable, overtone, and texture with precision. While it is fairly neutral sounding, the M 90 Pro X definitely still has some coloring and definition to it that gives it a bit of an individual character and edge. For the price, this feels like a mic that goes above what’s being asked of it, and is quite viable for long term use across a wide array of applications.

M 70 Pro X:

The M 70 Pro X felt like just about what I’d expect, and hope for, from a broadcasting mic. While it brings some fullness to the low end, it retains a fairly neutral, flat response, which makes for an easy listening, unbiased feel. Like the M 90 Pro X, the M 70 Pro X picks up a lot of detail from voices. However, the M 70 goes  easier on the high end the high end, keeping things a bit damper and more saturated. This definitely feels on par with most other podcasting mics in its price range, and its cleanliness puts it ahead of the pack. My only real objection to the M 70 Pro X was its more resonant mid range, which felt a bit sharp at times. However, for a flatter response, mids like this are par for the course, and keep the mics character from being too polarizing.

Overall

The $300-$400 price range for mics is kind of a hit or miss category, as this is where they either sound like overpriced $100-$200 mics or perform at the level of some $600-$800 mics. The M70 and M90 definetly fall in the latter category, performing above their price range, and offering a lot of versatility across different vocal timbres, styles, and techniques.