Beyerdynamic M 130From real comments

Verdict distilled from 6 mentions across 5 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment33%
PROS 33%
CONS 67%

Rank based on 6 mentions across 5 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a ribbon mic for distant/ambient miking rather than close-up work
  • You're fine judging tone from raw output rather than heavily processed demo videos
  • You value the overall reputation of Beyerdynamic's wider M series

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You expect a naturally warm, non-bright ribbon tone out of the box
  • You own an old unit and can't source a compatible 6-pin DIN cable
  • You're basing your impression solely on demo videos with heavy EQ, reverb and compression

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal soundMinimal monitor and drum bleedTrusted for regular gig useDistracting large logoHigh price tag
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal sound
Minimal monitor and drum bleed
Trusted for regular gig use
Distracting large logo
High price tag
2Premium
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner SatisfactionExceptional Sound ClarityGreat for Field RecordingHigh PriceNot Omnidirectional / More MuffledUltrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner Satisfaction
Exceptional Sound Clarity
Great for Field Recording
High Price
Not Omnidirectional / More Muffled
Ultrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
3Premium
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operationClean, distortion-free audioSolid build quality
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operation
Clean, distortion-free audio
Solid build quality
4Premium
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibilityVersatile across instrumentsStrong, non-boomy low endPrice barrier for some buyersUnclear M/S and connector design questionsLacking low-mid presence on some vocals
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibility
Versatile across instruments
Strong, non-boomy low end
Price barrier for some buyers
Unclear M/S and connector design questions
Lacking low-mid presence on some vocals
5Mid
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound qualityVersatile onboard EQ switchesBuilt-in gain boostHigh price for some buyersUncertain added value over existing setupFiddly dip switches
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound quality
Versatile onboard EQ switches
Built-in gain boost
High price for some buyers
Uncertain added value over existing setup
Fiddly dip switches
6Mid
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57Excellent on acoustic guitarDurable, long-lasting buildCan sound harsh in some applicationsAppearance not universally likedInconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57
Excellent on acoustic guitar
Durable, long-lasting build
Can sound harsh in some applications
Appearance not universally liked
Inconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
7Mid
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocalsStriking, attractive designRecognizable, notable reputation
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocals
Striking, attractive design
Recognizable, notable reputation
8Premium
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm characterCompetitive with top-tier micsFull-bodied, rich low endHard to distinguish from cheaper alternativesVery high pricePositioning-sensitive
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm character
Competitive with top-tier mics
Full-bodied, rich low end
Hard to distinguish from cheaper alternatives
Very high price
Positioning-sensitive
9Premium
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67Warm, creamy tube toneAttractive appearance
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67
Warm, creamy tube tone
Attractive appearance
Best value
10Mid
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tonePreferred over U87ai in blind testsLow sibilance / smooth highsAudible distortion noted at price pointCan sound muddy or bass-heavyCardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tone
Preferred over U87ai in blind tests
Low sibilance / smooth highs
Audible distortion noted at price point
Can sound muddy or bass-heavy
Cardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
You are here
31
Beyerdynamic M 130
Strong reputation within the M seriesWorks well for distant mikingBright, unbalanced top endDemo processing obscures true toneOld unit needs uncommon cabling
Beyerdynamic M 130
Strong reputation within the M series
Works well for distant miking
Bright, unbalanced top end
Demo processing obscures true tone
Old unit needs uncommon cabling

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

The Beyerdynamic M 130 is a figure-eight ribbon mic from the classic M series. One commenter dislikes that a demo used heavy EQ, reverb and compression, masking the mic's raw tone. They suspect the dry signal sounds better, especially for distant miking. Another listener says short, corrugated ribbons like this one add 'ear candy' brightness that feels out of balance on the highs. They note listeners are used to that brightness from condensers and over-bright boards. A third user owns an old M 130 with a 6-pin DIN connector and wants a cable to test it, calling its sound very bright. A German commenter praises the whole M series, including related Opus models, for consistently good sound. Overall, comments highlight a bright ribbon character and legacy connector quirks.

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