Beyerdynamic M 160From real comments

Verdict distilled from 19 mentions across 5 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment50%
PROS 50%
CONS 50%

Rank based on 19 mentions across 5 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a versatile ribbon mic for drums, guitars, brass, and vocals
  • You value a hypercardioid pattern that helps in untreated rooms
  • You can find one at a pre-price-hike or used cost

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You're on a tight budget, as the price has repeatedly doubled
  • You need a wide, room-capturing figure-8 pattern instead
  • You dislike midrange-forward tonal character

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

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Studio-quality vocal soundMinimal monitor and drum bleedTrusted for regular gig useDistracting large logoHigh price tag
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Minimal monitor and drum bleed
Trusted for regular gig use
Distracting large logo
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Clean, distortion-free audio
Solid build quality
4Premium
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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
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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
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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
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Excellent sound on drums and vocalsStriking, attractive designRecognizable, notable reputation
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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
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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
31Premium
Beyerdynamic M 160
Versatile across many sourcesSteeply rising priceSensitive to phantom power damageCheap included accessories
Beyerdynamic M 160
Versatile across many sources
Steeply rising price
Sensitive to phantom power damage
Cheap included accessories

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Exceptional versatility across instruments. Commenters repeatedly praise the M 160 for working on nearly everything: drum overheads, guitar cabs paired with an SM57, acoustic guitar, brass sections, percussion, piano, and even vocals through a Fethead. Several owners say it rarely misses a session without being used on something, and describe it as a 'sleeper' mic that sounds good on whatever it's pointed at, making it a flexible studio workhorse for many different sources.

Flat, full, polished tone that needs little EQ. Users describe the M 160's sound as flat and dynamic in the mids, full in the lows, and polite on top, avoiding the harshness some dynamic mics develop under compression. Some say ribbons like this 'eq better' and sound more accurate than other mic types, while others note they stopped reaching for EQ on overheads and rooms entirely once they started using ribbons like the M 160.

Rising price is the biggest recurring frustration. Multiple commenters mention the mic's price climbing sharply over the years, from around $699-$800 to over $1,000, with some joking it doubles every couple years due to economic factors. Long-time owners who bought pairs before the price jump feel fortunate, while newer shoppers express sticker shock, and one buyer criticized the plastic clip threading as not matching the premium price point.

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