Earthworks Icon ProFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 36 mentions across 11 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment72%
PROS 72%
CONS 28%

Rank based on 36 mentions across 11 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a natural, warm broadcast sound without heavy EQ or a cloudlifter
  • You need flexibility to speak off-axis or from a greater mic distance
  • You value premium build quality and a distinctive look

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You record in an untreated, noisy room needing strong background rejection
  • You're sensitive to price and want the cheaper SM7B/RE20 alternative
  • You need very low self-noise for quiet-voice recording

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
31Mid
Earthworks Icon Pro
Natural, warm broadcast soundPremium build and craftsmanshipRequires less gain than SM7BSensitivity to plosives and sibilanceWeaker background/room noise rejectionRecessed mids for some listeners
Earthworks Icon Pro
Natural, warm broadcast sound
Premium build and craftsmanship
Requires less gain than SM7B
Sensitivity to plosives and sibilance
Weaker background/room noise rejection
Recessed mids for some listeners

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Many users switched from the SM7B and never looked back. Multiple commenters describe selling their SM7b, RE20, or lavaliers after trying the Icon Pro, calling it an upgrade comparable to going from 8-bit to 32-bit audio. They cite needing far less gain and no longer fighting muddiness that plagued the SM7B even with a cloudlifter and EQ. Several call it their permanent, 'forever' mic and end-game content creation tool, citing consistent high performance across many voices in reviews.

Sound is described as warm, natural, and broadcast-ready out of the box. Commenters repeatedly praise the full, cozy, neutral tone that works well for long-form podcasting without causing ear fatigue, unlike brighter mics. It's said to sound great even on mobile playback and to flatter voices that struggle on other mics. Some prefer using it with the foam windscreen for balance versus the Ethos's bassier, more mid-forward character. A few note slight sibilance or a 'smiley' EQ curve in certain voices.

Build quality and design earn strong craftsmanship praise, but self-noise and rejection have caveats. Reviewers call out premium packaging, a sports-car-like look, and excellent handling-noise rejection from a well-encapsulated capsule. However, one detailed comment flags 16dB self-noise as high next to rivals like the RODE NT1 or Sennheiser MK4, and others note weaker background rejection than the RE20/RE320 in untreated, noisy rooms, plus plosive sensitivity without a windscreen.

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