Electro-Voice Blue Cardinal

I'm a working bass player who has dabbled in recording, and I was looking for a studio-quality sound to replace my SM58 on stage. The 58's are road-tough, but there's better sound to be had. I'm running this mic direct to various PA's.

This is a condenser, which is usually a problem on stage. EV claims this is designed for live use, and I thought I'd try it. The sound quality is just what I hoped for -- clear, open, and warm like a good studio condenser. A/B with my 58 was no comparison. The mic handles my music-room PA at decent levels. It is a nice, warm sound, with a decent proximity that adds a nice mid, as opposed to a 58's thuddy low end proximity effect.

I waited until playing a serious gig before writing this review, because I wanted to test the Cardinal onstage. It is certainly more sensitive than a dynamic mic; watch the gain. Dialed in, though, it is just fine. I find myself with the gain down and closer on the mic in a mix (keyboard, guitar, bass, drums), but while doing a solo acoustic set I can back away, raise the gain, and let the mic get a nice full range.

I can't say enough for the mic's sound-- The sound guy came up after Saturday's gig raving about how clear the mic sounded. It's great on male vocals. The drawback is a bit of plosive noise; this mic should have a little better resistance to p's and s's. I'd give it a 10 rating if it was less plosive or included a purpose-built pop filter.

It's been a long time since I've bought gear based on looks, but this mic has both sound and the look. I'll keep this one around, for sure.

I've been running my own full time studio for 7 years. I record straight to DAW using a digi 001. I make records for many local and regional bands and do a pretty damn decent job if i do say so myself....ha! I love putting good analog gear in front of pro tools. Makes thing so much easier when it comes time to mix. I've owned this mic for about a month now.

Of course, it looks VERy cool. I bought the Cardinal and the Raven (the sister dynamic to the cardinal) and they both are VERy useful. I've used them on electric guitars as a pair, raven straight at the cone, cardianl off center. when placed properly, this guitar sound is unreal!! I run the pair through a universal audio 2108 mic pre and straight to pro tools. smashing!! Tye reason for giving it an 8 overall is that when used on quieter sound sources like fingerpicked acoustic guitar and female voice over, it has a bit of hiss or noise. even with a quiet pre like my focusrite octopre, the noise is noticeable on quiet sources. oh well. it'll get used mainly on electric guitars (loud) and drum overs (loud) soooo no worries. EV and BLUE have parted company, so if you want one you shoould get it now., they're going cheap!!

I have been making music since the seventies as a hobbyist. I have recorded many songs on different supports, using different technologies and pieces of gear. I am presently working on a series of songs with a Yamaha digital piano and/or a little Taylor to which I add my voice. It is done in the comfort of my home, alone, using a Tascam digital Portastudio. (No, it has not crashed so far). For playback, I use entry level hi-fi equipment by NAD and BW. It is very good and it has been good for more than twenty years. I have no intentions to commercialize my work but I want it to sound clean and professional. I want to be proud of it. I had been using a Shure SM58 for twenty years with decent results. When it died out last fall, I started shopping.

I was attracted by the colour of the Cardinal and tried , in vain, to find reviews. I purchased it nevertheless and I have been pleased with it so far. This condenser microphone is quite different from the Shure. My voice is more defined, it has more presence and a nice warmth that I did not have in my previous recordings. It may not be relevant but it is also a treat to look at. I am a happy customer. It is a nice addition to my home studio. I have not used it in a live application yet so I don't know if it is prone to feedback or not. One thing I know, in a recording environment, it is just fine.