Red5 Audio RV6 Large Diaphragm Microphone

I've dabbled in home recording for more than a decade and currently record to a PC running Cubase via a NIO USB interface and ART Mic Pre-amp. I use a mic to record mostly acoustic guitar and vocals.

The Red5 Audio RV6 is a budget large diaphragm condenser mic which I bought recently.

I'm firmly one of the 'enthusiastic amateur' camp and most of my gear is from the lower end of the budget range.

I bought the RV6 following a string of (what were for me) disappointing budget condenser microphone purchases including Samson, T Bone and Behringer.

From the moment the RVC6 package arrived, I knew I was in for something different. A foam-padded plastic case contained the mic, a shock-mount and a foam shield.

The mic itself feels surprising weighty for a mic in this class. It simply 'feels' higher quality than the others I had bought. The bass roll-off and 10db pad were also features that I wasn't used to at my price range.

The true difference between the RVC and the other budget microphones I had used was evident the moment I heard it through my system; for the first time, I was experiencing a lower noise setup where the overall sound was much nearer the clarity we are all used to hearing on CD recorded material.

I don't pretend to be an expert. I have no experience of using real quality microphones and could not make any kind of comparison with them.

That said, I've had more than my fill of using cheap gear and replacing one less than adequate piece of kit with another in the (false) interests of economy. From that experience viewpoint, I have no hesitation in recommending the Red5 Audio RV6 to anyone using a budget (or perhaps not so budget) home recording setup.

At ??55, you can't go wrong!

Been working in music for the last 10 years in various different forms; live & studio engineering, playing, and I'm currently resident at a theatre.
At home I'm currently running a Motu ultralite and into Cubase which is great for my little project setup. I guess we would all like a massive space but needs must.

I borrowed this off a friend for a project as I'm interested in the RV15 which is the valve model, as I have been told that thr RV15 is in the same vein as the Rode NTK, which can had varied performance and also the AKG solid tube. The RV15 is supposed to be a little thicker sounding.
I have great interest in Chinese microphones as I recently used a couple of the T Bone EM800s as overheads at a gig and I was amazed at the build, sound and price!
Anyway...
The RV6 is a Cardiod pattern and has a bass roll off and a -10 pad, and both switches are solid and have good action. The mic has a plastic hardcase which contains a shock mount and a foam top. Bit confused to why you need a wind sheild for a condenser, so I can safety say that will be staying in the box.
The mic is a little smaller that a AT4050 but weights about twice as much and for the size you would think its made of lead!
Plugged it in, placed the pop shield infront and did a few tests. This mic is great on quiet and loud sources and a thing I really liked it on male vocals and a bit of heavier screamy vocals.
You can not fault this mic for 80quid with a stand and a shock mount. I would say it is better than many of the low end larger brands such as the Se Electronic 2200a, Rode NT1, Audio Technica AT4050 etc etc.

I am sold on this company and I'm going to purchase the Valve model just on the strength of its baby brother. Its nice to see a company based in Scotland selling decent, affordable kit and knocking the bigger boys out the water. Keep up the good work!

Been recording rap for now 5 years. Been to lots of differents studios. Use the mic through a mixer and my laptop.

This condenser mic is perfect for my recordings i can get a studio quality in my room! Im very pleased with it.
You can check the result : http://myspace.com/sdizzies

I write this review to update that which I posted regarding poor customer service etc. The first mic I got was faulty so I sent it back and got a replacement after 3 weeks. I was fairly skathing in my post so thought I should correct this. The microphone sent in replacment is very good for my purposes - singer/songwriter using one mic for guitar and vocals. Sounds as good as a Rhode etc for ??200+. Red 5 were very apologetic concerning delay and I would purchase from them again.

Twanging guitar bass etc for 30 years. Attempting recording for 20 years with all sort of duff gear and lack of experience. Now using Cubase with Alesis Firewire plus Waves plugins and making some very pleasing recordings from rock music to scottish traditional choir via acoustic guitar, fiddle, & mandolin. Also male & female soloists. Monitoring through Tapco S8 actives (very good and will be subject of another review).

Large condenser with bass roll-off and 10db pad. Using for all acoustic work particularly vocal work. Fiddle guitar etc often seems to be better with small condensers. Use dynamics for snares & toms electric guitars). Again small condensers on overheads. I also use C1000 (not my fav as it is noisy and sound is poor), MXL 770 (good and similar to the Red5 although seems a little hyped in the trebles), Rode NT1 (quite warm but not so much detail). Red5 RV6 is usually my first choice. vfm BRILLIANT. I have bought RV15 from them. Review soon

Red5 Audio Customer Service

Hi - just a quick comment on the comment below re customer service. The delay in resolving the particular issue was entirely our fault (albeit due to a genuine fault). We would point out however that this is not all typical of the support we would normally provide.

Support Team
Red5 Audio Ltd

I'm a singer songwriter, writing, performing and recording for 3 years now. I have a Boss digital mutitrack and usually just record guitar and vocals.

Red5 RV6 Studio Condenser Microphone. I bought this mic new direct from the company and it did not work when i tried to use it. Something up with the electronics by the sounds it was spitting out. I'm fairly sure that the mic would be good, but considering that I returned it 3 weeks ago and have heard nothing from Red5 since, I have lost all faith in them and the mic. Overall Red 5 are a terrible company for customer service.

making music 20yrs+ and need another mic
i record via a soundcraft mixer into my DAW
my soundcard and monitors are pro..lets not get lost in details

condenser cartoid checkout their website for specs
I use this mic for all my recordings.
i did my homework and after reading raving user and magazine reviews i bought the hype.

well worth it. gives really good representation of frequences. either soft whispers/growls to bawling.
picks up acoustic guitar well and with good placements and a little Comp/EQ is ready for sitting in the mix.

not tried it with my guitar amp but i'm sure the -10db will help.
the bass rolloff is an added bonus aswell.

came with shockmount, foamsheild and spare elastic. all in a tough plastic case.

Playing in bands for 20 years, just got into recording. I use a Zoom MRS1608-CD 16 track digital and at the moment use Red5 Monitoring Headphones to listen in.. Will be getting some studio monitors when I can find the space to put them.

Condenser microphone, comes complete with mount and case, also a windshield (big foam nose). I have got a pop shield rather than use the foam bubble (better sound).

I use the Mic for vocals and I am stunned by its quality. I carried out an A/B against a #300 AKG and there was no difference.

Red5 are a great company to deal with and the prices are just amazing. This mic has been used alot now and still performs prefectly. I can highly recommend looking at this even if you are not on a tight budget because at this price (as I did) you can get a couple.

I have just bought two RV4 condenser mics to mic up my acoustic guitar. Review on those will follow once I have run them in.