Miktek MK300 Review / Test (vs. AT2020, P220, NT1, LCT440)

Science & Technology

Introduction

Greetings Earthlings, and welcome back to Podcastage. In this review, we're diving into the Miktek MK300, a microphone that costs around $ 200. Full disclosure, I bought this mic with my own money, and if you're interested in checking it out, I'll include some links in the description down below. All my recording settings will also be listed there.

What's in the Box?

When you purchase the Miktek MK300, inside the box you'll find:

  • The microphone
  • A microphone pouch
  • A microphone clip with a 5/8" to 3/8" adapter
  • A shock mount with another 5/8" to 3/8" adapter
  • Some documentation

Build Quality

The build quality of this microphone is impressive. It has a nice weight to it, an all-metal body, and a metal mesh grille with minor give. On the front, there's a polar pattern selector switch. The back features two switches: a 100 Hz at 12 dB per octave high-pass filter and a -10 dB pad. You'll find the XLR port at the bottom. Fun fact: this mic is made in China.

Specifications and Polar Patterns

The specs for the Miktek MK300 will be on screen and listed in the description for those who want a closer look. Now, let’s hear how the different polar patterns sound:

  • Cardioid Pattern: About 6 inches from my mouth, here's how it sounds.
  • Figure-8 Pattern: Same distance, same gain setting, though quieter.
  • Omnidirectional Pattern: Same distance, same gain setting, also quieter.

Sound Comparison and Features

Moving around the cardioid pattern proves good off-axis rejection and coloration handling. Next, let's see how this mic handles plosives:

  • "Please provide pizza pronto"

Here is an example of the proximity effect at different distances:

  • Right on top of the microphone
  • About 6 inches off
  • About 1 foot away
  • About 2 feet away
  • About 4 feet away

Environment Test

How does it handle background noise? First, I’m typing on a keyboard with Gateron Blue switches, so let's see how much of my voice versus the keyboard it picks up. For gamers, here are the WASD keys and the spacebar.

  • Treated Room: Here's how it sounds about 6 inches away.
  • Untreated Room: Here's how it sounds about 6 inches away.

Shock and Vibration Test

To check how well the mic and shock mount reject shocks:

  • I'll tap on my desk.
  • I'll tap on the boom arm.
  • I'll tap directly on the microphone for any resonant frequencies.

High-Pass Filter and Pad

  • Without the high-pass filter, exaggerating the proximity effect.
  • Engaging the high-pass filter.
  • Disengaging the high-pass filter.
  • Engaging the high-pass filter again.

How about the -10 dB pad?

  • Engaging the pad.
  • Disengaging the pad.

Comparisons

Let's compare the MK300 to other microphones because context is important:

  • AT2020: Costs about $ 100.
  • SE Electronics X1A: Also about $ 100.
  • AKG P220: About $ 160.
  • Neat King Bee Version 2: About $ 170.
  • Earthworks SR317: About $ 2,400.
  • Rode NT1 5th Gen: About $ 250.
  • Lewitt LCT 440 PURE: About $ 270.
  • Neumann U87 AI: About $ 3,700.

Music Test

Let's test it with some music to give you a better feel for its sound quality across different applications:

  • Electric Guitar: Works well but might need a high-pass filter due to bass extension.
  • Acoustic Guitar: Good for a bright, articulate sound.
  • Singing: Favorite application, offering support and an exciting top end.
  • Spoken Word: Good but might need a de-esser for sibilance.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Build Quality: Very durable and handles shocks well.
  • Features: High-pass filter and a pad, multiple polar patterns.

Cons:

  • Wind and Plosive Rejection: Not the best.
  • Pad Click: Loud when engaged.
  • Sibilance: A touch on the sharp side.
  • Deep Bass Extension: Picks up environmental rumbles.

Conclusion

Would I recommend the Miktek MK300? Yes and no.

Yes, If:

  • You need multiple polar patterns, the high-pass filter, and the pad.
  • You like the sound profile of this mic.

No, If:

  • You don't need multiple polar patterns. In that case, you might find better-sounding mics at a similar or even lower price point.

Keywords

  • Miktek MK300
  • Polar Patterns
  • High-Pass Filter
  • -10 dB Pad
  • Build Quality
  • Plosive Rejection
  • Sibilance
  • Audio Comparison

FAQ

What polar patterns does the Miktek MK300 support?

The Miktek MK300 supports cardioid, figure-8, and omnidirectional polar patterns.

Are there any build quality concerns with the Miktek MK300?

No, the Miktek MK300 has a solid build quality with a metal body and mesh grille.

How does the Miktek MK300 handle plosives?

The microphone does a fair job but could be better at wind and plosive rejection.

What are the main features of the Miktek MK300?

The main features include a high-pass filter, -10 dB pad, and multiple polar patterns.

What is the price point of the Miktek MK300?

The Miktek MK300 is priced around $ 200.

Should I use the high-pass filter while recording with the Miktek MK300?

It depends on the recording environment and source. For electric guitars, a high-pass filter can help reduce bass extension.