Beyerdynamic M 70 PRO X and M 90 PRO X — microphones from the new PRO X series
The Beyerdynamic M 70 PRO X and M 90 PRO X are part of the PRO X series introduced in late 2021. The range currently contains two headphone models and two microphones. We have already covered the headphones, the Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X and Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X . Now it is time for the new microphones.
PRO X products share a strong structure, careful design, and simple styling. All are developed entirely by German specialists for professional use, from entry-level home studios to full recording facilities. The headphones show features of earlier Beyerdynamic models, but the microphones look completely new. Beyerdynamic says that the PRO X microphones retain the brand's sound character, valued by many artists and musicians.
The microphones are fundamentally different. The M 70 PRO X is dynamic, while the M 90 PRO X is a condenser. The M 90 PRO X uses a full large-diaphragm capsule rather than an electret capsule, with a circuit requiring phantom power.
Beyerdynamic M 70 PRO X
The manufacturer positions the dynamic M 70 Pro X mainly for speech recording in streams and podcasts. It has a cardioid polar pattern and a horizontal end-address design, like traditional broadcast microphones.
The package includes a special shock mount for fitting the microphone to a boom arm or stand at the required angle. A pop filter protects against breath and plosives during recording.
Beyerdynamic M 70 PRO X specifications
| Type | Dynamic |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency range | 25 Hz–18 kHz (close to the microphone), 40 Hz–18 kHz (at 1 m) |
| Sensitivity | 1.8 mV/Pa (-55.0 dB, ±3 dB) |
| Nominal impedance | 350 ohms |
| Nominal load impedance | 1.5 kohms |
| Connections | XLR |
| Dimensions | 185 × 52 mm |
| Weight | 320 g |
The microphone has a cast-metal housing. Aluminum alloy keeps it light: despite its large size, it weighs only 320 g.
As with other broadcast models, the capsule is at the end. Point this end toward the source when recording. Multiple side openings help prevent housing resonances. Although the microphone picks up some signal from all sides, the capsule must face the source for full voice tone.
Several protective layers reduce breath noise and soften plosives. Foam sits directly in front of the diaphragm, followed by metal mesh and an extra felt filter underneath. A rubber damping cushion isolates the capsule from low-frequency housing noise and vibration.
There are no controls on the microphone.
The graphs also show how bass changes with distance. The farther the source is from the microphone, the less bass is recorded. This behavior is typical of dynamic models. Importantly, the M 70 PRO X does not lose its lower midrange when recording from a distance.
Even expensive microphones often come with only a rigid mount. Without greatly increasing the price, Beyerdynamic includes a good branded shock mount with elastic suspension. The microphone sits securely in a shaped recess and is fixed with a nut. This allows convenient use in any position.
The supplied pop filter uses a conventional double-layer fabric screen on a gooseneck. It is good that the dynamic microphone includes one too. The only drawback is the rather short gooseneck. Since the microphone sits horizontally, a longer neck would make filter positioning easier. With the microphone on a boom arm, we had to clamp the filter to the shock mount itself. Fortunately, the filter's wide clamp allows this easily.
Along with the pop filter and shock mount, the microphones include a drawstring fabric pouch.
Beyerdynamic M 90 PRO X
The Beyerdynamic M 90 PRO X is a condenser microphone. While the M 70 PRO X is mainly for speech, the M 90 PRO X is intended for vocals and many different musical instruments.
The microphone follows the series styling but is slightly larger than the dynamic version. Its housing is also aluminum. A branded shock mount for stand installation is included.
The M 90 PRO X has no switches or adjustable settings. It has one fixed cardioid polar pattern. Like other true condenser models, it requires phantom power.
Beyerdynamic M 90 PRO X specifications
| Type | True condenser (not electret) |
| Capsule | 34 mm |
| Polar pattern | Fixed cardioid |
| Sensitivity | 36.3 mV/Pa (-28.8 dBV ±2 dB) |
| Nominal impedance | 180 ohms |
| Nominal load impedance | 1 kohm |
| Maximum sound pressure level | 133 dB |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 88.4 dBA |
| Equivalent noise level, A-weighted | 5.6 dBA |
| Phantom power | 20–52 V |
| Frequency range | 20 Hz–50 kHz |
| Current consumption | 6.2 mA |
| Connections | XLR |
| Dimensions | 197 × 52 mm |
| Weight | 296 g |
Below are the manufacturer's frequency response and polar pattern graphs at different frequencies.
The frequency response graph shows an even midrange and a treble rise above 4 kHz. As noted earlier, added presence can provide brighter, clearer voice recordings or broadcasts without EQ.
The M 90 PRO X has a large 34 mm diaphragm. Unfortunately, we could not take it apart without risking damage, so we could not inspect the inside. The manufacturer's video does show its construction.
The capsule is centered on a vibration-damping support. As with the dynamic model, an extra fabric screen under the metal grille protects the diaphragm. According to the manufacturer, the M 90 PRO X circuit was newly designed. It achieves a high signal-to-noise ratio of 88.4 dBA, low self-noise of 5.6 dBA, and high detail. Other strengths include high sensitivity and sufficient overload headroom.
Recording quality
We recorded with the microphones in studio conditions through a high-quality microphone preamp. Direct comparisons with Neumann and Shure models helped reveal the sound characteristics.
The Beyerdynamic M 90 PRO X fully meets its positioning as a 100% professional studio condenser microphone. It suits vocals and acoustic instruments well, reproducing their tone naturally. Its sound still has individual characteristics, especially the rich midrange. This provides a bright, ready-to-use sound without processing. It is useful when minimal processing is desired. Although there is no low-cut switch, we felt that similar filtering was already part of the circuit, so little additional filtering was needed. Treble EQ to add life to vocals was also unnecessary because the highs are already slightly raised. The microphone therefore gives professional results with little effort.
Voice tone depends quite strongly on performer position. The best result comes when the sound is aimed directly at the diaphragm center. This is not a serious problem, but should be kept in mind.
The pop filter impressed us. Its large fabric area controls plosives effectively without adding unwanted coloration.
The dynamic Beyerdynamic M 70 PRO X is also a professional model suitable for serious work. Its tone is somewhat similar to the condenser M 90 PRO X, with the same characteristic detailed midrange. It is well suited to speech and voice and can confidently be used in a broadcast signal chain. There is no boominess, but bass is fully present. The presence region is raised without becoming irritating. Sound remains clean and pleasant.
Conclusions
Beyerdynamic's new studio microphone generation is successful and offers what professionals need. Both the M 90 PRO X condenser and M 70 PRO X dynamic have excellent sound, rich accessory packages, and competitive prices. They are especially suitable for home studios and broadcasting because they provide a ready-to-use sound without complex dynamics processing or EQ. This matters today, when creators need to produce new high-quality content every day.
Note. This is an adapted machine translation into English. It follows the “In simple terms” approach. Read the original article at https://prosound.ixbt.com/microphones/beyerdynamic-mprox.shtml.