iCON M1 — an affordable condenser microphone
Microphones are a major part of iCON's extensive range of recording equipment. The line-up includes handheld stage models as well as full-size large-diaphragm studio microphones. Today we look at one of its studio models, the iCON M1.
The iCON M1 is an inexpensive microphone aimed primarily at recording vocals and acoustic instruments. It is a conventionally designed studio condenser microphone intended for use in a dedicated mount. It requires a microphone preamplifier supplying +48 V phantom power.
The iCON M1 comes in a colourful cardboard box with a shockmount and foam windscreen. A fabric storage pouch and spare elastic suspension cord are also included.
iCON M1 specifications
| Capsule | Condenser |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency range | 20 Hz–20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | -37dBV/Pa |
| Nominal impedance | 200 Ω |
| Nominal load impedance | 1 kΩ |
| Maximum SPL | 144 dB |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 78 dB |
| Dynamic range | 128 dB |
| Power requirement | 48 V |
| Connection | XLR |
| Dimensions | 46 × 157 mm |
| Weight | 250 g |
| Included accessories | Shockmount, foam windscreen, pouch and spare elastic cord |
The microphone has the familiar studio-microphone appearance: a solid cylindrical metal body, with a metal grille protecting the capsule at the top. Its distinguishing feature is its size.
The photograph shows that its dimensions are relatively compact.
The microphone has a fixed cardioid polar pattern. The front of the capsule faces the manufacturer's logo. There are no onboard controls.
The specifications do not give the capsule diameter, stating only that it uses a large diaphragm. Removing the protective body cover, however, reveals an inexpensive 16 mm electret capsule in the iCON M1. Additional perforated screens on both sides are decorative. They make the capsule appear larger beneath the outer grille.
Although it uses an electret capsule, the microphone will not work without phantom power. The electronics look modern, using surface-mount components. The quoted specifications are quite respectable: sensitivity of 37 dB and a signal-to-noise ratio of 78 dB.
The all-metal supplied mount is a welcome feature. Its screw clamp locks the adjustable angle securely. The shockmount grips the microphone firmly enough to hold it upside down. A spare elastic cord is provided in case a suspension band stretches or wears out. The foam windscreen is useful initially, though a more effective pop filter would be a worthwhile later purchase.
We tested the microphone in the studio, using our usual Neumann TLM 102 as the reference. Both microphones were connected simultaneously to a TASCAM UH-7000 interface.
Overall, the iCON M1 delivers quite good recordings. As expected, the difference from a large-diaphragm model lies in low-frequency fullness and detail. Considering the capabilities of the M1's capsule, however, the recorded material is respectable. There are no obvious flaws that demand corrective processing. Subsequent EQ and processing are much the same as with any other microphone. The iCON M1 has no particular quirks or restrictions that would rule out professional use.
Conclusions
The iCON M1 is an excellent entry-level option. For its affordable price it looks good, comes with a useful accessory set and delivers respectable recordings. We would have preferred a large-diaphragm condenser capsule in the M1. It is worth noting that iCON's studio range also includes the M4 with a 25 mm capsule and the M5 with a 34 mm capsule.
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/icon-m1.shtml.