M-Audio Uber Mic — a stereo condenser USB microphone for bloggers, streamers, and musicians
Grigory Liadov
The M-Audio Uber Mic is a desktop condenser microphone with a built-in USB audio interface. No extra device is needed for computer use. Connect it to USB and begin recording or streaming. The Uber Mic also has a headphone output for direct, latency-free microphone monitoring. The microphone level can be conveniently balanced against overall playback volume.
The M-Audio Uber Mic has three capsules that provide four pickup modes. This allows several sources to be recorded at once and also supports stereo recording. A metal stand is already included and holds the microphone firmly on a desk. Standard microphone stands and boom arms can also be used. The supplied Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition software allows users to start creating immediately and supports professional work.
M-Audio Uber Mic specifications
| Capsule | 3 × 16 mm electret capsules |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid, figure-eight, omnidirectional, stereo |
| Circuit | Field-effect transistors at the input, bipolar transistors at the output |
| Frequency range | 30 Hz–20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | -45 dB (0 dB = 1 V/Pa) |
| Headphone output impedance | 10 ohms |
| Headphone output power | 30 mW into 48 ohms |
| Headphone output distortion | <0,03% |
| Headphone output signal-to-noise ratio | 110 dB |
| Maximum SPL | 120 dB |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 110 dB |
| Power supply | Via Mini-USB |
| Output impedance | 100 ohms ±30% at 1 kHz |
| Dimensions | Ø114 × 273 mm including stand |
| Weight | 1.7 kg including stand |
The microphone looks excellent. Its distinctive U-shaped mount recalls vintage models. The swivel mount makes angle adjustment easy and allows the microphone to be turned over when suspended upside down from a boom arm. For other mounting options, the heavy metal desktop base is easy to remove. Its standard thread allows attachment to another stand. The microphone can also be mounted without the U-shaped bracket, using a threaded hole on the bottom of the microphone itself.
If the desktop position is too low, the supplied adapter can raise the microphone by 7 cm. It fits between the base and bracket. A thick rubber pad under the base reduces desk impact noise in recordings. This only reduces low-frequency transmission; it does not remove it completely. This limitation applies to all desktop microphones.
Three identical 16 mm electret capsules are positioned to provide four pickup modes: cardioid, figure-eight, stereo, and omnidirectional. Rubberized frames isolate the capsules from housing vibration. Fine metal mesh protects against physical damage, and a thin internal fabric layer provides extra breath protection.
A small OLED display shows volume, microphone sensitivity, and the selected pickup mode. Below it are the headphone volume control and a MUTE button. The button has an indicator that flashes when pressed. Interestingly, direct hardware monitoring stays active at all times. MUTE only stops the microphone signal sent to the computer.
A lower control adjusts the balance between the microphone and other sounds, as on professional audio interfaces.
The gain control and pickup-mode switch are on the lower rear panel, since these settings are changed less often.
All connections are on the bottom. A mini-USB port connects to the computer, and a mini-jack socket provides the headphone output.
The microphone uses a highly integrated CMedia CM118B chip. It combines a USB controller, two-channel ADC, and two-channel DAC with a headphone amplifier. Converter specifications are: ADC dynamic range 88.5 dB, DAC dynamic range 92 dB; ADC THD+N -72 dB, DAC THD+N -84 dB. The CM118B operates at 16-bit resolution and 44 or 48 kHz.
No driver installation is needed for normal computer use. The microphone appears as a standard recording and playback device. Windows and macOS X are supported.
For professional Windows applications, M-Audio recommends its additional ASIO driver. This includes a standard control panel for buffer size and sample rate. The driver offers 16- or 24-bit recording at 44.1 or 48 kHz. Higher sample rates are unnecessary for online streaming, so the format will not limit sound quality.
The M-Audio Uber Mic records quite well, with no obvious sound defects. Its main tonal characteristics are a small lower-midrange boost and slightly reduced treble. Broadcasts need no extra processing because voice already sounds fairly natural. In an ASIO application with a full range of processors, the sound can be shaped as desired.
Sensitivity is good, with enough level and overload headroom for loud voices and most instruments. Although the capsules have vibration isolation, low-frequency noise still reaches the recording. This is especially audible when typing. It is less severe than on cheap OEM models, but still present. For better broadcasts, use a separate microphone stand.
The M-Audio Uber Mic does not need an extra pop filter in normal use: its fine mesh and fabric layer serve a similar purpose. However, strong plosives at close range can still cause unpleasant breath artifacts. Keep a suitable distance. The microphone's high sensitivity and broad pickup pattern allow clear, clean recording from farther away.
Conclusions
Although the M-Audio Uber Mic was announced in 2017, it remains relevant. It looks excellent, is easy to use, records in stereo, and provides direct hardware monitoring. A dedicated ASIO driver supports professional use, while beginners receive a software package. It is also affordable to a broad audience, which is especially welcome.
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/m-audio-uber.shtml.