Stellar X2 Large Capsule Condenser Microphone

This microphone is perfect for studio use because in addition to having a clear, natural warm tone, it's super quiet. The self-noise / noise floor is super low. The only mics I own that are even close to this cost well over $1000.

That's very important for people looking to do voice recording because the recording is clean and clear without needing to apply any post production filtering. This not only saves you time in post production, your final mix is better off when you start off with as few filters as possible.

In addition to the low noise floor, what I love most is the tone. It's warm and natural. I've used mics in the past that were either too muddy, or too bright and harsh when you listen for a long time. The tone of the X2 is right in the middle... not too soft, not too bright.

The hype is real! I'd heard about the Stellar X2 back in September and that it was supposed to be every bit as good as a Neumann U87, and for a tiny fraction of the cost! I've never had the money to buy a U87 (which is over $3,000) so I've always used what I could afford. But when I finally got my Stellar X2 in the mail (shock mount and pop filters in my video/photos are ones I already had, not what come with it) I was blown away! This thing sounds phenomenal. I've been a strong advocate for MXL mics for years (and still stand by them, they make outstanding products) and when I compared this with my V67G (a great low-cost mic) there were similarities, but the Stellar X2 definitely won out with overall richness of sound, and the biggest difference was the low noise floor. It was extremely noticeable how much louder the MXL was compared to the Stellar X2 when listening to their self-noise at high gain. This is a HUGE plus for voice acting gigs that require moments of quiet dialogue. It's so exciting that such a high quality low-cost microphone that's good enough to rival the Neumann U87 is finally available! I can't recommend it enough! This is the microphone I've been waiting for all my life! If you record voice over, vocals for music, acoustic instruments, or anything else you'd need a large diaphragm condenser mic for, do yourself a favor and get yourself a Stellar X2!

Having worked in radio and music production and having used the famed U87 I have always wanted that sound for my home studio but in no way could justify that kind of money. When I saw the 1st review of this mic on Booth Junkies youtube channel I was a little skeptical but after giving it a 2nd and 3rd listen with headphones I was blown away! It took a few weeks to be able to order a unit and when the time came I had to wait again until I checked the Amazon order page and low and behold ... available!

Got the unit into my booth and set up a quick A/B against the RE20 that I've been using for the last 5 years for voice-over work. I added in my basic audio chain (a few select waves plugins) and it didn't take but a few seconds for the smile to come on... large condenser euphoria!

I highly recommend anyone looking for a quality mic to give this gem a test run! I'd take a few more of these over anything else given the price point, build and audio quality.

I'll be honest, I'm not a professional reviewer. I'm not even a professional voice-over person. I record meditations for people that are struggling at certain times in their lives. I ended up paralysed and that is why I do what I do. I like helping others.

I don't like editing. I especially don't like messing around with my voice getting rid of stuff like background noise.

After recording a couple of podcasts and a couple of meditations with this new microphone I know I have to do a lot less editing. Amazing job. Not sponsored, not given the mic. Not even a professional. Just somebody that does not like editing, or the sound of their own voice. :-)

Ladies and Gents, if you're looking for a top quality mic for a pittance of a price, this is it. Holy cow... the sound is beautiful. Like a couple of the other reviewers, I listened to the Booth Junkie comparison and instantly fell in love. I got myself on the wait list, especially seeing that they'd "fixed" two of the major issues he had with noise floor and decibel spread. I am absolutely not disappointed. Hands down one of the best mic purchases I've made.

So, now that I have the glowing praise done - let's talk comparison. I don't have a Neumann to compare this to. I own four mics now: Shure SM7B, CAD E100S, Rode NTK (which I upgraded the tube for to a Telefunken Black Diamond E88CC), and this one. Let's say that the CAD isn't in the running simply because it is flat - which is a great thing for using your board as you can really color it any way you see fit. The Shure didn't get a head to head for me, as I feel the SM7B is beautiful for bass note/deep voices - very warm. So it was down to the NTK, which can be considered unfair as a tube mic already has an edge (IMHO) since, once it warms up, it spreads honey over everything. For my voice (contralto), the Rode still is my favorite. The X2 by contrast is brighter and touch more shimmery (even after adding not only it's foam head, but a pop filter in front of it), which doesn't make me sound my best. THAT SAID... the moment my baritone-voiced son got on it... it was absolutely beautiful. His voice sounded like a million bucks. It lifted his vocals and added a shine that nothing else I have has done. Even then... my own vocals through it are still nice and it is my solid second in the four I have.

I did not send any vocals through my Mackie board for the comparison. They were straight into my Zoom H4N using Kopul Studio Elite 4000 XLRs. In conjunction with those cables, the sound was pristine and super clear.

I will rave about this mic until the sun sets for a final time, because for the price this mic is ABSOLUTELY out of this world. I would snatch this up in a heartbeat before they raise prices, because once they figure out they're sitting on a mic that people would pay over 500 for (potentially more - as once this is put through a board, I'm certain the true magic will shine through), I'm sure it won't be this price for long. Get it, get yourself some quality cables, and pat yourself on the back for being the smart cookie who jumped on a tremendous deal for a... ahem... "stellar" mic. ;)

If you are looking for a great LDC microphone at an unbelievable price, buy the TZ Stellar X2 now. There's nothing like it (or even close to it) available on the market today that wouldn't cost you the proverbial "arm and a leg". This is a precision, hand made product using premium parts and materials that sounds unbelievably good for a mic at almost any price point. It has been favorably compared to the Neumann U87 in a number of recent high profile reviews and will not disappoint even the most critical listener. I've been testing the X2 for the last several days in my studio with both male and female vocalists and I have to say that the results have been really impressive. The sound is extremely well balanced; warm lows without any evidence of boominess; a remarkably smooth midrange (where I think this mic truly excels) and a crisp high end that is never overly bright or annoying (like so many mid priced condensers these days). Extremely low self-noise and beefy output means that you can run your preamp at lower levels and avoid distortion and clipping. The X2 has been widely praised for voiceover work but I quickly found that it shines equally well for music vocal applications. The long and the short is that you absolutely will not find a better affordable mic anywhere at this price, or even at multiples of this price.

After seeing a rave review about this online from a trusted source (Booth Junkies) I immediately got on the wait list.
The review pitted the Stellar X2 prototype against a Neumann U87 and it held its own. This version is new and improved version. It feels very high end, I think it is an all steel construction. Either way it feels far more expensive than it is.

I mainly use this microphone for Voice Over work. Audiobooks and other narration type work.

Is it a Neuamnn Killer? Well, in my opinion, yes and no.

If you already have a Neumann then you won't be replacing it with this microphone (it would be the same as buying two TLM103s..there is just no reason to do so for voice over). I intend to use this as a backup mic for when I travel or if my Neumann breaks. The quality of this mic is absolutely phenomenal. To think you can essentially have a backup Neumann for $200 is insane.

Now, if you don't have a Neumann, that is where you will have to ask yourself some questions. Bar a few extra decibels of self noise, I cannot hear a difference between my TLM103 and the Stellar X2. It sounds absolutely great. It can be a little bit harsh in the top end on my voice (but so is the TLM 103).

Conclusion: for the value/quality I am not sure there is a better microphone on the market. I am no expert but I know what I like and what I have heard when using this microphone. Fantastic starter mic, easily a forever mic.

My main focus for purchasing a new mic is for voice over recording (commercials, audiobooks, narration, etc.). I currently use an ElectroVoice RE320 dynamic mic (with a cloudlifter) which makes my voice sound nicely resonant. After watching the review that Booth Junkie did of the Stellar X2 I decided to purchase one for our booth. The first recording I made was of my wife reading a commerical. It did a really nice job with her voice, bringing out the dynamics and harmonics, without adding hiss or high-end shimmer (which I then have to eq out). On my voice it adds a nice clarity in the midrange. I think I have found our new go-to voice over mic :-)!

EDIT: I just received an email from TZ audio informing me that there are already counterfeit products on the market! the counterfeit distributor is Yongda Fai and is selling the product or $159. The genuine product is listed at $199 is available on Amazon prime and it shipped from the US. The counterfeit is shipped from China. BEWARE OF WHAT YOU ARE BUYING!!! I have no idea what the fakers are putting on the inside of these microphones but how would you know? The only way to be sure is to buy the genuine TZ product.

Previously…
I'm a semi-professional musician, but rank amateur when it comes to recording. I've been doing recordings for demonstrations, but wanted something good, but even balked at the idea of spending over $200 for a good mike. I'd thought about buying one of the Rode NT variations. But it just didn't seem worth it. I saw an incredible X2 review on YouTube and thought, for the price I'd take a chance. I got my Stellar X2 yesterday after 3 months of waiting. I have had a "similar" mic, an AKG P420 for some time. The AKG was got very good reviews and I'd been pretty happy with it.... until now. I put the AKG and Stellar X2 on the same stand to record simultaneously for comparison.

The X2 is smaller than I expected and weighs 315 grams while the AKG weights over 500 grams. But the X2 is solid. It comes with a shock mount a nice case and a zipper case for accessories. One "accessory" not mentioned is that in the shock mount is an adapter for mic stand-to-3/8" screw mount. My smaller stand has the 3/8" so it was helpful (though I've already purchased adapters).

I did a couple quick recordings in my living room. Nothing special, but recorded both mics simultaneously, side-by-side (see photo). At first I was taken aback by how crisp the X2 was. I'd never experienced a recorded sound like that. My first recording was the AKG in the left channel and X2 in the right. Flipping the pan back and forth I began to hear a low level "rumble" in the AKG that I'd never paid attention to before. But when I panned to the X2...dead quiet when no voice or guitar was being playd. I'd attributed the AKG's noise to ambient noise in my home, which it very well could be. But the X2 picked up none of that (if that is the case). Perhaps I just didn't recogize the noise in the AKG as "self noise". I don't know. But there is a remarkable difference with the X2. Is it like a Neumann U87? I have no idea as I've never even seen a Neumann, but relied on the reviews to take a chance on the X2.

Again, I have no idea how the X2 actually stacks up against a Neumann, but if you're just getting into recording and want a good quality mic without breaking the bank, this might be the one for you. I may have to buy a second when my cash reserves recover (will probably have to sell my AKG now :0 ).

OK well I have some pretty good mic's. Right now my go to mic is my Avantone cv-12 which is also known as the "Taylor Swift" mic. Don't get me wrong, I live the cv-12 to death and will NOT be getting rid of it, but I needed something more akin to Neumann U87. I saw this in a youtube video and wanted it immediately. Of course it was sold out, but when it came in stock, I bought it right away. The price point is AMAZING and so is the hardware once it came in the mail (it was back ordered for about a week).

Truth be told, it was amazing right out of the box. I didn't have to eq it or compress it much like I had to do with other mic's to get it to sit in the mix. The noise floor is AMAZING, and so is the build quality. It also came with a cute little case, shock mount and windscreen.

This was a no-brainer purchase. If you really really want that pro sound but can't afford or justify a $1k+ mic, then try this one.

I've been podcasting, voice acting and doing YouTube videos for about 5 years. During the timeframe, I've bought a ton of audio equipment, various microphones that I probably didn't need, and a whole lot of it was junk that I just wasn't impressed with. The Stellar X2, is quite possibly, the cream of the crop when it comes to satisfaction with purchase. It comes with a shock mount, the wind-foam, a carrying case, instructions, a carrying bag, and a note from the seller letting you know they tested my microphone for 16 hours, prior to sending it out, to make sure it works. Upon turning it on, and listening to the first test recording I made, I didn't even have to listen to it back to know I loved the way it sounded. Sometimes, when you purchase new gear, it doesn't quite live up to the hype, and you almost have to talk yourself into liking a new purchase, as the difference between what you had is minor. This, sounds excellent, it could easily cost $300 - $400. Get it now, it is going to rise in price quick.

For anyone with a home studio in an untreated room, with a reasonable audio interface (like a Scarlet or M Audio), decent headphones and gear but nothing over the top (like $50 headphones and gear like an MPC One), I must say this mic surprised me.

After reading the mixed reviews about how awesome the Stellar X2 is and others saying it's not as awesome (no where near a Neumann or more like a Rhodes etc) and tends to be just average, I was left confused.

My previous mics were a Samson C01 and Blue Ember. And this mic is way better than these in my home studio hands down. All I wanted was a new mic that clearly improved or upgraded me another level. And this mic did that. It's a much improved sound and I am totally satisfied (so it's not a RIP off or waste of money here).

I have no idea why there is so many mixed reviews online and YouTube. Perhaps this $200 mic is comparable to any other $200 mic so I am just hearing an improvement because my previous mics were in the $100 range. Regardless, at least for me the Stellar X2 is well worth the price. Very struck by the build quality and sound quality.

A key improvement to note too is I noticed I do not have to crank up my audio interface gain as much on this mic and so the noise level is substantially less. I also get a more rich or thick overall sound.

If your not an audiophile focused on specs and in a real world home studio environment try this mic you will be quite pleased. Will be keeping this gear for sure.

Update: I had to return the mic. I realized only now that if you are recording at home in an untreated room (meaning no sound proofing) then a condensor mic is not the way to go. A dynamic mic like the SM58 is better. It took me quite some time to realize this. Condensor picks up the tiniest sound because its so sensitive and so an untreated room does not really work well. Also the Stellar is prone to being syllabant (my S sounded like a lisp). Hope this helps.

As a professional musician, I'm always looking for the best ways to record my music. I'm so happy that TZ Audio found my YouTube and allowed me the chance to use such a beautiful microphone. I was also not expecting the beautiful storage case and all the extra accessories like the wind cover.

The harp is very difficult to mic and I knew this microphone was of professional quality but my expectations were completely blown away by how beautifully this microphone captures the sound. I can't wait to continue creating high-quality music videos and audio tracks.

If you're thinking about getting this microphone: do it! It is definitely worth the investment and you will not be disappointed. This will probably be the only condenser microphone you will ever have to purchase.

(note: I don't have the microphone pictured in the video because it captures the sound better when it is lower to the ground)

I think the mic captured the essence of my instrument. I was very impressed with the clarity and dynamic range of this mic. This was the best bang for my buck!

This is a good sounding microphone, with a caveat. If the mic is used close up, say a foot or less, it sounds well balanced without overpowering sibilance. However, if the sound source is more than a foot away - 2 or 3 feet or more, Then a strange anomaly occurs. It sounds "peaky" somewhere in the 7 to 10 kHz range - thus the 4 star rating. On the plus side, when I recorded music from my sound system from 5 feet away, there was unexpected excellent low end extension. This mic would be an excellent cello or upright bass spot mic. Another plus is that it has great rear rejection of sound.

Well with all the hype I got this to upgrade from my CAD M179, which has been giving me some sibilance headaches. After all the comparison videos on YouTube I was expecting something quite different, but on side-by-side single-take comparison this microphone sounds nearly indistinguishable from the M179. Just maybe 1-1.5dB lower on the high frequency end of the response, but that's the kind of variance you see between two copies of the same model.

The 3micron diaphragm does result in a hotter output than the M179.

But since the X2 is both more expensive and less featureful than the M179 (which has dual-capule, infinitely variable polar pattern), I decided not to keep it.

I do think it's a good microphone for the money, but there are other models from other manufactures that sound baiscally identical, have simialrly low self-noise, and cost less.

This microphone has similar sound characteristics as my Audix CX-101 which is cost 3X as much. It is more responsive than my Presonus M7 which cost half as much.

Bottom line: you don't have to spend $2,000 to get a microphone that will do the job, i.e., capture a warm and expressive vocal sound

Like most folks, I saw the Booth Junkie's YouTube review in which the X2 was shockingly identical to a Neumann U87. I loved the TZ Audio story -- local kids in my SoCal hometown trying to start a mic company -- so I got on the X2 waiting list. As I received my unit (a week earlier than originally promised by Amazon), more reviews and YouTube demos appeared showing how the X2 is warm and flawless on voice over work.

All true. And I'm here to also say, it's great for music too. I've used it on acoustic guitar and my (admitted shrill, whiny) singing voice (recorded into the mic pres of my old and not-very-exciting first-gen MOTU 828), and the X2's been transparent, shimmery and warm. Very, very musical. Not quite tube-mic warm, but not really distinguishable from a Neumann TLM 103 or AKG 414 (just, you know, $600-$800 less expensive).

I've found everything else written about it to be true: the hand-built construction is rock solid, self-noise is basically zero, and the carrying case and shock mount are quality adds.

Highly, highly recommended for musicians and producers. It's a no-brainer backup if you've already got costlier condensers in your closet, and a downright MIRACULOUS buy for home musicians on any kind of budget.

Used this mic on a recent cover and for the size and price it is a very good condenser mic! Big upgrade to what I was using. Worth the price!

Let me start by saying that I was skeptical of the reviews upon hearing this microphone compared to the mighty Neumann U87. There also seems to be some conflicting videos out there about this thing. While I do not own a U87, I do own a Neumann TLM103 which I have used extensively (the manufacturer claims that the Stellar X2 is "in between" the TLM103 and the U87). I set the mics up to do a 1 take, A/B listening test and here are my findings:

This microphone is ABSOLUTELY an incredible mic at this price point and far beyond anything else you can get, even compared to mics 2-3 times the price. It is a very, very similar sound to the TLM103. Is it exactly the same? No, but it is close enough that most people would not be able to tell the difference. It is slightly more sensitive than the Neumann (about 2db of difference), and also slightly less sensitive to plosives (a good thing). The biggest audible difference is that the X2 has a slight boost in the presence/sibilance end, as well a very slight low end bump around 200hz. It is not harsh or muddy compared to the TLM103, but that little bit of presence is the only main giveaway that it is not the Neumann.

Pros:
- Incredible sound quality
- Great value (especially considering it comes with shock mount and hard case)

Cons:
- Build quality does not feel as robust as the Neumann mics, but that is to be expected.
- The very slight boost on the bottom and top end may not be the right thing for all applications
- A tiny bit higher noise floor than the TLM103

In summary, buy this mic! Remember that a microphone is not a 1 stop shop, it is a tool and you use different ones for different needs. This thing is killer, and despite having several much more expensive microphones, this will be added to my arsenal to use for the right application.

Also worth noting that they came out with the Stellar X2 Vintage model, which I would LOVE to compare to my Neumann U47 if I can get my hands on one. Expect a more mid-forward presentation with that model.

I won't give a full technical review as others can probably talk specs and science stuff better than me. I did put this into use the day I got it. I swapped it in for my WARM 87 (which is a deal at 2.5 times the price of this Stellar) and did a BIG voiceover session via Source Connect with a studio who's opinion I highly respect. I asked them if they had any thoughts on my mic chain. They were impressed and then at the end of the session the engineer wanted me to send him a link to this new mic he hadn't heard of.

The two things that stand out to me are: the clean FULL spectrum sound AND ultra low noise. For the money there is no better value right now!

For the human voice, especially a mid-range male, this is a great choice!

Stellar x2 is a really huge upgrade ranging on the 200$ microphones. In my opinion, if your trying to find a microphone that is crispy, warm, and clear. This is it!! Also they have a vintage version of the X2. But once I got my interface (Volt 176) i really didn't have to get the vintage one. The Volt 176 allows me to turn on or off if i want that vintage tone for my vocals. Plus it has that 1176 compressor built in it and it sounds great. You don't have to get a interface with vintage, or any kind of saturation. Stellar x2 alone sounds amazing out the box. But if you want that added saturation and tone. I would recommend getting Volt 176 for that vintage and compressor. Or SSL interface has that 4K feature. Though for my ears SSL 4K sounds a bit harsh once you start mixing and trying to control those highs. And on the Volt Vintage it sounds more controlled and natural. This is my review!! Hope i gave you a peace of my mind! Thank You Stellar x2 this is an amazing microphone!! Keep Creating!

This mic works great! The noted Shure and Neumann comparisons are felt through its quietness, but clarity, and it offers all that for a very inexpensive price. Just buy the mic!

My group used it to record our latest single, and the quality speaks for itself.

TL;DR: BUY IT. This mic is wonderful!

First, the noise floor is much lower than many other mics of comparable price, which by itself is a huge deal.

Second, there's the frequency response range – from almost (if not) below human hearing, to almost the top of human hearing. A bit of drop-off on the very top, but most adults wouldn't even be able to tell anyway. And so uniform across the spectrum! It produces such good bass response that my studio headphones couldn't handle it and I had to dial back the bass on the soundboard.

Third, the sound quality and clarity – wow! Just putting headphones on and speaking into this mic close-up is a spine-tingling experience; you'll hear EVERY click, slurp, and smack you mouth makes (possibly more than you ever wanted to know)!

Finally, TechAudio was kind enough to include it's own carrying case (you can see it in the product photos), with room for the included foam wind screen and shock mount, and of course the mic. It works just great!

For at least this one purchase in my life, I can say there is simply NOTHING that is NOT to love about TechZone Audio's Stellar X2. I can't wait for their special version arriving in January!

I got this mic in hopes to replace my other microphones. I needed something a little more professional and high quality as most of my microphones haven't been on the higher end. I came across this and liked the look and it sounded amazing! perfect for podcasts, music, instruments. Really it had all the features and it's really high quality in terms of the weight and materials of the microphone. I have a very noisy environment when it comes to recording thanks to several PC fans but this did not pick them up and didn't' require any additional sound cancelling software. It was perfect!

Are you a company trying to record #voiceover on a budget? Mike DelGaudio posted a review and comparison video to Youtube on the new TechZone Audio Stellar X2 on his Booth Junkie channel. I ordered it and for $200 this is my new favorite microphone for voice over. It adds a richness to my voice that I don't get from my other 3 mics costing much more. It's clarity and warmth truly do match the $1100 Neumann TLM103 and U87 (over $3000) that my employers have purchased in the past.

Wow! Just Wow!

I'm sorry my CAD E100s, AT4040, and Neumann TLM 102 but I'm loving this mic too much to stop using now! I've already used it tonight for a training video.

#audiorecording #smallstudio #homestudio #virtualtraining

After years of wrestling with my Audio Technica 4040's spiky high frequency response, I jumped at the chance for an even quieter, more affordable large condenser that I could actually use on vocals without harsh sibilance or acoustic guitars without all the excessive clickety-clack attack and buzz of the strings. As others have mentioned, the build quality and accessories are also exceptional additions at this price point, and the output level is such that I need very little gain at the preamp stage. But more than anything I'm just relieved to finally have a mic that can achieve professional quality balance and detail for an incredibly wide range of sound sources. I look forward to spending more time finding ways to enhance my recordings rather than struggling to troubleshoot and compensate for shortcomings at the source.

The value that TechZone has packed into this compact but very robust microphone is purely amazing. High quality components with through-hole connections. Excellent fit and finish. And it comes complete with surprisingly high-quality extras like a quite decent shock mount and a hard-shell padded flight case.

But where it matters most is the sound, and that's where this microphone blows away everything else you're going to find for under $1000. A lot of people are even comparing it favorably to the $3600 Neumann U87. I like the sound better than the Neumann TLM 103 for sure. Highly sensitive with minimal gain needed to drive it. The 13 dbA noise floor competes with the quietest microphones on the planet.

My suggestion: But this microphone while you can still get it at this price. That price won't last, and when you see it being sold for 2-3x that in a few years, you're going to kick yourself!

I have used this mic to record some songs for my youtube channel. I play the cello, which is hard to record properly. It pics up the bass notes well. Well just listen to the video I guess and make your own judgement, but not a bad mic at all for this price !

I had a great experience with this microphone! I used it to record saxophone and it did a great job capturing the full range. I used it for talking a little on some calls as well and it definitely sounded crystal clear there as well. I would only say that you might have to turn down the gain a good amount since it is pretty sensitive, but that is the case with a lot of condenser mics. Probably wouldn’t call this a beginners mic because of the price but it is a great option for putting together a professional studio that isn’t trying to break the bank.

This is a great Microphone and I can Tell these Guys put some Hard work into the details. It is a small microphone compact but a superb build quality. Solid steel and made of High quality. The sound is flat with some sizzle. Just what I was looking for. The case is comes in is perfect and it comes with a high quality shock mount and a little foam mic cover if you don't have pop filter this will get you started right out the box. If you are on a budget but get this. Its not a budget mic. This is a High Quality Mic with High Quality components for an unbelievable price. The Stellar x 2 is Stellar and Lives up to it's name. I have several mics. This one is a keeper. I have already done some vocals and it has that sweet spot feel and will make your recordings sound top notch. I want to purchase one more so Give it a go. Worth it and you will enjoy this fine piece of gear for years to come. Great Job Guys. Love it!!!

I purchased this mic to use mainly for male voiceover (my own) into a GML preamp and UA Apollo Twin. I can see it serving very nicely on voices that don't rely on a little extra flattery in the bass (mine does).

My copy of the Stellar X2 has a very lean bass presentation compared to my longtime VO workhorse, the Rode NT1000, which I was looking for this mic to replace. I believe it beats the NT1000 in midrange clarity, but couldn't successfully EQ the bass to match or improve upon the NT1000 on my voice; there was no middle ground between anemic and flabby.

I don't see this as an issue with this mic, just a subjective difference on my voice.

Some positives: plosives were handled much better on this mic than on the NT1000; I could get by with just one windscreen (I always use 2 on the Rode). As mentioned, the midrange was lovely. Sibilance was, admirably for a mic in this price range, not a big issue. Also the size of the mic was surprising when I received it; I'm used to much larger mics that get in the way of reading copy on the screen... this little guy is very polite in that respect! And its output was about 7dB hotter than the NT1000.

All in all, it's a great mic for the price, and instead of keeping it for myself, I'll be passing it along to a female vocalist, whose voice I believe will be well served by its positive qualities.

I was lucky enough to get the original version of the Stellar X2 Gold grill(1st gen), which was a good sounding mic minus the high noise floor smooth and crisp. I orded the second version, all black. Which sounds a little smoother and almost finished. I say almost because I think its on the right track to becoming a great microphone. $500 plus price point. But they need to up the game on giving a larger body size, say Rode NT1 size. Touch up the noise floor a bit more. Say 12 dba or lower.
I ran both mics thru a dbx 286s with Mogami Gold Studio cable to a Audiant iD14 interface. I used the included shock mount. Again it sounds great, better than a AT 2020 or MXL 770. It is very comparable to a TLM 103 sound wise but with a more pronounced midrange in my opinion. For a look at the original version next to the updated version along with spec sheets see pics.
My conclusion. I will be following closely TZ Audio and purchasing their products in the future. It only gets better from here. I have 20 plus microphones from an MXL 770, Rotde NT1A, EV RE 20, SM7b, Lewitt 540 Subzero, Wa87, Wa49jr and a Neumann TLM 103. This mic sets at the top for sound but in the middle for noise. I love this mic and would recommend it to anyone.

I saw a glowing review of this mic on Youtube and I just had to try it! For the price I have to say it's very impressive. I have a Neumann TL 103 and it's very close. I'm not saying it's as good but the sound is very close. Depending on what I'm using it for I will pull it out sometimes before I get the Neumann. It has a bit of a peak in the top end that gives it great presence. I know a lot of people refer to this peak as irritating and harsh sounding but for me it always seems I need more presence on my mixes so I like the way it sits in the track for vocals and lots of other applications. I will say that the size of this mic is smaller than you expect. I thought it was going to be the size of a large diaphram condenser mic like the Neumann or a Rode but it's not. It's about the size of a Shure SM7. The same company sells another model which is more neutral and flatter sounding. It's called their Vintage version so if you don't like the high end peak for presence then try the Vintage version. One way or the other it's hard to dispute that this mic a good mic for the money.

I am a professional musician, and amateur recording engineer. I love this mic because it sounds great, no frills or second guessing, and the diaphragm on this thing is huge. It's solid, and sets up easily, although right out of the case, I noticed a slight tilt in the grill casing (I'll post a picture of this later). Also, the shock mounts are nothing amazing, but definitely do the job. I've only had one opportunity to record into a Neumann U87, but I am a stickler floor noise, and clarity - and this one fits the bill. This Mic has a wonderful sound pallet to work with - it has some really warmth to it. Totally worth the price. I just started using it, but so far, it's been great!

As a smaller content-creator on YouTube who does a lot of voiceovers I found this product to be especially outstanding for its price. When I got the microphone I immediately set to work hooking it up and recording. I eventually decided to compare it with my old microphone, the Shure MV7, and I was shocked by how much better it sounded! This microphone produces such clean, crisp vocals and does exactly what it set out to do; it provides unrivaled quality to people on a budget.

I'm so thankful that TZ Audio Products reached out to me through my socials after finding my YouTube channel and would recommend this microphone to anyone who wants outstanding quality for a reasonable price.

The build quality appears to be solid. The included mic case is a nice little added touch. The included shock mount does the job, but you may want to upgrade as it is not an overly sturdy shock mount. The audio quality belies its price point, as this Stellar X2 provides a sound I'd expect from a much more expensive large diaphragm condenser mic. Proximity effect is very full for when you need that kind of sound. For reference, my use is for voice over, so I cannot comment on how this mic would fare for singing or instruments.

After seeing a video on the Stellar X2 appear on the Booth Junkie YouTube channel I signed up for the TZ Audio Products newsletter and after getting the notification of the announcement I ordered mine right away. Well it just came in and after doing two commerical recordings with it I have to say I am super excited to make this my daily use mic. The noise floor is shockingly quiet (I live near a train and even though there is construction going on outside I didn't pick up any of it)! It also doesn't take a lot of juice to get going. Normally I have to crank my Zoom H4n to an input volume of like 75 to get decent sound out of a mic (and with a lot of hiss). With the Stellar X2 I only had to dial it up to the low 30s - and with a Fethead - at 0.7 I was getting good sound! Although I definitely don't need one with this mic. I was not expecting the included case, shock mount, and windscreen, especially not at this price. Great job TZ!

I really like the sound of this mic, there’sa significant amount of range, so the sounds feels crisp! The microphone also feels very sturdy not like it’s made if cheap materials! And the included shock mount is not only extremely effective at removing this from the desk but also looks very clean as well! Love this mic!

I had been waiting for these to come back in stock and I finally received my shipment the other day. I am a livestreamer on Twitch and I've used a number of different microphones over the past few years. Most were USB but also XLR mics. I have a pretty complex audio setup and I'm very familiar with audio chain setups. This microphone pairs very well with my voice and vocal style. My audience and colleagues immediately knew I was on a different mic ( I didn't warn them ahead of time) and I've had so many compliments since I started using it. The packaging is great and kept the mic secure. The mic itself had a nice weight and felt really solidly built. The shock mount works well, however I found the angle tightener to not hold very well and I do need to readjust and re-tighten from time to time when it slips. I plan to do some further testing in a more quiet space for some real voiceover work soon.

Got this mic after watching every video and reading every review I could get my hands on. I admit I was very skeptical about how well it would really perform. Out of the box the tonal quality of this mic pleasantly surprised me. What started out to be a cursory test of the mic ended up being an 8-hour recording session. There was instant integration into my work flow due to how easy it is to get it to sit in the mix. Tracking became more efficient because of the lack of need for EQ tweaking. Sure, there are other mics that perform this way... but not at this price point! The TechZone folks have made a product that can instantly elevate the quality of music production by the masses. I highly recommend this mic!

It's really amazing that a microphone of this price has such a rich sound. I've only begun using it for my voice over business (bought it as a replacement for a Rode NT1A that started sounded raspy after only a couple years, the likes of which I sent back to the manufacturer for assessment and repair, if necessary). I read the reviews, watched several videos with praise coming from respected VO actors, and decided to get one and see/hear for myself. I think the sound is better than the NT1A. As to it's longevity, that's to be seen. Hopefully the NT1A will be repaired soon and I can set it aside as the emergency mic for when/if the Stellar X2 starts sounding bad.

The price initially sounds high, but your mind will be blown once you get it and try it. It is of great quality and I like the attention to detail. The price adds up for all the missing elements, but if you need great products that seem they'll last a long time then it is worth the investment. I will use this brand again and am excited to see what else they come up with moving forward!

I spent a ton of time researching the best mic. You can pay more, but the returns are really marginal... nobody will know the difference unless you do very high end professional work and even then it will be hard.

You really can't go wrong with this mic.

I thought the carrying case was overkill for my use, but a nice touch.

Each unit has customized documents.

I paired this with an EVO 4 audio interface and got a Gator Frameworks mic stand (delux model with the counterweight) and it works PERFECTLY. I swing the mic into position and swing it out of the way when done.

I couldn't be happier.

The Stellar X2 is in a price range that most beginners can afford, but the company is targeting the performance of the iconic Neumann U87 as its goal. Not having one of the Neumann's to test against, I can't vouch for their meeting that standard, but I do have a Sennheiser 416 and assorted quality mics and this Stellar really does surpass them in its low noise floor -- i.e. it's amazingly quiet, and very sensitive. It is very solidly built, simple to use (no built-in high-pass filter or dB-attenuation pad); it's ideal for Voice-Over or other recording, where software post-processing can handle any high-pass filtering requirements. For the price, I don't think it has a serious challenger.

For the money you can't beat it, if your going for something that sounds similar to a U87. But if you have bad plosives you will need to get those under control with a good pop filter. The Stellar will make them more noticeable because its a brighter mic. Really happy with my current setup and I've got some compliments on the quality. I would suggest to anyone that's new and doesn't have a big budget.

This MIC is an absolute gem (coming from a MXL, Lewitt owner). This is well worth the money that I paid for it. I was left with the feeling that I've should of paid more for it honestly; that's just how great of a MIC this happens to be. What I most admire about the TZ stellar is the clarity that the MIC delivers. It is clear, crisp and concise, which is my preference when it comes to recording. All around levels are good for the lows, mids and highs. For those that are looking for that warmth from this MIC, sorry to tell you but you won't get that from this TZ microphone (now you can always do some processing when you mix and edit the vocals). This is more of that what you say is what you'll hear type of condenser MICs. All in all, it's really an enjoyable product that would put a few 1K plus MIC to shame. Plus the team that created / develop the MIC are pro's in their field.

I just received this mic a few days ago, and I am completely blown away by the quality, both sound and build, that this company has achieved at such a crazy low price. I'd grab one now, because I don't think they're going to be able to sustain that price--nor should they, in my opinion. This mic is worth at least three times the price, and maybe more.

It has been compared favorably to the Neumann U87. Now, I've never had the pleasure of using that mic, but from all the tests I've seen online, it's not as crazy as it sounds. Will you abandon the U87 for this? No. Is it a good alternative for those of who don't have three grand lying around waiting to be spent? ABSOLUTELY!

Like I said, I've only had the mic a few days, so I can't testify as to durability, but it feels solid, with metal construction and good heft for the size (it was smaller than I expected).

So happy I got it while it was in stock, and I'm looking forward to many happy days in the booth with this baby!

I’m still amazed I actually was able to get this incredible microphone! I watched a video review of this online and it really sounded too good to be true. I submitted my email address to be notified when they would be I’m stock and finally got an email saying Amazon had them in stock but, when I went to order, they were already sold out! I kept looking every day and finally saw they were back in stock so quickly ordered mine! It arrived today and I set it up and briefly tested it out and, so far, I’m amazed at the quality for the price! It’s suppose to rival the Neumann U87- the penultimate voiceover microphone at about 6% of the cost! I don’t have a Neumann U87 to compare it with but the sound quality that comes out of this beautifully handcrafted microphone is nothing short of amazing! With an internal noise of just 13dbA, the Stellar X2 is aptly named because it’s quality and sound is stellar! This will be my new Go To microphone for most of my voiceover applications! Get yours today!

I was invited to test this mic out for a distributor, but was really excited to do so. This is my first experience with cardioid condenser mic, and I'm having a lot of fun learning about its range of uses. In this video, I used it in place of my usual two overhead mics. I've also used it to record a podcast intro. Because it's a high sensitivity mic, it's best used in an environment that has at least some treatment for sound reflection. It does require phantom power, which I had to spend some time figuring out.

Overall great mic! On top of being a very cool looking, it picks up sound in a big way. It also ships with a nice case. I'm really looking forward to trying it in more recording scenarios.

For $200 you get an extremely nice microphone with a very mature sound signature. I'm using a Mogami Silver XLR cable to connect the Mic to a Creative Labs SoundBlaster AE-9, which has an external module with an XLR connector and 48V Phantom Power. The audio quality is extremely nice, both in recordings and when on calls. Mounted upside-down on a boom arm, using the included pop-filter and shock mount, isolates the microphone from your surroundings for a surprising degree of clarity. I am using this for zoom/discord calls, as well as streaming and podcasting, and this mic is more than anyone would ever need for those activities.

Build quality is quite nice, and the mic is significantly more compact than my old Blue Yeti USB mic. The included shock mount is also a great addition, as I think it would have been tricky to find one aftermarket due to the small size. Couldn't be happier with this product.

The Stellar X2 is phenomenal for the price. I find that above $350 you get very diminishing returns with microphones. I’m a big fan of the shure sm7b and let me tell you with my headphones (DT990 Pro 250ohm) I can not hear a difference on my line monitoring between the stellar and the sm7b. The fact that a mic in this price range performs so much better than something like the AT2020 yet costs half of the mics it’s going up against is a testament to the quality. I will say the stabilizer that comes with it is just okay. It’s not great but it’s better than nothing. If you are using an arm this won’t be an issue. But if you are on a desk tripod and you frequently bang your desk or rage you might have an issue with it. Also the mic cover is not as good as a clip on pop filter, but I find that it filters out all unwanted clicks and p’s without issue. Overall couldn’t be happier with this mic. If you are streaming, making YouTube content, want a better microphone for work, or even starting out making music, this mic will be great for you. Great job TZ you made an excellent mic for the price.

Of all the reviews I’ve seen or read so far, most are very favorable. Those that are not either employ precise scientific method to debunk the idea that the mic is a Neumann U87 clone (which was never a claim by the manufacturer), claim that the mic is too bright and top-heavy, claim that the mic is too dull and muddy, claim that the packaging is too smelly, claim the logo is abysmal…and so on into the weeds of just bottom-dwelling nonsense. Be aware, these complaints constitute a minority of negative reviews. Sometimes bucking the crowd is brave – sometimes it’s just a “look at me” play.

Compare the audio and video reviews and be as skeptical as you want but understand that this mic delivers beyond its currently listed price ($199 at the time of this review). For singing vocals, the best comparison I can think of to any Neumann is that neither mic is a “fix it in the mix” mic and yet, both are – as are all. For the price, the Stellar X2 is, in my humble opinion, awesome! (Wait – I should have said…oh, never mind). Very, VERY happy with my purchase, and that’s the truth!

These guys are the robin hood of mics. I almost feel bad buying the Stellar X2 so cheap! In fact right out of the box I knew it was something special. No! Right out of the amazing packaged, padded brief case it comes in, I knew it was something special. If you put that much detail into packaging, then you most certainly are putting that much detail into your mic.

After hearing so many great things about the X2 and waiting for so long to try it out myself I couldn't wait to snap it into my mic cable. And it didn't disappoint!! I immediately thought... how can this be so awesome and so cheap! How can they be making any money. This is the warmth and clarity my commercial VO auditions and jobs were missing. The hype is real. The Stellar X2 is just that........Stellar!

I love using this microphone, I recorded my first "behind the scenes" video and used the X2 for it. Loud and clear signal, ideal for podcasts, voice recording, and other purposes.

Mic just arrived in 2 days (Thanks Amazon Prime) and all I can say is WHOOOOOOA!

Build quality? Excellent (heavy and solid)
Shock mount? Excellent for me (YMMV)
Pop filter (clown nose)? Excellent, but I won't use it...not my thing
Storage case? Excellent bonus

Let me first say I'm a voice actor and I have been using an AT2020 XLR through a Scarlett 2i2 for a few years, and like many, I thought my AT2020 was "good enough" that is until recently when I booked a large VO project where I had a chance to really "listen" to my RAW audio for an extended period of time. At that point, I quickly realized I needed to upgrade and so far I'm glad I found the mic.

I immediately performed a comparison between the Stellar X2 and my AT2020 (same gain settings,
same mic technique, no processing) and the difference is night and day. In my studio and for my voice (I have a deeper voice) the Stellar X2 is hotter, brighter, more crisp and MUCH clearer...by far. Does is compare to a TLM103 or U87ai? I can't say for sure as this is my first upgrade, but what I can say is this mic is a clear and noticable upgrade to the AT2020.

Bottom line, GET.THIS.MIC! You wont be sorry!

Like many who waited on this microphone after the Booth Junkie review, I agree it was worth the wait! This is my first 'studio grade' microphone purchase. While the microphone itself was smaller in size than I expected, it has a BIG sound.

I have worked in radio for about 28 years. I am used to dynamic mics like the Shure SM7B and the RE 20. When I was looking for a microphone for my home studio, I did my homework.

If you are looking for a main microphone for your voice over studio, grab this mic with both hands and don't let go! You get so much for $200! (or less if you got the 'waiting list' discount)

This is a home run for TechZone Audio Products!

Fantastic Mic! Really. It's just, right! Instant satisfaction for female vocalist. This mic is staying out for vocal duty that is for sure. There are 3 mics I also use most often. The Aston Origin and Spirit, also the WA87r2. This is tied with my favorite, which is the Origin. I also have a Blue Baby Bottle, Blue Spark, AKG c214, Rode nt1a, WA 47jr, MXL V69, etc....So I have some decent mics.
The x2 is very impressive. Great tone and clarity.
You just can't lose with this mic. It's inspiring and sounds like "me". Yet makes "me" sound better.
Quality and hard work at TZ that comes shining through. Thank you for producing such a great mic!
UPDATE: I forgot I already wrote a review! Hah. Ok, since I am here. Reminded again that this is an absolutely amazing microphone people. I don't care if it was made on the moon. I have a TLM 103 and I like this better. Sure, looks cheap, not attractive but who cares! It's about the sound. WOW, get one. Using it with a dbx 286s channel strip, a WA73 eq and a Fredenstein V.A.S. Likes the clean preamp/dbx. So if you are just starting out, get a pro sound by adding a preamp/channel strip like the dbx 286s, about $220 and the mic is $199, The channel strip has compression, a gate, eq...So fast and easy you have a fantastic sound without a lot of fuss. I am talking singing vocals here not broadcast or voiceover although check out Booth Junkie and see just how impressed he is with this mic. It's true. Really. You'd be a fool not to get this mic is all I can say.

As soon as I got the Stellar X2, I did a quick comparison with my bluebird. I recorded with both the mics with identical settings at the same time into my DAW. The quality of Stellar X2 is as good as blue bird. I haven't compared all the frequency ranges but I did a quick voice and instrument test (with my guitar). The quality of this mic is exceptional, in terms of the quality of the audio recorded and the build quality. It's much lighter than the blue bird. I also got a promotional discount of 30$. Comes with a hard case which is of very good quality. Overall, this is an excellent product. In the coming months, I should find more about this product as I use it and I'll update if there are any issues.

I am impressed with the quality of craftmanship of this microphone. The sound quality is fantastic and makes my voice stand out when I do my aviation videos. I have a YouTube channel (Ziggy Air), and often the voice on my videos does not come out clearly because I have airplane engines in the background. With this microphone, my voice is clear and powerful, and I don't have to make audio editing changes for that to happen. This is great value for your money. I am very happy and would recommend it without hesitation.

I received my Stellar X2 and after reading all the hype, I just had to find out for myself. I've had my own home studio for years, and after gleaming over the articles of U87 for years, the closest I've ever come was a pair of Rode NT2000s, along with a UA Apollo Twin. Nothing to sneeze at with my current setup, and fully convinced my gear was sufficient, along comes the Stellar X2 which peaks my curiosity.

So I've received this mic tonight, and started to AB it with my NT2000, I am just utterly floored! The mic is one-third the price, and have to say that appearance-wise, a bit unimpressive as compared to the NT2000 (but its solid in its own right). But, but, but... sound-wise, it seems to have a higher gain stage, with lower noise floor, fuller on the low-end, and very very well balanced. It actually makes my NT2000 sound a bit shrilly at the top end. This mic is just amazingly impressive, and I could tell right away that it would shine through in the mix when the time comes.

This mic is definitely a keeper, and I'm thinking about acquiring a second one to fulfill the pair -- very very impressive. My recommendation -- go out and grab one. Especially at this price point, I can only imagine that the demand will increase ten-fold when this hits mainstream. Amazing amazing.

The Condenser from testing how the mic sounds when making this video to check works wonders. My computer is normally loud when on, so I’m glad the compatibility of this microphone with a computer went off without a hitch. Would definitely recommend as the standard

Increíble inversión para comenzar mi home studio! Tube 1 antes de otra marca y no me escuchaba bien que digamos. So desidi a tratar algo diferente, y mi primera impresión cuando pude cantar con este micrófono fue ecxelente!!! Me quede imprecionada porque pensé que por el precio tan bajo quizás no iba a tener buena calidad, pero cuando escuche la calidad tan buena que tiene, me siento que hice una tremenda inversión.

I needed a warm, clear mic for my voiceover work, but let's face it, anything worth bothering with is lots of $$$. I saw a review for this one, comparing it to a Neumann (again $$$). The sound clips were surprising, the cost even more so. I recorded some work, and being used to a cheaper mic, I was too close. Stood back and let the mic do the heavy lifting and just used my voice. Wow. It picked up all the deeper tones in my voice without losing the lighter tones. So clear, warm and perfect for my voice. I think I found my favorite mic!

I didn't want to believe something so affordable could hold its own against microphones 10-15x as expensive as the Stellar X2. But now I'm a believer in Tech Zone Audio Products. I have owned and currently own many microphones across a wide range of price points, and this mic punches well above its weight class; it's going to be finding its way into every session I do moving forward. Depending on the vocalist this might be the perfect compliment, or as a room mic on a guitar cabinet, or to capture some detail and aggression from a heavily strummed acoustic guitar.

Now I just need a matching second X2 to capture all of the stereo recordings I have in mind, like drum overheads.

I am impressed with this microphone. It comes very well packaged with a hard case, shock mount and wind screen cover.

The microphone has great sound quality when plugged into an audio interface and powered up.

There are no bells and whistles here, just a great XLR microphone. I look forward to using this into the future!

I am new to using a mic, I bought this to start audiobook narration. It is amazing. The quality is stellar, love this.

FANTASTIC DYNAMIC RANGE AND
SUPURB SENSITIVITY. I'VE USED NUMEROUS MICROPHONES OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS AND FOR AN ENTRY LEVEL PRICED UNIT, THIS ONE IS HARD TO BEAT!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS MICROPHONE, COMES IN IT'S OWN HARD CASE, AND MADE IN THE GOOD OLE USA!

It is a good quality microphone, very good sound and comes out with clean the nice vocals or for recording instruments I recommend this item

1st heard of the Stellar X2 Mic from You Tubes ................Booth Junkie.
Went to order it and the Mic was sold out., made a phone call to TZ and was put on their mailing list for the new arrivals.....Order it as soon it became available................................WOW..!!!!
My voice never sounded as good. I have compared it to professional Voice Overs.
The sonic overtones and undertones that this Mic Delivers is no HYPE................. I own a Heil PR40,
Blue Reactor..$500.......... Some MXL stuff.... Owned Electrovoice RE-20, Beyerdynamic M 88 TG

A Message to TZ ............ I was once told the Japanese wanted the fast nickles and not the slow dollars.
if you can maintain a balance to produce this Mic at a low cost you will become wealthy.
I have another Stellar X2........................................ on it's way, so I can stereo Mic percussion.... etc.

Very nice and welcome addition to my growing home studio.
I was debating whether to buy this or spend more for a more known and “mainstream” brand.
And man am I happy that I opted to go with the X2. This microphone is very well built, is versatile with all the recording situations I’ve utilized it for thus far, has a nice airy condenser tone to it but not overly bright, functions very well as a room mic for my drum recording needs in the studio set up, but extremely functional and able to be one of my go to vocal condenser mics.
Very happy with this $200 mic.

Before I get into the mic lets talk about what it comes with.
First I like the case, sturdy.
Second the shock mount, cheap but gets the job done.
Third the wind cover, does a decent job of dropping those plosives.
Fourth, I just like leather pouches so that is a win.

Now to the mic, I compared it to the rode nt1 and at least for my voice I like the Stellar just as much maybe more and the noise floor is also so freaking low for the price. I picked it up out of the package and immediately felt the weight, like this mic is sturdy AF. Did I mention how nice it sounds for my voice(different mics work for different voices especially if you are like me with minimum skill in editing audio). I have a very deep voice so the Stellar being slightly brighter, in my opinion, than the NT1 creates a nice balance, but I've only been messing around with it for like an hour so I may due an update in like a weeks time, who knows, but it is worth every penny plus more.

This mic comes with a padded case, which was extremely useful for when I relocated across the country.

I’ve been using this for a couple years now and I do not regret it at all. I do have a lower tone of voice and it catches the deep resonances for a richer voice.

Highly recommended.

I have been singing in bands and as a solo artist since the mid-sixties. I've been recording since the early 70's. Over the years I recorded wit a wide range of mics that range in price from a $100.00 (Shure58) to Neuman (U87) and I can say beyond a doubt that the X2, (to my ears) is hands down the best vocal mic, that I have ever used. There is certainly nothing in this price range, that will touch it. I'm not sure how much you have to spend to get more quality. But why would you pay more, when you can get this one for $199.99!!

What an absolute pleasure. I was contacted by TZ Audio to let me know about this line of microphones and I’m so glad they did let me know. It made me rethink condenser mics entirely. After using a Blue Snowball for years, I switched to a Dynamic mic to avoid picking up every sound in the world, and haven’t looked back until now. This condenser microphone absolutely slays in the sound quality department, doesn’t rock the hiss my dynamic mic had, and pumps out solid sound quality that is just easy on the ears. It also comes ready to protect the microphone and TZ Audio clearly puts a lot of love and care into their product. I don’t think I’ll ever have to buy another one but I might just to have a back up in case an act of glob kills it

If you're looking at the 416 but don't have the budget, this is it. It's almost perfect.

Great sound quality even with using an iPhone. Just have to buy the right connectors to make it work and once you do, the microphone sounds great. It has enhanced my videos by a long shot

Packaging Has a really nice case and comes with everything you'll need to ger recording outside of the xlr cable.

This microphone has great sound quality. It picks up the contours of someone's voice.

There are better and MUCH more expensive mics out there but for the money - this performs at an extremely high level of quality. The next mic ‘up’ from this is at least another $150 and I doubt it would perform better. I live this mic - it is super sensitive and picks up everything. Bass response is outstanding - I have to use an ‘air’ setting on my A-D interface to drop some bass off. This is perfect for my VO work. Glad I came across it.

I started seeing buzz about this mic on numerous YouTube channels comparing its sound to Neumann and other mics costing much, much more. When I first tried to buy it, the mic was out of stock. The manufacturer, however, sent me a coupon code for $30 off. When I got a notification that it was back in stock, I didn't hesitate. Glad I didn't.

This mic does a fantastic job picking up subtleties in vocal and instrumental recordings. Great frequency response and very low noise floor. I would highly recommend it if you don't have an extra $1000 or more lying around. Could you pay more for a large diaphragm condenser mic? Absolutely. But just because you pay six or seven times more than the Stellar X2, don't think you're going to get six or seven times better sound because you won't.

Maybe someday I'll get a TLM-103 or U87. But until then, I'm happy as can be with my Stellar X2.

The Stellar X2 large capsule condenser mic is everything I ever wanted in a mic. I've been "audio journaling" since 1997 and always wanted to record with a condenser mic, but never wanted to spend north of $1,000 to get the quality mic I craved. TechZone Audio Products changed all that with the design and production of this mic. You're thinking, "How good can this be for such a low price?" Well, the answer is, "REMARKABLE!" The build quality is superior to anything you've likely seen at this price point. The sound quality is insanely good. I've recorded with condenser mics costing $600 to thousands. This mic can compete with any of them. I haven't purchased anything for my podcasting studio that put a bigger smile on my face. Or in my voice.

Because I am neither a singer nor a musician, I wasn't sure I even needed a microphone for my podcasts, but decided to try anyway. Best decision ever. Very professional microphone. Reasonably priced. Easy to hook up (and I am not good with technology!). Looks great. Makes a real difference in the sound. A must have.

I love this mic. I'm a rookie Voice Actor, and I was waiting for the right time to upgrade my gear. I saw Booth Junkie do a review of this mic on YouTube and I new I needed to get one. They have updated the internals so that the self noise is basically inaudible. It's dead quiet. They wanted to make something as close to the Neumann u87 as they could get and I think they succeeded. It sounds so good that now I think I need to build a studio around it to match the quality. One con is that the case it came in was a little damaged but honestly it still works fine. It's mostly cosmetic damage so no big deal.

The sound quality is very good as my expectation. No more noise for my next podcast.
Check my video to detail about it.

i used many expensive mics in the past but this inexpensive mic is one of my favorite how it captures my voice

I liked that it did not record the background noises. It was very easy and convenient to use. I highly recommend this to people who record stuff alot

I just got mine, fired it up, & boy was I blown away. Now I've never owned a U87 or a TLM103, nor have either been used in any one of my many studio sessions (I'm a professional voice actor in Los Angeles) but after listening back I was very happy with what I heard. I'm not saying that this is going to be a winner for every voice & every application, but for my voice (on the deeper end w a li'l grit) & for commercial voice over work- I'm thoroughly impressed. I've been using an SM7b (a very fine mic) for a few years now w good results but I'm going to put that girl on the shelf & put this much cleaner, much crisper, much more "honest" X2 to work from here on.

When I received this microphone, I immediately plugged it into my Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII and, with no fx on at all, it sounded beautiful. The slight boost in the low end really warmed up my voice. There is a slight bump at around 5-6k, slight cut at around 8k, and slight bump at 10k. These bumps and cuts on the high end add a beautiful sounding presence. After adding EQ and compression, HOLY COW!!! This microphone is great for vocals and acoustic guitar. I haven’t tried it out on anything else yet, but I’m pretty confident that, with another one of these, they’d make a great pair for overhead mics. This mic is, by far, the absolute best budget mic I have ever heard. I would recommend this mic to anyone and everyone on a budget. You do t need to take my word for it. Watch Booth Junkie’s shootout with a Nuemann U87 on YouTube. That was the clincher for me.

Edit: We’ll, I tried it on my guitalele and recorded an entire song using ONLY this microphone, aside from using an amp sim for the bass and drum loops. I was so impressed at how accurately this microphone records everything. It’s almost like it translates what my ears hear perfectly. I can’t say enough good things about this mic. When I can afford one, I will be getting another one, maybe two, if they have a matched pair.

This is my unboxing of my first large diaphragm studio condenser microphone gifted to me by a company that distributes TZ Audio Products LLC located in CA.
I cant yet attest to the sound quality as I am still awaiting my Audio Interface and XLR to XLR cable.
I have heard the sound quality from other videos and it sounds amazing.
Once I get my other equipment I will be back for a full on demo!

Very very nice MIC for the money. It's no U87 but pretty close.

Excellent microphone and the quality of the packaging to take care of the mic was fantastic. This mic was suggested to me as I already had two other mics, but I've spent the past week comparing the sound quality of all my mics. This mic has a good sound especially in the high range and has a very crisp sound. It will be my go to mic especially if I can keep the ambient noise level to an acceptable level. Very happy to have acquired this mic and highly recommend it especially for those doing voice over recording. You definitely want to make sure you have good acoustic paneling and/or soundproofing and absorption as this mic is very sensitive and will pick up the slightly sounds which you don't want in your recording.

first XLR microphone I ever purchased after my blue yeti started to crap out. Always get comments when livestreaming of how clear my voice sounds now with virtually no background noise.(keep in mind you need an audio interface or mixer to go along with and xlr microphone tho) Was looking at the Shure $400 mic but settled for this cause I was new to xlr mics and wasn't trying to spend too much. very happy I went with this one. Don't hear about this mic too much amongst all the others out there, but I'm very happy with my purchase

This is a good quality microphone for the price. I own a few studio mics that range in price from $500 bucks to over a couple of thousand. The stellar x2 is right on par as far as sound quality as my $500 mic at a fraction of the price.
The x2 has very good low end. I had to add a little high end while recording. Overall the x2 is definitely a good microphone. The spl could be a little higher. But for the price point ill take it

I had the honor of reviewing a product for TZ Audio! My very first time being able to review a product for a major organization! The microphone itself is an amazing product that is able to capture audio at a better quality than that of cheaper products I have used. The only thing I wish the microphone had included was some type of base to come along with the microphones included stand. Outside of that, highly recommend this product!