CAD E40 Review / Test

Today i review what I would classify as a BUDGET mic, the CAD E40. This thing has an MSRP of $100, but at the time of review it's on sale for $50 and I bought mine for $30. It offers a super cardioid polar pattern, a 100hz highpass filter and a -10dB pad. The max SPL is a little on the low side at 125dB, but for spoken word applications this should not cause any problems. As far as the sound it offers a very bright sound that I think comes across unsmooth and a bit brittle, and it also can have an exaggerated bass and low mid section when you close mic.

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RECORDING SETTINGS:

Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen

Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz

Gain: ~1:00

Boosted in Post: +5dB

SPECS:

Polar Pattern: Supercardioid

Freq Response : 20Hz - 18khz

Sensitivity: -35dB

Self Noise: 15.8dBA

High Pass Filter: 100Hz, 6dB/oct

Max SPL: 125dB (with pad engaged)

Impedance: 155-ohms

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:27 - What’s in the Box
00:42 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:20 - Specifications
01:32 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:50 - Plosive Test
02:09 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:31 - Background Noise Test 
02:46 - Untreated Room Test
03:05 - Shock Rejection Test
03:24 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:38 - High Pass Filter Demo
04:04 - Pad Demo
04:34 - Neewer NW700 Comparison
05:00 - Blue Ember Comparison
05:25 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
05:49 - sE Electronics X1a Comparison
06:13 - Lewitt LCT240 Comparison
06:40 - AKG P120 Comparison
07:07 - Neat King Bee v2 Comparison
07:33 - Earthworks SR117 Comparison
08:34 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:04 - Music Test
11:05  - Pros & Cons
12:12 - Overall Thoughts
14:01 - Recommendation