OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Microphones Methodology v1.0
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CAD Audio U39 Review | 76 Data compared

Avg. price:~£35Connection type:USBTransducer type:condenserMax SPL:?Supported sample rates:48 kHzOutput connector type:mini-USB

CAD Audio U39 Review: Compare 76 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Microphones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.9

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the microphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best microphones on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 57% of models
Score components

75%

7.0

Technical score

25%

6.7

User score

▼Worse than 57% of microphones
7.0

Technical score

Technical score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Microphones category across these key areas: Audio Performance, Connectivity, Recording, Pickup Patterns, Controls & Features, Power, Design, Accessories, Compatibility.
When it matters
When you want to compare microphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 58% of models
Score components

20%

7.7

Audio Performance

20%

6.3

Recording

16%

3.2

Pickup Patterns

16%

8.8

Controls & Features

10%

10

Power

7%

8.7

Compatibility

5%

6.0

Connectivity

3%

6.7

Design

3%

4.8

Accessories

▲Better than 58% of microphones
6.7

User score

User score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the microphone.
When it matters
When you want to know how a microphone performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

User ratings

30%

4.1

Number of reviews

Based on 43 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
▼Worse than 97% of microphones
  • cad-audio-u39
  • cad-audio-u39
cad-audio-u39
cad-audio-u39

Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of microphone CAD Audio U39

Technical score
Technical score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Microphones category across these key areas: Audio Performance, Connectivity, Recording, Pickup Patterns, Controls & Features, Power, Design, Accessories, Compatibility.
When it matters
When you want to compare microphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 58% of models
Score components:

20%

7.7

Audio Performance

20%

6.3

Recording

16%

3.2

Pickup Patterns

16%

8.8

Controls & Features

10%

10

Power

7%

8.7

Compatibility

5%

6.0

Connectivity

3%

6.7

Design

3%

4.8

Accessories

7.0
User score
User score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the microphone.
When it matters
When you want to know how a microphone performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

User ratings

30%

4.1

Number of reviews

Based on 43 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
6.7
Popularity
Popularity
4.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the microphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to buy a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 64% of models
Popularity:
CAD Audio U39 has a popularity score of 4.1 points, which is lower than 64.3% of microphones.
4.1
Value for money
Value for money
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the microphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a microphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components:

60%

6.9

Overall score

40%

10

Price

7.8
Microphone type
studio
Transducer type
condenser
Diaphragm size
?
Capsule type
single
Sensitivity
?
Show more
Connection type
USB
Output connector type
mini-USB
Headphone output
yes
Headphone output
yes
▲ Better than 38% of models
This microphone includes a headphone output. 62.3% of microphones include this output.
3.5 mm audio jack
no
3.5 mm audio jack
no
▼ Worse than 63% of models
This microphone does not include a 3.5 mm jack. 63.3% of microphones include this connector.
6.35 mm audio jack connector
no
6.35 mm audio jack connector
no
▼ Worse than 2% of models
This microphone does not include a 6.35 mm jack. 2% of microphones include this connector.
Show more
Supported sample rates
48 kHz
Supported bit depths
16 bit
Audio interface sample rate
48 kHz
Audio interface sample rate
48 kHz
▼ Worse than 42% of models
Market range: <48 kHz – >192 kHz
This microphone supports an interface sample rate of 48 kHz which is higher than that of 2.3% of microphones and equal to that of 55.6% of microphones.
Audio interface bit depth
16 bit
Audio interface bit depth
16 bit
▼ Worse than 58% of models
Market range: <16 bit – >24 bit
This microphone supports an interface bit depth of 16 bit which is lower than that of 58.5% of microphones and equal to that of 41.5% of microphones.
Signal-to-noise ratio (DAC)
N/A
Show more
N. of polar patterns
1
N. of polar patterns
1
▼ Worse than 25% of models
Market range: <1 – >4
The number of selectable polar patterns offered by this microphone is 1, which is lower than that of 24.6% of microphones and equal to that of 75.4% of microphones.
Cardioid pattern
yes
Cardioid pattern
yes
▲ Better than 9% of models
This microphone supports a cardioid pickup pattern. 91% of microphones support this pattern.
Omnidirectional pattern
no
Omnidirectional pattern
no
▼ Worse than 26% of models
This microphone does not support an omnidirectional pickup pattern. 26.1% of microphones support this pattern.
Hypercardioid pattern
no
Hypercardioid pattern
no
▼ Worse than 2% of models
This microphone does not support a hypercardioid pickup pattern. 1.5% of microphones support this pattern.
Bidirectional pattern
no
Bidirectional pattern
no
▼ Worse than 17% of models
This microphone does not support a bidirectional pickup pattern. 17.1% of microphones support this pattern.
Mute function
yes
Mute function
yes
▲ Better than 32% of models
This microphone includes a mute function. 67.8% of microphones include this control.
Onboard gain control
yes
Onboard gain control
yes
▲ Better than 49% of models
This microphone includes onboard gain control. 50.8% of microphones include this control.
Volume control levels
1
Volume control levels
1
▲ Better than 35% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This microphone offers volume output of 1 which is higher than that of 34.9% of microphones and equal to that of 49.5% of microphones.
Flat DSP mode
yes
Flat DSP mode
yes
▲ Better than 75% of models
This microphone supports a flat DSP mode. 25.1% of microphones offer this processing option.
DSP presets
0
DSP presets
0
▼ Worse than 17% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This microphone offers 0 DSP presets, which is fewer than 16.6% of microphones and equal to 83.4% of microphones.
Show more
Phantom power required
no
Phantom power required
no
▲ Better than 10% of models
This microphone does not require phantom power. 90.5% of microphones also operate without phantom power.
Phantom power voltage
N/A
USB bus-powered
yes
USB bus-powered
yes
▲ Better than 14% of models
This microphone supports USB bus power. 85.9% of microphones support USB-powered operation.
Battery life
N/A
Height
165 mm
Height
165 mm
▲ Better than 65% of models
Market range: <130 mm – >252.8 mm
This microphone is 165 mm tall, which is shorter than 65.1% of microphones and equal in height to 2.1% of microphones.
Body only.
Width
76 mm
Width
76 mm
▼ Worse than 73% of models
Market range: <48 mm – >109 mm
This microphone is 76 mm wide, which is wider than 72.8% of microphones.
Thickness
76 mm
Thickness
76 mm
▼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <45 mm – >114 mm
This microphone is 76 mm thick, which is thicker than 65.3% of microphones and equal in thickness to 0.5% of microphones.
Body only.
Weight
?
Body material
metal
Show more
Included accessories
stand; cable
Shock mount included
no
Shock mount included
no
▼ Worse than 50% of models
This microphone does not include a shock mount. 49.8% of microphones include this accessory.
Pop filter included
no
Pop filter included
no
▼ Worse than 61% of models
This microphone does not include a pop filter. 60.8% of microphones include this accessory.
Windscreen included
no
Windscreen included
no
▼ Worse than 32% of models
This microphone does not include a windscreen. 31.8% of microphones include this accessory.
Cable length
3 m
Cable length
3 m
▲ Better than 81% of models
Market range: <1.4 m – >3 m
This microphone has a cable length of 3 m which is longer than that of 81.3% of microphones and equal to that of 14.4% of microphones.
Android compatibility
yes
Android compatibility
yes
▲ Better than 34% of models
This microphone is compatible with Android. 65.8% of microphones are compatible with Android.
iOS compatibility
no
iOS compatibility
no
▼ Worse than 62% of models
This microphone is not compatible with iOS. 61.8% of microphones are compatible with iOS.
Windows compatibility
yes
Windows compatibility
yes
Category Benchmark
This microphone is compatible with Windows. 100% of microphones are compatible with Windows.
macOS compatibility
yes
macOS compatibility
yes
▲ Better than 1% of models
This microphone is compatible with macOS. 99.5% of microphones are compatible with macOS.
Xbox compatibility
no
Xbox compatibility
no
▼ Worse than 2% of models
This microphone is not compatible with Xbox. 1.5% of microphones are compatible with Xbox.
Show more

CAD Audio U39 vs the average microphone

246810TotalAudio PerformanceConnectivityRecordingPickup PatternsControls & FeaturesPowerDesignAccessoriesCompatibility
  • Supports loopback audio
    Loopback support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 67% of models
    This microphone supports loopback audio, the average microphone does not.
  • Includes high-pass filter
    High-pass filter
    yes
    ▲ Better than 77% of models
    This microphone includes a high-pass filter, the average microphone does not.
  • Supports flat DSP mode
    Flat DSP mode
    yes
    ▲ Better than 75% of models
    This microphone supports a flat DSP mode, the average microphone does not.
  • 256 mW higher headphone output power
    Headphone output power
    300 mW
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <10 mW – >130 mW
    This microphone has a higher headphone output power than the average microphone (300 mW vs 44 mW). The average microphone has a headphone output power of 44 mW.
    300 mW vs 44 mW
  • 1 m longer cable length
    Cable length
    3 m
    ▲ Better than 81% of models
    Market range: <1.4 m – >3 m
    This microphone has a longer cable than the average microphone (3 m vs 2 m). The average microphone has a cable length of 2 m.
    3 m vs 2 m
  • 2x cheaper
    CAD Audio U39 is cheaper than the average microphone (£35 vs £70).
    £35 vs £70
  • 2x cheaper
    CAD Audio U39 is cheaper than the average microphone (£35 vs £70).
    £35 vs £70
  • 256 mW higher headphone output power
    Headphone output power
    300 mW
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <10 mW – >130 mW
    This microphone has a higher headphone output power than the average microphone (300 mW vs 44 mW). The average microphone has a headphone output power of 44 mW.
    300 mW vs 44 mW
  • Supports loopback audio
    Loopback support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 67% of models
    This microphone supports loopback audio, the average microphone does not.
  • Includes high-pass filter
    High-pass filter
    yes
    ▲ Better than 77% of models
    This microphone includes a high-pass filter, the average microphone does not.
  • Supports flat DSP mode
    Flat DSP mode
    yes
    ▲ Better than 75% of models
    This microphone supports a flat DSP mode, the average microphone does not.
  • 1 m longer cable length
    Cable length
    3 m
    ▲ Better than 81% of models
    Market range: <1.4 m – >3 m
    This microphone has a longer cable than the average microphone (3 m vs 2 m). The average microphone has a cable length of 2 m.
    3 m vs 2 m
  • 8 bit lower interface bit depth
    Audio interface bit depth
    16 bit
    ▼ Worse than 58% of models
    Market range: <16 bit – >24 bit
    This microphone supports a lower audio interface bit depth than the average microphone (16 bit vs 24 bit). The average microphone audio interface supports 24 bit.
    16 bit vs 24 bit
  • Not compatible with iOS
    iOS compatibility
    no
    ▼ Worse than 62% of models
    This microphone is not compatible with iOS, the average microphone is.
  • 20 Hz higher low-frequency limit
    Lowest frequency
    40 Hz
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <20 Hz – >50 Hz
    This microphone has a higher low-frequency cutoff than the average microphone (40 Hz vs 20 Hz). By comparison, the average microphone has a low-frequency limit of 20 Hz.
    40 Hz vs 20 Hz
  • 2,000 Hz lower high-frequency limit
    Highest frequency
    18,000 Hz
    ▼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <15k Hz – >20k Hz
    This microphone has a lower high-frequency limit than the average microphone (18000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). By comparison, the average microphone has a high-frequency limit of 20000 Hz.
    18,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • No pop filter
    Pop filter included
    no
    ▼ Worse than 61% of models
    This microphone does not include a pop filter, the average microphone does.
  • No 3.5 mm jack
    3.5 mm audio jack
    no
    ▼ Worse than 63% of models
    This microphone does not include a 3.5 mm jack, the average microphone does.
  • 5 older release date
    Release date
    2015
    ▼ Worse than 80% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This microphone is older than the average microphone (2015 vs 2020). The average microphone was released in 2020.
    2015 vs 2020
  • 19.7% lower user score
    User score
    6.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the microphone.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a microphone performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    CAD Audio U39
    the average microphone
    CAD Audio U39 has a lower user score than the average microphone (6.70 vs 8.027).
    6.7 vs 8.03
  • 19.7% lower user score
    User score
    6.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the microphone.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a microphone performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    CAD Audio U39
    the average microphone
    CAD Audio U39 has a lower user score than the average microphone (6.70 vs 8.027).
    6.7 vs 8.03
  • 50% less popular
    CAD Audio U39 has a lower popularity than the average microphone (4.15 vs 6.2).
    4.15 vs 6.22
  • 20 Hz higher low-frequency limit
    Lowest frequency
    40 Hz
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <20 Hz – >50 Hz
    This microphone has a higher low-frequency cutoff than the average microphone (40 Hz vs 20 Hz). By comparison, the average microphone has a low-frequency limit of 20 Hz.
    40 Hz vs 20 Hz
  • 2,000 Hz lower high-frequency limit
    Highest frequency
    18,000 Hz
    ▼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <15k Hz – >20k Hz
    This microphone has a lower high-frequency limit than the average microphone (18000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). By comparison, the average microphone has a high-frequency limit of 20000 Hz.
    18,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • No 3.5 mm jack
    3.5 mm audio jack
    no
    ▼ Worse than 63% of models
    This microphone does not include a 3.5 mm jack, the average microphone does.
  • 8 bit lower interface bit depth
    Audio interface bit depth
    16 bit
    ▼ Worse than 58% of models
    Market range: <16 bit – >24 bit
    This microphone supports a lower audio interface bit depth than the average microphone (16 bit vs 24 bit). The average microphone audio interface supports 24 bit.
    16 bit vs 24 bit
  • 5 older release date
    Release date
    2015
    ▼ Worse than 80% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This microphone is older than the average microphone (2015 vs 2020). The average microphone was released in 2020.
    2015 vs 2020
  • 20 mm thicker body
    Thickness
    76 mm
    ▼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <45 mm – >114 mm
    This microphone is thicker than the average microphone (76 mm vs 56 mm). The average microphone has a thickness of 56 mm.
    Body only.
    76 mm vs 56 mm
  • No pop filter
    Pop filter included
    no
    ▼ Worse than 61% of models
    This microphone does not include a pop filter, the average microphone does.
  • Not compatible with iOS
    iOS compatibility
    no
    ▼ Worse than 62% of models
    This microphone is not compatible with iOS, the average microphone is.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

M
macsources.medium.com
26/08/2015
Summary of the review
CAD Audio U39 USB Microphone Review | by MacSources

Third-party reviews

Based on 43 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about CAD Audio U39

  • Durable all-metal body construction feels professional and sturdy.
  • TrakMix™ headphone jack allows for direct, real-time monitoring of recordings.
  • On-board controls include a mute switch, input adjustment, and a low-frequency roll-off switch to reduce background rumble.
  • Easy 'plug-and-play' setup for both Windows and Mac without requiring external drivers.
  • Generally considered a good value for entry-level home recording, podcasting, and social media.

What we don't like about CAD Audio U39

  • The included plastic tripod stand is often described as lightweight and unstable, especially if a pop filter is added.
  • Some users report extremely high output levels that can cause audio clipping even with manual adjustments.
  • Sound profile has been described by some as higher-pitched or 'tinny' compared to competitors like the Samson G-Track or Blue Yeti.
  • The bright blue LED indicator light can be distracting, as it may blink continuously during use.
  • Limited versatility due to a fixed cardioid polar pattern and lack of compatibility with iOS or Android devices.

Verdict

The CAD Audio U39 is a large-diaphragm unidirectional condenser USB microphone designed for home recording, gaming, and podcasting. It features a frequency response of 40Hz to 18kHz, supporting 16-bit audio at a 48kHz sampling rate, and includes a built-in 3.5mm headphone jack with TrakMix™ technology for real-time monitoring. Notable characteristics include an all-metal construction for durability, a bass-reduction switch to minimize room noise, and a -10dB overload-protection switch to prevent distortion from loud sources. Key pros are its straightforward plug-and-play setup for Windows and Mac, the inclusion of a 10-foot USB cable, and its effective isolation of sound sources. However, common cons include a tripod stand that some users find unstable, the lack of an integrated mute button, and plastic control knobs that may feel less premium than the metal body.

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