OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Microphones Methodology v1.0
Microphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Microphones Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Microphones Methodology v1.0

Mackie Carbon Review | 76 Data compared

Avg. price:~£80Connection type:USBTransducer type:condenserMax SPL:126 dB SPLSupported sample rates:48 kHzOutput connector type:USB-c

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

7.4

Overall score

Score
7.4/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 66% of models
Score components

75%

7.7

Technical score

25%

6.5

User score

â–²Better than 66% of microphones
7.7

Technical score

Technical score
7.7/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 87% of models
Score components

20%

8.1

Audio Performance

20%

5.4

Recording

16%

8.6

Pickup Patterns

16%

7.9

Controls & Features

10%

10

Power

7%

10

Compatibility

5%

6.8

Connectivity

3%

4.9

Design

3%

5.9

Accessories

â–²Better than 87% of microphones
6.5

User score

User score
6.5/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

70%

8.2

User ratings

30%

2.6

Number of reviews

Based on 4 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.
â–¼Worse than 98% of microphones
  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £80

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of microphone Mackie Carbon

Technical score
Technical score
7.7/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 87% of models
Score components:

20%

8.1

Audio Performance

20%

5.4

Recording

16%

8.6

Pickup Patterns

16%

7.9

Controls & Features

10%

10

Power

7%

10

Compatibility

5%

6.8

Connectivity

3%

4.9

Design

3%

5.9

Accessories

7.7
User score
User score
6.5/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

70%

8.2

User ratings

30%

2.6

Number of reviews

Based on 4 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.
6.5
Popularity
Popularity
2.6/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Popularity:
Mackie Carbon has a popularity score of 2.6 points, which is lower than 67.3% of microphones.
2.6
Value for money
Value for money
8.2/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 68% of models
Score components:

60%

7.4

Overall score

40%

10

Price

8.2
Microphone type
studio
Transducer type
condenser
Diaphragm size
14 mm
Capsule type
single
Sensitivity
-37 dBV/Pa
Show more
Connection type
USB
Output connector type
USB-c
Headphone output
yes
Headphone output
yes
â–² Better than 38% of models
This microphone includes a headphone output. 62.3% of microphones include this output.
3.5 mm audio jack
yes
3.5 mm audio jack
yes
â–² Better than 37% of models
This microphone includes a 3.5 mm jack. 62.8% of microphones include this connector.
6.35 mm audio jack connector
no
6.35 mm audio jack connector
no
â–¼ 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
â–¼ 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
â–¼ 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)
?
Show more
N. of polar patterns
5
N. of polar patterns
5
★ Better than 100% of models
Market range: <1 – >4
The number of selectable polar patterns offered by this microphone is 5, which is higher than that of 99.5% of microphones and equal to that of 0.5% of microphones.
Cardioid pattern
yes
Cardioid pattern
yes
â–² Better than 9% of models
This microphone supports a cardioid pickup pattern. 91% of microphones support this pattern.
Omnidirectional pattern
yes
Omnidirectional pattern
yes
â–² Better than 74% of models
This microphone supports an omnidirectional pickup pattern. 25.6% of microphones support this pattern.
Hypercardioid pattern
no
Hypercardioid pattern
no
â–¼ Worse than 2% of models
This microphone does not support a hypercardioid pickup pattern. 1.5% of microphones support this pattern.
Bidirectional pattern
yes
Bidirectional pattern
yes
â–² Better than 83% of models
This microphone supports a bidirectional pickup pattern. 16.6% of microphones support this pattern.
Mute function
yes
Mute function
yes
â–² 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
â–² Better than 49% of models
This microphone includes onboard gain control. 50.8% of microphones include this control.
Volume control levels
2
Volume control levels
2
â–² Better than 85% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This microphone offers volume output of 2 which is higher than that of 84.9% of microphones and equal to that of 14.1% of microphones.
Flat DSP mode
yes
Flat DSP mode
yes
â–² 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
â–¼ 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
â–² 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
â–² Better than 14% of models
This microphone supports USB bus power. 85.9% of microphones support USB-powered operation.
Battery life
N/A
Height
287 mm
Height
287 mm
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Market range: <130 mm – >252.8 mm
This microphone is 287 mm tall, which is taller than 96.9% of microphones.
Width
97 mm
Width
97 mm
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Market range: <48 mm – >109 mm
This microphone is 97 mm wide, which is wider than 84.1% of microphones.
Thickness
97 mm
Thickness
97 mm
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Market range: <45 mm – >114 mm
This microphone is 97 mm thick, which is thicker than 79% of microphones and equal in thickness to 0.5% of microphones.
Weight
910 g
Weight
910 g
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Market range: <226.8 g – >1k g
This microphone weighs 910 g, which is heavier than 84.8% of microphones.
With included stand.
Body material
aluminum
Show more
Included accessories
stand; cable
Shock mount included
no
Shock mount included
no
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This microphone does not include a shock mount. 49.8% of microphones include this accessory.
Pop filter included
yes
Pop filter included
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This microphone includes a pop filter. 60.3% of microphones include this accessory.
Windscreen included
no
Windscreen included
no
â–¼ Worse than 32% of models
This microphone does not include a windscreen. 31.8% of microphones include this accessory.
Cable length
1.83 m
Cable length
1.83 m
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <1.4 m – >3 m
This microphone has a cable length of 1.83 m which is shorter than that of 65% of microphones and equal to that of 0.6% of microphones.
Android compatibility
yes
Android compatibility
yes
â–² Better than 34% of models
This microphone is compatible with Android. 65.8% of microphones are compatible with Android.
iOS compatibility
yes
iOS compatibility
yes
â–² Better than 39% of models
This microphone is compatible with iOS. 61.3% 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
â–² 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
â–¼ Worse than 2% of models
This microphone is not compatible with Xbox. 1.5% of microphones are compatible with Xbox.
Show more

Mackie Carbon vs the average microphone

246810TotalAudio PerformanceConnectivityRecordingPickup PatternsControls & FeaturesPowerDesignAccessoriesCompatibility
  • 4 more polar patterns
    N. of polar patterns
    5
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <1 – >4
    This microphone has more polar patterns than the average microphone (5 vs 1). The average microphone offers 1 polar patterns.
    5 vs 1
  • Supports omnidirectional pickup
    Omnidirectional pattern
    yes
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    This microphone supports omnidirectional pickup, the average microphone does not.
  • Supports bidirectional pickup
    Bidirectional pattern
    yes
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    This microphone supports bidirectional pickup, the average microphone does not.
  • Supports flat DSP mode
    Flat DSP mode
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This microphone supports a flat DSP mode, the average microphone does not.
  • 86 mW higher headphone output power
    Headphone output power
    130 mW
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <10 mW – >130 mW
    This microphone has a higher headphone output power than the average microphone (130 mW vs 44 mW). The average microphone has a headphone output power of 44 mW.
    At 32 ohms.
    130 mW vs 44 mW
  • 5 dB SPL higher limit
    Max SPL
    126 dB SPL
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    Market range: <110 dB SPL – >140 dB SPL
    This microphone has a higher max SPL than the average microphone (126 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL). The average microphone handles a max SPL of 121 dB SPL.
    At 1 kHz, 1% THD.
    126 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL
  • 5 dB SPL higher limit
    Max SPL
    126 dB SPL
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    Market range: <110 dB SPL – >140 dB SPL
    This microphone has a higher max SPL than the average microphone (126 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL). The average microphone handles a max SPL of 121 dB SPL.
    At 1 kHz, 1% THD.
    126 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL
  • 86 mW higher headphone output power
    Headphone output power
    130 mW
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <10 mW – >130 mW
    This microphone has a higher headphone output power than the average microphone (130 mW vs 44 mW). The average microphone has a headphone output power of 44 mW.
    At 32 ohms.
    130 mW vs 44 mW
  • 4 more polar patterns
    N. of polar patterns
    5
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <1 – >4
    This microphone has more polar patterns than the average microphone (5 vs 1). The average microphone offers 1 polar patterns.
    5 vs 1
  • Supports omnidirectional pickup
    Omnidirectional pattern
    yes
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    This microphone supports omnidirectional pickup, the average microphone does not.
  • Supports bidirectional pickup
    Bidirectional pattern
    yes
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    This microphone supports bidirectional pickup, the average microphone does not.
  • Supports flat DSP mode
    Flat DSP mode
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This microphone supports a flat DSP mode, the average microphone does not.
  • 8 bit lower interface bit depth
    Audio interface bit depth
    16 bit
    â–¼ 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
  • 64.6% heavier
    Weight
    910 g
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <226.8 g – >1k g
    This microphone is heavier than the average microphone (910 g vs 553 g). The average microphone weighs 553 g.
    With included stand.
    910 g vs 553 g
  • 102 mm taller body
    Height
    287 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <130 mm – >252.8 mm
    This microphone is taller than the average microphone (287 mm vs 185 mm). The average microphone has a height of 185 mm.
    287 mm vs 185 mm
  • 23.1% lower user score
    User score
    6.5/ 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
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Mackie Carbon
    the average microphone
    Mackie Carbon has a lower user score than the average microphone (6.52 vs 8.027).
    6.52 vs 8.03
  • 41 mm thicker body
    Thickness
    97 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <45 mm – >114 mm
    This microphone is thicker than the average microphone (97 mm vs 56 mm). The average microphone has a thickness of 56 mm.
    97 mm vs 56 mm
  • 41 mm wider body
    Width
    97 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <48 mm – >109 mm
    This microphone is wider than the average microphone (97 mm vs 56 mm). The average microphone has a width of 56 mm.
    97 mm vs 56 mm
  • 2.4x less popular
    Mackie Carbon has a lower popularity than the average microphone (2.59 vs 6.2).
    2.59 vs 6.22
  • 23.1% lower user score
    User score
    6.5/ 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
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Mackie Carbon
    the average microphone
    Mackie Carbon has a lower user score than the average microphone (6.52 vs 8.027).
    6.52 vs 8.03
  • 2.4x less popular
    Mackie Carbon has a lower popularity than the average microphone (2.59 vs 6.2).
    2.59 vs 6.22
  • 8 bit lower interface bit depth
    Audio interface bit depth
    16 bit
    â–¼ 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
  • 64.6% heavier
    Weight
    910 g
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <226.8 g – >1k g
    This microphone is heavier than the average microphone (910 g vs 553 g). The average microphone weighs 553 g.
    With included stand.
    910 g vs 553 g
  • 102 mm taller body
    Height
    287 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <130 mm – >252.8 mm
    This microphone is taller than the average microphone (287 mm vs 185 mm). The average microphone has a height of 185 mm.
    287 mm vs 185 mm
  • 41 mm thicker body
    Thickness
    97 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <45 mm – >114 mm
    This microphone is thicker than the average microphone (97 mm vs 56 mm). The average microphone has a thickness of 56 mm.
    97 mm vs 56 mm
  • 41 mm wider body
    Width
    97 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <48 mm – >109 mm
    This microphone is wider than the average microphone (97 mm vs 56 mm). The average microphone has a width of 56 mm.
    97 mm vs 56 mm

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

P
pcmag.com
03/02/2021
Summary of the review
Mackie Element CarbonGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review
T
the-gadgeteer.com
11/07/2021
Summary of the review
Mackie Element Series Carbon Microphone review
U
uk.pcmag.com
03/02/2021
Summary of the review
Mackie Element Carbon - Review 2021 - PCMag UK
A
au.pcmag.com
04/02/2021
Summary of the review
Mackie Element Carbon - Review 2021
M
musicconnection.com
02/07/2021
Summary of the review
Gear Review: Mackie EleMent Chromium USB Mic Would you like to compare the pros and cons found in these specific tests or see how it stacks up against...
B
bonedo.de
12/10/2020
Summary of the review
Mackie Carbon Review
(Translated)Show original
O
obli.net
18/12/2020
Summary of the review
Mackie EM-Carbon Review – A Versatile USB Microphone with 5 Polar Patterns
(Translated)Show original
P
pcmag.com
03/02/2021
Summary of the review
Mackie Element Carbon Review (Automatic translation available in Spanish)", "Mackie Element Carbon Review (Machine translation available in Spanish)",...
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 4 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Mackie Carbon

  • High versatility with five selectable polar patterns (Stereo, Cardioid, Figure-8, Super-Cardioid, Omni)
  • Professional, crisp audio signal suitable for vocals, podcasts, and streaming
  • Sturdy and rugged all-metal construction
  • Convenient onboard controls including gain, mute, and headphone volume
  • Plug-and-play USB-C connectivity with no driver installation required
  • Includes a substantial weighted desktop stand and useful software bundle

What we don't like about Mackie Carbon

  • Lacks zero-latency direct monitoring, which can cause delays during recording
  • Cluttered visual design with excessive logos and text markers
  • Limited audio resolution capped at 16-bit/48kHz
  • Large physical size may be imposing for desktop use
  • Reported compatibility issues with certain USB-C to USB-C cables for Mac users
  • No built-in DSP (Digital Signal Processing) presets for automatic sound shaping

Verdict

The Mackie EleMent Carbon is a premium USB-C condenser microphone featuring an integrated Onyx preamp and a 14mm capsule that delivers a 20Hz–20kHz frequency response with a 100dB signal-to-noise ratio. Its standout characteristic is the inclusion of five selectable polar patterns—Cardioid, Supercardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, and Stereo—making it exceptionally versatile for everything from solo podcasts to multi-person interviews. Key pros include high-quality 16-bit/48kHz 'broadcast-quality' audio, a rugged 'Built-Like-A-Tank' construction, and convenient onboard controls for gain, muting, and headphone volume with zero-latency monitoring. However, some users note the 16-bit depth is lower than some 24-bit competitors, and the aesthetic design can appear cluttered with excessive branding and labels.

Compare Mackie Carbon with other products in the Microphones category

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