Name: Mackie EM-91CU
Brand: Mackie

Technical Specifications of Mackie EM-91CU

Overall score

5.8

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Popularity

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.

Audio Performance

6.7

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Microphone type

What it is: The overall microphone class intended for uses such as studio work, lavalier recording, handheld speech, or instrument capture.

When it matters: When you are choosing the right microphone style for studio work, interviews, streaming, or instruments.

Importance: LOW

studio

Transducer type

What it is: The transducer technology used to convert sound into an electrical signal.

When it matters: When you are choosing between condenser, dynamic, or ribbon behavior for your room and voice.

Importance: LOW

condenser

Diaphragm size

What it is: The diameter of the microphone diaphragm that reacts to incoming sound pressure.

When it matters: When you compare small and large diaphragm microphones for vocal detail, room tone, or transient response.

Importance: LOW

14 inch / mm

Capsule type

What it is: The capsule construction used inside the microphone to capture sound.

When it matters: When you compare different capsule designs for tone, detail, or recording style.

Importance: LOW

single

Sensitivity

What it is: The output level produced by the microphone for a given sound pressure reference.

When it matters: When you need enough output level without driving your preamp too hard.

Importance: LOW

-34 dBV/Pa

Connectivity

4.0

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Connection type

What it is: The connection standard used to link the microphone with recorders, mixers, phones, or computers.

When it matters: When you need the microphone to plug directly into the device you actually record with.

Importance: LOW

USB

Output connector type

What it is: The type of output connector used by the microphone for sending its audio signal.

When it matters: When you need the microphone to connect to a specific kind of input on your gear.

Importance: LOW

USB-b

Headphone output

What it is: Indicates whether the microphone has a headphone output for direct monitoring.

When it matters: When you want to hear your own voice directly while recording or streaming.

Importance: LOW

3.5 mm audio jack

What it is: Indicates whether a 3.5 mm audio jack is available for monitoring or direct connection.

When it matters: When you want to plug headphones or a cable directly into a standard 3.5 mm socket.

Importance: LOW

6.35 mm audio jack connector

What it is: Indicates whether a 6.35 mm audio jack connector is present on the microphone or included interface.

When it matters: When your headphones, mixer, or instrument chain relies on a 6.35 mm jack connection.

Importance: LOW

Recording

4.9

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Supported sample rates

What it is: The digital sample rates supported by the microphone for recording or monitoring.

When it matters: When you need the microphone to support the sample rates used in your recording workflow.

Importance: LOW

48 kHz

Supported bit depths

What it is: The digital bit depth values supported by the microphone for audio capture.

When it matters: When you want more digital recording resolution for editing or processing later.

Importance: LOW

16 bit

Audio interface sample rate

What it is: The audio interface sample rates supported by the microphone for digital capture or monitoring.

When it matters: When you need the microphone interface to support the sample rate used by your recording or streaming setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

Audio interface bit depth

What it is: The audio interface bit depths supported by the microphone for digital recording quality.

When it matters: When you want the microphone interface to support the bit depth used in your recording chain.

Importance: LOW

Signal-to-noise ratio (DAC)

What it is: The signal to noise ratio of the integrated DAC or headphone interface stage.

When it matters: When you monitor through the microphone headphone output and want that digital path to stay quiet.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Pickup Patterns

3.2

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N. of polar patterns

What it is: The number of selectable pickup patterns available for different recording situations.

When it matters: When one microphone has to cover solo voice, room sound, and interview style setups.

Importance: MEDIUM

Cardioid pattern

What it is: Indicates whether the microphone offers a cardioid pickup pattern for front focused capture.

When it matters: When you want to isolate one speaker in front of the microphone for podcasts, calls, or streaming.

Importance: MEDIUM

Omnidirectional pattern

What it is: Indicates whether the microphone offers an omnidirectional pickup pattern for 360 degree capture.

When it matters: When you want to capture everyone around the microphone instead of one voice from the front.

Importance: MEDIUM

Hypercardioid pattern

What it is: Indicates whether the microphone offers a hypercardioid pickup pattern with narrower front focus.

When it matters: When you want stronger rejection of sounds coming from the sides in a noisy room.

Importance: LOW

Bidirectional pattern

What it is: Indicates whether the microphone offers a bidirectional pickup pattern for front and rear capture.

When it matters: When you record two people facing each other with one microphone between them.

Importance: LOW

Controls & Features

3.9

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Mute function

What it is: Indicates whether the microphone has a built in mute control for quickly silencing the signal.

When it matters: When you need to silence the microphone instantly during live calls, streams, or meetings.

Importance: MEDIUM

Onboard gain control

What it is: Indicates whether the microphone provides a built in control for adjusting input gain.

When it matters: When different speakers or scenes need fast gain changes without touching the interface.

Importance: MEDIUM

Volume control levels

What it is: The available volume level or volume adjustment provided directly on the microphone or its interface.

When it matters: When you want direct volume adjustment on the microphone or its built in interface.

Importance: LOW

Flat DSP mode

What it is: Indicates whether the microphone provides a flat DSP mode without tonal processing.

When it matters: When you want a neutral sound profile before adding your own EQ or processing.

Importance: LOW

DSP presets

What it is: The number of built in DSP preset modes available for different sound profiles.

When it matters: When you want quick tone changes for voice, streaming, or different recording scenes.

Importance: LOW

Power

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Phantom power required

What it is: Indicates whether the microphone needs external phantom power to operate normally.

When it matters: When you use the microphone with an interface or mixer that may not provide phantom power.

Importance: MEDIUM

Phantom power voltage

What it is: The phantom power voltage required by the microphone for proper operation.

When it matters: When you must confirm that your power supply matches what the microphone actually expects.

Importance: LOW

N/A

USB bus-powered

What it is: Indicates whether the microphone can be powered directly through its USB connection.

When it matters: When you want the microphone to run from a laptop or phone without a separate power supply.

Importance: MEDIUM

Battery life

What it is: The expected operating time on battery power during portable or wireless use.

When it matters: When you use the microphone away from wall power for events, field work, or mobile video.

Importance: LOW

N/A

Design

8.4

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Height

What it is: The overall height of the microphone body, stand, or supplied desktop structure.

When it matters: When the microphone has to fit under a monitor, inside a booth, or into a limited desk space.

Importance: LOW

Width

What it is: The overall width of the microphone body or its integrated base.

When it matters: When the microphone must fit between monitors, on a narrow desk, or inside a compact rig.

Importance: LOW

Thickness

What it is: The overall depth or front to back thickness of the microphone unit.

When it matters: When front to back depth decides whether the microphone clears your screen or keyboard area.

Importance: LOW

Weight

What it is: The total mass of the microphone with its included or attached parts.

When it matters: When you mount the microphone on a small arm, pack it for travel, or hold it for long sessions.

Importance: LOW

Body material

What it is: The main material used for the microphone body or housing.

When it matters: When you care about how sturdy, premium, or lightweight the microphone body feels over time.

Importance: LOW

metal

Accessories

6.1

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Included accessories

What it is: The accessories supplied in the box with the microphone for mounting, protection, or immediate use.

When it matters: When you want the box to include the accessories needed to set up and use the microphone right away.

Importance: LOW

shock mount; cable

Shock mount included

What it is: Indicates whether a shock mount is included to reduce vibration and handling noise.

When it matters: When desk vibrations or boom arm movement would otherwise travel into the recording.

Importance: LOW

Pop filter included

What it is: Indicates whether a pop filter is included to reduce plosive sounds during speech recording.

When it matters: When you record speech up close and want to reduce strong p and b bursts.

Importance: LOW

Windscreen included

What it is: Indicates whether a windscreen is included to reduce wind and breath noise.

When it matters: When you record outdoors or close to the mouth and want less wind or breath noise.

Importance: LOW

Cable length

What it is: The length of the included or attached audio cable supplied with the microphone.

When it matters: When the microphone has to reach your desk, camera rig, or interface without extension cables.

Importance: LOW

Compatibility

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Android compatibility

What it is: Indicates whether the microphone can work properly with Android phones or tablets.

When it matters: When you plan to use the microphone with an Android phone or tablet without trial and error.

Importance: LOW

iOS compatibility

What it is: Indicates whether the microphone can work properly with iPhone or iPad devices.

When it matters: When you want the microphone to work properly with an iPhone or iPad setup.

Importance: LOW

Windows compatibility

What it is: Indicates whether the microphone can work properly with Windows computers.

When it matters: When your recording or streaming setup runs on a Windows computer.

Importance: LOW

macOS compatibility

What it is: Indicates whether the microphone can work properly with macOS computers.

When it matters: When your audio setup depends on a Mac or MacBook as the main recording machine.

Importance: LOW

Xbox compatibility

What it is: Indicates whether the microphone is explicitly compatible with Xbox consoles or controllers.

When it matters: When you want to connect and use the microphone with an Xbox console or controller.

Importance: LOW

Mackie EM-91CU vs the average microphone

Why is Mackie EM-91CU better than the average microphone?

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10 dB SPL higher limit
Mackie EM-91CU has a higher max SPL than the average microphone (132 dB SPL vs 122 dB SPL). The average microphone handles a max SPL of 122 dB SPL.
What it is: The highest sound pressure level the microphone can handle before severe distortion occurs.
When it matters: When the microphone has to survive loud vocals, drums, brass, or close guitar cabinets.
Importance: MEDIUM
Mackie EM-91CU has a higher max SPL than the average microphone (132 dB SPL vs 122 dB SPL). The average microphone handles a max SPL of 122 dB SPL.132 dB SPL vs 122 dB SPL
63.4% lighter
Mackie EM-91CU is lighter than the average microphone (210 g vs 573 g). The average microphone weighs 573 g.
What it is: The total mass of the microphone with its included or attached parts.
When it matters: When you mount the microphone on a small arm, pack it for travel, or hold it for long sessions.
Importance: LOW
Mackie EM-91CU is lighter than the average microphone (210 g vs 573 g). The average microphone weighs 573 g.210 g vs 573 g
Includes shock mount
Mackie EM-91CU includes a shock mount, the average microphone does not.
What it is: Indicates whether a shock mount is included to reduce vibration and handling noise.
When it matters: When desk vibrations or boom arm movement would otherwise travel into the recording.
Importance: LOW
Mackie EM-91CU includes a shock mount, the average microphone does not.
12 mm thinner body
Mackie EM-91CU is thinner than the average microphone (44 mm vs 56 mm). The average microphone has a thickness of 56 mm.
What it is: The overall depth or front to back thickness of the microphone unit.
When it matters: When front to back depth decides whether the microphone clears your screen or keyboard area.
Importance: LOW
Mackie EM-91CU is thinner than the average microphone (44 mm vs 56 mm). The average microphone has a thickness of 56 mm.44 mm vs 56 mm
25 mm shorter body
Mackie EM-91CU is shorter than the average microphone (160 mm vs 185 mm). The average microphone has a height of 185 mm.
What it is: The overall height of the microphone body, stand, or supplied desktop structure.
When it matters: When the microphone has to fit under a monitor, inside a booth, or into a limited desk space.
Importance: LOW
Mackie EM-91CU is shorter than the average microphone (160 mm vs 185 mm). The average microphone has a height of 185 mm.160 mm vs 185 mm
10 dB SPL higher limit
Mackie EM-91CU has a higher max SPL than the average microphone (132 dB SPL vs 122 dB SPL). The average microphone handles a max SPL of 122 dB SPL.
63.4% lighter
Mackie EM-91CU is lighter than the average microphone (210 g vs 573 g). The average microphone weighs 573 g.
12 mm thinner body
Mackie EM-91CU is thinner than the average microphone (44 mm vs 56 mm). The average microphone has a thickness of 56 mm.
25 mm shorter body
Mackie EM-91CU is shorter than the average microphone (160 mm vs 185 mm). The average microphone has a height of 185 mm.
Includes shock mount
Mackie EM-91CU includes a shock mount, the average microphone does not.

Why is Mackie EM-91CU worse than the average microphone?

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3000 Hz lower high-frequency limit
Mackie EM-91CU has a lower high-frequency limit than the average microphone (17000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). By comparison, the average microphone has a high-frequency limit of 20000 Hz.
18.5 dB narrower dynamic range
Mackie EM-91CU has a narrower dynamic range than the average microphone (78 dB vs 96.5 dB). The average microphone has a dynamic range of 96.5 dB.
0.5 dB-A higher self-noise
Mackie EM-91CU has a higher self-noise than the average microphone (16 dB-A vs 15.5 dB-A). The average microphone has self-noise of 15.5 dB-A.
No headphone output
Mackie EM-91CU does not include a headphone output, the average microphone does.
No 3.5 mm jack
Mackie EM-91CU does not include a 3.5 mm jack, the average microphone does.
8 bit lower interface bit depth
Mackie EM-91CU supports a lower audio interface bit depth than the average microphone (16 bit vs 24 bit). The average microphone audio interface supports 24 bit.
No gain control
Mackie EM-91CU does not include onboard gain control, the average microphone does.
No on-device controls
Mackie EM-91CU does not place key controls on the device, the average microphone does. 79.5% of microphones place key controls on the device.
No mute function
Mackie EM-91CU does not include a mute function, the average microphone does.
No pop filter
Mackie EM-91CU does not include a pop filter, the average microphone does.
No gain control
Mackie EM-91CU does not include onboard gain control, the average microphone does.
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone provides a built in control for adjusting input gain.
When it matters: When different speakers or scenes need fast gain changes without touching the interface.
Importance: MEDIUM
Mackie EM-91CU does not include onboard gain control, the average microphone does.
8 bit lower interface bit depth
Mackie EM-91CU supports a lower audio interface bit depth than the average microphone (16 bit vs 24 bit). The average microphone audio interface supports 24 bit.
What it is: The audio interface bit depths supported by the microphone for digital recording quality.
When it matters: When you want the microphone interface to support the bit depth used in your recording chain.
Importance: LOW
Mackie EM-91CU 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
No on-device controls
Mackie EM-91CU does not place key controls on the device, the average microphone does. 79.5% of microphones place key controls on the device.
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone has its control panel or main buttons placed on the device body.
When it matters: When you prefer the main controls to be reachable directly on the microphone body during use.
Importance: MEDIUM
Mackie EM-91CU does not place key controls on the device, the average microphone does. 79.5% of microphones place key controls on the device.
No mute function
Mackie EM-91CU does not include a mute function, the average microphone does.
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone has a built in mute control for quickly silencing the signal.
When it matters: When you need to silence the microphone instantly during live calls, streams, or meetings.
Importance: MEDIUM
Mackie EM-91CU does not include a mute function, the average microphone does.
3000 Hz lower high-frequency limit
Mackie EM-91CU has a lower high-frequency limit than the average microphone (17000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). By comparison, the average microphone has a high-frequency limit of 20000 Hz.
What it is: The highest sound frequency the microphone can capture.
When it matters: When you need extra top end detail from breath, cymbals, or bright room ambience.
Importance: LOW
Mackie EM-91CU has a lower high-frequency limit than the average microphone (17000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). By comparison, the average microphone has a high-frequency limit of 20000 Hz.17000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
18.5 dB narrower dynamic range
Mackie EM-91CU has a narrower dynamic range than the average microphone (78 dB vs 96.5 dB). The average microphone has a dynamic range of 96.5 dB.
What it is: The usable level range between the microphone noise floor and its clipping limit.
When it matters: When the recording has to keep both quiet detail and loud peaks without falling apart.
Importance: MEDIUM
Mackie EM-91CU has a narrower dynamic range than the average microphone (78 dB vs 96.5 dB). The average microphone has a dynamic range of 96.5 dB.78 dB vs 96.5 dB
No headphone output
Mackie EM-91CU does not include a headphone output, the average microphone does.
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone has a headphone output for direct monitoring.
When it matters: When you want to hear your own voice directly while recording or streaming.
Importance: LOW
Mackie EM-91CU does not include a headphone output, the average microphone does.
No pop filter
Mackie EM-91CU does not include a pop filter, the average microphone does.
What it is: Indicates whether a pop filter is included to reduce plosive sounds during speech recording.
When it matters: When you record speech up close and want to reduce strong p and b bursts.
Importance: LOW
Mackie EM-91CU does not include a pop filter, the average microphone does.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Mackie EM-91CU?

Excellent sound quality with clear reproduction, ideal for vocals, streaming, and podcasts.
Very attractive value for money (often sold at around 50 €).
Robust and durable construction, with a design often described as "Built-Like-a-Tank".
Easy plug-and-play setup via USB, requiring no additional drivers.
Generous included accessories, generally including a shock mount and a USB cable.

What customers dislike about Mackie EM-91CU?

Recorded output level is sometimes considered a bit low, requiring it to be boosted in system settings or audio software.
Sensitive to plosives when speaking directly into it, requiring speaking slightly off-axis or adding an extra pop filter.
No physical controls (mute button or volume control) directly on the microphone for standard versions.
Lower quality than high-end studio microphones (to be put into perspective given the price).

Expert reviews

bonedo.de

04/11/2020

Summary of the review

Mackie EM-91CU Review - Bonedo

The Mackie EM-91CU is a budget-friendly USB condenser microphone designed primarily for semi-professional voice applications, such as podcasting, YouTube videos, and home office use. Structurally, it features a simple design housing a small-diaphragm cardioid capsule wrapped in an acoustic ring to emulate large-diaphragm characteristics. Built into a solid metal chassis, it delivers reliable 48kHz/16-bit audio conversion with a frequency response of 20 Hz to 17 kHz. A key benefit highlighted in the review is its pleasant, non-fatiguing sound signature that naturally boosts the fundamental frequencies of a voice, making it sound fuller without requiring heavy de-essing or aggressive equalization. Additionally, it comes packaged with a useful shock mount (spider suspension) and exhibits good resistance against plosive sounds even during close-up speaking. However, the microphone suffers from major functional limitations due to its heavily stripped-down nature. It lacks any onboard physical controls, meaning there are no options for selecting polar patterns, low-cut filters, or adjusting the microphone gain. This absence of an input level control often leads to increased background noise, particularly with quieter voices or when speaking from a distance....

pcmasters.de

02/10/2021

Mackie EM-91CU Review - PC Masters

The Mackie EM-91CU is a budget-friendly USB studio microphone priced around €50, tested alongside the DB-100 boom arm (€89) and the PF-100 pop filter (€14). The microphone stands out for its exceptional voice recording quality, offering a warm and clear sound with almost no baseline noise. It features a robust, all-metal housing and a sturdy metal shock mount (spin) that minimizes desk vibrations. Additionally, the heavy-duty, powder-coated steel boom arm provides excellent desk grip and stability. Operating as a pure plug-and-play device, it functions instantly without any extra software drivers. This performance makes it an ideal price-to-performance winner for streaming, online meetings, and gaming. However, the hardware is entirely bare-bones, lacking physical buttons, status LEDs, volume dials, or a headphone jack, with the absence of a mute button being a notable drawback. Proximity issues also exist: getting too close causes intense, disruptive plosive sounds despite using the pop filter, while the pop filter itself easily slips out of place when touched. On the software side, the included Pro Tools First software failed to recognize the USB input entirely during testing,...

Mackie EM-91CU Review | 76 Data compared

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Technical Specifications of Mackie EM-91CU

Mackie EM-91CU vs the average microphone

Why is Mackie EM-91CU better than the average microphone?

Why is Mackie EM-91CU worse than the average microphone?

Graphic comparison of Mackie EM-91CU and

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Mackie EM-91CU?

What customers dislike about Mackie EM-91CU?

Expert reviews

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