OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
Scored using Microphones Methodology v1.0
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Mackie EM-91CU Review | 76 Data compared

Avg. price:~£45Connection type:USBTransducer type:condenserMax SPL:132 dB SPLSupported sample rates:48 kHzOutput connector type:USB-b

Mackie EM-91CU Review: Compare 76 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Microphones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.9

Overall score

Score
5.9/ 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 94% of models
Score components

75%

5.9

Technical score

25%

?

User score

▼Worse than 94% of microphones
5.9

Technical score

Technical score
5.9/ 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
▼ Worse than 82% of models
Score components

20%

7.2

Audio Performance

20%

4.9

Recording

16%

3.2

Pickup Patterns

16%

3.9

Controls & Features

10%

10

Power

7%

10

Compatibility

5%

4.0

Connectivity

3%

7.7

Design

3%

6.1

Accessories

▼Worse than 82% of microphones
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 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 83% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £45

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 Mackie EM-91CU

Technical score
Technical score
5.9/ 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
▼ Worse than 82% of models
Score components:

20%

7.2

Audio Performance

20%

4.9

Recording

16%

3.2

Pickup Patterns

16%

3.9

Controls & Features

10%

10

Power

7%

10

Compatibility

5%

4.0

Connectivity

3%

7.7

Design

3%

6.1

Accessories

5.9
User score
User score
8.0/ 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 83% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 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 99% of models
Popularity:
Mackie EM-91CU has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than 68.3% of microphones.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 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 92% of models
Score components:

60%

5.9

Overall score

40%

10

Price

7.1
Microphone type
studio
Transducer type
condenser
Diaphragm size
14 mm
Capsule type
single
Sensitivity
-34 dBV/Pa
Show more
Connection type
USB
Output connector type
USB-b
Headphone output
no
Headphone output
no
▼ Worse than 63% of models
This microphone does not include a headphone output. 62.8% 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
no
Mute function
no
▼ Worse than 68% of models
This microphone does not include a mute function. 68.3% of microphones include this control.
Onboard gain control
no
Onboard gain control
no
▼ Worse than 51% of models
This microphone does not include onboard gain control. 51.3% of microphones include this control.
Volume control levels
0
Volume control levels
0
▼ Worse than 66% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This microphone offers volume output of 0 which is lower than that of 65.7% of microphones and equal to that of 34.3% of microphones.
Flat DSP mode
no
Flat DSP mode
no
▼ Worse than 26% of models
This microphone does not support a flat DSP mode. 25.6% 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
160 mm
Height
160 mm
▲ Better than 73% of models
Market range: <130 mm – >252.8 mm
This microphone is 160 mm tall, which is shorter than 73.3% of microphones and equal in height to 3.6% of microphones.
Width
44 mm
Width
44 mm
★ Better than 96% of models
Market range: <48 mm – >109 mm
This microphone is 44 mm wide, which is narrower than 95.9% of microphones.
Thickness
44 mm
Thickness
44 mm
★ Better than 91% of models
Market range: <45 mm – >114 mm
This microphone is 44 mm thick, which is thinner than 91.1% of microphones and equal in thickness to 0.5% of microphones.
Weight
?
Body material
metal
Show more
Included accessories
shock mount; cable
Shock mount included
yes
Shock mount included
yes
▲ Better than 51% of models
This microphone includes a shock mount. 49.3% 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
2 m
Cable length
2 m
▼ Worse than 39% of models
Market range: <1.4 m – >3 m
This microphone has a cable length of 2 m which is longer than that of 36.3% of microphones and equal to that of 25% 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
yes
iOS compatibility
yes
▲ 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
▲ 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

Mackie EM-91CU vs the average microphone

246810TotalAudio PerformanceConnectivityRecordingPickup PatternsControls & FeaturesPowerDesignAccessoriesCompatibility
  • 11 dB SPL higher limit
    Max SPL
    132 dB SPL
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <110 dB SPL – >140 dB SPL
    This microphone has a higher max SPL than the average microphone (132 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL). The average microphone handles a max SPL of 121 dB SPL.
    132 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL
  • Includes shock mount
    Shock mount included
    yes
    ▲ Better than 51% of models
    This microphone includes a shock mount, the average microphone does not.
  • 12 mm thinner body
    Thickness
    44 mm
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <45 mm – >114 mm
    This microphone 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
    Height
    160 mm
    ▲ Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <130 mm – >252.8 mm
    This microphone 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
  • 11 dB SPL higher limit
    Max SPL
    132 dB SPL
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <110 dB SPL – >140 dB SPL
    This microphone has a higher max SPL than the average microphone (132 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL). The average microphone handles a max SPL of 121 dB SPL.
    132 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL
  • 12 mm thinner body
    Thickness
    44 mm
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <45 mm – >114 mm
    This microphone 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
    Height
    160 mm
    ▲ Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <130 mm – >252.8 mm
    This microphone 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
  • Includes shock mount
    Shock mount included
    yes
    ▲ Better than 51% of models
    This microphone includes a shock mount, the average microphone does not.
  • No gain control
    Onboard gain control
    no
    ▼ Worse than 51% of models
    This microphone does not include onboard gain control, 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
  • No on-device controls
    On-device controls
    no
    ▼ Worse than 80% of models
    This microphone 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
    Mute function
    no
    ▼ Worse than 68% of models
    This microphone does not include a mute function, the average microphone does.
  • 3,000 Hz lower high-frequency limit
    Highest frequency
    17,000 Hz
    ▼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <15k Hz – >20k Hz
    This microphone 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.
    17,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 18 dB narrower dynamic range
    Dynamic range
    78 dB
    ▼ Worse than 83% of models
    Market range: <77.5 dB – >130 dB
    This microphone has a narrower dynamic range than the average microphone (78 dB vs 96 dB). The average microphone has a dynamic range of 96 dB.
    78 dB vs 96 dB
  • No headphone output
    Headphone output
    no
    ▼ Worse than 63% of models
    This microphone does not include a headphone output, the average microphone does.
  • No pop filter
    Pop filter included
    no
    ▼ Worse than 61% of models
    This microphone does not include a pop filter, the average microphone does.
  • 6.22x less popular
    Mackie EM-91CU has a lower popularity than the average microphone (1 vs 6.2).
    1 vs 6.22
  • 11.8% worse value for money
    Mackie EM-91CU has a lower value-for-money score than the average microphone (7.1 vs 7.9).
    7.1 vs 7.94
  • 0.3% lower user score
    User score
    8.0/ 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
    Mackie EM-91CU
    the average microphone
    Mackie EM-91CU has a lower user score than the average microphone (8.00 vs 8.027).
    8 vs 8.03
  • 3,000 Hz lower high-frequency limit
    Highest frequency
    17,000 Hz
    ▼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <15k Hz – >20k Hz
    This microphone 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.
    17,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 18 dB narrower dynamic range
    Dynamic range
    78 dB
    ▼ Worse than 83% of models
    Market range: <77.5 dB – >130 dB
    This microphone has a narrower dynamic range than the average microphone (78 dB vs 96 dB). The average microphone has a dynamic range of 96 dB.
    78 dB vs 96 dB
  • No headphone output
    Headphone output
    no
    ▼ Worse than 63% of models
    This microphone does not include a headphone output, 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.
  • 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
  • No gain control
    Onboard gain control
    no
    ▼ Worse than 51% of models
    This microphone does not include onboard gain control, the average microphone does.
  • No on-device controls
    On-device controls
    no
    ▼ Worse than 80% of models
    This microphone 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
    Mute function
    no
    ▼ Worse than 68% of models
    This microphone does not include a mute function, the average microphone does.
  • No pop filter
    Pop filter included
    no
    ▼ Worse than 61% of models
    This microphone does not include a pop filter, the average microphone does.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

B
bonedo.de
04/11/2020
Summary of the review
Mackie EM-91CU Review - Bonedo
(Translated)Show original
P
pcmasters.de
02/10/2021
Summary of the review
Mackie EM-91CU Review - PC Masters
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What we 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 we don't like 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).

Verdict

The Mackie EM-91CU is a large-diaphragm electret condenser USB microphone featuring a cardioid polar pattern and 16-bit/48kHz recording resolution. It offers a frequency response of 20Hz–17kHz, a maximum SPL of 132dB, and a 78dB signal-to-noise ratio, all housed in a rugged 'Built-Like-A-Tank' metal chassis. Main pros include its effortless plug-and-play setup, high-quality Onyx preamp circuitry for low noise, and the inclusion of a professional shock mount and software bundle. However, notable cons include the lack of an onboard headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring, no physical gain or mute controls, and a susceptibility to plosives without an external pop filter.

Compare Mackie EM-91CU with other products in the Microphones category

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