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 EM-USB Review | 76 Data compared

Avg. price:~£55Connection type:USBTransducer type:condenserMax SPL:130 dB SPLSupported sample rates:48 kHzOutput connector type:USB-c

Mackie EM-USB 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Score components

75%

6.9

Technical score

25%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 59% of microphones
6.9

Technical score

Technical score
6.9/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 52% of models
Score components

20%

7.3

Audio Performance

20%

6.4

Recording

16%

3.2

Pickup Patterns

16%

7.5

Controls & Features

10%

10

Power

7%

10

Compatibility

5%

6.8

Connectivity

3%

7.5

Design

3%

4.8

Accessories

â–²Better than 52% 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £55

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-USB

Technical score
Technical score
6.9/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 52% of models
Score components:

20%

7.3

Audio Performance

20%

6.4

Recording

16%

3.2

Pickup Patterns

16%

7.5

Controls & Features

10%

10

Power

7%

10

Compatibility

5%

6.8

Connectivity

3%

7.5

Design

3%

4.8

Accessories

6.9
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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Mackie EM-USB has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than 68.3% of microphones.
1.0
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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ 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
14 mm
Capsule type
single
Sensitivity
-32 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
1
N. of polar patterns
1
â–¼ 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
â–² Better than 9% of models
This microphone supports a cardioid pickup pattern. 91% of microphones support this pattern.
Omnidirectional pattern
no
Omnidirectional pattern
no
â–¼ 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
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
no
Bidirectional pattern
no
â–¼ 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
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
no
Flat DSP mode
no
â–¼ 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
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
180 mm
Height
180 mm
â–² Better than 56% of models
Market range: <130 mm – >252.8 mm
This microphone is 180 mm tall, which is shorter than 55.9% of microphones and equal in height to 1% of microphones.
Width
46 mm
Width
46 mm
★ Better than 92% of models
Market range: <48 mm – >109 mm
This microphone is 46 mm wide, which is narrower than 92.3% of microphones.
Thickness
46 mm
Thickness
46 mm
â–² Better than 88% of models
Market range: <45 mm – >114 mm
This microphone is 46 mm thick, which is thinner than 88.4% of microphones.
Weight
?
Body material
plastic
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
no
Pop filter included
no
â–¼ 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
â–¼ 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
â–² 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
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 EM-USB vs the average microphone

246810TotalAudio PerformanceConnectivityRecordingPickup PatternsControls & FeaturesPowerDesignAccessoriesCompatibility
  • Includes mix control
    Mix control
    yes
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    This microphone includes mix control, the average microphone does not.
  • 356 mW higher headphone output power
    Headphone output power
    400 mW
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <10 mW – >130 mW
    This microphone has a higher headphone output power than the average microphone (400 mW vs 44 mW). The average microphone has a headphone output power of 44 mW.
    400 mW vs 44 mW
  • 9 dB SPL higher limit
    Max SPL
    130 dB SPL
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    Market range: <110 dB SPL – >140 dB SPL
    This microphone has a higher max SPL than the average microphone (130 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL). The average microphone handles a max SPL of 121 dB SPL.
    130 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL
  • 1 m longer cable length
    Cable length
    3 m
    â–² 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
  • 10 mm thinner body
    Thickness
    46 mm
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <45 mm – >114 mm
    This microphone is thinner than the average microphone (46 mm vs 56 mm). The average microphone has a thickness of 56 mm.
    46 mm vs 56 mm
  • 9 dB SPL higher limit
    Max SPL
    130 dB SPL
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    Market range: <110 dB SPL – >140 dB SPL
    This microphone has a higher max SPL than the average microphone (130 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL). The average microphone handles a max SPL of 121 dB SPL.
    130 dB SPL vs 121 dB SPL
  • 356 mW higher headphone output power
    Headphone output power
    400 mW
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <10 mW – >130 mW
    This microphone has a higher headphone output power than the average microphone (400 mW vs 44 mW). The average microphone has a headphone output power of 44 mW.
    400 mW vs 44 mW
  • Includes mix control
    Mix control
    yes
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    This microphone includes mix control, the average microphone does not.
  • 10 mm thinner body
    Thickness
    46 mm
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <45 mm – >114 mm
    This microphone is thinner than the average microphone (46 mm vs 56 mm). The average microphone has a thickness of 56 mm.
    46 mm vs 56 mm
  • 1 m longer cable length
    Cable length
    3 m
    â–² 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
    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
  • 2,000 Hz lower high-frequency limit
    Highest frequency
    18,000 Hz
    â–¼ 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
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This microphone does not include a pop filter, the average microphone does.
  • 10 Hz higher low-frequency limit
    Lowest frequency
    30 Hz
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <20 Hz – >50 Hz
    This microphone has a higher low-frequency cutoff than the average microphone (30 Hz vs 20 Hz). By comparison, the average microphone has a low-frequency limit of 20 Hz.
    30 Hz vs 20 Hz
  • 7 dB narrower dynamic range
    Dynamic range
    89 dB
    â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
    Market range: <77.5 dB – >130 dB
    This microphone has a narrower dynamic range than the average microphone (89 dB vs 96 dB). The average microphone has a dynamic range of 96 dB.
    89 dB vs 96 dB
  • 6.22x less popular
    Mackie EM-USB has a lower popularity than the average microphone (1 vs 6.2).
    1 vs 6.22
  • 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
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Mackie EM-USB
    the average microphone
    Mackie EM-USB has a lower user score than the average microphone (8.00 vs 8.027).
    8 vs 8.03
  • 6.22x less popular
    Mackie EM-USB has a lower popularity than the average microphone (1 vs 6.2).
    1 vs 6.22
  • 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
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Mackie EM-USB
    the average microphone
    Mackie EM-USB has a lower user score than the average microphone (8.00 vs 8.027).
    8 vs 8.03
  • 2,000 Hz lower high-frequency limit
    Highest frequency
    18,000 Hz
    â–¼ 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
  • 10 Hz higher low-frequency limit
    Lowest frequency
    30 Hz
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <20 Hz – >50 Hz
    This microphone has a higher low-frequency cutoff than the average microphone (30 Hz vs 20 Hz). By comparison, the average microphone has a low-frequency limit of 20 Hz.
    30 Hz vs 20 Hz
  • 7 dB narrower dynamic range
    Dynamic range
    89 dB
    â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
    Market range: <77.5 dB – >130 dB
    This microphone has a narrower dynamic range than the average microphone (89 dB vs 96 dB). The average microphone has a dynamic range of 96 dB.
    89 dB vs 96 dB
  • 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
  • No pop filter
    Pop filter included
    no
    â–¼ 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

M
musicradar.com
08/09/2021
Summary of the review
Mackie EM-USBGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. review
S
soundonsound.com
15/06/2020
Summary of the review
Choosing & Using A USB Microphone
P
podcastage.com
20/10/2020
Summary of the review
Mackie EleMent EM-USB Review / Test - Podcastage
B
bonedo.de
05/05/2020
Summary of the review
Mackie EM-USB
(Translated)Show original
M
musiker-board.de
13/10/2020
Summary of the review
Mackie EM-USB Microphone | Musiker-Board
(Translated)Show original
H
heise.de
15/01/2021
Summary of the review
USB Microphone: Mackie's EM-USB Quick Review
(Translated)Show original
M
musicaymercado.org
10/01/2022
Summary of the review
Mackie EM-USB Microphone Review - Música & Mercado
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What we like about Mackie EM-USB

  • Clear, neutral sound quality, better than budget USB microphones
  • Robust metal construction, designed to last
  • Excellent value for home studios, podcasting, and streaming
  • Simple plug-and-play functionality via USB
  • Includes useful built-in controls: gain, headphone volume, and mute button
  • Includes basic accessories such as a desktop tripod and cable

What we don't like about Mackie EM-USB

  • Direct headphone monitoring may not have zero latency, requiring software adjustments
  • Lacks an LED indicator (metering) to show if the audio is clipping
  • High sensitivity, which may require acoustic treatment in the room

Verdict

The Mackie EleMent EM-USB is a versatile 14mm cardioid condenser microphone featuring a 30Hz–18kHz frequency response, 130dB max SPL, and 16-bit/48kHz recording resolution. This plug-and-play USB-C device is designed for home studios and streaming, offering convenient onboard controls including a dedicated mute switch with LED indicator, microphone gain, and a 3.5mm headphone jack with independent volume. Main pros include its 'Built-Like-A-Tank' rugged metal construction, impressive neutral sound profile, and the inclusion of a tripod stand and software bundle. However, notable cons include its lack of true zero-latency monitoring and the absence of a visual clipping indicator on the LED.

Compare Mackie EM-USB with other products in the Microphones category

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