The BM 800 is one of the most talked about budget condenser microphones, often coming up in forums and groups whenever someone asks for a low cost option for vocals or studio recording. We tested the BM 800 to see how it holds up as a budget pick under $50.
This review covers the BM 800’s features, specs, pros and cons, and who it is best suited for.
What Is the BM 800 Microphone?
The BM 800 is an XLR cardioid condenser microphone made by ZINGYOU. While the brand itself is not widely known, the BM 800 has become a bestseller on Amazon with consistently positive reviews.
It is aimed at users looking for a studio condenser microphone under $50, and it includes most of what you need to get started with a basic home studio setup.
Specifications
In our testing, the BM 800 picked up sound clearly while keeping background noise to a minimum, which is what you would expect from a condenser microphone in this category.
It has a flat frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, which is the standard range for condenser microphones and suitable for studio recording. The maximum sound pressure level is 132dB, and it has a balanced bass response that works well for both vocals and instrumentals.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | ZINGYOU |
| Type | Large diaphragm condenser microphone |
| Colors | Gold/Black, Black, Silver/Black, Silver/Red |
| Connector type | XLR |
| Audio sensitivity | 28dB |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid (unidirectional) |
| Frequency response | 20Hz to 20kHz |
| Maximum SPL | 132dB |
| Impedance | Less than or equal to 200 ohms |
| Recommended load impedance | Greater than or equal to 1000 ohms |
| Weight | 346 grams |
| Material | Metal, aluminum alloy |
| Signal to noise ratio | 78dB |
Features and Benefits
We found several features that stand out for a microphone in this price range.
Easy to Set Up
The BM 800 is straightforward to set up, with nothing overly technical involved. In our experience, it took only a few minutes to get the microphone ready to use.
Low Noise
The microphone has solid noise cancellation, which helps keep background noise in your recording space to a minimum. It also comes with a basic pop filter included, which adds to the more natural sound. We found the microphone stable on its stand, without producing noticeable self-noise.
Stability
The BM 800 stayed stable during use and did not produce unwanted sound from the stand or table. It is also flexible enough to reposition on your desk as needed.
Switches
The microphone includes switches for bass roll-off, a 15mV/Pa pre-attenuation switch, and a -10dB pad. These give you some control over the output sound, which is a useful feature at this price point.
Applications
The BM 800 works well for both vocals and instrumentals, making it a reasonably versatile option for studio recording of different types.
Build Quality
The microphone has a metal body with an aluminum alloy construction, which feels durable and comfortable to hold. It is available in four color variants.
Sound Quality
In our testing, the BM 800 produced a clear, warm sound with detailed mid range and a slightly silky high end for instrumentals. Overall, the sound output felt natural, with minimal noise or background interference.
What’s in the Box
The BM 800 comes with:
- Arm stand
- Shock mount
- Pop filter
This is a solid package for the price, giving you most of what you need for a basic setup. You may still want a dedicated pop filter upgrade depending on your preferences, but the included one is functional for getting started.
If you want to know more about what a pop filter does and why it matters, see our guide on what does a pop filter do.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Budget friendly pricing
- Solid build quality for the price
- Low noise performance
- Works well for both vocals and instrumentals
- High maximum SPL for the price range
Cons
- Branding and customer support are less established compared to bigger names
Who Should Buy It
Best for
- Beginners wanting an affordable condenser microphone
- Home studio setups on a tight budget
- Users recording vocals and instrumentals
Who should avoid it
- Users wanting strong brand reputation and dedicated customer support
- Users needing professional grade specs for commercial studio work
FAQ
Is the BM 800 a good microphone?
Yes, for its price range. It offers a reasonable balance of build quality, sound output, and included accessories for those wanting a budget friendly condenser microphone.
How do you use the BM 800 microphone with a phone?
The BM 800 uses an XLR connection, so connecting it to a phone requires an audio interface or adapter that supports XLR input. Check your specific phone and interface compatibility before setting it up.
Does the BM 800 need phantom power?
The BM 800 uses an XLR connection and, like most XLR condenser microphones, requires phantom power from an audio interface or mixer to operate.
Final Verdict
The BM 800 is a practical choice for anyone wanting an affordable condenser microphone for vocals and instrumentals. It comes with a reasonable accessory bundle, including an arm stand, shock mount, and pop filter, which adds to its value at this price point.
Before buying, check the latest price and availability, since pricing and product availability can change over time. If you want to compare it against other budget options, our guide to best microphones for vocals under $200 covers more choices across different price ranges.
