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Average Price: $245

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$100

$401+

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Description

The CAD Equitek E100S is a standout in the realm of studio recording gear, offering precision and clarity that both seasoned producers and burgeoning musicians will appreciate. This supercardioid condenser microphone is renowned for its low noise floor and exceptional transient response, making it ideal for capturing the nuances of vocal performances and acoustic instruments with stunning accuracy.

What sets the E100S apart is its ultra-low self-noise of just 3.7 dBA, which ensures a remarkably clean recording, free from unwanted background hiss. Its wide frequency response range from 20Hz to 20kHz faithfully reproduces both the thunderous lows and the sparkling highs, providing a full and balanced sound. The microphone's rugged construction includes a black nickel-plated finish and a durable, all-metal body, ensuring reliability and longevity in a variety of studio settings.

The CAD Equitek E100S also features a high-pass filter and a 10dB pad, offering versatility for different recording environments and sound sources. Whether you're capturing the subtle intricacies of a quiet vocal passage or the booming dynamics of a drum kit, this microphone adapts seamlessly to your needs.

Key Features:

  • Supercardioid polar pattern for focused sound capture
  • Ultra-low self-noise of 3.7 dBA
  • Wide frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz
  • High-pass filter and 10dB pad for increased versatility
  • Durable, all-metal construction with a black nickel-plated finish
  • Ideal for vocals and acoustic instruments in studio settings

Product specs

Brand CAD
Model E100S Equitek Large Diaphragm Supercardioid Condenser Microphone
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Microphones

FAQs

What is the polar pattern of the CAD Equitek E100S microphone?

The CAD Equitek E100S features a supercardioid polar pattern, which provides excellent off-axis rejection and is ideal for isolating the sound source from background noise.

Is the CAD Equitek E100S suitable for vocal recording?

Yes, the CAD Equitek E100S is well-suited for vocal recording, offering a warm and detailed sound that captures the nuances of vocal performances.

What type of diaphragm does the CAD Equitek E100S use?

The CAD Equitek E100S is equipped with a large diaphragm, which enhances its ability to capture a wide frequency range and deliver a rich, full-bodied sound.

Does the CAD Equitek E100S require phantom power?

Yes, the CAD Equitek E100S requires phantom power to operate, which is typically supplied by most audio interfaces and mixers.

How would you describe the sound signature of the CAD Equitek E100S?

The CAD Equitek E100S is known for its smooth and natural sound signature, with a slight emphasis on midrange clarity, making it versatile for various recording applications.

Booth Junkie

Booth Junkie

CAD E100s vs THE WORLD!

Video thumbnail for CAD E100s vs THE WORLD! by Booth Junkie

CAD E100s vs THE WORLD!

Booth Junkie

Booth Junkie

Video thumbnail for Can a mic last forever?  1 year old CAD e100s vs 20 year old CAD e100 by Booth Junkie

Can a mic last forever? 1 year old CAD e100s vs 20 year old CAD e100

Booth Junkie

Booth Junkie

Video thumbnail for CAD Equitek E100S Condenser Mic Review / Test by Podcastage

CAD Equitek E100S Condenser Mic Review / Test

Podcastage

Podcastage

Video thumbnail for CAD EQUITEK E100S MICROPHONE REVIEW. INCREDIBLE! by Theoria Apophasis

CAD EQUITEK E100S MICROPHONE REVIEW. INCREDIBLE!

Theoria Apophasis

Theoria Apophasis

Video thumbnail for Equitek E100S Supercardioid Condenser Microphone from CAD Audio by Markertek – America's Broadcast Supply House

Equitek E100S Supercardioid Condenser Microphone from CAD Audio

Markertek – America's Broadcast Supply House

Markertek – America's Broadcast Supply House

Video thumbnail for microphones test by thefrenchvoice

microphones test

thefrenchvoice

thefrenchvoice

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptionally quiet operation with lowest self-noise in its class at 3.7 dBA

  • Detailed top end without harshness, providing clarity with warmth

  • Well-balanced midsection and deep, rich low end without muddiness

  • Supercardioid pattern for focused sound, ideal for voice and spoken word

  • Made in the USA with a sound reminiscent of high-end mics like Neumann

  • Versatile Swiss-Army knife microphone suitable for multiple sources

  • Good signal-to-noise ratio with handy pad and low rolloff features

CONS

  • Requires consistent positioning due to supercardioid pattern

  • Not the first choice for all recording situations, may not suit every application

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about CAD Equitek E100S.

Comparisons

  • The CAD E100SX has a "dark" sound profile compared to the E100S, with heavy bass and boosted "air" frequencies creating a unique sibilant artifact.

    Source
  • The E100S is noted to occasionally mimic the sound signature of the Neumann TLM 103, making it suitable for professional voiceover work if functioning properly.

    Source
  • Some owners question the consistency of the E100S model, suggesting possible variability in build quality or performance.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • For optimal sound, owners suggest rolling off frequencies below 500Hz and above 14kHz and boosting at 4kHz and 8kHz using EQ.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The E100SX microphone is preferred for studio settings where post-mixing EQ is available, as it requires adjustments to achieve a smooth sound.

    Source
  • The mic has been praised for its performance in voiceover auditions, especially when the noise issue is not present.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The E100SX features a hi-pass filter, which is recommended for live use to manage its pronounced bass and proximity effect.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The microphone is noted for its fluctuating price, occasionally dropping below $50, making it a competitive deal for those monitoring price trends.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners experience intermittent static noise with the E100S, which may resolve temporarily after being left plugged in for a while.

    Source
  • Some users report intermittent crackling sounds that appear to be voice-dependent, indicating potential hardware issues.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Shipping the E100S back to CAD for repair can be a hassle, but successful repairs have been reported, making it viable for voiceover professionals.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Issues with crackling sounds might be related to interface compatibility, such as with the Audient id14.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

Nice sounding Back Electret.

This is a large diaphragm Back Electret style condenser. I forget what makes it different than a 'capacitor' style condenser like a Neumann or an AKG. Look it up if you care. This microphone has a really even response and good dynamics. Not my 1st choice for a lot of things, but it can be useful for convincing a track to sit back in the mix. Great signal-to-noise specs too. Pad and low rolloff are handy. Anyway, I am not sure where mine is right now, I should find it and start using it again.

jpgauthier

Low self-noise

The lowest self‑noise in its class !! 3.7 dBA. I made the vocals with this mic for my own indie-folk songs and the result is really nice.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tobin Sprout uses CAD Equitek E100S

Tobin Sprout

Guitarist, Composer

Guided by Voices

...
Verified via Robertpollard

According to a Musician Magazine profile,"Sprout has come to adore a Conneaut Audio Devices Equitek E-100 tube microphone for its warmth and prescence" for recording vocals

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

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