Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $499

High-end/Boutique

$100

$401+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Earthworks FM500". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

If you're seeking a microphone that combines precision engineering with exceptional performance, the Earthworks FM500 is your go-to choice for podium applications. This cardioid condenser microphone is designed to capture every nuance of your speech with stunning clarity and minimal distortion. Its uniform off-axis response ensures that your voice is picked up clearly, whether you're directly in front of it or to the side, minimizing the risk of feedback and maintaining sound integrity.

The FM500 is not only about superior sound. Its robust construction, featuring a copper-wound gooseneck, promises durability for years of reliable use. The microphone is specifically engineered to excel in public speaking settings such as lecture halls, churches, and theaters, making it a versatile choice for a wide array of venues. The microphone’s remarkable RFI rejection ensures that your message is heard without interference, while its sleek design complements any professional setting.

Designed with practicality in mind, the FM500 offers a max input of 145dB SPL, so overloading is virtually impossible. The microphone’s minimal self-noise of 20dB (A-weighted) ensures that the focus remains on your voice, free from unwanted background noise. Whether it's a sermon, a conference, or a public address, the Earthworks FM500 provides the clarity and reliability you need.

Key Features:

  • 19" cardioid condenser design for superior speech intelligibility
  • Uniform off-axis response for consistent sound quality
  • High rejection of rear sounds and RFI
  • 145dB SPL max acoustic input to prevent overload
  • Durable copper-wound gooseneck construction
  • Minimal handling noise and self-noise of 20dB (A-weighted)
  • Ideal for lecture halls, churches, theaters, and more
  • Designed and assembled in the USA

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Earthworks FM500.

Features and functionality

  • Earthworks FM500/HC19 hypercardioid mic, with a gooseneck, allows close placement to the speaker's mouth (within 6") to minimize feedback issues.

    Source

Build quality

  • Earthworks microphones have been praised for their phenomenal capsules and very sturdy build, ensuring long-lasting performance.

    Source
  • The Earthworks FM500 has been described as "rock solid" by users who have used them for eight years with frequent setup and teardown without issues.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Earthworks FM500 is recommended for church pulpit setups where speakers are close to the stage, providing minimal obstruction to sight lines.

    Source
  • For churches with bad speaker placement, a hypercardioid mic like the Earthworks FM500 can help reduce feedback when positioned correctly.

    Source
  • The FM500 is favored for lectern use, with reports of better sound quality and durability compared to Sennheiser models in similar environments.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A user switched from Shure MX418 to Earthworks, citing improved performance; another user found Countryman ISOMAX 4 RF Cardioid offered better gain before feedback than Shure MX418 Supercardioid.

    Source
  • The Shure MX412 with a 185 capsule offers better gain before feedback, especially useful when speakers are masked, though it doesn't sound as good as the Earthworks.

    Source
  • Audix MG series gooseneck mics have been reliable for three years in a setting with frequent mishandling and storage issues, suggesting comparable durability to Earthworks.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • To prevent damage during transit, one user recommends using PVC pipes with foam ends for storing gooseneck mics, cut to the exact mic length.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Gooseneck Lectern Microphones - Church Production Magazine

churchproduction.com

The Earthworks FM500 struggles to distinguish itself in a crowded field of gooseneck microphones. While it boasts a sleek design, the review highlights a disappointing muddiness in sound quality and excessive sibilance, making it challenging to achieve a clear, feedback-free output. With only 60 dB SPL for male voices and 58 dB for females, it falls short in volume compared to competitors. Although a parametric EQ might mitigate some issues, the FM500's hefty price tag of $699 raises questions about its overall value. For those seeking reliable lectern mics, exploring other options may be wise.

negative

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Genre Usage

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

More Earthworks Condenser Microphones

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides