Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $498

High-end/Boutique

$100

$401+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Earthworks FMR500". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Meet the Earthworks FMR500, the pinnacle of podium microphones, thoughtfully engineered to elevate your conferences, speeches, and presentations. This dual flex gooseneck microphone stands out with its ability to maintain an even frequency response at various angles—0, 45, and 90 degrees—ensuring your voice is captured with clarity and precision. Whether you're hosting an intimate boardroom meeting or addressing a large crowd, the FMR500's design efficiently minimizes interference from WiFi devices and mobile phones, allowing your voice to shine through without a hitch.

The FMR500 is not only about stellar audio quality; it’s also about usability. Its dual flex design with a rigid center section makes it a breeze to adjust while keeping it stable during use. With a self-noise rating of just 20dB and a maximum input of 148dB SPL, this microphone is designed to handle anything from soft-spoken dialogues to dynamic speeches. The high RFI rejection feature ensures that ambient noise is kept at bay, making it a trusted choice for environments where clear communication is critical.

Designed, tuned, and assembled in the USA, the Earthworks FMR500 is a testament to craftsmanship and innovation. Its copper-wound gooseneck guarantees durability, while its compatibility with a variety of preamps and inputs offers versatility for any setup.

Key Features:

  • Dual flex gooseneck design with a rigid center for stability
  • Uniform frequency response at 0, 45, and 90 degrees
  • High RFI rejection for clear sound with less interference
  • 148dB SPL maximum input volume
  • 20dB self-noise (A-weighted)
  • Designed for podiums and lecterns in professional settings
  • Available in multiple lengths with optional LED light ring
  • Made in the USA with a 2-year warranty

Product specs

Microphone Type Condenser
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz
Max SPL 148dB SPL
Self Noise 20dB A weighted
Connector XLR
Gooseneck Length 16.24"
Power Source 48V phantom power

FAQs

What is the primary application for the Earthworks FMR500 microphone?

The Earthworks FMR500 is designed primarily for podium use, offering high speech intelligibility and a flexible gooseneck design ideal for conferences, lectures, and public speaking events.

What polar pattern does the Earthworks FMR500 use and why is it important?

The Earthworks FMR500 uses a cardioid polar pattern, which helps focus on the speaker's voice while minimizing background noise from the sides and rear, making it ideal for clear speech capture in various environments.

Does the Earthworks FMR500 require any special power source?

Yes, the Earthworks FMR500 requires 48V phantom power, which is commonly supplied by most modern mixing consoles and audio interfaces.

How long is the gooseneck on the Earthworks FMR500 microphone?

The Earthworks FMR500 features a 16.24-inch dual flex gooseneck, allowing for easy positioning and optimal microphone placement at podiums.

What is the frequency response range of the Earthworks FMR500?

The Earthworks FMR500 has a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz, ensuring a full and natural sound reproduction suitable for a wide range of vocal applications.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Earthworks FMR500.

Comparisons

  • The Schoeps MK41 is noted for superior sound quality and aesthetics, particularly with a CMC1L preamp and lemo accessories, surpassing the classic Colette setups.

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  • Shure MX412 microphones with the 185 capsule offer better gain before feedback compared to Earthworks, which can be advantageous for speakers wearing masks.

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  • Audix MG series gooseneck mics have been reliable for over three years in environments with inconsistent handling and storage practices.

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  • In challenging audio environments, a dynamic mic like Shure SM57 might be used as a backup due to its reliability over a condenser.

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Features and functionality

  • Schoeps B1D windscreen offers a sleek look and excellent plosive protection, while the B5D provides comprehensive wind protection from all directions.

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  • For dual mic setups, one mic is typically muted for redundancy, with manual muting/unmuting on the console during events.

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  • Automixers like the Dugan can be used with dual setups to manage audio levels effectively, reducing comb filtering issues.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Earthworks FM500 is favored for podium use in corporate AV settings, noted especially for its reliability in large venues with up to 500 attendees.

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  • The FM500 is praised for maintaining performance with rotating student staff and multiple daily setups, making it ideal for high-rotation environments.

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  • Dual FMR500 mics are often used with one as a backup, especially in ceremonies with frequent speaker changes.

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  • Smallrig Superclamp and DigitalFoto Solution Limited C-Clamp & Ball Head Magic Grip are recommended as bases for podiums without permanent mounts.

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User experience

  • The FM500 is preferred over cheaper alternatives for podium applications, with owners valuing its performance and reliability despite higher costs.

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  • For users facing frequent issues with mic wiring, it's noted that excessive twisting by speakers can damage conductors in gooseneck microphones.

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Build quality

  • Earthworks FM500 microphones have been reported as rock solid even with frequent setup and teardown, showing durability over eight years of use.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Proper storage using a PVC pipe with foam ends is suggested to prevent damage during transit, ensuring longevity of gooseneck mics.

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  • Custom-designed clips can hold FMR500 capsules with 1mm spacing, using a single foam windscreen for plosive control and a clean look on camera.

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