Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $220

High-end/Boutique

$75

$201+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Electro-Voice Cardinal is a dynamic microphone designed to bring studio-quality sound to both professional and home studio environments. Known for its innovative retro styling, this microphone combines the best of vintage aesthetics with modern engineering, making it a favorite among musicians and recording enthusiasts. Its cardioid polar pattern ensures superior off-axis noise rejection, allowing it to capture vocals and instruments with clarity and precision. Whether you're recording a podcast, vocals, or instruments, the Electro-Voice Cardinal delivers detailed sound reproduction that suits a variety of applications.

Inside the sleek housing, you'll find a unique internal shock mount that minimizes handling noise, making it ideal for live performances or dynamic recording sessions. The microphone is built with a neodymium magnet structure, which enhances its sensitivity and overall audio performance. Additionally, the Cardinal features a low-mass diaphragm for extended frequency response, ensuring that every nuance of your performance is captured with accuracy.

This microphone is not just about sound; it's designed to be a visual statement in any studio setup. With its attention to both performance and presentation, the Electro-Voice Cardinal stands out as a balanced choice for those who want both style and substance in their recording gear.

Key Features:

  • Dynamic microphone with cardioid polar pattern
  • Unique internal shock mount for reduced handling noise
  • Neodymium magnet structure for enhanced sensitivity
  • Low-mass diaphragm for extended frequency response
  • Retro-inspired design for a distinctive look

FAQs

What is the primary use of the Electro-Voice Cardinal microphone?

The Electro-Voice Cardinal is a dynamic microphone designed for studio use, particularly excelling in capturing vocals and acoustic instruments with clarity and warmth.

Does the Electro-Voice Cardinal require phantom power?

No, the Electro-Voice Cardinal is a dynamic microphone and does not require phantom power to operate, making it convenient for various recording setups.

What type of polar pattern does the Electro-Voice Cardinal feature?

The Electro-Voice Cardinal features a cardioid polar pattern, which helps isolate the main sound source while minimizing background noise and feedback.

How would you describe the sound quality of the Electro-Voice Cardinal?

The Electro-Voice Cardinal is known for its warm and natural sound, providing excellent clarity and detail, making it suitable for both vocal and instrument recording.

Is the Electro-Voice Cardinal suitable for live performances?

While the Electro-Voice Cardinal is primarily designed for studio use, its robust build and cardioid pattern make it a viable option for live performances in controlled environments.

Front End Audio

Front End Audio

Electro Voice Cardinal Condensor Microphone @ FrontEndAudio.com

Video thumbnail for Electro Voice Cardinal Condensor Microphone @ FrontEndAudio.com by Front End Audio

Electro Voice Cardinal Condensor Microphone @ FrontEndAudio.com

Front End Audio

Front End Audio

Video thumbnail for Electrovoice CARDINAL Microphone by SamAshdotcom

Electrovoice CARDINAL Microphone

SamAshdotcom

SamAshdotcom

Video thumbnail for Electro-Voice ( EV エレクトロボイス ) CARDINAL[ ワタナベ楽器店 ].mov by ワタナベ楽器店 Movie Channel

Electro-Voice ( EV エレクトロボイス ) CARDINAL[ ワタナベ楽器店 ].mov

ワタナベ楽器店 Movie Channel

ワタナベ楽器店 Movie Channel

Video thumbnail for Electro-Voice Blue Cardinal Condenser Microphone Test / Review by Obscure Mics

Electro-Voice Blue Cardinal Condenser Microphone Test / Review

Obscure Mics

Obscure Mics

Video thumbnail for Electrovoice RE-20 And Cardinal Mics: Musikmesse 2007 Video by gearwire

Electrovoice RE-20 And Cardinal Mics: Musikmesse 2007 Video

gearwire

gearwire

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Electro-Voice Cardinal.

Use cases and applications

  • The EV Cardinal is praised for drum overheads and guitar cabs, often paired with a ribbon or SM57 for enhanced sound quality.

    Source
  • The EV Cardinal is noted for its warm, natural sound on acoustic guitars, positioning it as a favorable choice for close mic'ing individual instruments.

    Source
  • The Electro-Voice Cardinal is frequently utilized for recording a kick drum, highlighting its adaptability in capturing low-end frequencies in various drum setups.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners consider the EV Cardinal a "sleeper mic," offering quality performance comparable to higher-priced condensers when used with a good preamp.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users have collected multiple EV Cardinals due to frequent good deals, suggesting a strong value and consistent performance across units.

    Source
  • Some users highlight the EV Cardinal's versatility, stating it can be effectively used on a variety of instruments with a good preamp, surpassing expectations for its price range.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Owners describe the EV Cardinal as producing a well-rounded sound, contrasting with the thinner, crisper tones of other condenser mics, making it suitable for nuanced recordings.

    Source
  • The Cardinal is highlighted for its capability to effectively capture toms and snare drums, showcasing its usefulness in diverse drum recording environments.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Cardinal is often compared to large-diaphragm condenser microphones like the Audio Technica AT4040, indicating its versatility in both overhead and close mic applications.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users note the necessity of making mixing choices ahead of time when using the Cardinal with limited channel setups, such as a stereo track into a laptop.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Electrovoice Cardinal & Raven

soundonsound.com

The Electro-Voice Cardinal microphone offers vintage allure with its striking design and solid engineering. While praised for its sound quality and flexible mounting, it faces criticism for being prone to popping, especially in live settings. This flaw is mitigated in studio environments with pop shields. Its vibrant styling and decent performance make it a worthwhile consideration for those seeking a microphone that balances aesthetics with functionality. However, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations in certain vocal applications.

EV/Blue: Cardinal condenser mic | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Electro-Voice Cardinal is a budget-friendly microphone that punches above its weight. Its collaboration with Blue Microphones results in a stylish, wooden design that's both functional and sturdy. While it's perfect for toms in drum kits, its versatility suggests potential for other instruments too. The mic's affordability, at under $200, makes it a desirable alternative to pricier options like the U 87, especially for those worried about durability during intense sessions. Its dual swivel mount adds to its practicality. Overall, it's a great-sounding, cost-effective choice for musicians.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rob Chapman uses Electro-Voice Cardinal

Rob Chapman

Singer, Guitarist

Dorje

...
Verified via Facebook

Rob posted this image to his Facebook page saying "It's vocal week! Time to shoot out some noise tubes".

See how Toni Torres uses Electro-Voice Cardinal

Toni Torres

Guitarist, Drummer

...
Verified via Hctsound

Toni Torres uses the Electro-Voice Cardinal microphone in both his live performances and recording sessions, as detailed by HCTSound.

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Electro-Voice Cardinal, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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1
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1
Neumann km 184 mt Stereo Set
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1

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