Good Mic on the Cheap: CAD U1 Microphone

If all you have is $25, but you still want to buy microphone that sounds great, you should probably get the CAD U1 Microphone.

Overview: The CAD U1 Microphone is a dynamic desktop USB microphone from the brand CAD Audio. The CAD U1 Microphone has been around since 2008 but till today, the sound quality that it produces is still comparable to some of the more recent (and expensive) microphone models like the Blue Snowball and the Samson Go, and compared to other microphones in its price range, the CAD U1 shines as the one of the best $20-25 microphones on the market.

Sound Quality: The CAD U1 produces good quality sound that would be suitable for the average podcaster or gaming commentator. It doesn't pick up much background noise and makes your voice sound crisp and clear if you put it 8-20 inches away from you. In fact, if you do it right, using the CAD U1 can make it sound like you're using a professional and expensive microphone.

However it can run into a few problems. If you speak too loudly, your voice will sound draggy and when you say "s" and "p", it can sound quite awful. To solve this I would recommend getting a pop filter or a microphone windscreen to put on the CAD U1, which would significantly decrease any distortions and loud "s" and "p" sounds.

Also, the microphone can pick up static from 2 electronic devices, which are non-LED lightbulbs and radios, so I would recommend putting lights and radios away from the CAD U1 when using it.

Price: Being only $22 on Amazon, it is really affordable and costs less than almost all the microphones available on Amazon.

Compatibility: The CAD U1 is a USB microphone, and thus can run on all your electronic devices that support USB connection. The CAD U1 also does not require any additional software to run.

Durability: As the CAD U1 is made out of ABS plastic (the same material used to make Legos), it is very durable and after dropping it many times, the sound quality of the CAD U1 has still not been compromised.

Pros
- Good, crisp sound quality
- Affordable
- Really durable

Cons
- Can pick up static from other devices, causing sound distortions
- Picks up loud "s" and "p" sounds when using without pop filter/mic windscreen

Who I would recommend the CAD U1 to: podcasters, gaming commentators, vloggers, people who use Skype and other voice calling software

Here is a review of the CAD U1 from another YouTuber. In this video you'll be able to here the sound quality of the CAD U1.