I've been using microphones for three decades now. I've used plenty of condensers, from the cheap and nasty import all the way up to the Shure KSM9HS condenser capsule on my Shure UHF-R wireless set. When compared directly to the KSM9HS—which retails for over $700 and is a direct competitor to the Neumann KK105—the King Bee II is so much better that I wish they'd find a way to engineer a cartridge with the sound profile of the King Bee II for my wireless handheld.
Most of the time I'm using my King Bee II, I'm on the air doing live streaming broadcasts. Running flat EQ through my Yamaha MG12XU mixing console (with 48V phantom power enabled, which this microphone requires to operate correctly), I almost sound authoritative enough to know what I'm supposed to be doing. Self-noise is incredibly low as advertised, and the sound I get from the mic is clear and full. I'd describe the lows as fat but not muddy. Unlike a lot of cheaper condensers, the highs on the King Bee II are balanced and avoid the shrillness in the mid-high area.
To eliminate background noise, I opt to run my signal chain through a DBX 286s microphone processor. I do add a little compression and frequency enhancement, but it doesn't take much because the King Bee already sounds great on its own.
So the gate on the DBX doesn't have to be cranked as hard, I usually stay about 3" or so off the mic. I was initially using the included pop filter—which is great quality and attaches firmly to the grille of the microphone—but the slight coloration the Neat pop filter adds to the sound led me to clip my old reliable gooseneck pop filter to my boom arm instead. That way, I'm not losing the excellent sound quality that draws me into the King Bee in the first place. The shock mount is solid and securely locks the mic into place so you can let it hang at any angle without worrying it will come crashing down to the ground.
When it comes to boom arms, the King Bee is every bit as heavy as advertised, and the cheapy $20 arms just aren't going to cut it. You may as well go ahead and plan to buy a Rode PSA-1 or something similar. It's going to cost you a bit of money, but it's a solid mounting system that isn't going to buckle in on itself under the King Bee's weight. It will also protect your microphone for many years to come.
The King Bee II might lack the flashiness of the old King Bee. It might not come with the same accessories or something to store it in when you're finished with it. It might only retail for $180—but holy cow, am I ever impressed with this microphone. I expected it to be a little better than the Audio-Technica AT2020 and the sE X1A, but I never expected it to sound that much better than a $400 Shure SM7B or a $700 Shure KSM9. However, Neat has shattered my expectations of what I should expect from microphones that are three times as expensive. What they have given us is broadcast-grade quality at a steal of a price.
In short, would I recommend the King Bee II? Absolutely! Unless you can find me a better $180 microphone, this one will have my permanent recommendation.
P.S.: I'm completely serious when I say I'd love Neat to try their hand at a King Bee-sounding capsule compatible with a Shure wireless handheld microphone. Right now, the sE V7 MC1 is the one to beat. With as excellent as the King Bee sounds for the price, I'd put my money on Neat to make the next SM58 (or even KSM9) killer if they were to do it. Come on guys...please?
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This item: NEAT Microphones Neat King Bee II - Cardioid Large Diaphragm True Condenser Microphone includes Shock Mount and Pop Filter, for Vocal Recording, Podcasting, and Streaming, XLR Output - Black
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From the manufacturer
Incredible Sound
Exceptional audio for recording, voiceovers, broadcast & streaming.
Crystal-clear clarity
Perfect for vocals, drums, electric guitar, piano, & acoustic instruments.
About Neat
Neat is creating the next generation of microphones, with products that embrace cutting-edge audio technology and innovative design. Whether it’s music, podcasts, voiceovers, gaming, or conferencing, Neat captures it all with exceptional audio clarity and looks that will capture your imagination.
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This Item  NEAT Microphones Neat King Bee II - Cardioid Large Diaphragm True Condenser Microphone includes Shock Mount and Pop Filter, for Vocal Recording, Podcasting, and Streaming, XLR Output - Black | Recommendations  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $169.99 | $64.99 | -75% $49.95 List: $199.99 | $74.99 | -40% $59.50 List: $99.99 | -11% $22.15 Typical: $24.95 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Monday, May 19 | Get it May 19 - 21 | Get it as soon as Monday, May 19 | Get it as soon as Monday, May 19 | — | Get it May 19 - 22 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sold By | Amazon.com | Action Gear | Audiosavings | Woot | Only1deal | ℗ dt-deals |
| power source | ['+48V DC Phantom Power'] | Corded Electric | 48V Phantom Power | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Usb Microphone,Usb Condenser,Usb C |
| connectivity tech | XLR | XLR | XLR | USB | USB | USB |
| connector type | XLR | XLR | USB | USB, XLR | XLR | USB C output |
| model number | MIC-2010-01 | MIC-2020-01 | 512-SLT | 988-000075 | 988-000379 | MIC-1020-01 |
| material | Plastic, Metal | Plastic, Metal | Aluminum, Alloy Steel, Plastic | — | Metal | Plastic, Metal |
| audio sensitivity | 120 decibels | — | 35 decibels | -30 decibels | — | 10 decibels |
| frequency response | 20 KHz | — | 20 KHz | — | 20 KHz | — |
| impedance | — | 50 ohm | 200 ohm | — | 40 ohm | — |
| signal-to-noise ratio | 78 decibels | 76 decibels | 78 decibels | 73 decibels | 78 decibels | 80 decibels |
| hardware platform | — | Television | — | PC | Camera | PC |
| polar pattern | Unidirectional | Unidirectional | Unidirectional | Unidirectional | Unidirectional | Unidirectional |
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Product information
| Audio Sensitivity | 120 dB |
|---|---|
| Microphone Form Factor | Large Diaphragen |
| Power Source | ['+48V DC Phantom Power'] |
| Material | Plastic, Metal |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 78 dB |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Frequency Response | 20 KHz |
| Manufacturer | NEAT |
| Noise Level | 78 dB |
| UPC | 731855720101 |
| Package Dimensions | 12.09 x 7.17 x 7.09 inches |
| Item Weight | 3.52 pounds |
| ASIN | B09HX1JPZX |
| Item model number | MIC-2010-01 |
| Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #19,703 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #217 in Multipurpose Condenser Microphones |
| Date First Available | October 14, 2021 |
| Country of Origin | China |
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The Mic You Need To Get Started....Pair Up With a Dbx 286s and Boom
I've been audio engineering in various studios for almost a decade. I Bought The Original King Bee, this is my second edition. I Love This Microphone!!! Definitely giving TLM 103 Vibez
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Giovanni GutiérrezReviewed in Mexico on June 21, 2022
Excelente micrófono
Style: King Bee IIPattern Name: MicrophoneVerified Purchase - Blake CampReviewed in Canada on April 30, 2023
May not be a Rode or a Neuman but worth the money.
Style: King Bee IIPattern Name: MicrophoneVerified Purchase - Anna MarandoReviewed in Canada on July 6, 2022
WORTH EVERY PENNY
Style: King Bee IIPattern Name: MicrophoneVerified Purchase - Just a SpiderReviewed in Canada on February 2, 2024
Great price considering the quality of the components
Style: King Bee IIPattern Name: MicrophoneVerified Purchase
