I’m often asked which is better, the Umik 1 or the Umik 2. Both are great products, but there are some key differences that may make one a better choice for you than the other.
The Umik 1 and 2 from MiniDSP are popular USB microphones that can be used for a variety of different applications. They are both well-built and offer great sound quality, but there are some key differences between them. Here’s a quick rundown of the main specs:
Umik 1:
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Sensitivity: -38 dBFS/Pa (1 Pa = 94 dB SPL)
Maximum SPL: 120 dB (THD < 0.5%)
Umik 2:
Frequency response: 10 Hz - 50 kHz
Sensitivity: -32 dBFS/Pa (1 Pa = 94 dB SPL)
MiniDSP UMIK-2 (Overkill?)
Umik-2 Review
If you’re in the market for an affordable, yet high-quality USB microphone, the Umik-2 from Blue Microphones is a great option to consider. This mic offers excellent sound quality and features that are typically only found on more expensive models. Here’s a closer look at what the Umik-2 has to offer:
Component Quality: The individual parts that make up the Umik-2 are all of very high quality. For instance, the capsule is a custom-designed condenser capsule that delivers clear and accurate sound reproduction. Similarly, the electronics inside the mic are top notch, resulting in low noise and distortion levels.
Build Quality: In addition to using high-quality components, the overall build quality of the Umik-2 is very good. It features a solid metal construction with a professional finish that looks great on any desk or recording setup. Plus, it comes with a sturdy shockmount that does an excellent job of isolating unwanted vibrations.
Features: Despite its relatively low price tag, the Umik-2 comes loaded with features that are sure to be appreciated by both amateur and professional users alike. For starters, it offers zero-latency monitoring via its built-in headphone jack – something that can be invaluable during recording sessions. Additionally, it has selectable pattern settings ( cardioid , omnidirectional , bidirectional ), allowing you to tailor its pickup pattern to your specific needs.

Credit: www.amazon.com
What is the Difference between Umik 1 And Umik 2
There are a few key differences between the Umik-1 and Umik-2 USB microphones. The first is that the Umik-2 has an updated capsule and electronics design. This results in better sound quality overall, with a more accurate frequency response and less self-noise.
Additionally, theUmik-2 features a -10dB pad switch, which can be used to attenuate extremely loud sounds without sacrificing clarity or dynamic range. Finally, theUmik-2 comes with a carrying case and desktop stand, making it even easier to take your microphone with you on the go.
Which One is Better for Measuring Sound
Decibel (dB) is the unit of measurement for sound. The decibel scale is a logarithmic scale, which means that each increase of 10 dB represents a tenfold increase in sound intensity. The human ear can detect sounds ranging from 0 dB to 140 dB.
The main difference between the two units is that decibels are logarithmic while bels are linear. This means that bels add up linearly while decibels multiply. For example, if you have two sounds, one at 80 dB and another at 90 dB, the total sound would be 180 dB in bels but would be 100 times louder in decibels: 80 + 90 = 180 but 10(80/10) + 10(90/10) = 100 .
So when measuring sound, it is better to use decibels.
What are the Advantages And Disadvantages of Each Device
When it comes to choosing between a laptop and a desktop computer, it really depends on your needs. If you need a portable device that you can take with you wherever you go, then a laptop would be the best option. However, if you need a powerful machine for gaming or graphic design, then a desktop would be better suited for those needs.
Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of each device:
Laptop Advantages:
-Portability: This is perhaps the biggest advantage of laptops over desktops.
You can easily take your laptop with you wherever you go and use it in any location.
-Battery life: Laptops typically have much longer battery lives than desktops, meaning you can use them for extended periods of time without having to worry about finding an outlet to plug into.
-Price: Laptops are generally cheaper than comparable desktop computers.
Laptop Disadvantages:
-Less power: A laptop will never be as powerful as an equivalent desktop computer. If you need raw processing power, then a desktop is the way to go.
-Smaller screen size and keyboard: Some people prefer the larger screen size and full-sized keyboard that come with desktop computers.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a new USB microphone, you may be wondering whether to choose the Umik-1 or the Umik-2. Both are great microphones, but there are some key differences between them that may help you make your decision.
The first difference is that the Umik-2 has a higher frequency response than the Umik-1.
This means that it will pick up higher frequencies better, resulting in a clearer sound.
Another difference is that the Umik-2 comes with a calibration file specifically for REW (Room EQ Wizard). This can save you time and effort if you plan on using REW to calibrate your room acoustics.
Finally, the price of the two microphones is different. The Umik-1 costs $89 USD, while theUmik-2 costs $149 USD.
So, which microphone should you choose?
If you need a high quality USB microphone with a wide frequency response and don’t mind paying a bit extra, then go for the Umik-2. Otherwise, theUmik-1 is still an excellent option and will save you some money.