Review Sample Provided by Neat Microphones
Known for its unique microphones with a budget-friendly price point, Neat Microphones always find ways to catch consumers’ eyes. Its latest product, the Bumblebee II Professional Cardioid USB Condenser Microphone, brings users a great product that looks as fantastic as it sounds. Though there are one or two design choices that slightly lack the oomph that the rest of this package displays, this is a stellar choice for anyone looking for something that gets the job done and looks good while doing it.
What’s in the box
The Bumblebee II is a simple device through and through. And as such, what you get with this mic isn’t too much. Inside the box, you’ll find the Bumblebee II mic, its USB Type-C connection cable, and an instructional manual. Though I would have liked to have seen a mic cover included it doesn’t detract from it very much.
Aesthetics and Build Quality
Overall, I truly love the way that this mic looks. The stark blacked-out design looks great with its small nuance of color through its audio button/dial. These colors swap between blue, yellow, or green depending on which setting you’re currently working with (more on that later). The shape of it is also really attractive as it maintains that retro-futuristic design that Neat plays with while also staying true to current design trends.
One specific element that I loved about this mic is its height. Most mics in this category are always so tall that you can’t put them anywhere in front of you without them blocking your screens. This one fits the bill (pun intended) in the right way, coming in right below my monitor.
When it comes to its build quality, the Bumblebee II does the job well. Though, while the mic itself feels pretty solid, the button/dial that adjusts volumes feels a bit grindy when you twist it. I would’ve loved either a smoother turn or one with more clicky feedback. Either of these options would have been an improvement.
I’d also say that the base should arguably be a bit heavier. Though I appreciate the lightness of the whole ensemble as it makes it easy to move the mic around, giving the base a bit more weight would make it feel more premium and stable. The mic isn’t wobbly by any means but I would worry that knocking into it could send it over.
Specs and Audio Quality
The Bumblebee II does a great job of doing what it needs to with minimal hassle to its users. Having the ability to plug headphones into the bottom side of it allows users to listen to exactly how the mic is picking them up whilst also having the ability to adjust how the headphones play it back. This is done through the 3 various sound settings, each with a color-specific indicator. Two of the three are for audio levels in the headphones while one is solely for mic volume on your desktop.
I was pleasantly surprised at the fact that latency is basically nonexistent here. I didn’t notice it in the slightest, whether I was recording or monitoring myself through headphones. Audio quality is finely tuned and gives the exact amount of range needed for YouTube videos, Twitch streams, or even some in-game communication. It’s crisp, clear, and full, even in a room with no recording padding or whatnot in place.
Professional desktop USB microphone with clear, full-range 24 bit/96 kHz audio
Ideal for streamers, gamers, podcasters, musicians, and conferencing
Cardioid polar pattern rejects unwanted external sounds
Zero-latency high fidelity monitoring headphone amp
Mix control for simultaneous monitoring of source and playback
The desk stand is removable for mic stand or boom mounting
USB C output connector - USB Type C to Type-A cable included
What It Could Have Done Better
As I said, it would have been great if the design felt as premium as it looks. The weight isn’t as important as the fact that the button just feels lackluster at best. Additionally, the lack of windscreen for the mic is a bummer, especially for the price.
Verdict
Neat’s attention to aesthetics and sound profile make this a really tempting choice when looking for a new USB microphone. Though I have a couple of caveats with the build quality, those aspects alone don’t detract too heavily from just how great it is for users in the long run. This one is definitely worth giving a shot if you’re in the market for a new USB mic and want something that stands out on your desk while sounding great too.
