Today, we’ll be reviewing both the Roswell Mini K47 and Mini K87.
Roswell is a boutique microphone company, which has made a reputation of creating extremely well performing products for competitive prices.
We expect that the Mini K47 and K87 are no exception here, but let’s take a closer look.
Our verdict on the Mini K47 and K87
If you can afford to have both of these microphones in your studio’s arsenal, there’s really nothing you can’t record with them.
Both are excellent microphones on their own, but having both makes up for the other’s blind spot. Such is the beauty of having more than one microphone.
Polar pattern and frequency response
Both the K47 and K87 are cardioid microphones with a frequency response of 20 Hz – 20 kHz. The main difference between the two is that the K47 is rather ‘mid-forward’ whereas the K87 is more neutral.
The K47 has a subtle presence peak that begins at around 1 kHz, reaches its height at 5 kHz, and then slowly crawls back down before the final roll off at around 20 kHz.
The K87, on the other hand, is flat for almost the entirety of the frequency spectrum. It only has slight peaks hitting at around 4 and 10 kHz, although only by a decibel or two.
Studio vocals
While both are great options for studio vocals, the K47 might be best suited for the job with its more mid-heavy performance. However, for flat vocals the K87 does just as well.
Live vocals
While these probably won’t be your first choice of microphone for live performance, they can definitely hold their own.
Although, we’d suggest going with something cheaper that you don’t have to worry about on the road.
Drums
Either of these microphones can be good candidates as drum overheads, especially the K47.
Guitar amps
The K47 will most likely be your best bet for recording guitar amps since it’s so mid-forward.
However, the neutrality of the K87 might serve better for really distorted guitars that already have enough mid-presence as is.
Bass amps
While either of these could be fairly suitable for a natural sounding bass, you’ll most likely want to use them in conjunction with either a DI box, or a microphone that’s better suited for capturing low-end sub frequencies.
Acoustic guitar
Either microphone could be used for recording acoustic guitars. In the case of the K47, you may want to try to use an EQ to counteract the presence peak the microphone has to get closer to the natural sound. Although, at that point, you may as well just use the K87.
Podcasting
As long as you have a pop filter, either of these microphones could work for a podcast. The K87 especially, considering its performance is somewhat reminiscent of classic broadcasting mics like the RE20.
Build quality
These microphones are built to last with a durable steel body, and nickel grille. Treated with proper care and stored correctly, these microphones will last you a lifetime of use.
Compared to other microphones
Here are a few other options to compare against the Roswell Mini K47 and the K87.
Roswell Mini K47 vs. Mini K87
These microphones are both amazing options, although their performances lend them to different applications. If you can swing it, you’re best off having both.
However, if you have to pick one, we might suggest going for the K87 due to its neutrality and versatility.
Roswell Mini K87 vs. Electro-Voice RE20
As far as the K87 is concerned, the RE20 is one of the closest comparisons we could think of.
The RE20 is slightly more expensive, but is one of the most trusted microphones in the industry.
That being said, the K87 is an excellent value for the cost and performs somewhat similarly.
Roswell Mini K47 vs. Rode NT1-A
The Rode is a classic vocal microphone, but the K47 gives it a run for its money.
The K47’s frequency response is a lot smoother than the Rode, but the NT1-A is far less expensive. You can’t go wrong either way though.
Who are the Roswell Mini K47 and K87 best suited for?
These microphones are best suited for anybody who is serious about engineering and producing good-sounding music.
The novice’s may be better off building their setup a bit first, but once you can swing it these microphones are great to have in your arsenal.
- Excellent sound quality.
- Versatile.
- Great cost value.
- No pad switches.
