PreSonus, known for its commitment to delivering affordable music gear, has once again hit the mark with the competitively priced PreSonus PM-2. Despite its low price, the quality of this microphone pair is not compromised, making it a highly appealing option for those who are mindful of their budget.
Don’t let the low price point fool you. The PreSonus PM-2 small-diaphragm condenser microphone pair offers more than just impressive performance. These little microphones are surprisingly versatile, exceeding our initial expectations and opening up a world of possibilities for a range of instrument recording applications.
Our testing process is rigorous and comprehensive. We’ve reviewed a wide range of products, from studio microphones to monitors, DJ gear, and more. This extensive experience has allowed us to refine our testing process, ensuring that we provide detailed and insightful reviews of every product we test.
Our review process is not just about internal testing. We also collaborate with industry experts to gain deeper knowledge and feedback on every product we review. This comprehensive approach gives us complete confidence in our reviews. With that said, let’s delve into how the PreSonus PM-2 performed in our evaluations.
Features
The PreSonus PM-2 goes beyond what we initially expected. It’s not only an excellent microphone for drums, but it’s also a viable choice for a range of instrument recording applications. Let’s dive into the details!
Sound Quality
I’ve tested several PreSonus products over the years, and they consistently impress. PreSonus’s balance between price and performance is excellent, so I had high expectations going into the testing phase. Thankfully, the PreSonus PM-2 rose to the challenge and met my expectations.
The sound profile strikes an excellent balance between clarity and character. But like many aspects of studio gear, your preferences might not align with my own. I’ll be the first to admit these are not ultra-precision, but they are much flatter than several other budget small diaphragm microphones I’ve recently tested.
Impressive versatility for a budget microphone.
As drum overheads, the response was solid across both cymbals and drums. The relatively flat response also made post-processing a hassle-free affair. There was noticeable noise for quieter applications,but considering the high SPL nature of drum recordings, there were no issues.
This ensured I could recommend the PM-2 as a robust budget pair of mics for drums right out of the gate. Still, I was also eager to see if there were other potential applications for these.
Our testing revealed that the PreSonus PM-2 is not just a great choice for drums, but also a versatile pair of microphones for a variety of instrument recording applications. From strings to shakers, wind instruments, and even piano, the PM-2 consistently delivered high-quality recordings, showcasing its versatility and value for money.
An excellent drum microphone from a highly regarded company.
Once again, the slightly high self-noise was an issue with quieter recordings, but it wasn’t egregious and, if anything, added some character. However, if you want maximum clarity at lower levels, I would explore alternatives.
It is not the greatest vocal microphone, which is not surprising considering it is a small diaphragm microphone. But for capturing background vocals and general ambiance, it was not a bad choice.
PreSonus has once again nailed the balance between function and price. These mics produce solid sound that is relatively flat and balanced while retaining sizzle and personality. If I were setting up a home studio on a budget, I would not hesitate to add these to my arsenal of mics.
Specifications
The PreSonus PM-2 features a small 0.74″ (19mm) diaphragm, which is a little larger than some other pencil microphones. These are cardioid mics, so they do an excellent job of rejecting sound from the rear.
The response is broad, with a range of 40Hz-18kHz. It is consistent across nearly the full range, with a minor few dB drop as you hit 20Hz and also a minor drop after 18kHz. This is a notable departure from what I’ve seen recently, with many pencil mics featuring a bump in the top end to add shimmer and sizzle, sometimes with too much gusto, which can make them sound brittle. That is not the case with the PM-2, which shows far more restraint in the top end.
Smooth response but high self-noise.
The max SPL of 135dB is in the ballpark for pencil microphones and will be ample in most situations, but I do like having a little extra headroom for loud sources, so I can see myself reaching for a different microphone in those situations.
My main concern is the high Self Noise rating of 22dB. It is not a deal breaker but something you’ll need to factor in if you intend to record softer sources. In some cases, I see this as a benefit. For example, if you want that lo-fi vibe in your recordings, these are a great choice thanks to the additional character that some noise can introduce. But I prefer to have ultra-clean recordings to work with, so I would likely leave these in the locker for those sessions.
The key is understanding this microphone’s strengths and playing into them. If you keep that in mind, you’ll be rewarded with excellent recordings. But stray too far into realms where it struggles, and you’ll be left wanting more.
Design
What can be said about the PM-2? It’s a small diaphragm pencil microphone, so there is little flexibility available to inject character into the design, unlike the broad range of shapes and sizes you’ll find in large condenser microphones.
Slim and simple drum mics.
The PreSonus PM-2 looks like the part with a slim cylindrical design, slotted head, fine mesh, and iconic PreSonus logo. Clean and simple design that will ensure it blends effortlessly into any studio setting.
Build Quality
The PreSonus PM-2 is a surprisingly robust pair of microphones, especially considering their very low price point. I’ll admit I’ve handled nicer-feeling and more solid microphones, but nothing rings alarm bells when handling the PM-2. For this price point, they are excellent.
Very high-quality for a budget-priced microphone.
Longevity might be a concern, and I’ll be sure to circle back to this review if I experience any issues sooner rather than later. But from reaching out to our network, it is clear that the PreSonus PM-2 holds up well in the longer run. This is not surprising considering PreSonus’s excellent reputation for delivering dependable products at lower price points.
Dimensions
The PreSonus PM-2 falls within the range of what I expect from a pencil microphone. However, it is worth noting that it is shorter than some options, so if you like microphones that can squeeze into tight spaces, the PM-2 is a solid option.
An exceptionally lightweight microphone.
One element that surprised me was how light the microphone is. At just 0.16 lbs. (73 grams), this is among the lightest pencil microphones I’ve tested. I don’t mind a bit of heft, as it tends to provide the illusion of durability, but I also appreciate light microphones that won’t sag easily with cheaper stands, so I have to give props to PreSonus for keeping these mics as light as possible.
Value
Like many studio-focused products, you can explore a wide range of price points. The PreSonus PM-2 is firmly in the budget category, and I’m all for it. I don’t even want to consider how much I’ve spent over the years, and there are often times when an expensive offering has let me down.
Having options like the PreSonus PM-2 is vital to the ongoing health of the creative scene. Reliable quality and offering impressive performance don’t need to be mutually exclusive, and the PreSonus PM-2 is a shining example of this.
The stereo bar is a great inclusion.
I won’t lie; there are more well-rounded pencil microphones out there, but you’ll need to spend a lot more money to get your hands on them. If you are new or just looking for an affordable choice, the PM-2 is worth your attention.
In the accessories department, you’ll have access to mic clips and a stereo bar, which is a nice inclusion for quick and straightforward XY mic placement. I would have liked to see a case included, but I’m also not surprised by its absence at this price point.
Customer Reviews
In the space of a few short years, the PreSonus PM-2 has rapidly risen to become one of the most recommended budget small diaphragm pencil microphone pairs. Multiple high-scoring reviews from both customers and industry analysts solidify its status. The lack of any negative reviews around longevity is also a promising sign, considering how long this microphone has been available.
XY Placement Pros & Cons
XY mic placement is a stereo recording technique in which two identical microphones are positioned at a 90-degree angle to each other, with their capsules as close together as possible, often crossing.
This setup captures sound with phase coherence and accurately represents the stereo field, making it practical for a natural and clear stereo image. But as with many techniques, it comes with its own benefits and drawbacks.
Benefits
- Phase Coherence: The close proximity of the capsules minimizes phase issues.
- Simple Setup: It is easy to position and align the microphones.
- Natural Stereo Image: Captures a realistic stereo field without drastic phase shifts.
Drawbacks
- Narrow Stereo Spread: May produce a less wide stereo image than other techniques.
- Proximity Effect: Close placement can exaggerate bass frequencies, potentially altering the sound balance.
- Room Ambience: Less effective at capturing room acoustics compared to spaced pair techniques.
Alternatives
I can confidently recommend the PreSonus PM-2 for a range of studio recording applications, but I am also aware of its shortcomings. Information is power, so below, I quickly explore some alternatives and competitors you should consider before buying the PM-2.
Samson C02
For those who want more sizzle in the top end, the low-cost Samson C02 is worth exploring. It has decent sound and is surprisingly versatile for a cheap microphone pair. But its longevity isn’t as robust as the PM-2.
- Works well with acoustic guitar and strings.
- Even cheaper than the already affordable PM-2.
- Also has high Self-Noise which might be a dealbreaker for some.
Samson C02
Rode M5
If you can stretch your budget a little further, the Rode M5 becomes an enticing option thanks to its excellent sound quality. The Australian company’s high level of build quality also makes it an excellent investment.
- Smooth and satisfying sound profile across various recording tasks
- Excellent stand mounts and windshields.
- While affordable, these are noticeably more expensive than the PM-2.
Rode M5
Audio-Technica AT4041SP
Audio-Technica is another well-respected microphone brand. The AT4041SP is an excellent choice if you want a more refined set of microphones for professional and critical applications.
- Smooth response and very high SPL handling.
- It features a switchable high-pass filter and outstanding build quality.
- It’s not a budget-friendly choice due to its much higher price tag.
Audio-Technica AT4041SP
Our Verdict
I always look forward to trying out new products from PreSonus. Over the years, I’ve tested multiple segments of their product range, and in each instance, I am impressed with how well they perform. The PreSonus PM-2 joins this list of products that have impressed.
I’ll admit that the high self-noise is not ideal for certain recording applications and might be a dealbreaker for some people. But for nearly every other possible application for pencil microphones, the PM-2 punches well above its very low price point.
If you are looking to buy a pair of budget small diaphragm condenser microphones, the PreSonus PM-2 should be high on your list of options.
