It’s been a long lockdown, and I’ve spent a lot of it in voice calls, group gaming sessions, and streaming games to Twitch. Luck so has it that I was lucky enough to review a new microphone from Genesis, the Radium 600. Bundled up in a lovely metallic case, with added padding foam on the inside. While designed for taking it anywhere, I’m not exactly going to be going many places right now with another lockdown hitting my area.
Advertised as a complete set up for a streamer, the Radium 600 is a high-quality studio microphone that comes with all the fixings for voice recording and streaming. All the contents and specifications are listed below.
- USB Version 2.0
- Sampling frequency 48 Hz
- Weight 408 g
- Colour Black
- Illumination Yes
- Cable length 180 cm
- Microphone type Condenser
- Microphone frequency response 30 – 18000 Hz
- Microphone sensitivity -36 dB
- Connectors USB Type-B, USB Type-A, Mini Jack
- Direction Cardioid
- Communication Wired
- EAN 5901969412109
- Catalog number NGM-1241
- Full Guide – click to download if required.
There is no price currently listed, but sources and shops are setting it at around £80 for the whole contents. Contained within the amazing case is the microphone, a metallic stand, a mount for the stand or other mic arms, a sponge cover for the microphone, and a pop filter to attach to the stand or mic arm.
So, first thing, this is a USB microphone, which may put some people off as the favourability of USB mics is generally low, though at the price it can offset any issues of normal USB complications. The low-end hertz of the mic does lead to it sounding more bass-heavy, causing you to feel the sound than hear it.
The weight is a bit on the heavy side for me, often pulling down my Mic Arm at certain angles, though 408 grams is just below average weight. It only comes in black, which fits my setup, but might be a downside for people who want matching gear. While it notes illumination, that is only found when the mute button is on.
Cable length is good, though I would have personally liked an extra 20cm for my hidden-wire desk setup. It’s a condenser microphone, so best used for vocals and high-frequency responses, better suited for podcasts and gaming. The Frequency response is pretty great, hitting a real low 30 hertz and up to 18 kilohertz. The mic is not overly sensitive at minus 36, you’re wanting to stick a bit close to the mic. With the direction of input being Cardioid, you’ll want to make sure it’s facing the right direction towards you.
Now, bringing that all together, for the price of around £80 may feel like a bit much, definitely more expensive than my previous Razer Seiren. However, the radium 600 comes in a lovely strong case, and all the fixings, possible cutting down on costs elsewhere. You’re really paying extra to not have to set up an extravagant shopping list or recording studio since this purchase comes with most anything you’d want aside from a Mic Arm.
One strange design choice, which a few other mics do, is have the on-mic controls located to the side, away from the main input of the microphone. So if you mute the mic, you’ll have to look around the mic to see if it worked or not. I would have preferred the buttons to be on the front, and not the side.
Another issue I found was with the adjustments of the microphone’s stand and holder, it doesn’t feel quite stable and cannot be tightened in the right place for an arm unless you put it on several times to find the perfect spot. The locking mechanism is also a bit weak at the max turn, the mic falling slightly if you try to raise it up higher.
Now there is one thing you most likely would love to hear? That would be how the microphone sounds right? I know I would, what would a review of a microphone be if that was not covered? So here it is stripped from a video I created for the Microphone which can be viewed below if interested.
Overall, the Radium 600 microphone may be a quick and easy setup for newcomers to streaming or voice recording, however, for intermediate users, it will feel like a lot of money for not much. I already had a pop filter and mic arm, so a good portion of what comes in the case isn’t necessary for me, the stand it does come with also doesn’t allow for a good streaming setup, having to sit between your hands.
For the quality, £80 may be a bit much, though again it is more of a bundle purchase. If you’re wanting some high-quality vocal microphones without any extra fluff you could probably get a better deal with a cheaper microphone.
I give the Genesis Radium 600 an 8/10 if you’re a newcomer, closer to a 7/10 if you’ve got some experience with microphones and streaming setups.
If you are interested in this Studio Grade Microphone great you can purchase it here, however, the current price is overpriced for what it is.
Enjoy the review? want to read more of our reviews? then click right here to be whisked away to the realm of our opinions.
You must be logged in to post a comment.