A comparison of two of the best microphones between the £30-£40 budget range, we take a look at each microphone and come to a conclusion as to which one is a better option for you!
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
My first thoughts of both microphones were that I instantly saw many similarities, but also a slight divide in the quality between each device. Although they both have very simple set ups, the Tonor TC30 uses plastics and slightly fewer sturdy options, such as a plastic tripod that does the job but isn’t amazing.
On the other hand, the OneOdio FM1 does also use a majority of plastic but has a heavier and sturdier flat round base that simply attaches to the bottom of a metal stalk. This difference also changes the style of the mic, with the OneOdio FM1 being stubby and compact, whereas the Tonor TC30 is more spread out and long.
A USB-C to USB-A lead that you plug into the back of each mic is the only wire that you need, making the whole set-up process quick and easy.
They are both very professional looking mics for the price that they are, although for me, I got the better instant impression from the OneOdio FM1.
Specifications
Tonor TC30
- Condenser Type of Microphone
- Cardioid Polar Pickup Pattern
- Frequency Response 50Hz – 20kHz
- Input Sample Rate 48kHz
- Bit Rate 16Bit
- Output Impedance 2.2kΩ
- S/N Ratio >68dB
- Sensitivity: -32dB±3dB
- Cable Length 2m
- Detachable cable
- Cable Type: USB-C to USB-A 2.0
- Included desk stand, shock mount and pop filter
- Plug and play, no software needed
OneOdio FM1
- Type: Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Sampling Rate: (44.1 to 48) kHz / 16 bits
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: -38 dB ± 2 dB
- Maximum SPL: 110 dB
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: ≤ 91 dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion: ≤ 0.5 ﹪ (1 kHz)
- Monitor Output Type: 3.5 mm
- Monitor Output Impedance: 32 Ω • Monitor Output Power: 10 mW
- Operating Voltage: (5 ± 0.5) VDC
- Operating Current: 500 mA
Set-Up and DesignTo
Both mics come with a detachable pop filter, which you simply slide into position on the Tonor TC30, a quick and easy process that also does the job well, although the flexibility of the pop filter isn’t great.
Contrary to this, the OneOdio FM1’s pop filter is applied at the attachment point of the base and the mics stalk. It can be spun around whichever way you want, with it also having a bendable metal wire that allows much more flexibility of the pop filter’s positioning, as opposed to just a set position like on the TC30.
The great attribute that both microphones have is that they are extremely simple, fast and easy to set-up which almost makes them ready to go out the box. The Tonor TC30 just about is the winner in this category, as literally all you do is plop the actual microphone into the ‘safety net’ type of frame, slide on the pop filter, split the legs of the tripod, and plug in the USB lead.
Although the OneOdio FM1’s setup uses a similar amount of effort, you do need to screw on the base whilst also lining up the pop filters ring up with the base and the microphone stalk, which can be a little bit fiddly, giving the win of simple set-up to the TC30.
On each microphone, the pop filter quality isn’t exactly to die for, with slightly cheap feeling mesh materials being used on the actual filter part. However, we must remind ourselves that for the price range of around 30 to 40 quid, you cannot expect anything that will blow your socks off and the pop filter fit the quality of the price tag, so essentially low to middle range.
The main thing that can be said for both microphones is that the pop filter does what it says on the tin, although I must say the TC30’s pop filter effectiveness was just a small bit more noticeable compared to the FM1, which unfortunately didn’t offer a huge difference between the sound quality with or without the pop filter.
Sound Quality
The Tonor TC30 does a decent job in performing above its price tag. The overall quality of the sound was relatively average, with a lack of background noise cancellation being slightly underwhelming, however again for the price, it is definitely solid.
The same can be said for the OneOdio FM1, although I think the overall clearness and crispness of my voice was better on the FM1, giving the OneOdio FM1 the edge in this particular department.
For the Tonor TC30’s the actual mic, it picked up sounds from all around the mic, as opposed to directly at the top of the mic. This means it would be better for things where you want noise to be picked up all around the mic, as supposed to only out the top which would be good for radio hosts or podcasts.
On the other hand, the OneOdio FM1 did, to an extent, cancel out the majority of background noises, meaning it would most likely be the better choice for a podcast, although I must say both of these microphones will do the job as the difference wasn’t anything ground-breaking.
Despite this, the TC30 does have a cardioid pickup pattern and an excellent off-axis suppression function, allowing it to capture more natural sound and suppress unwanted background noise. This goes the same for the OneOdio FM1 that also has a cardioid pickup pattern, meaning these two microphones are relatively similar in terms of sound quality.
Overall, I will have to give this round to the FM1 as whatever the Tonor TC30 could do, the OneOdio FM1 could do just that little bit better. Make no mistake, they are both good options when you factor in the portability of both microphones, which usually means a limited amount of sound quality.
Other Features
The Tonor TC30 is compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux, with a USB 2.0 data port, making life easy when buying this as you will not have the awkward moment where the mic doesn’t work on your specific device.
This along with the simple plug-n-play functionality adds to the ongoing feeling that I get with this mic that it is very good for quick instances where you need a mic.
The OneOdio FM1 only just one ups the Tonor TC30 in this department, offering a similar wide range of compatibility, a longer USB-C cable that can come in handy for weird socket placements and a variety of nifty buttons that allow you to get technical with settings.
The large button or knob controls ‘microphone gain’, which to put it plainly dictates how loud the mic is. This is accompanied by two other buttons: a mute button, and a monitor button. The monitor button allows you to decide whether you would rather hear or not hear the microphone audio through your headphones, letting you have more of a personalized experience.
Final Thoughts
With the low price, easy set-up, and great range of compatibility, both microphones offer sensational consumer friendliness and there is no doubt that they would definitely be perfect options for students or some smaller content creators.
For example, if you are starting a YouTube account or need a microphone for a university project, the Tonor TC30 or the OneOdio FM1 are both very solid options and compared to other microphones out there that are available for a similar price, you are getting a real bargain for only £30-40 whichever microphone you choose between the two.
All in all, the Tonor TC30 is a very decent microphone. When you factor in the price, the simplicity but rigidity of the set-up and its great range of compatibility, there’s no doubt that this is a great option for those who need a budget microphone that does the job.
However, if you want all that the TC30 offers but with slightly better sound quality, a flexible pop filter, buttons that help personalize your experience and a microphone with better quality material all around, your best bet is the OneOdio FM1.
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