If you are an avid desktop user and your work requires clear audio, then a good-quality desktop microphone is an essential tool for you. There are plenty of manufacturers with a range of desktop microphones.
But the desktop microphones manufactured by icom are very popular among the users. This article will compare SM30 vs SM50, the two most prominent models by icom. We hope to provide you with a detailed description of these models so you can easily make your pick.
SM30 Microphone
Icom has always set standards for desktop microphones with its integrated desktop microphones. The icom SM 30 is loved by users worldwide for its fantastic features. A brief description of the SM 30 will be beneficial if you look forward to purchasing one. So, here goes the detail.
The icom SM 30 is specially designed so that it will not waste a lot of space at your workstation. Also, the microphone is slimmer in design and is not too lightweight that it would fall quickly. The compact outlook makes this microphone more accessible and handy.
Gooseneck design is famous as its easier to adjust in any direction and position according to the needs. The SM 30 includes the gooseneck design, enabling more accessibility and comfort. You can change the microphone level according to your sitting position, height and posture.
The SM 30 has the unique metal eight-round pin plugs feature. Besides, the cables can be connected with selected models of icom mobile transceivers, including modular microphone jacks. But remember that you need to use the correct adapters to secure them properly.
ICOM SM 30 can be used for both SSB and FM transmission simultaneously. Besides, the SM 30 includes PTT/PTT lock switches and a low-cut filter. Also, the adjustable microphone audio output level and the characteristic voice feature improve the voice quality in SSB and FM.
SM50 Microphone
The icom SM 50 desk microphone is the latest addition in the icom family after their SM 30. As the SM 50 is newer, the features are more advanced and upgraded. In this section, we will discuss the features of SM 50 and why people should purchase this table microphone over other models.
The first and foremost fantastic feature of the SM 50 microphone is that it includes an inbuilt amplifier for the microphone.
This feature enhances the dynamics of the sound quality on such a more significant scale that you experience a high sound outcome. Also, this feature enables the microphone to use in situations that require a louder sound range than usual use time.
Another unique feature of icom SM 50 is its flat frequency feature complementing the high sound frequency.
Besides, this feature works to emit distortion while transmission, so you do not have to face any difficulty while transmitting in higher sound frequency. Also, the audio sensitivity is 30dB range, which is enough for sound transmission.
As the icom SM 50 has an inbuilt amplifier for the mic and the flat frequency detection feature, combining the features, this table microphone can be paired with many heavy instruments.
The SM 50 takes the game to another level with these super fantastic audio features, unlike regular desktop microphones with limited usage.
The icom SM 50 has a handy feature for microphone users: its unidirectional polar pattern. With the help of this feature, the user can set the signal limit to such a pattern that the microphone will pick no unnecessary signal. So the user will experience no intrusion while using the microphone as per their need.
SM30 vs SM50: Advantages and Disadvantages
Even after knowing all the features of the SM 30 and SM 50, you still need to compare their features to learn their differences.
We evaluated the difference according to four criteria: budget, outlook, sound transmission quality, and multipurpose usage. We hope this discussion will bring out the fundamental point differences between the icom SM 30 and icom SM 50.
Budget varies from person to person, so only the buyers can decide what range will be suitable for them to afford. But if we talk in general, it is self-evident the SM 50 will cost a few bucks more than the SM 30 as it is a later model.
Then again, if you consider the features, the SM 50 might seem reasonable to you.
Considering the outlook is equally important while purchasing. The SM 30 has the incredible goose neck style of the microphone, making it look sleek and slimmer.
On the other hand, the SM 50 is a bit heavier built as the microphone is aimed for heavier usage. But, both do not take a lot of space to keep, so they are handy to use.
For any desktop microphone, the transmission quality has to be satisfactory. The icom SM 3 is suitable for both SSB and FM transmission.
On the other hand, SM 50 has an inbuilt amplifier for the microphone and a flat sound transmission feature so the microphone can produce louder sound without distortion or interruption.
These days desktop or table microphones are not limited to a handful range of uses. People use these microphones for several purposes now, and because of this reason, different brands are coming forward with different sorts of features in their microphones.
The SM 30 is eligible for both SSB and FM transmission, and the SM 50 is suitable for heavier transmissions requiring higher sound and less distortion.
Final Words
ICOM has a reputation for producing top-quality microphones for users. The icom desk microphone is loved by everyone worldwide and at the same time reliable to purchase too. The outlook is similar in both SM 30 and SM 50 desktop microphones. It is the features that create the difference truly.
So, if you want a microphone that works moderately on a budget, you can go for SM 30. But if you need a microphone that can work fine under heavier circumstances, you can consider SM 50 at a slightly higher price.
