JLab Epic Talk Microphone
Summary
The JLab Epic Talk Microphone is a versatile and affordable USB microphone designed for podcasters, streamers, and remote workers. It features multiple polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, stereo, bidirectional), a high sampling rate of 192kHz, and a user-friendly design with easy setup and portability. While it offers great value with its solid build, compact size, and fun customizable lighting, it does have some limitations, such as basic gain control, lack of XLR connectivity, and limited polar patterns for advanced users. Despite these drawbacks, it’s a strong option for those seeking reliable audio performance without breaking the bank.
Jlab Epic Talk Microphone Review
The JLab Epic Talk Microphone is a versatile USB microphone that aims to meet the needs of podcasters, streamers, and remote workers alike. It offers a combination of solid build quality, ease of use, and respectable audio performance at an affordable price point.
I use it every day. Every day. From podcasts to webinars, from video conferences to recording promotional videos, from reading books to my granddaughter to upload to a Tonie, to dictating ideas. The JLab Epic microphone’s fabric color, configurable light and ease of use make it my go-to microphone for all things audio.
The Epic is the perfect microphone for those working from home or from another location who might require their own gear. Unlike some microphones, the Epic might attract a few questions about what it is because it just looks comfortable with a pop of color—a great design in a world where even microphones can overwhelm the senses.
JLab Epic Talk: Specifications
Weight: 0.75 lbs
Type: Condenser Microphone
Polar Patterns: Cardioid, Omni, Stereo, Bidirectional
Frequency Range: 20Hz – 20kHz
Sampling Rate: 192kHz
Bit Depth: 24-bit
Connectivity: USB-C
Compatibility: Windows, macOS
Included Accessories: Desktop stand, pop filter, USB-C to USB-A cable
Dimensions: 3.06 x 1.85 x 8.76 inches
Warranty: 2 years
What we like
Pros
- Affordable Price
- Multiple Polar Patterns
- High Sampling Rate and Bit Depth
- Easy Setup and User-Friendly Design
- Compact and Portable
- Fun to use
Affordable Price
The $149.00 JLab Epic Talk Microphone is competitively priced, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious creators. It offers features typically found in higher-end models, such as multiple polar patterns and a high sampling rate, without breaking the bank. This makes it accessible for beginners or those who don’t want to invest heavily in audio gear but still need something reliable and capable.
Multiple Polar Patterns
One of the standout features of the JLab Epic Talk Microphone is its ability to switch between cardioid, omnidirectional, and stereo-polar patterns. This flexibility allows users to adapt the microphone to different recording environments and use cases. Whether you’re recording a solo podcast, conducting an interview, or capturing ambient sound, the JLab Epic provides the right mode for the job.
JLab Epic Talk Microphone Modes Overview
1. Cardioid Mode
Cardioid mode is the most common setting for solo recordings, such as podcasts, voiceovers, and streaming. It focuses on capturing sound from the front of the microphone while minimizing noise from the sides and rear. This makes it ideal for isolating a single sound source in environments where background noise might be an issue. The cardioid pattern provides a clear and direct sound, making voices or instruments sound crisp and detailed.
2. Omnidirectional Mode
Omnidirectional mode captures sound equally from all directions. This mode is perfect for situations where you want to record ambient sound or multiple voices around the microphone. It is often used for group interviews, roundtable discussions, or capturing the natural acoustics of a room. While it’s great for picking up a full soundscape, it’s also more sensitive to background noise, so this mode is best used in controlled environments.
3. Stereo Mode
Stereo mode captures sound in two distinct channels, left and right, creating a sense of spatial awareness. This mode is ideal for recording music, ASMR content, or any situation where you want to provide listeners with a more immersive audio experience. By separating the sound into two channels, stereo mode can give depth and dimension to recordings, making it feel like the listener is “in the room” with the sound source.
4. Bidirectional Mode
Bidirectional mode, also known as figure-8 mode, captures sound from the front and back of the microphone while rejecting sound from the sides. This mode is particularly useful for interviews or duet recordings, where two sound sources are facing each other. It allows both voices to be captured with equal clarity while minimizing ambient noise from the sides, making it an effective choice for face-to-face conversations.
High Sampling Rate and Bit Depth
The Epic’s three 16mm condenser microphones capture audio at a 192kHz sampling rate and 24-bit depth to ensure high-quality audio recordings. This level of fidelity is particularly beneficial for users who want to capture every detail of their voice or instrument. It also provides ample headroom for post-production adjustments, giving creators more control over their final output.
Easy Setup and User-Friendly Design
Setting up the JLab Epic Talk Microphone is a breeze. It connects via USB-C (5-foot cable included), and it is plug-and-play, working out of the box with Windows and macOS. The user-friendly design extends to its physical controls, which are intuitive and easily accessible. The volume and gain sit as a single knob on the front of the device, which also doubles as a mute button with a quick push.
The microphone also includes a desktop stand and pop filter, further simplifying the setup process. The bottom of the Epic Talk includes 5/8″ and 1/4″ threads for mounting the microphone to any audio system or standard tripod.
The Epic Talk also includes a 3.5mm audio port for no-latency recording level listen-back and complements the LED light that visibly reflects recording levels.
Compact and Portable
Weighing just 0.75 lbs and measuring 6.6 inches in height, the JLab Epic Talk Microphone is easy to transport. Its compact design makes it ideal for users who need a portable recording solution. Whether you’re working from a small home office or need to take your microphone on the road, the JLab Epic’s size and weight are advantageous.
Fun
The button on the back toggles the light on the front on and off. It also cycles through several light set-ups that give the microphone a little personality (or the ability to reflect your personality).
Sustainability
As usual, JLab delivers a product in a well-designed package that respects sustainability in its all-paper construction. I’d like to see the company take the next step by using clearly labeled sustainable materials in the product.
What could be improved
Cons
- Limited Polar Patterns for Advanced Users
- Limited Gain Control
- Lack of XLR Connectivity
Limited Polar Patterns for Advanced Users
While the inclusion of three polar patterns supports most scenarios, advanced users might find the selection limiting. Other microphones in the market offer more specialized patterns, like figure-8 or hypercardioid, which can be crucial for certain recording scenarios. Hypercardioid microphones reject sound from the sides and are superior at rejecting feedback. Expanding the range of polar patterns would make the JLab Epic more versatile and appealing to professional users who require more nuanced control over their recordings, but at this price, the use cases for this microphone are served well by the available patterns.
Limited Gain Control
The JLab Epic Talk Microphone features basic gain control, but it lacks the fine-tuning options available on more advanced models. This can be a drawback for users who need precise control over their input levels, especially in varying acoustic environments. Adding a more sophisticated gain control system, possibly with a visual indicator, would improve the microphone’s usability for different recording conditions.
Lack of XLR Connectivity
Although the JLab Epic Talk is marketed as a USB microphone, the absence of XLR connectivity limits its appeal for professionals. XLR connections offer better signal integrity and are standard in professional audio setups. Including an XLR output alongside the USB-C connection would make the JLab Epic a more versatile tool, appealing to a broader range of users who might want to integrate it into a professional studio environment.
JLab Epic Talk Microphone: The bottom line
The JLab Epic Talk Microphone is a strong contender in the budget microphone market, offering a range of features that make it suitable for a variety of recording scenarios. The Epic is simple, from set-up to daily use.
JLab provided the Epic Talk Microphone for review. Images courtesy of JLab unless otherwise noted.
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