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# CAD M179 Microphone Review: Versatile Multi-Pattern Condenser at a Budget Price
- URL: https://www.podcastvideos.com/cad-m179-microphone-review/
- Published: 2025-09-19T17:00:02.000Z
- Updated: 2025-09-19T17:00:01.000Z
- Description: Discover the strengths and weaknesses of the CAD M179 condenser microphone. From polar pattern flexibility to sound tests, see why it’s a top choice under $200.
- Author: Staff Report
- Tags: Audio Equipment, Recording, Editing

This review dives into the [CAD M179](https://www.cadaudio.com/products/m179?ref=podcastvideos.com), a multi-pattern condenser microphone that offers a range of polar patterns from omni to cardioid and figure-8\. It boasts a V-shaped sound profile with boosted high frequencies and extended bass.

## What's in the Box and Build Quality

When you unbox the CAD M179, you'll find a storage box, the microphone itself, a shock mount with a thread adapter and a microphone clip mount.

The microphone feels solid, with an all-metal body and a sturdy metal mesh grill. On the front, there are two switches: a 100 Hz high-pass filter and a -20 dB pad. A dial allows you to select [any polar pattern](https://www.podcastvideos.com/articles/cold-facts-on-polar-patterns/), from omnidirectional to cardioid, figure-8 or anything in between. The bottom houses the XLR port.

### Plosive and Proximity Effect Tests

The microphone was tested for plosive rejection with phrases like "Please provide Pizza Pronto Pals." It was also tested at different distances: right on top, six inches away, one foot away, two feet away and four feet away to observe the proximity effect.

### Noise and Room Tests

- **Keyboard Noise:** Tested typing on a keyboard with blue switches to see how much keyboard noise versus voice is picked up.
- **Untreated Room Test:** The microphone was placed six inches away in a well-treated room and then in a completely untreated room to assess its performance in different acoustic environments.
- **Shock Rejection:** The effectiveness of the included shock mount was tested by tapping on the desk and the boom arm.
- **Resonance Tap Test:** The microphone was tapped to check for any resonant frequencies.

### Filter and Pad Tests

- **High-Pass Filter:** Tested with the 100 Hz high-pass filter engaged and disengaged to see its effect on proximity effect and mouth clicks.
- **Pad Test:** The -20 dB pad was engaged and disengaged to check its functionality and the immediate impact.

### Music Test

A music test was conducted to evaluate the microphone's performance with instruments and vocals.

## Microphone Comparisons

The CAD M179 was compared against a range of other microphones to understand its place in the market. Samples were taken with the M179 on cardioid, with no pad or high-pass filter, and gain set at 12:00 on a [Focusrite Scarlett 18i20](https://us.focusrite.com/products/scarlett-18i20?ref=podcastvideos.com).

## Pros and Cons

### Pros

- Versatile polar pattern selection dial.
- Effective shock mount.
- Good rejection of background noise and room reflections.
- Low self-noise (11 dBA).
- High Max SPL (143 dB).
- Includes shock mount and clip.

### Cons

- Polar pattern dial can be difficult to grip.
- Printing on the mic for pad/filter is hard to read.
- Not great at plosive rejection.
- Pad engagement/disengagement can produce static.
- Extended low-frequency response makes it susceptible to rumble.

## Overall Thoughts and Recommendation

The CAD M179 mids are neutral, and the treble has a boost that adds detail but can sometimes sound a bit artificial. It performed well on electric guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals and spoken word, offering a flattering sound, especially with the high-pass filter engaged.

Overall, the M179 is a surprisingly good microphone, especially considering its price point of $160-$190\. It performed well across various sound sources without any major deal-breakers. 

If you're in the market for a [multi-pattern condenser microphone](https://www.lewitt-audio.com/blog/multi-pattern-microphones?ref=podcastvideos.com) and you like the sound profile, the CAD M179 is a solid option.