ZealSound Professional Condenser Microphone (BKD-11 Pro) From Temu - Full Review & Specs
Today is all about this ZealSound Professional Microphone from Temu.
I purchased this exact model/ package and have had for about a month. Since it has arrived, I have been putting it to the test with various voice projects. The specific model of this microphone is the BKD-11 Pro.
To get right down to business (and in no specific order) ...
Let's get this disclaimer out of the way:
GetTheTeaOnTemu is a Temu affiliate and may earn a commission when you make a purchase using one of our links (which has no effect on the price you pay.)
Presently, I have no sponsors and each product presented is one that I have purchased independently. If that is not the case, I will announce that at the start. Regardless, you can always expect a fully candid and truthful review to aid you in your purchase decisions.
Here's a breakdown of what will be covered in this article:
- Compatibility
- Functions
- Product Specifications
- Performance
- Seller Information (With pricing and links)
- Initial Impressions and Thoughts
- Pros and Cons
- What's in the box
- Computer Setup
- Common Troubleshooting
- Pictures/ Videos
- Pricing & Links
COMPATABILITY:
This professional microphone comes with a cable that is USB-C to USB-A. It also comes with an adapter for the USB-A side, converting the cable into dual USB-C.
The mic itself takes a type C, so with the other end you can plug into basically any device that has USB-A or USB-C ports
This product states that it is compatible with:
- Playstation 4 & 5
- OS
- Mac
- Smartphones.
- iPhones
- Tablets
It is important to note that this is a plug-and-play only: It has no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi function.
The microphone does not need to charge, it comes on just like a webcam; instantly once plugged in.
When I plugged into my laptop, it automatically downloaded the driver without any issue. When I plugged it into my OnePlus 10 Pro, there was no driver needed.
This will work with an iPhone if you have a lightning adapter.
*It is also important to note that the product specifies that it is NOT compatible with Xbox systems.
As for software compatibility:
I have had no issues with any software and have used Audacity, Wave Recorder, ASR, and a few others.
FUNCTIONS:
As stated above, this microphone works via cable and does not require charge or any special software to operate.
The included desk tripod and boom arm make setup optimal as they allow you to configure the mic in a million ways,
The microphone has RGB lights. The button on the front of the microphone changes the light color. The light stays a constant color, it will not transition to a different color without you manually changing it with the button. You can turn this light off by long pressing the button on the front of the microphone.
The microphone has a master volume control knob on the bottom side: It is both a blessing and a curse. Right now, I have mine taped so it doesn't accidentally move on me.
This mic does not have any noise cancellation. I wanted to touch on this because I'm aware this can be a dealbreaker for some people.
You can use this microphone for voice artist work, streaming, ASM, or whatever other reason you have for getting a condenser mic.
The touch-to-mute function works by pressing the button on the front of the mic, the same one that changes the color of the RGB lights. You can also turn the master mic volume all the way down, and it will also effectively mute all the sound.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS:
- Model Number: BKD-11 Pro/ A68S
- Microphone Type: Condenser Microphone
- Frequency Response: 0db=1V/Pa, 1KHz
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Input Sample Rate: 96kHz
- Bit rate: 24 Bit
- Frequency Response: 20Hz- 20kHz
- Sensitivity: -40db+3db (0db=1V/Pa, at 1kHz)
- Output Impedance: 2.2KΩ
- Max. SPL: 110db
- THD+N: <1%
- S/N Ratio: 95db
- USB Cable Length: 6.5ft/ 2m
- Has adapter: Yes- USB Type C
- Power Mode: USB
- Operating Voltage: <36V
- Product Type: Microphone System
- Connector Type: USB Type C
- Special Features: Volume Control, Mute, plug and play
- Brand: ZealSound
- Major Material: ABS
PERFORMANCE:
I use this mic for voice recordings and not as a streaming mic. This unit comes with a metal pop filter that works as intended. The master volume can be a bit tricky, I will say, but there is a sweet spot. If you have the volume too loud, this mic will pick up every single sound, and your noise floor will not exist, and if too low, it will come across as overly compressed.
My advice is when you find the spot that fits your general parameters the best, grab a piece of tape so it doesn't get adjusted on accident.
I have had varying results as far as using different software to record. But I will first say that my issues with Audacity could be a user error since that program tends to be the bane of my existence.
Also, a finished recording's requirements will have a pretty large variance, depending on the type of recording or purpose.
When I use this microphone with any of the software on my smartphone, I seem to get a better starting result. I tried using ASR's noise cancellation feature to compare, and was happier with the result that had no noise cancellation.
Generally speaking, my performance testing mainly centered around the recordings passing an ACX check.
ACX check is a feature used by the ACX application and is included in software like Audacity. Basically, it is a quality control checker. If your recording does not pass, it will not be accepted by the platform. It is a tool that will tell you if your recording is within certain parameters: Peak volume, RMS, and noise floor.
The three benchmarks it tests are the basis for most recordings, whether for audiobook recordings, voice files, or podcasting. Generally speaking, all three of those indicators are for various things involving volume.
There are many things that can affect these metrics, including how far away you are from the mic. I have tried this same test on my computer's native audio input, a USB headset, and a travel mic. Those that I just mentioned, it is almost impossible to pass the ACX check with.
After finding the volume sweet spot, I recorded a demo on Audacity. Despite all the sound being in the correct range, the initial recording did not pass the ACX check, I could get the recording (without any finishing,) to pass the noise floor and fail the other two, or it would pass the peak and fail the other two.
Next, I recorded a demo on my smartphone using a few different software (I prefer Wave recorder and ASR.) I took those recordings, sent them to my computer, and opened them with Audacity. I ran the ACX check on these recordings, and some were able to pass all three benchmarks. The recordings that did not pass all three indicators as a whole, had some areas that did pass the check. For the recordings that did not initially pass, I did a light mastering on them by normalizing, and they were able to then pass.
My result is why I am not sure if my presets are in any way affecting the result I get recorded through Audacity. I did reset the program, and delete any files with stored settings, but who knows.
If you have any specific performance-related tests you would like to see done, feel free to post that in the comments or reach out directly!
SELLER INFORMATION (WITH LINKS):
This particular microphone has more than one seller on Temu. The specific model we're speaking about is black, but some sellers offer this same model in white. There will be links for both colors below.
To help you find the best possible deal, I will list more than one seller, with links so you can do your own comparison.
I prefer stores that are fulfilled with Temu vs. the local warehouse option for a few reasons. Items fulfilled with Temu have the price difference function, free shipping, free returns, and decent shipping speeds. Not only that, but Temu fulfillment will automatically refund you if the item isn't shipped within a certain time and offers a credit if not delivered on time.
Don't get me wrong, the local warehouse options can be very convenient. If you place over 35$ with a store, the shipping becomes free and is slightly faster on average.
- We'll start out with the store I would recommend: ZealSound.
- 👉 item link (BLACK & WHITE OPTIONS): https://temu.to/k/u5g5n3i46ks
- 🎉 Coupon price[$29.54] -37%
*When a store has a label stating "direct from (brand name here,)" it means that to get this badge, the seller must:
> Have an Authorization Certification = Meaning the brand authorization documents submitted by the store have been checked by Temu's certification system
> Qualification Review = Meaning the qualification documents submitted by the store have been checked by Temu's certification system.
> Quality Statement = Means that the store has declared that the product was made in accordance with the brand's quality standards.
The ZealSound Store has been established on Temu for 2 years.
They have 9 items offered, and a total of over 15,000 items sold total.
This store has 432 followers and a combined rating of 4.7 stars with over 1,000 total reviews.
The specific rating information for the reviewed microphone is as follows:
This store has sold over 3.6K of this specific mic set with 246 reviews with 4.7 stars on average.
The common keywords on the item's page are: "Good product," "Works well," "amazing," "on time"
- And, here's an alternate seller option: VIVIDAY
- 👉 item link: https://temu.to/k/uq9skqj18mw
- 🎉 Coupon price[$27.59] -71%
This specific store only sells professional microphones, and most of them are directly from the ZealSound brand.
*When a store has a label stating "direct from (brand name here,)" it means that to get this badge, the seller must:
> Have an Authorization Certification = Meaning the brand authorization documents submitted by the store have been checked by Temu's certification system
> Qualification Review = Meaning that the qualification documents submitted by the store have been checked by Temu's certification system.
> Quality Statement = Means that the store has declared that the product was made in accordance with the brand's quality standards.
This store has been established for 1 year and is fulfilled by Temu.
They have a total of 9 items offered at the time of this review.
This store offers free and express shipping options.
This store participates in Temu's Tree Planting Program.
VIVIDAY has sold a total of 7.9k items, 613 total reviews, and has 461 followers.
For the specific ZealSound Microphone set being reviewed, the item has a total of 39 reviews with an average of 4.9 stars.
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS & THOUGHTS:
I have a bit of a mixed impression for this item, but overall I do feel it is a good purchase.
When looking into the realm of professional microphones, there are tons of options. I chose this one because it was a condenser mic, with all the accessories for a very attractive price.
When the box arrived, I was pretty impressed with the unboxing experience. Some things you buy on Tem come in very generic packaging - this is not one of those. This came in a very nice packaged box, with imagery and brand (which I feel like is a perk if you're looking at this for a gift for someone).
Inside the package is everything you need to record, quite literally. The only thing you need aside from this set is a recording software, which can be gotten for free. The microphone itself was packaged already set up in the holder and attached to the small desk tripod. The pop filter is metal, the boom is metal, and the clamp is metal. I have not used the boom arm or the clamp as of yet, but I have assembled it in that configuration, just to check it out. I personally prefer the tripod, as it's easier for my recording space. The pop filter is easily installed and functions as intended.
As mentioned, it is a plug-and-play. I didn't have to look at the instruction manual to operate the mic or complete the setup. However, I was very pleasantly surprised that the instruction manual is very clear and easy to understand.
The piece that holds the mic in place has a rubber grate of sorts that holds the mic in place on the stand, and if you mount the arm where the mic is upside down, there is no risk of it sliding from the holder. You also have the ability to adjust the mic on the tripod in any angle.
The only thing I didn't particularly like that I assumed I would was the master volume knob on the mic. All the way down and there is no sound, all the way up and you will have the most horrendous noise floor. The mic is very sensitive to sound - all sound. It is a very good idea to set up in a quiet place, as far from your dog and child as possible. This mic will pick up a pin dropping, or paws clacking on tile flooring. On the other hand, all the adjustments can be made manually: meaning this has no software that will try to cancel noise, compress, or hinder you from coming out with a true unrefined recording. It will not try to overcompensate or do anything on its own. Also, once you get the volume where you like it, it does such a good job that sometimes no mastering is required. My advice is to play around with it until you are satisfied.
I do believe this natively records in 48kz, which is the most universally accepted. I have had no issues with converting audio recorded with this mic, and after a fine-tuning of the volume, only light mastering is needed if at all.
The RGB lights aren't overly bright, and I like them more than I had anticipated. One potential downfall is that the mute button and light button are one and the same. This isn't a huge deal for me, as I prefer to mute using the recording software in front of me.
I also noticed that while using with a smartphone: If your phone's audio is through the type-C port, and you like to hear playback through the phone itself, you must unplug the adapter to hear audio. There is a fix for this though. The mic itself has a 3.5mm headphone jack for playback. So, if you don't feel like unplugging for each playback then you will need to plug a headset into the mic to avoid that.
This mic picks up on sound very well. Keeping that in mind, it is ideal to be centered in front of the mic with about 6 inches or more of space between your face and the mic.
This mic doesn't require charging or a wireless connection, which I really like. Being a USB mic means that there should be no delay or lag.
The way everything folds down, makes for easy storage or portability.
The cord is nice and substantially long enough.
When plugged into a laptop for the first time, the mic automatically finds and installs the driver. You do not need to be tech-savvy in any sense to use this mic.
PROS & CONS:
Pros:
- No battery
- Easy to connect and use
- Connects to Smartphones
- 3.5mm playback jack
- Comes with everything you need
- Full control over volume
- RGB lights
- Plug and play
- Wide range of compatibility
- price point
- Good for beginners
- Condenser Mic
- Pop filter
- Easily portable
- Easy setup
- Clear Instructions
Cons:
- When using a smartphone, you must unplug the adapter to hear playback (This is only the case for devices where the C port is also the audio out. )
- The volume dial can get easily moved, causing you to need to re-find the perfect volume
- The mute and RGB both share the same button.
- The volume can come across as too quiet/ overly compressed as well as too loud picking up every noise in the house if not finetuned
WHAT'S IN THE BOX:
- Condenser mic
- Shock Mount
- Tripod
- Metal Pop Filter
- Metal Table Clamp
- Metal Boom Arm Stand
- USB Type-C to USB type-A Cable
- USB Type-C Adapter
- Instruction Manual
COMPUTER SETUP:
- Windows =
- Plug the microphone into a computer and it will automatically recognize the USB Device and install the driver
- Right-click the sound icon (on the bottom ribbon of the screen,)
- Select "Sounds"
- Click the "Recording" tab, select "BKD-11 Pro Audio device, and click "Set Default" Button.
- Done!
- MacOS =
- Plug the microphone into the computer, and it will automatically recognize and install the driver
- Open your "System Preferences"
- Click "Sound" to display the "sound preference" pane
- Click the input tab and select "BKD-11 Pro" as the device for sound input
- Done!
COMMON TROUBLESHOOTING/ PRODUCT FAQ:
*As stated in the instructions, if these troubleshooting techniques do not work, reach out to service@zealsound.com
- "Why is the microphone picking up a lot of background noise?"
- This microphone is very sensitive because of its cardioid polar pattern. You can try these solutions to reduce background noise
- Place the mic closer to your mouth and away from noise sources like electrical appliances.
- Lower the mic volume level by half to reduce noise;
- Record in a quiet environment
- Can the microphone be connected to the PS4 or Xbox?
- This mic comes with a USB cable that supports plug and play, and will work with the PS4, but will not work with Xbox.
- Is this microphone compatible with a podcast equipment bundle?
- This mic will not be compatible with podcast equipment bundles as it is a USB microphone; not an XLR Microphone.
- Does this work with Android phones?
- yes, with an adapter
- Is the microphone compatible with Lightning connector devices?
- Yes, this device can connect with the use of a Lightning adapter. That adapter is not included and must be purchased separately.
- When I try to record videos on my Android, it shows that my phone does not support the mic, and the mic sound was not recorded.
- Please try using the adapter provided. Once the adapter and phone are connected, do not unplug adapter. Instead, turn off your phone and turn back on. (This wasn't clear on whether it was referring to the screen or powering down. If it were me, I would opt to try the screen first.
- If you're still having trouble, you might try checking your phone's audio output settings.
- Try a different recording software.
- What is the max length of the microphone arm?
- The arm can reach 30 inches when fully extended.
PICTURES & VIDEOS:
PRICING & LINKS:
*Pricing and links are included in the seller information areas, but are listed again here for convenience :)
- From ZealSound Store (recommended):
- 👉 item link (BLACK & WHITE OPTIONS):
- From VIVIDAY Store:
- 👉 item link:
Have more questions?!
Post them in the comments below or contact us!
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