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Reviewing Monoprice

If you’re on Facebook and are public about your musical habit, you’ve likely seen ads from Monoprice. They sell their own branded musical instruments—products ranging from band/orchestral to rock band gear and associated portable PA—and, most recently, pro audio products, as in a 2.25 lb., large diaphragm, multi-pattern condenser microphone, one of the three products I review for Pro Sound News in the April 2015 issue.

If you’re on Facebook and are public about your musical habit, you’ve likely seen ads from Monoprice. They sell their own branded musical instruments—products ranging from band/orchestral to rock band gear and associated portable PA—and, most recently, pro audio products, as in a 2.25 lb., large diaphragm, multi-pattern condenser microphone, one of the three products I review for Pro Sound News in the April 2015 issue.

All their eggs aren’t in one basket, though. They also sell, and I list alphabetically, Android/Apple and Bluetooth/mobile communication accessories; an impressively broad array of prosumer products—speaker systems, cables, photo/video studio gear and associated lighting; security products; some connector networking components; and even printer cartridges. All are Monoprice-branded and have been cleverly gleaned from the global marketplace, imported from Asia by the company, then sold direct. Like the name implies, there’s only one Monoprice product per type: one at one very low price. (Interestingly, you can also buy “no logo products” delivered in white boxes from Monoprice under certain circumstances…contact Monoprice for more info.)

Early on, I dipped my feet into the Monoprice idea with an impressive and amazingly affordable backup kick pedal—the “Single Chain Pedal for Bass Drum” at $36.96 direct. To me, it looked like a Tama foot pedal on a Gibraltar chassis, and it felt good—an overall solid, medium-tensioned kick pedal. Having an Axis A pedal (http://www.axispercussion.com/axis-pedals/a-single-pedal/) I’ve used for 20 years now and am very comfortable with, the Monoprice pedal is certainly no replacement. Yet in fairness, it is a formidable understudy.

Following Monoprice generating buzz at subsequent NAMMs, I recently had the opportunity to review the 600850 Lollipop-Style Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone at $349 direct—considerably more expensive than my $36.96 pedal.

Monoprice’s pedal is 4.8 times less than its closest likeness, a Tama Iron Cobra ($180 street), which to me is at least as functional a solution as my Axis A in a pinch, though I’ll work a bit harder for the performance. Based on that formula, can the 600850 rival a $1,699 multi-pattern LDC? Similarly spec’d products at that street price point include very lovely models from Lauten and sE, and even AKG and Neumann, among others.

I find it all very interesting, and perhaps you will, too. For more, please read Pro Sound News’ upcoming Pro Audio Review section in April 2015 for a link to stereo 600850-on-piano audio clips, “in use” descriptions, a few conclusions and more.

Meanwhile, check out the 600850 and much more at Monoprice’s website: http://www.monoprice.com.

Strother Bullins is Reviews Editor for NewBay Media’s AV/Pro Audio Group as well as an active musician, self-recordist and gig-level live sound wrangler. [email protected]

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