Gearank

Neat microphones is a relative newcomer in the pro audio scene. Founded by former founders and senior members of Blue Microphones along with industry veterans and fresh talent.

The Worker Bee is a medium-diaphraghm, cardioid pattern condenser microphone made for use with high-SPL sound sources.

It features discrete, class A circuitry, an internal shockmount (plus additional "beekeeper" external shockmount) keeps handling noise at bay.

Features

• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Max SPL: 145 dB
• Power Requirements: Phantom Power 48V (+/- 4V)
• Best For: Vocal recording, Instruments, Orchestral/Brass

Pros

The competitively priced Worker Bee amazed many users who bought it out of curiosity. It is noted as a warm, but clear sounding microphone that handles high SPL without distortion. It was found to sweeten female vocals, brass and string sections; as well as giving body to drum overheads and room mics as a stereo pair.

Cons

The external shockmount is proprietary and some felt that some of their units didn't feel secure enough to keep the mic in place, but there were no reports of catastrophic failures.

Overall

If you're looking for a great do-it-all mic with a tonality that sweetens usually shrill sound sources and adds body to thundering drums, the Neat Microphones Worker Bee has a place in your mic locker.

Although this was previously on our recommended list, there are now more highly rated options available which you can see in our guide to The Best Condenser Mics Under $100.