FET Mic Shootout — Neumann U87 vs Earthworks SB33 vs Audix SCX25A
Posted by Jim Pavett on 16th Apr 2026
I recently put together a FET microphone shootout comparing three condenser microphones across male and female vocals. The three FETs in the running: the Neumann U87, the Earthworks SB33, and the Audix SCX25A. Here is how I set it up and what I found.
The Setup
All microphones were run in cardioid with no rolloff and no pad. I ran every mic through the solid state side of an SPL Gain Station 8 Mk2 — a neutral, transparent preamp chosen specifically so the microphones would tell the story, not the preamp. For engineers looking for a current multi-channel preamp option with similar neutrality and transparency, the SPL Crescendo 8 represents the same commitment to accurate gain staging in an 8-channel format.
From the preamp I went straight into my Lynx Aurora converters — mastering grade conversion that gives me an accurate and uncolored picture of what each mic is actually doing.
One adjustment I made early in the process: I added an Empirical Labs Distressor at a two-to-one ratio with 0 to 6dB of compression at peaks. The reason is simple — recording vocals without any compression is not a realistic real world scenario for pop and rock. A completely uncompressed vocal shootout tells you about microphone sensitivity, not about how the mic actually performs in a session. The Distressor kept the dynamics controlled while staying transparent enough to let each mic's character come through.
I matched baseline volume across all microphones before adding compression, then dialed in the settings and left them alone while switching between mics. On the female vocalist I used a pop filter to manage the plosives in the lyrics. On the male vocalist it was not needed.
The Microphones
Neumann U87 The U87 is the benchmark FET condenser — arguably the most widely used studio microphone in the world. There is a reason for that. It has a slight V-shaped response — a gentle low end presence and a top end air that flatters most voices. On this shootout it had a noticeable low end that gave the vocal weight and body.
I can source the Neumann U87 — hit reply if you are interested and I will get you pricing and availability directly.
Earthworks SB33 The SB33 was Earthworks' first microphone in a premium large body studio housing — a departure from their small pencil condenser designs. What surprised me most was how closely it tracked a tube microphone character — more presence without being pushed, and a more controlled low end than the U87. For a FET microphone to sit that close to tube character is genuinely impressive.
The SB33 has since been discontinued. If you come across one used it is worth serious consideration.
Audix SCX25A The SCX25A is a mic I am very familiar with — I reach for it regularly and include it in shootouts as a known reference point. In this comparison it had extended lows and highs with a clear, sweet character. Very balanced across the frequency range without the pronounced low end of the U87.
Audix SCX25A at Pure Wave Audio
Watch the Full Shootout
The audio comparison is in the video below. These shootouts are for your ears to decide — my takeaways are a starting point, not the final word. Put your headphones on, listen carefully, and trust what you hear.
Watch the FET Mic Shootout on YouTube
My Takeaways
- The SCX25A — clear, sweet, extended top and bottom. A balanced and honest mic that flatters without coloring.
- The U87 — the benchmark for a reason. Slight V shape with a pronounced low end presence that works on most voices.
- The SB33 — the surprise of the shootout. More presence than the U87 with better controlled low end. A genuinely impressive FET design.
If you want to talk through which mic fits your voice and your setup, hit reply. Microphone selection is one of the most personal decisions in recording — the right answer depends on your voice, your room, and what you are trying to capture.