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REVIEWED
REVIEWED: Yamaha YDM505S & YDM707
Microphones are always one of those things that is overlooked. I often see posts all over social media about using cheap microphones for karaoke and even £10 wireless microphones from Temu! Seriously though, your microphone is an essential tool for interacting with the crowd, making announcements, or hosting live performances, weddings and events.
Personally, I wouldn’t get excited about a microphone that doesn’t come from a known brand that is trusted within the DJ sector. So when Yamaha ‘dropped’ (never drop a mic) two of their latest models on my doorstep, I was excited to try them out at my next event.
Yamaha Professional Audio is known around the globe as a provider of innovative, top-quality solutions for the sound industry. The Yamaha lineup includes a number of world-standard mixing consoles, signal processors incorporating industry-leading DSP technology, power amplifiers based on energy-efficient drive technology, and an extensive range of speakers suitable for everything from live sound to commercial installations. Of course, they also make microphones - which is what this review is all about.
Before I look at both the YDM505S and YDM707, I think it’s important to consider the most-used microphone types that DJs use: dynamic and condenser. There are others, of course, like the lavalier, shotgun and headset, but these are more tailored to event production companies.
Dynamic microphones
Dynamic microphones are renowned for their ruggedness and durability, making them ideal for the demanding conditions of DJing and live performance. While they might not capture the same level of detail as their condenser counterparts, they excel in handling high sound-pressure levels.
A significant advantage is their independence from external power sources like phantom power, making them simple to set up and use. Consequently, dynamic microphones are preferred for live performances and other noisy environments.
Condenser microphones
On the other hand, condenser microphones are prized for their sensitivity, which allows them to capture the nuances of sound with exceptional clarity. This characteristic makes them the go-to choice for studio recording and other environments where subtle details are paramount.
However, their delicate construction requires the use of phantom power for operation. As a result, condenser microphones are generally less suited for live settings, including DJing, and might be more susceptible to damage.
Key differences summarised
In essence, dynamic microphones are like sturdy workhorses; they’re typically less sensitive and they handle loud sounds better. They’re ideal for handling the demands of live performances. Meanwhile, condenser microphones are more like sensitive artists, capturing intricate details in controlled environments.
Yamaha YDM 505S and YDM707
Both the YDM505S and YDM707 are dynamic microphones. They arrived in small boxes, which also include the microphone holder (that screws onto your microphone stand) and a 5/8” to 3/8” threaded adapter. Everything fits into the included zipped pouch.
Looking at the microphones in more detail, you’ll find them both encased in a sleek metal body and fitted with custom-designed cardioid capsules. Yamaha says these capsules will flawlessly capture sound so that it’s crystal clear on the other end – a bold statement, and one that obviously depends on the desk, processor and speakers you are using!
Both microphones are equipped with an advanced insulator that reduces vibrations from handling noise. I can confirm that whilst using the 505S and 707 across two events and in both a DJ controller and sound desk, there was next to zero handling noise.
The YDM505S’s cardioid capsule produces a frequency response of 60Hz-15kHz with a 2.5mV/Pa (-52 dB) sensitivity and 600Ω output impedance. Whilst the YDM707 has slight differences: it’s fitted with a super-cardioid capsule that produces a frequency response of 60Hz-18kHz with a 1.8mV/Pa (-54 dB) sensitivity and 300Ω output impedance.
If the terms ‘frequency response’ and ‘output impedance’ are sounding a bit too ‘science-y’ for you right now, let me explain.
Frequency response is a crucial characteristic that defines a microphone’s ability to accurately reproduce sound across different frequencies. Essentially, it's a measure of how sensitive the microphone is to different pitches. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz) and human hearing range is typically between 20Hz to 20,000Hz (20kHz).
Output impedance is a measure of a microphone's ability to drive a load (like a preamplifier). In practical terms, low impedance generally means:
• better signal-to-noise ratio – this is good for capturing clean and clear audio
• more compatibility with modern audio equipment – most pre-amps are designed to handle low-impedance microphones
• less susceptibility to interference – lower-impedance mics are less likely to pick up unwanted noise
In terms of size, both the YDM 505S and YDM707 measure 51mm x 184mm (2.01” x 7.27”). The YDM707 weighs in at 285g, whilst the YDM505S is slightly heavier at 293g. You’ll find a standard XLR connector to plug, with the major difference between the two being the ‘S’ on the YDM505S – it simply means it’s fitted with a switch that allows you to turn it on/off from the microphone itself, instead of from a desk level.
The YDM505S also features a switch lock, so you can pop it on a job and not worry about users accidentally turning the mic off.
The YDM family is available in black for the 505 and off-black (almost grey) for the 505S. Meanwhile, the 707 is available in black or white (pleasing those who prefer an all-white setup).
When I tested the mics out at two weddings, they both produced incredibly warm vocal reproduction, whilst the sound was full bodied and gave incredible depth to the output. The YDM505S was set up through my Pioneer DJ controller with the Omega Pro Audio system handling the output, and I used the YDM707 through a digital desk and Bose S1 for an outdoor ceremony and cocktail party.
Personally, I preferred the sound from the YDM707 and I only wish it had the same on/off switch as the 505S, as that’s my preferred way to operate. That said, if you handed either to me on a job, I wouldn’t mind which I used – the sound reproduction is both pleasing and smooth.
Personally, I wouldn’t get excited about a microphone that doesn’t come from a known brand that is trusted within the DJ sector. So when Yamaha ‘dropped’ (never drop a mic) two of their latest models on my doorstep, I was excited to try them out at my next event.
Yamaha Professional Audio is known around the globe as a provider of innovative, top-quality solutions for the sound industry. The Yamaha lineup includes a number of world-standard mixing consoles, signal processors incorporating industry-leading DSP technology, power amplifiers based on energy-efficient drive technology, and an extensive range of speakers suitable for everything from live sound to commercial installations. Of course, they also make microphones - which is what this review is all about.
Before I look at both the YDM505S and YDM707, I think it’s important to consider the most-used microphone types that DJs use: dynamic and condenser. There are others, of course, like the lavalier, shotgun and headset, but these are more tailored to event production companies.
Dynamic microphones
Dynamic microphones are renowned for their ruggedness and durability, making them ideal for the demanding conditions of DJing and live performance. While they might not capture the same level of detail as their condenser counterparts, they excel in handling high sound-pressure levels.
A significant advantage is their independence from external power sources like phantom power, making them simple to set up and use. Consequently, dynamic microphones are preferred for live performances and other noisy environments.
Condenser microphones
On the other hand, condenser microphones are prized for their sensitivity, which allows them to capture the nuances of sound with exceptional clarity. This characteristic makes them the go-to choice for studio recording and other environments where subtle details are paramount.
However, their delicate construction requires the use of phantom power for operation. As a result, condenser microphones are generally less suited for live settings, including DJing, and might be more susceptible to damage.
Key differences summarised
In essence, dynamic microphones are like sturdy workhorses; they’re typically less sensitive and they handle loud sounds better. They’re ideal for handling the demands of live performances. Meanwhile, condenser microphones are more like sensitive artists, capturing intricate details in controlled environments.
Yamaha YDM 505S and YDM707
Both the YDM505S and YDM707 are dynamic microphones. They arrived in small boxes, which also include the microphone holder (that screws onto your microphone stand) and a 5/8” to 3/8” threaded adapter. Everything fits into the included zipped pouch.
Looking at the microphones in more detail, you’ll find them both encased in a sleek metal body and fitted with custom-designed cardioid capsules. Yamaha says these capsules will flawlessly capture sound so that it’s crystal clear on the other end – a bold statement, and one that obviously depends on the desk, processor and speakers you are using!
Both microphones are equipped with an advanced insulator that reduces vibrations from handling noise. I can confirm that whilst using the 505S and 707 across two events and in both a DJ controller and sound desk, there was next to zero handling noise.
The YDM505S’s cardioid capsule produces a frequency response of 60Hz-15kHz with a 2.5mV/Pa (-52 dB) sensitivity and 600Ω output impedance. Whilst the YDM707 has slight differences: it’s fitted with a super-cardioid capsule that produces a frequency response of 60Hz-18kHz with a 1.8mV/Pa (-54 dB) sensitivity and 300Ω output impedance.
If the terms ‘frequency response’ and ‘output impedance’ are sounding a bit too ‘science-y’ for you right now, let me explain.
Frequency response is a crucial characteristic that defines a microphone’s ability to accurately reproduce sound across different frequencies. Essentially, it's a measure of how sensitive the microphone is to different pitches. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz) and human hearing range is typically between 20Hz to 20,000Hz (20kHz).
Output impedance is a measure of a microphone's ability to drive a load (like a preamplifier). In practical terms, low impedance generally means:
• better signal-to-noise ratio – this is good for capturing clean and clear audio
• more compatibility with modern audio equipment – most pre-amps are designed to handle low-impedance microphones
• less susceptibility to interference – lower-impedance mics are less likely to pick up unwanted noise
In terms of size, both the YDM 505S and YDM707 measure 51mm x 184mm (2.01” x 7.27”). The YDM707 weighs in at 285g, whilst the YDM505S is slightly heavier at 293g. You’ll find a standard XLR connector to plug, with the major difference between the two being the ‘S’ on the YDM505S – it simply means it’s fitted with a switch that allows you to turn it on/off from the microphone itself, instead of from a desk level.
The YDM505S also features a switch lock, so you can pop it on a job and not worry about users accidentally turning the mic off.
The YDM family is available in black for the 505 and off-black (almost grey) for the 505S. Meanwhile, the 707 is available in black or white (pleasing those who prefer an all-white setup).
When I tested the mics out at two weddings, they both produced incredibly warm vocal reproduction, whilst the sound was full bodied and gave incredible depth to the output. The YDM505S was set up through my Pioneer DJ controller with the Omega Pro Audio system handling the output, and I used the YDM707 through a digital desk and Bose S1 for an outdoor ceremony and cocktail party.
Personally, I preferred the sound from the YDM707 and I only wish it had the same on/off switch as the 505S, as that’s my preferred way to operate. That said, if you handed either to me on a job, I wouldn’t mind which I used – the sound reproduction is both pleasing and smooth.
The full review can be found in Pro Mobile Issue 127, Pages 78-79.
