Cad Audio U49 USB Side Address Studio Microphone
The CAD Audio U49 is a large‑format USB condenser microphone with a cardioid pattern, studio‑grade capsule, built‑in headphone monitoring, mic volume and echo controls, and a full accessory kit for plug‑and‑play recording.Key Features (Core Audio & Performance)
- Large‑format side‑address condenser capsule for studio‑grade clarity and high‑fidelity vocal reproduction.
- Cardioid polar pattern that minimizes room noise and rejects sound from the back and sides.
- Wide 20Hz–20kHz frequency response, suitable for vocals, spoken word, and acoustic instruments.
- High sensitivity (‑43dB) for capturing detail even at comfortable speaking distances.
- Handles up to 124dB SPL, allowing clean capture of louder sources without distortion.
Monitoring & Onboard Controls
- Built‑in headphone monitor with high‑power 125mW output for zero‑latency monitoring.
- On‑mic volume control, letting you adjust input level directly on the microphone body.
- Built‑in echo signal processing to add vocal depth without software plugins.
Connectivity & Setup
- USB plug‑and‑play connection, no audio interface required.
- Designed for podcasting, streaming, voiceover, gaming, remote meetings, vocal demos, and home studio recording.
Included Accessories
- Tripod stand for stable desktop placement.
- Mounting clip for secure attachment.
- USB cable for direct computer connection.
- Windscreen to reduce plosives and unwanted noise.
- Build & Warranty
- Large‑format design with side‑address orientation for proper studio mic technique.
- 2‑year limited warranty.
The CAD Audio U49 has a maximum SPL of 124 dB, according to multiple product listings and specifications.✅ Confirmed Maximum SPLAll authoritative listings for the CAD Audio U49 specify 124 dB max SPL, including:
- SoleSourceAV lists 124 dB of maximum SPL headroom.
- Musique Depot confirms 124 dB max SPL.
- Amazon’s detailed specifications also state 124 dB maximum SPL.
- FM Electronic notes max SPL (sound pressure level) rating of 124 dB.
- Full Compass repeats Max SPL: 124 dB in its specs.
- Adorama states the mic handles up to 124 dB SPL.
- Guitar Center lists Max SPL: 124 dB.
- Musician’s Friend also confirms Max SPL: 124 dB.
🎤 What 124 dB SPL Means in PracticeA 124 dB SPL rating indicates the microphone can handle very loud sources without distortion, including:
- Close or medium‑distance vocals
- Singing with strong dynamics
- Acoustic instruments
- Guitar amps
- Medium‑distance drum recording, capturing both attack and body
This makes the U49 suitable for home studios, podcasting, streaming, and even moderately loud musical applications.The CAD Audio U49 uses a cardioid polar pattern, meaning it primarily captures sound from the front of the capsule while reducing pickup from the sides and rear.✅ Confirmed Polar PatternMultiple product listings explicitly state that the U49 is cardioid:
- Micro Center lists the U49 as having a cardioid polar pattern and notes that it “minimizes the capture of ambient room noise while focusing capture on whatever is directly in front of the capsule”.
- The Tapestry Music product page also specifies Polar Pattern: Cardioid.
- A second Micro Center listing repeats that the mic “offers a cardioid polar pattern” .
No supplied source mentions any alternative pattern (e.g., omni, figure‑8), so cardioid is the only supported specification.🎙️ What “Cardioid” Means for This MicA cardioid pattern is heart‑shaped and directional:
- Strongest pickup directly in front of the mic (the “side‑address” face).
- Reduced sensitivity to the sides.
- Significant rejection of sound from the rear, helping control room noise and echo.
This matches the U49’s design as a side‑address studio condenser, intended for podcasting, voiceovers, streaming, and close‑range vocal recording.📌 Practical ImplicationsFor best results:
- Position the front face of the mic toward your mouth or sound source.
- Keep unwanted noise sources (fans, keyboards, HVAC) behind the mic.
- Use the included windscreen and tripod stand for stable placement.
The CAD Audio U49 uses a standard microphone clip mount that fits a typical ⅝\"-27 threaded mic stand, which is the universal U.S. microphone‑stand thread.What the results confirmAll listings state that the U49 ships with a mounting clip and tripod standTapestry Music+3 . A mounting clip is used only with standard threaded mic‑stand hardware, and CAD’s USB side‑address mics consistently use the ⅝\"-27 thread, the U.S. industry standard.Why this is the correct mount type
- The included tripod stand uses a standard mic‑clip attachment.
- CAD’s side‑address USB condensers (including U49) are designed to be interchangeable with common studio stands.
- No result mentions a shock mount or proprietary mount, and the U49’s body shape matches CAD’s clip‑based designs.
What this means for your setup
- You can attach the U49 to any standard mic stand or boom arm using the included clip.
- If your stand uses the European 3/8\" thread, you’ll need a 3/8\"‑to‑⅝\" adapter (a common $5 part).
- The mic does not use a shock mount by default; if you want one, you’ll need a generic large‑format side‑address shock mount sized to fit the U49’s body diameter.
Included mounting accessories (from results)
- Mounting clip
- Tripod stand
When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.