Audix i5

Running these analyses costs money. Buy through my links to help keep lights on! I may get a small commission.

Overall

#37 in

External Microphones

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

Sentiment score92% positive
11
1
0
Last updated: May 17, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit Iconcubbyhouse_
11 months ago

I reckon an Audix i5 is an excellent vocal mic, and equally as good on a guitar amp. It's like a small 57, but better IMHO

Reddit IconDSpenceATL
7 months ago

I bought the Audix i5 specifically for this reason for snare drum, the all metal construction makes it drummer proof, and I actually like the sound much more than the SM57.

7 months ago

I’ve just become so accustomed to how flat the i5 is in a really nice way, I don’t tend to like as much sharp crack on snare drums, and it always delivers. If I’m wanting a little more of that, I tend to reach for my AKG D19, but that’s in a very different price point.

Reddit IconElectronic_Slice9448
3 months ago

I personally would not buy a sm58 or 57 for recording vocals. Unless you're doing aggressive screaming or yelling a condenser microphone is what you'll need. Yes, I own the 57 and 58, but i do not use them to record vocals unless I'm screaming. I used to like the 58 for live performances, but now I prefer the Audix i5.

Reddit Iconmariospeedragon
7 months ago

I’d probably be interested in room acoustics before suggesting condenser. But AKG 220 is solid in an acoustically treated space that doesn’t have a lot of noise. If room is untreated…..use closer dynamic mic like shure 57, Audix i5, sennheiser 609…..or used senn 906 . Definitely if you go this route play around with placement , distance , on/off axis. If your cab is one speaker, that makes things easier, but if it’s a 4x10 or 4x12, etc you may want to listen and see what speaker sounds best

Reddit IconMental_Examination_1
8 months ago

Audix i5, 100 bucks, sounds great on guitar amps

Reddit Iconmindless2831
7 months ago

The i5 and sE v7x are my go to for snare top. If I have both, i5 on bottom, and you cant get a better sound than both of those through a 312 and an 1776. Just, *chefs kiss*

Reddit Iconmittenciel
12 months ago

If it sounds bad in your room, it'll sound bad in your recording. Mics can't help you solve that problem. Condenser, dynamic, it doesn't really matter. A tighter polar pattern can sometimes help with controlling room noise, but only to a degree. The only way you can deal with bad room sound is by getting closer to the mic, which increases the signal to noise ratio, but then you'll never get a really natural sounding sound and it'll sound close mic'd, because it is. If you have a budget, I'd personally use half of that on a dynamic and half of that on a condenser. One mic can't do it all. The Audix i5 is a great mic that is like a modern day 57 and sounds good on almost anything; you can even sing into it if you give it a bit of distance. Dynamics are great for a more focused sounding track. The Audio Technica AT2035 is a great budget condenser, in my opinion, too. Condensers are great for giving you an airier sound. The two together should be about that budget.

Reddit Iconmrsergeisbeard
11 months ago

SM57, Sennheiser e906, Audix i5 are my go to’s. I’ve also had great results with the Warm Audio WA19.

Other Reddit Recommendations: