INTRODUCTION

   Even though I’m neither a streamer nor a content creator (at least not with the full meaning of the phrase) I’ve been using microphones for as long as i can remember, first while playing online games (using Roger Wilco and TeamSpeak to communicate with team members) and then with Skype, Discord and Viber. Of course, some may say that for such use you don't need a microphone capable of delivering the best possible audio quality and to be honest back when i was just playing online games I’d probably agree with them since i wasn't really spending much on microphones (my most expensive one cost like $25). However, needs tend to increase exponentially, so for example when i started making Skype and Viber calls i invested a lot more on a microphone and i did so again once i started joining conferences with people from the electronics industry. Today I'm always looking for new microphones i can compare with what I’ve already used and/or reviewed and the PreSonus Revelator USB Microphone is the latest one.

   PreSonus Audio Electronics Inc. is the leading designer and manufacturer of recording and live-sound hardware and software solutions that solve real-world problems for creatives of all levels. Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, PreSonus designs innovative audio tools for musicians, content creators, producers, and audio engineers, providing professional sound quality and features without sacrificing affordability. Today, PreSonus is an owned brand under Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC).

   The Revelator USB Microphone by PreSonus is a mono/single condenser (custom-designed 14mm capsule) model that features three selectable polar patterns (Cardioid for forward source recording, Omnidirectional for 360 degrees source recording and Bidirectional/Figure-8 for front and rear source recording), maximum recording quality of 24bit 96KHz and a wide frequency response of 20Hz-20KHz with a max SPL of 110dB. PreSonus has also equipped the Revelator with a 3.5mm/1.8" TRS volume controlled headphone output (22.6mW maximum power/0.008% THD/20Hz-20KHz frequency range/16Ohm impedance/77.5dB dynamic range), volume controler (also doubles as the mute button) with activity LED, monitor and preset buttons (also complete with activity LEDs) and a thick metal stand. Since the Revelator is targeted specifically towards streamers and content creators in general PreSonus has packed it with numerous software features as well (including an DSP) some of which include an integrated loopback mixer, built-in Fat channel with 8 modules (3xEQ/3xCompressor/Noise Gate/Limiter), 16 total presets (8xfactory/8xuser), reverb, 6-in/6-out audio interface (2xdedicated input streams/2xdedicated output streams/4-in virtual streams/4-out virtual streams) and 6 voice effects (doubler/detuner/vocoder/ring modulator/filter banks/delay). Finally, to offer the best possible experience to their customers PreSonus bundles their Studio One Artist and Studio Magic Bundle software suites with the Revelator USB Microphone.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

As expected at the front of the box we find a large product picture, sticker of the Studio One software, system compatibility (PC/MAX) and of course the company logo.

Another product picture is located on the left side of the box.

The main product features are showcased at the rear of the box in 4 languages with the help of 3 pictures.

PreSonus has used two thick pieces of cardboard and a plastic bag to secure the Revelator inside its box.

Along with the Revelator USB microphone inside the box you'll also find a USB-C to USB-A cable, Health, Safety, and Compliance Guide, getting started paper and a metal boom stand adapter.

THE REVELATOR USB

The Revelator USB microphone is made out of plastic, aluminum, metal and rubber and measures 250mm in height and 130mm in diameter.

As expected, the Revelator USB has an internal pop-filter at the top.

The two buttons at the front of the microphone can be used to switch between presets (4 presets can be rotated from this button - press and hold to bypass all presets) and set the monitor (microphone and playback balance) and input (gain - press and hold) levels.

By default, the knob at the front controls the volume of the headphones (push it to mute the microphone).

Most of the microphone's weight is because of its very steady round metal base.

Taking a look at the base of the Revelator USB microphone we find the USB-C port, 3.5mm port and a small hole.

PreSonus has also printed their logo on the adjuster.

Removing the Revelator from its base in order to attach it to a boom arm is extremely easy (remember to also attach the boom adapter at the base as seen above).

UNIVERSAL CONTROL

The Universal Control software by PreSonus is needed for complete control over the Revelator USB microphone.

Once you install the software it will look for the latest firmware update.

Obviously, the software also allows you to switch sample rates (44.1/48/88.3/96kHz) and even block size (16/32/64/128/256/512/1024/2048).

This software not only packs a mixer but it also allows you to switch between pickup patterns, set output delay, enable/disable high pass filter, adjust gate controls and store and load scenes/profiles.

STUDIO ONE ARTIST

Since i am not into content creation the Studio One Artist software is not something I'd probably use, still i wanted to showcase some of the available tabs for interested parties.

CONCLUSION

   Here you can listen to a quick audio recording of the Revelator USB microphone while in 24bit/96kHz (mono actually sounds better than stereo when using the cardioid pattern so i chose that - also i decided to use FLAC for such recordings so i will also be updating past microphone reviews as well) which clearly shows that PreSonus has done a great job (and by tinkering with various settings quality should improve). Obviously audio quality Is not the only thing the Revelator USB microphone has going for it, the ability to switch between 16 presets and 3 pickup patterns is also very handy as are of course the universal control with the two software suites bundled with it. Build quality is also very good but in terms of design even though professionals will probably love it I can’t say the same about some streamers who may rely on more eye catching peripherals to grab the attention of their audience (still quality and features always go first). Finally, i did find the lack of an internal pop filter somewhat strange but PreSonus does have that as extra for people who really need it so at least there's that.

   Right now, the Revelator USB Microphone by PreSonus retails for just USD129.95 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 129Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) a price tag which is certainly balanced, especially if you take into account the bundled software. Aside the lack of an internal pop filter which could come in handy to many people (would also increase cost however) the Revelator USB Microphone by PreSonus ticks all other boxes. Audio and build quality are both at very high levels, you can use one of three available patterns, the number of features for a microphone is pretty much staggering and as for the included software it can be extremely helpful so the Platinum Award is clearly in order.

PROS

- Very Good Build Quality
- Very Good Audio Clarity (24bit 96kHz)
- 3 Pickup Patterns (Cardioid / Omnidirectional / Bidirectional)
- Headphone Output
- Internal Pop Filter
- Features (16 presets / integrated loopback mixer / 8 module built-in Fat channel / reverb / 6 voice effects)
- Bundled Software (Universal Control / Studio One Artist / Studio Magic)
- Mute Button
- Heavy & Stable Stand

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- Pop Filter (Extra)