This is our very comprehensive review of the exciting new PreSonus Revelator USB Microphone. It’s a USB microphone with a huge array of unique features. With switchable polar patterns, onboard DSP and the most incredible advanced routing, mixing and loopback features, this is a mic designed from the ground up for podcasters, live streamers and gamers. As well as being a high quality microphone for home recording studio musicians. Is it a game-changer? Read on to find out … or go straight to our video review and full resolution recording made with the Revelator. Plus, you can directly compare the PreSonus Revelator with all the other USB mics we have tested – watch video reviews and listen to audio recordings – in our ultimate guide to the best USB mics.
[This content may contain affiliate links. For more information, read our disclosure policy here.]
The PreSonus Revelator – What’s So Special?
There are already so many USB microphones on the market – what’s so special about the Revelator? Quite a lot actually. Out of the box the Revelator is a sturdy microphone, with a heavy duty desktop stand. It has a USB-C connection and comes with a USB-C to USB-A lead and an adapter so you can remove it from its stand and attach to any mic stand.
So far so ordinary. However there are some features about this microphone which are pretty unique, and so you really need to be aware of these. They might just be exactly what you need for your setup!
Firstly switchable polar patterns. Like the infamous Blue Yeti USB Mic, the Revelator has switchable polar patterns. This means you can get the perfect set up for: voiceovers and solo recording (cardioid pattern); and interview or two musicians playing a duet (figure-8 pattern); or several participants sat around the mic talking or playing (omni pattern).
Secondly, onboard DSP. Just like the PreSonus StudioLive Mixing Consoles, this microphone has not just a few effects but a complete Fat Channel. You have access to EQ, Limiter, Compresser, Filter, Gate and Voice Effects. These can be fine-tuned and you also get a choice of different EQ etc.
There are built-in presets, and there is a preset button so you can easily cycle between them. So for example if you are a female voiceover artist there is a preset just right for you. But you can also fine-tune all the settings.
As well as all that, you have access to a high quality and very customisable Reverb.
The Revelator works very well on mobile devices, and you can access up to 4 presets, which you can set up in advance. So this is great if you want to record videos or livestream from your phone with high quality audio.
Finally, the killer feature is the loopback. You can mix the microphone with up to 3 different stereo streams. You can do this without any additional equipment of software! So this makes for some brilliant scenarios for: gamers; live streamers; screencasters; musicians wanting to record over backing tracks.
You can see all this in action in the detailed video review below.
PreSonus Revelator Microphone Features
- Mic: PreSonus Revelator USB Microphone for PC, Mac, Apple and Android mobile devices
- Type: Condenser
- Pickup Pattern: Switchable between: Cardioid, Figure-8 and Omni
- Dual Format: No, USB only
- Headphone Port: Yes 3.5mm with volume control on the mic and also a monitor mix feature. Direct monitor your recordings and hear computer playback too – choose how much to blend of each.
- Accessories: Desktop stand and mic stand adapter to attach to standard microphone stands and studio arms.
- Software Package: Comes with StudioOne Artist and Studio Magic Bundle software
- Recording Resolution (USB Mode): 24 bit, up to 96kHz
- Additional Features: Mic Mute Feature; Onboard DSP and StudioLive Fat Channel; Reverb; Advanced routing and mixing via one Playback and 2 Loopback channels. Universal Control App to have complete control over the microphone
- Power: USB-C
- Pros: Excellent recording quality; Use straight out of the box, or use with the App for very customisable control; Unique loopback feature; Onboard DSP which is highly configurable. Superb value for money as the mic includes
- Cons: included cable a little short; slightly unconventional mthod of fixing to included stand
- Buy: Buy the PreSonus Revelator
PreSonus Revelator Video Review – See What It Looks Like
PreSonus Revelator Original Audio Recording – Hear How It Sounds
The PreSonus Revelator Microphone In More Detail
Microphone Build Quality
The Revelator is a sturdy microphone, it should withstand every day studio use.
Connectivity
The Revelator is a USB microphone. It has a USB-C connection. You can use the included cable to connect to a standard USB port on any PC or Mac. You can use a USB-C to USB-C cable to connect direct to any USB-C mobile device (or to a USB-C port on computer). Finally, you can also use it with an OTG adapter or lightning adapter to connect to older mobile devices.
Hardware Details
On the base of the mic you have the USB-C connection port, and also a headphone port for real-time monitoring. This will allow you to record yourself along with backing tracks and other audio playback via the loopback feature, and hear yourself at the same time. You can completely customise the mix you hear in your headphones. Choose to apply reverb as you sing, but record the dry signal for example. This is highly customisable.
The mic has a Preset button, and you can also adjust mic gain, headphone volume, and mic level on the mic itself. You can also mute and unmute the mic if required.
DSP, Loopback and More – in the App
Use the Universal Control Revelator app on your PC or Mac to completely customise the DSP and the mixing and routing. Then you can stream or record your mix in your favourite recording or streaming software.
This advanced feature is of special interest to: gamers; streamers; screencasters; voiceover artists; and of course musicians.
Software Bundle
The PreSonus Revelator come StudioOne Artist, which is a full featured DAW. As well as this recording software, it also has the Studio Magic Bundle included with over $1000 worth of plugins. Given the worth of the software package, this microphone is incredible value for money – it’s a complete mini recording studio in a box.
Technical Specs In Detail
Moving on to the Technical spec: This is a condenser mic, designed to give you professional quality recordings. You can switch polar patterns depending on your recording situation.
You have a choice between 4 sampling rates up to 96 kHz, with 24-bit recording resolution. The ability to record at 24-bit is excellent – It gives you much more headroom when you are recording.
Design-wise, this is a smart looking microphone with black body and silver grill. Two buttons and a knob offer a range of controls over the mic. This is useful if you use the mic on mobile. You need to use the mic on a PC or Mac to access the complete functionality offered by the Universal Control App.
Verdict
The Revelator offers high quality recording at a very reasonable price point.
Pros
- Robust high-quality USB microphone with USB-C connection
- Loopback and Mixing capability
- Highly customisable onboard DSP with a range of presets for ease of use
- For PC, Mac and Mobile devices
- High Quality 24-bit recording
- Low noise – the USB recording is very good quality, and low noise
- Mic Mute, Plus Mic Gain and Headphone Volume Control on Mic as well as access to 4 (customisable) presets
- Provides realtime monitoring via headphones
- great for live-streaming and gaming – with loopback feature making this easy
- easy to use – great for beginners but will ‘grow’ with your studio
- complete studio in a box with excellent software package included
- All round value for money
Cons
- Short USB cable included
- Quirky stand fixing
- Some might find the Universal Control app too complex
Compare USB Microphones
In summary, the Revelator does everything a USB mic should do, with heaps of additional bells and whistles. Do watch the complete video review to see some of the features in action, and to hear how the mic sounds.
You can directly compare the Revelator to every USB microphone we have tested in one place. Refer to our ultimate guide to the best USB microphones.