Audeze LCD Boom Microphone Cable Review: Great for Podcasts?

When you think of Audeze, you likely picture high-end planar magnetic headphones prized by audiophiles and sound engineers. But Audeze also makes accessories that elevate the user experience, and the LCD Boom Microphone Cable is one such product. Designed for select LCD headphones, this cable integrates a high-quality microphone, turning your premium headphones into a communication headset.

In this review, we'll explore whether the Audeze LCD Boom Microphone Cable lives up to its promise for podcasters and streamers. We'll examine its design, sound quality, and usability, and compare it with other Audeze mic solutions like the Gaming Microphone for Maxwell, Penrose, and Mobius. By the end, you'll know if this cable is the right choice for your podcasting setup.

Design and Build Quality

The Audeze LCD Boom Microphone Cable is crafted with the same attention to detail as Audeze's headphones. The cable features a durable braided exterior that resists tangling and wear, and the connectors are solidly built with gold-plated contacts for reliable signal transfer. The inline microphone is housed in a sleek, low-profile module that doesn't add bulk or weight to the cable.

The boom arm is flexible yet holds its position well, allowing you to position the mic close to your mouth without constant readjustment. The cable terminates in a standard 3.5mm jack, making it compatible with a range of devices, from computers to gaming consoles. For LCD headphone owners, this is a seamless addition that maintains the premium feel of the product.

• Braided cable for durability
• Flexible boom arm that stays in place
• Gold-plated connectors for reliable performance

Sound Quality for Podcasting

The primary question for any podcasting microphone is: does it capture clear, natural voice? The LCD Boom Microphone Cable performs admirably. The mic has a cardioid pickup pattern, which focuses on your voice while minimizing background noise. In our tests, speech came through crisp and intelligible, with a warm tonality that flatters the human voice.

Compared to built-in laptop mics or generic headset mics, the difference is night and day. The audio is free from the hollow, distant quality that plagues many consumer mics. While it may not rival a dedicated studio condenser microphone, it's more than sufficient for podcasting, video calls, and game chat. For a cable-integrated solution, the sound quality is surprisingly good.

• Cardioid pickup reduces background noise
• Clear and natural voice reproduction
• Better than most built-in and generic headset mics

Compatibility and Usability

The LCD Boom Microphone Cable is designed for use with Audeze LCD headphones that feature a mini-XLR connector. This includes models like the LCD-4z and the LCD-S20. If you own one of these headphones, the cable connects directly, and the mic is automatically enabled when plugged in. There's no need for additional drivers or software – it's plug-and-play.

However, if you're using a different Audeze headphone, such as the Maxwell or Penrose, this cable won't fit. For those wireless models, Audeze offers the Gaming Microphone for Maxwell, Penrose, and Mobius, which attaches to the headphone and provides similar functionality. This is an important distinction to consider when choosing the right mic solution for your setup.

• Compatible with LCD models using mini-XLR (e.g., LCD-4z)
• Plug-and-play – no extra software needed
• For Maxwell/Penrose, consider the Gaming Microphone instead

Comparison with Other Audeze Mic Options

If you're in the Audeze ecosystem, you might wonder how the LCD Boom Microphone Cable stacks up against the Gaming Microphone for Maxwell, Penrose, and Mobius. The Gaming Microphone is a dedicated boom mic that attaches to the headphone's ear cup, offering a similar cardioid pattern and clear voice capture. It's ideal for wireless headphones, while the LCD cable is meant for wired LCD models.

Both solutions are well-built and deliver good audio, but the choice ultimately depends on your headphone. If you own an LCD-4z or similar, the LCD Boom Microphone Cable is the natural fit. If you're using Maxwell or Penrose, the Gaming Microphone is the way to go. In terms of audio quality, we found them comparable, with the LCD cable offering a slightly more neutral tone, while the Gaming Microphone adds a touch of warmth.

• LCD cable for wired LCD headphones; Gaming Microphone for wireless Maxwell/Penrose
• Both deliver clear voice; LCD cable slightly neutral, Gaming Mic warmer
• Choose based on your headphone model

Is It Worth the Investment?

The Audeze LCD Boom Microphone Cable is a niche product, but for LCD headphone owners who podcast or stream, it's a worthwhile addition. It eliminates the need for a separate desktop microphone, saving desk space and cost. The build quality is excellent, and the sound quality is more than adequate for most content creation.

However, if you're not already invested in LCD headphones, you might be better served by a dedicated USB microphone or a headset with a built-in mic. But for those who love their LCD-4z or LCD-S20 and want to add voice capability without compromising on audio quality, this cable is a smart buy.

• Great for LCD owners who want a clean setup
• Saves money compared to buying a separate mic
• Only for LCD models – check compatibility first

The Audeze LCD Boom Microphone Cable is a well-crafted accessory that turns your premium LCD headphones into a podcasting powerhouse. While it's not for everyone, it's a fantastic solution for existing LCD owners. If you're looking to upgrade your audio game, consider the LCD-4z to pair with this cable, or explore other Audeze products to find your perfect match.