Tonor TC-777 USB Microphone
Quick Summary
The Tonor TC-777 is a basic USB condenser microphone that is easy to use and can be effective for streaming, video calls, or podcasting. It’s not a mic I’d recommend for any sort of musical recording, as it just doesn’t sound that good.
Even though this is a lower-quality mic, it’s super affordable and worth looking into if you want something that sounds better than your computer or headphone microphones. Plus, it comes with several extra features that you can utilize with other equipment.
What I Like: Affordable. Comes with useful extras. Easy to use. Good option for beginners.
What I Don’t Like: Sounds tinny and not high-quality. Cheaper build. Not versatile. Not for any sort of professional situation.
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Contents
Why Trust Me for This Product Review
I’ve had the Tonor TC-777 for over a month and have used it in several different situations. I’ve tried it on video calls, for live-streaming, and in my recording studio. This direct use of the mic gives me a good understanding of how it sounds and its practical applications.
I also have experience with many other microphones I’ve used in various recording studios over the last 15 years. This knowledge gives me an expert perspective on what makes a good mic and what to look for in assessing quality and performance.
Tonor TC-777: What’s in the Box?
- Tonor TC-777 USB condenser microphone with an attached USB chord
- Tripod shock mount
- Windscreen
- Pop filter
- Velcro cord wrap
- User’s manual
Tonor TC-777: Technical Specifications
Here are all of the tech specs for the Tonor TC-777:
- Mic Type: USB Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Response: 100Hz-16kHz
- Output Impedance: 680 ohms
- Connector: USB (attached with 1.5m cable)
- Color: Blue/Silver
- Dimensions: 5.91 inches (length) X 1.97 (width)
- Weight: 12.2 ounces
What’s It Like to Use the Tonor TC-777?
The Tonor TC-777 is very easy to use with its attached USB cable design. You just need to plug it into your computer or other device without using an audio interface. I think this offers a ton of convenience that people with little audio experience can benefit from.
It’s also not a professional-level microphone at all, so don’t expect to get high-level recordings from this model. It performs basic mic functions alright, like video chats, streaming, and amateur podcasting, but I don’t recommend it for the recording studio.
How Does the Tonor TC-777 Sound?
The TC-777 has a tinny sound that falls short of what you’d expect from a true condenser mic. I am obviously an audiophile, so I’m pretty picky about how my mics sound, and this one does not deliver professional-level capabilities at all.
That said, it can be an improvement from the mic on your headphones or computer if that’s what you’ve been using. USB mics are generally of lesser audio quality than studio-level condensers, and that is certainly the case here.
With a bit of reverb on the track, the TC-777 sounds better. But I still wouldn’t want to record vocals for a music track with this. Here is a look at the reverb I set up in Logic Pro if you want to try it out:
This last clip is a bit of guitar recorded using the TC-777. It doesn’t sound bad, but the low end is definitely lacking.
Who Should Get the Tonor TC-777?
This is a mic best suited for people with little audio experience who want a slight improvement in sound over what their computer or headphones can offer. Its simple design and ease of use make it a good option for beginner-level podcasters and streamers.
This is also a decent option for people who work from home and want a mic to use for video calls to sound more professional. I don’t recommend this one for musicians or producers because it doesn’t deliver quality sound.
What is the Tonor TC-777 Good For?
I think the best application of the TC-777 is for video calls or live streams. You’ll get an improvement in audio quality over the built-in microphones on your computer, headphones, or other device when using this.
It can also be used for podcasts, but only on a basic level. If you are trying to establish professional-sounding recordings, I think this will fall short by a considerable margin.
The TC-777 is also suitable for people with normal to high-speaking voices. But it’s not great for anyone with a really low voice. Its frequency range on the low end is 100Hz, which is not low enough to pick up naturally low voices well.
Detailed Review of Tonor TC-777
Here is a detailed review of the Tonor TC-777 USB condenser mic to better understand how it performs and what you can expect if you use it.
Sound Quality
I’ll cut straight to the chase here – the Tonor TC-777 does not sound very good. If you have any audio experience, you won’t like this mic much. It’s not a terrible mic, which I’ll explain in the following sections. But it doesn’t have high audio quality for recording purposes.
In every application that I’ve used this mic, it sounds tinny and hollow. It also lacks the fine-tuned capabilities you’d expect from a “condenser” mic. But these are to be expected with a cheaper USB-style option.
The mic can sound okay for spoken vocals when used as a streaming mic or as a replacement for the built-in mic on your computer. But it also lacks much low-end, so I don’t recommend it for anyone with a really low voice.
Awesome Extras
Sound quality aside, the mic has some pretty awesome extras that almost make it worth buying for those alone. The fact that these are included at such a low price is something I really like about the TC-777.
You get a sweet tripod-style stand with a shock mount alongside the microphone. The mic also includes a windscreen and pop filter. You can use these with the TC-777 or pair them with any other microphone.
The tripod stand is excellent for anyone working at a desk, using the mic for calls or streaming. You can unscrew the shock mount and attach it to a boom stand, which can then be used to record instruments or something else (I recommend a different mic for that).
Design
The design of this mic is fairly basic, but it seems intentional with such an easy-to-use focus. It’s a smaller condenser mic, so it is really easy to handle. The USB cable is directly attached to the bottom of the mic.
I don’t really like the attached cable design, and it makes this feel like a cheap mic. But if you don’t have any audio experience, this keeps things simple, and you don’t need to worry about which cable to use.
Construction/Durability
I haven’t been using the Tonor TC-777 quite long enough to comment much about its durability, but my guess is that this thing is not built very tough. The outer body is made of plastic, so you’ll want to ensure you don’t drop and crack it.
But even though it’s made from some cheaper materials, it still looks like it is well-engineered. I’m sure this helps keep the cost down, so it’s not a big deal if you just need the mic for talking or streaming.
All of the extras seem to be well-made as well. The shock mount works effectively and holds the mic in place. And the attached windscreen moves around on its arm as it should. I’m impressed with both of those.
Value
The TC-777 is definitely a good value. Even though this is not a professional mic, it’s not priced anywhere near one, either. Like I said earlier, the shock mount, windscreen, and pop filter alone are nearly worth this mic’s cost.
If you want a mic that will give you better audio quality than your built-in mics on a computer, this can work really well. It’s cheap, easy to use, and effective if you only have basic needs and are on a budget.
FAQs
Here are a few short answers to some of the most commonly asked questions related to the Tonor TC-777.
Is the Tonor TC-777 compatible with Xbox?
The Tonor TC-777 is not compatible with the Xbox. It can work for PS4 with its USB cable, but this isn’t an option on Xbox. You can get an adapter cord that will allow you to use this microphone with an Xbox.
What is the frequency response of the Tonor TC-777?
The frequency response of the Tonor TC-777 is 100Hz to 16kHz. That’s a standard range for most vocal applications, but it’s relatively short on the low end and not a good option for picking up lower-speaking voices.
How can I make my Tonor TC-777 louder?
USB-style microphones can be pretty quiet compared to standard recording mics. You can use a Digital Audio Workstation or other types of audio recording app to increase the line-level DBs of the mic. There is no direct volume control on the mic itself.
Why is my Tonor TC-777 not working?
After you plug in your Tonor TC-777 to your computer, you need to ensure that it recognizes the mic as an audio input device. Go to the audio settings to double-check this is set up. You also might need to unplug the mic and restart your computer for things to work.
Final Thoughts
The Tonor TC-777 is not a mic I’d usually have in my lineup because it’s not a good option for recording music. But it’s a very affordable and easy-to-use option that can work well for anyone with basic audio needs who’s not as picky as I am.
That said, I don’t recommend this one for any sort of musical recording. It’s just not a good enough mic to give you anywhere near professional-level results. For streaming and video calls, it can work out just fine.
What do you think about USB-style microphones? Let me know in the comments below.
