Which is better?

Edwin Oldfield · **Voice Talent** Joined: 19 Jul 2007 Posts: 64

I recently purchased a Shure KSM 27 and am comparing it to a M Audio Solaris I have, be interested to know what everyone thinks of the quality of the recordings in general. I can post longer versions.

Thanks, Ed

Chris Clementson · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 216

To be candid, I don't like either. The Shure is better than the Solaris, but I don't like the way the Shure colors the sibilants.

Bill Campbell · **Voice Talent** Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 106

I like the Shure much more than the Solaris. Both of the files
were clipping - you're recording at too high a level.

I'd like to hear a longer clip of the Shure without clipping.
That just shatters the high end.

Edwin Oldfield · **Voice Talent** Joined: 19 Jul 2007 Posts: 64

Thats interesting that the solaris comes out behind, I think it a great mic for music recording, it seems to get really good reviews, (I bought it sight unseen did not have a choice) but for VO it seems difficult.

Bill in regard to the volume, how do you get the volume up, by recording lower and then raising it. I always worry that when voice seekers get the files that if it is quiet you might just get looked over.
The reason I say it is because I notice that if I do record lower they seem to be quieter than other files I am hearing from other people. It may be I just overpowered on the Shure.

I will post a longer version tomorrow.

Chris Clementson · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 216

I looked at your file as well and there is clipping all right.

The trick is to record your tracks slightly low, say 9 dB below full scale, and then use any audio editor's "normalize" function to bring the level back up. The 9 dB of cushion is technically known as headroom.

9 dB is per EBU standards.

Bill Campbell · **Voice Talent** Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 106

Peaks from -6 to -3 are fine in the digital domain for voice only.

Edwin Oldfield · **Voice Talent** Joined: 19 Jul 2007 Posts: 64

So I have recorded at a lower level something like an average of 9 and then normalized at 3 db, maybe this is too much?

I have been normalizing but the Voice 123 site suggests normalizing to -3 before submitting.

Anyway I very much appreciate your advise Chris on the normalizing and your expert opinion Bill, it certainly sounds a thousand times better to me--what do you think now?.

The Shure sounds richer and clearer to me. The solaris seems to be so sensitive on mouth noise and a little more muddy. I did run the two of them through Adobe Audition click and pop removal just so you know not sure how this effects the sound.

John Weeks · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 186

Hi Edwin,
The Solaris mp3 played fine and did sound better than the 1st files you posted as far as the clipping goes, but I did hear some noise this time.
I couldn't get the Shure wav file to play at all.
Good Luck!
John

Edwin Oldfield · **Voice Talent** Joined: 19 Jul 2007 Posts: 64

Thanks John, Just changed it to mp3.

Ed

John Weeks · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 186

Between the two I like the Shure better. There is some noise (hum) under both samples, so it makes it a little difficult to compare.
Just my 2 cents worth!

Colin Campbell · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008, 23:15 (GMT) Post subject:

The KSM27 is a great mic, but may I suggest that you have other issues in your audio chain (hum.)

Edwin Oldfield · **Voice Talent** Joined: 19 Jul 2007 Posts: 64

Ok Hopefully I have got it. I know the solaris still has some hum but that was more from lack of time but I feel the shure test is about as a good recording as I have made. If it is good I will explain what I did. Also some clicks but I have learn t how to take care of that problem with treatment of the mouth.