Mic Shootout Site

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

Here is a link to a web site I run devoted to mic comparisons which might be of interest to y'all:

www.miclisteningroom.org

There are 62 mics at the moment including such old standbys as the RCA 44BX and 77DX, Shure SM7B, SM57 and SM58, E-V RE20, Sennheiser MD421, as well as the Heil Sound PR 20, PR 30 and PR 40 and more. I especially recommend this paper on the subject of mic gain:

http://www.miclisteningroom.org/gain.html

You need to be able to play back Ogg Vorbis or FLAC files (Winamp can do both).

Enjoy.

P.S. The voice is NOT mine!

Lance Blair · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008, 17:25 (GMT) Post subject:

Thanks Chris, this is a great resource, especially for dynamic mics. We share a anti-Neumann sentiment (they are one of the best, now it's largely just that it's what we're used to hearing - I'm not into following standards anyhow). We replaced the U87 in the studio I used to work at with an AT4060. The talents and clients were pleased.

You can also play vogg orbis easily through Audacity which is free if you're so inclined.

Thanks for the samples of the Heil Mics. I use a PR40 and haven't been able to hear a PR30 till now. I read that some people prefered the 30 for voices, and the crispness (which can trend towards sibilance) of the 40 for kick drums, guitar cabinets, etc. The PR30 definitely sounded more like the SM7b while the PR40 is like an RE27.
The PR30 might sound outstanding with the growl of a Great River preamp...hmmm...

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

Winamp is free but AFAIK there is no Mac/Linux version.

I don't like the PR 40 on voice. The highs are too harsh. The PR 30 is much better. The PR 30 you hear in the Listening Room was lent to me by a friend who is friend of Bob Heil, who gave him that mic to use for tracking a ham radio audio newsletter.

It is also interesting to hear that some dynamics have the warmth and smoothness of a ribbon mic. The PR 20 is one such mic. A PR 20 would not be as vulnerable to physical damage as a ribbon mic, a concern if you're going to travel with it and/or use it outside the studio.

Lance Blair · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008, 20:16 (GMT) Post subject:

The highs are harsh for close micing on a pr40, but I've started putting foam on the end...instant SM7b! (but still brighter). If you're singing or talking loudly into the pr40 from six inches or more away, I think the highs become more smooth.

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

Lance Blair · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008, 21:19 (GMT) Post subject:

The Heil has a higher output, and it definitely sounds different across the board. I just found that the foam made the highs more acceptable for close micing if needed.

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

Mitch Elliott · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008, 07:41 (GMT) Post subject: Many Thanks!

Chris:

I am finally building a studio in my home, and your mic comparisons have been incredibly helpful! Thanks!

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

Emmanuel Soussan · Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008, 12:53 (GMT) Post subject:

For me the winner is the MXL 990

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

There is a mod for the MXL 990 which involves changing three capacitors and which reportedly makes it sound nicer. It is recommended only if you are handy with a soldering iron. There is also the "paint mod" described elsewhere which simply involves unscrewing the two halves of the mic and sanding.