Dueling Microphones

Dave DeAndrea · Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2008, 22:26 (GMT) Post subject: Dueling Microphones

I could really use some input from you pros on this. I'm considering getting a new mic and was able to borrow one to do an A/B test. Honestly, I'm not sure/ Can you take a listen and tell me if one or the other of these sounds better... or if they sound the same to you. (This is not a trick... they are actually different mics.) There's no compression or efffects applied... just voice. What do you think?

Lance Blair · Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2008, 23:09 (GMT) Post subject:

Is #2 a dynamic? I'd go with #1, but you'd better have a really quiet and well treated room for it.

I preferred #1 in my speakers, and #2 in my headphones. Smile

David Oxford · **Voice Talent** Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Posts: 505

I'm with Lance....I prefer #1. I did not listen through headphones - and I didn't listen through my studio monitors, as I'm not in the studio right now....just through some Altec Lansings w/sub. #1 stands out just a wee bit more to me.

David

Emmett Andrews · **Voice Talent** Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 132

I don't really like either one...It's not the mic though, it's your technique (no offense). It sounds like you need to give them some space. Maybe I'm wrong, but it sounds like you were pretty close to the element. The thing I notice most is a lot of mouth noise. At this moment, I prefer #1, but with different placement, #2 might win. #2 seems to have a slightly more "true" response, but also picks up a lot of rumble, which makes it sound a bit muffled. Maybe engage a high-pass filter on #2? Or just mess around with placement.

Not all, but MANY mics will react very differently, depending on how they were placed. Lower quality mics will have a very defined "sweet spot" and will sound like crap outside that hole. High quality mics often have a very large sweet spot...That allows you to distance and angle the mic to change the timbre without losing the intimacy and clarity of the sound. The room can play a huge role in this as well.

Initially, I say #1. I'd love to hear a sample with altered placement though. And if #2 has a low-cut/high-pass filter, I'd like to hear it engaged.

Emmett

Scott Pollak · Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2008, 12:45 (GMT) Post subject:

To me the difference is SO subtle as to not even merit changing mics if one of those is your current mic.

Through my speakers mic B seemed SLIGHTLY crisper, but with more background noise, but thru my Sony MDR-7506 cans I honestly couldn't tell ANY difference. And like Emmett, I heard a LOT of mouth noise.

But again, if the focus here is on mics, if one of those is your current mic, there's not nearly enough difference or improvement to merit changing over unless you just have money to burn. And if you DO, then I have some great beachfront property for sale..........

Wink

Dave DeAndrea · Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2008, 22:26 (GMT) Post subject:

Thanks for the input guys! Despite my lackluster rushed "test" delivery, you were able to save me a few bucks since the difference is so minimal. For those who want to know, Mic "A" is the mic I already use at my home studio... an Electrovoice RE-20. Mic "B" is an AKG C3000b. The AKG is what I use at work but it's also a lot warmer thanks the the Bellari dual tube mic preamp.

Thought I might try to snag an AKG since it was going for just $199.00, but I think I'll start saving for Scott's beachfront property instead... or better yet, start saving for VOICE 2009! Smile