Microphones and Capitalism

wheelema

wheelema

Boner-obo
I'm a somewhat eclectic kind of guy... I stick my nose in to all kinds of things. One of the areas is retail consumer electronics. Now, I know you chaps are focused on sound, but these guys are focused on profit, and I learned that a lot of guys who sold CE got out of the business because all the profit was sucked out of their big money maker.... TVs.

Guess what they got into?

Kitchen Cabinets.

Tons of money in Kitchen Cabinets.

And mics?

What IS it with microphones. Is the market so damn small (compared to, say, vacuums or some such thing that everyone buys) that you can get away with selling $5,000 mics? Are the studios so flush with cash they don't care? ... Actually, that's a stupid question, I know how they spend money from three years of experience... I just can't believe (yes, I have some experience with electronics from eons ago) that a boatload of money goes into materials and labor. I mean, the Chinese government mic manufacturer's web site (I forget the URL) sells their top-of-line large condensor for $1K. A thousand US!!. I WILL BET THE DAMN THING DOESN'T COST THEM OVER $50 OUT THE DOOR.

Rant rant rant!

Yeah, this is capitalism. What did you expect, stupid? For them to sell for less than they have to? Grow up.

I agree, but I can still complain can't I? It does help evacuate my spleen.

I'll give you an example of capitalism. Liz I-Cannot-Name-The-Whole-Name-Because-Lawyers-Exist eyewear. Go to your local Nordstrom, your local Sunglass Hut. Price a pair. While your juggling them in your hand remind your self of this FACT.

That frame cost no more than 200 pennies.

It's that disparity that funds the Beverly Hills lifestyle, Mercedes-Benz's profit statement, and hotel development in Cancun.

...Jeez, you'd think I was a socialist.

From what I learned Mr. Hyatt and Studio Projects may well be the best thing to happen to the world of mics since Alva Edison. Reign in the insanity don't ya know.

So, where am I going with all of this? Damned if I know. I just felt like venting.

Apologies.
 
Let me guess....Hmmmm...sounds like a case of the "I saw the perfect mic and can't afford it blues."

This disease is usually preceeded by a trip to the local Mars music store, where you have been ignored for about three hours by their courteous and friendly staff.

I hope that this vent helped. Please know that you are not really alone in your frustrations.
 
wheelema said:

sells their top-of-line large condensor for $1K. A thousand US!!. I WILL BET THE DAMN THING DOESN'T COST THEM OVER $50 OUT THE DOOR.
Click to expand...

the problem is not to build a condensor mic for 50 US$, what makes it expensive is to build a couple of thousands that all sound the same . I once read that Neumann throws away about 40 capsules to get one that meets their specks.
I had the opportunity to compare the highly praised nt1000 and ntk against an AKG 414. I think the 414 is worth every penny, and believe me, before that test I really wanted to buy the NTK (which costs half of the 414).
ANd BTW: PLease stop about ranting about "these chinese mic manufactures". Many US american companies have their goods manufatured down here in Mexico. Have you ever seen a mexican factory from far? I think you wouldn't like too much what you see. I would guess that an sm57 made in mexico costs shure about 5$ (a factory worker might earn about 10-15$ a day), while sellig it for 75$ in the states and about 150$ in mexico. This is called "NAFTA". You don't have to look to china for social unjustice.
 
Social injustice? Oh heavens. I am not a ugly Canadian lesbian professor trashing the United States while lapping up the luxury it provides. I benefit from keeping the underclass down as much as the next Ugly American and happy to admit it. The comment re: China was that so much of what I have read seems to be by columnists who are of the opinion that if it comes from China then the design has been Ripped Off from God Fearing Americans Who Deserve Better.

Patent infringment is one thing. I was ranting against (perceived) consumer rape by mic manufacturers. Which the communist Chinese government is one of.

I like to rant. It gets the blood going and promotes health. See? Don't YOU feel better?
 
This BBS is an exchange of information, not ranting wheelema.

Go out and find what your looking for, it aint here.

You like to talk around a point but never come to any conclusion, if you don't have one.. well.

There are bbs's more suited for you.

But then again, you might feel at home here.

But, please get to the point.

Your 'lesbian Canadian professor' comment makes you look like a moron to me (maybe only me).

Outside of that....

This doesn't belong in the mic forum, too bad there is no active moderator of the mic forum to delete this crap.
 
True, I did deviate from my purpose. Look to recent social events to understand the Canadian professor reference... the sexual preference was to help clarify who I was referring to.

And I did learn something. Having to throw away 40 condensors to get one good one would sure drive the price up and helps me rationalize why some mics cost so much.

Maybe you can help me understand also, which is what I was looking for, not condemnation.
 
old topic.

Buy Austrian, Buy German, Buy Chinese just BUY.

But whatever you do... don't listen.
 
This is such a skewed post on so many different levels, I don't even know where to begin to point out the absurdities, but let's try this for starters - you said,

"I'll give you an example of capitalism. Liz I-Cannot-Name-The-Whole-Name-Because-Lawyers-Exist eyewear. Go to your local Nordstrom, your local Sunglass Hut. Price a pair. While your juggling them in your hand remind your self of this FACT.

That frame cost no more than 200 pennies."

Ok, let's say your numbers are right, 2 bucks their cost for the frames. Let's you and me go into business. You design some cool looking frames. I'll supply $200 so you can make a 100 pair to start. When you get them made (for $2 each; which I'm paying for up front), I'll buy all 100 pair from you for $400. You don't hafta put up a cent, and you'll pocket a cool $400 as profit.

Sounds pretty easy doesn't it?

Oh wait, these frames are injection molded, so somebody's gonna hafta fork over about $15,000 for the molds. That would be you? Oh and how many pair will you have to guarantee to purchase from the injection molding company, to get down to that 200 pennies each price? Hell, buy our own injection molding machine - another $100,000.

We gonna put em in an old paper bag and ship them out, or a fancy case? Maybe we better advertise, huh? Playboy maybe, at about $20,000 for a 1/2 page ad?

I betcha can't buy them for $2 each, unless you fork over some serious upfront money.

BTW, know what the chemicals in Einstein's were worth? $1.98. Geez, what a ripoff, making him sound so cool and all. He was only worth $1.98, period.
 
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wheelema said:
who are of the opinion that if it comes from China then the design has been Ripped Off from God Fearing Americans Who Deserve Better.

Patent infringment is one thing. I was ranting against (perceived) consumer rape by mic manufacturers. Which the communist Chinese government is one of.
Click to expand...

It's actually GERMAN and AUSTRIAN mic manufacturares they are copying.

I like to rant. It gets the blood going and promotes health. See? Don't YOU feel better? [/QUOTE]

I prefer pumping iron
or making music

I'm outa here...
 
wheelema said:
From what I learned Mr. Hyatt and Studio Projects may well be the best thing to happen to the world of mics since Alva Edison.
Click to expand...

Hmmmm...me and Alva. I like that :D

Thanks for the pat on the back.

Alan Hyatt
PMI Audio Group
 
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