sp b1 pair or mxl 603s pair

[travelin travis]

just curious on. will be used for acoustic guitar and maybe drum overheads. has anyone owned both?

[hawk]

I haven't tried the SP B1, but I'd recomend the Octava MK012 over the MXL603s for acoustic and overheads. They're a tad quieter, and a bit more detailed. Just my 2c though...

[WERNER 1]

Good thread! I was almost ready to pull the trigger on a pair of 603s's, but I engaged the safety at the last minute.........still gathering info.

Ok, everybody hurry up and post some info.............and some clips!!

[tryptophan]

def. the studio projects. also check out the sp c1 for a very affordable and smooth sounding vocal mic. here are some basic statistics:

Type: Pressure gradient solid state condenser microphone
Polar pattern: Cardioid.
Frequency response: 20~20000Hz.
Maximum SPL: 142dB SPL for 1% THD @1000Hz(0dB SPL=0.00002Pa).
Noise: (Line): 27dB (A weighted)---17dB.
S/N: 77dB.
Circuit: Discrete FET balanced symmetrical output.
Connector: Gold-plated 3-pin XLR
Size: dia: 2.1" length: 8.9"
Weight: 26.9oz
Pad: -10dB
Low cut : 6dB/Octave at 150 Hz.

try it out and see for yourself.

[WERNER 1]

I've actually got a B3 and a C1.....I was maybe looking for something a bit off of "my" beaten path....like a couple of modded 603s's. ???

[Treeline]

I have a pair of each. They are very different, but both designs are versatile and good places to begin. The B1 is a large diaphragm design useful for its versatility. It's a decent neutral mic that can handle pretty hard SPL without major complaint. I use it for vocals, guitars, group acoustic, all that stuff. It miced some pretty hairy tube guitar amps at Jamfest5 for FOH without incident. At the price its killer.

The 603s are wonderful small diaphragm mics, if perhaps a bit hot in the high end. They also do well on a dreadnaught guitar and I've even used them for vocals in a pinch. They are quite wind sensitive and can be destroyed with a head on sneeze or a bang. Use decent shock mounts and keep them away from people who might think they're looking at an SM57, which can double as a small hammer. Fragile little suckers, but I love 'em. Again, it's definitely a "bang for the buck" issue.

A combination of these two mics can do wonders for an acoustic instrument without breaking the bank.

[dr.colossus]

I haven't tried the 603's but I do have the 990 (same capsule, but apparantlry they sound completely different). I prefer the 990 over the B1 as a drum over head, I find the B1 a little too uncoloured in this application, and I just find the kit sits better in the mix with the 990. I use the B1 on bass amp and guitar amp. I haven't really had to record accoustic guitar but I think I would prefer the B1 to the 990.

[Supercreep]

I've got both, and have used them both for OH. "What you were meant to be" was recorded with B1s. I think I like them better, as they are a little more neutral and natural sounding than the 603s - which aren't harsh like the c1000s, but definitely have a souped up high end coloration. On the right cymbals I might go to the 603s but for my Zildjian As I'm using the B1s now as a rule.

[XLR]

Haven't owned both but have a 603 pair and have heard a number of things done with the B1. Since they're contrasting mic's, if it were me I'd buy one 603 and one B1, try them on a few guitars in various positions and over a drumset, then buy a 2nd of whichever mic worked better for me. I'd keep the single "loser" mic to have more colors available for multi-mic'ing guitars since A-B close mic'ing (14th fret/bridge) is often better with contrasting mic's.

Tim

[travelin travis]

Originally Posted by Timothy Lawler

Haven't owned both but have a 603 pair and have heard a number of things done with the B1. Since they're contrasting mic's, if it were me I'd buy one 603 and one B1, try them on a few guitars in various positions and over a drumset, then buy a 2nd of whichever mic worked better for me. I'd keep the single "loser" mic to have more colors available for multi-mic'ing guitars since A-B close mic'ing (14th fret/bridge) is often better with contrasting mic's.

Tim

that's a good idea.

[mrface2112]

I have a single B1 and a pair of 603's. As Treeline indicated, they're COMPLETELY different mics. The B1 is neutral with the 603's being a bit "sizzly" in the high-end.

of course, which mic to use will depend on the guitar you're recording, the acoustics of the room and the sound you want in the mix.

i love the 603's on my martin D15, which is a mellow sounding guitar--they impart a sheen which just sounds lovely. i don't like them on my buddy's martin HD28V, which is nothing short of a cannon. i liked the B1 better on it, but in the end i usually reach for my BLUE Dragonfly when i'm recording it (and usually couple it with a V67 of all things).

the 603s, in my room, are a bit "brittle" as OH's--that high end clashes with my cymbals and room. The B1 doesn't excite me much at all as an OH--it's just too "neutral" sounding (which could be a good thing in some circumstances). I tend to use my V67 as an OH on my drums (pearl exports) and cymbals (zildjian a's and k's/customs, wuhan chinas).

i would do what Tim said--see if you can get a pair of each on "loaner" (buy and return maybe) and keep the ones that work best for you, on your guitar, in your room. chances are that the oktava mk-012's might be a better fit. you never know til you try.

in the end, i can't imagine you not wanting a pair of each.


cheers,
wade

[Supercreep]

Originally Posted by mrface2112

in the end, i can't imagine you not wanting a pair of each.

QFT (ten characters)

[TamaSabian]

Originally Posted by mrface2112

in the end, i can't imagine you not wanting a pair of each.
cheers,
wade

That´s what I want now!!!.
I have a 603 pair......