CAD M179 vs Studio Projects B3

[simpleybass]

Well, it's another comparision....Which is better?

CAD M179 ($199)
Studio Projects B3 ($159)

Obviously, both mics have Variable Polar Patterns -- Cardioid, Figure 8, Omnidirectional, and that's why I'm comparing them.

The mic would be used primarily as a room mic for vocals and acoustic instruments (omni pattern). Sometimes it would be used for individual voices or acoustic instuments (cardioid pattern).

By the way... Would the SB B3 set to cardioid sound exactly the same as the SP B1?

Thanks!

[kid klash]

I use an SP B3 in an M-S configuration with an SP B1 and have had excellent results. IMO, the B3 in the cardioid setting sounds similar to the B1; not exactly, but very close.

PMI Audio has some B stock SP B3's for $110 each (includes free shipping) , by the way.

[h1pst3r88]

I saw that too...nice deal. I would have bought that rather than the GT55 I have (paid $150) in order to have the multi-polars.

h1pst3r

Originally Posted by kid klash

I use an SP B3 in an M-S configuration with an SP B1 and have had excellent results. IMO, the B3 in the cardioid setting sounds similar to the B1; not exactly, but very close.

PMI Audio has some B stock SP B3's for $110 each (includes free shipping) , by the way.

[Whoopysnorp]

I think the CAD mic is going to have a less exaggerated high end than the SP mic, and between those I'd pretty much automatically pick the CAD. I have the M-37, which is the Musician's Friend version of the M-177 (which is the cardioid-only version of the M-179). It's a really versatile mic, with no particular coloration on it, so it works on practically anything. It's great on guitar cabs in conjunction with a dynamic mic, it's wonderful on floor toms, and it's perfectly fine for vocals as well. The only SP mic I've used was somebody else's C3 in a session once, and then just to do some vocals with, and it was a cool mic, but I'd trust the CAD a bit more.

Plus, their stuff is American-made so you don't have to feel guilty about buying Chinese.

[sdelsolray]

Originally Posted by Whoopysnorp

Plus, [CAD's] stuff is American-made so you don't have to feel guilty about buying Chinese.

I don't know if that's true anymore. CAD used to make and manufacture the VX2 and VSM tube mics in Ohio (including manufacturing the capsules). I think the parts and components for the rest of the product line is mostly of Chinese manufacture (including all capsules). I've heard there still might be some American assembly. Dunno though.

[Whoopysnorp]

Originally Posted by sdelsolray

I don't know if that's true anymore. CAD used to make and manufacture the VX2 and VSM tube mics in Ohio (including manufacturing the capsules). I think the parts and components for the rest of the product line is mostly of Chinese manufacture (including all capsules). I've heard there still might be some American assembly. Dunno though.

I'm pretty sure I read a review of the M179 saying that it was made in Ohio with an American capsule.

[Paj]

I have a pair of both and have compared them (simultaneously, near-identical placement, configuration and signal-path). I'd say the B3 has a higher timbre and more detail for distance miking (than a m179 or an SP-B1) but the M179 is not at a loss for detail at close/medium distances. The M179 might be a little more complicated to use on one hand---on the other hand, it's should be more flexible (that "continuously variable" feature). I'm not going to be much help---I like them both. I like the CAD on a Taylor and reeds, and the SP on a Martin. In the end I'd have to say that the B3 has a brighter sound than the M179. They both sit well in a mix. I think placement plays a more important part between these two mikes than their individual differences.

Paj
8^)

[simpleybass]

Thanks for the feedback.

Paj... your comments about mic distance were helpful. It sounds like the SPB3 would be a better choice as a room mic for us. We would have various acoustic string instruments and vocalists standing three to eight feet away. Mostly bluegrass.

Also, since neither is vastly superior, the B3 is more attractive because it's less expensive.

Anyone else's comments about why they prefer one or the other would be greatly appreciated. Especially because the M179 got more votes... why....?

[sdelsolray]

Originally Posted by Whoopysnorp

I'm pretty sure I read a review of the M179 saying that it was made in Ohio with an American capsule.

Spoke with Duane Gregg at CAD. Nope. None of the current product line's capsules are American made. I confirmed what I said above. The VX2 and VSM capsules (Optema 125 and 110 capsules) were designed and manufactued in the USA. Duane did say that much of the current product line was designed in Ohio. CAD's stuff is not off the shelf Chinese. However, most components of the current product line are of Chinese origin. There is some American assembly, and testing.

[Whoopysnorp]

Originally Posted by sdelsolray

Spoke with Duane Gregg at CAD. Nope. None of the current product line's capsules are American made. I confirmed what I said above. The VX2 and VSM capsules (Optema 125 and 110 capsules) were designed and manufactued in the USA. Duane did say that much of the current product line was designed in Ohio. CAD's stuff is not off the shelf Chinese. However, most components of the current product line are of Chinese origin. There is some American assembly, and testing.

Ah hell. Oh well, that's not why I bought the mic anyway.

[sdelsolray]

I have a VX2 and it's a great mic. True sleeper. The other's I've tried (M9, M179 and VSM) are are excellent too.

[Robert D]

Originally Posted by sdelsolray

Spoke with Duane Gregg at CAD. Nope. None of the current product line's capsules are American made. I confirmed what I said above. The VX2 and VSM capsules (Optema 125 and 110 capsules) were designed and manufactued in the USA. Duane did say that much of the current product line was designed in Ohio. CAD's stuff is not off the shelf Chinese. However, most components of the current product line are of Chinese origin. There is some American assembly, and testing.

I work in the electronics industry, and I'm a big opponent of all the offshoring that's going on in this, and many other industries. While it would be great if CAD mic's were made with all american manufactured components, that's just not a realistic expectation anymore (not saying it's your expectation). That genie is so far out of the bottle that it's really a great thing if something is assembled here in the USA. Of course, this is an international community on this board, and I'm not an isolationist. I'm just very alarmed at the shrinking middle class in my country for the gain of the few rich, and the exploitation of the very poor abroad.

-RD

[kid klash]

Just a side note :

Someone gave me a negative rep because I suggested Studio Projects products in this thread... the comment from whoever gave me the negative rep was "studio projects sucks"... that's quite an insightful reason.

[homestudioguy]

Sorry to hear that KS!
Just because someone doesnt like a product, you suffer?
I really like Bach Stradivarius Trombones.
Wonder if I'll get a red noogie for that?
I think George Bush is being fed wrong information by his advsiory folks.
Wonder if I'll get a red noogie for that?
I think Studio Projects Mics provide a new color to the recording pallete!
Wonder if I'll get a red noogie for that?
BG/HSG

[h1pst3r88]

I'm just learning about this rep / negative rep thing...but that sucks!

h1pst3r