A new SP B1 or used B3?

[Sputnik10]

Hi Im totally new to this and want some good recordings for acoustic guitar and vocals. I have found a used SP B3 for 1 300 :- (Swedish) and then the new SP B1 cost 1000.

What is the difference between the two and what should I get?
Thanks!

 

[ozraves]

What other mics are available to you in that price range?

 

[DJL]

Does it have to be a B1 or B3?... because neither mic would be my first choice for acoustic guitar or vocals.

 

[baekgaard]

Hi Im totally new to this and want some good recordings for acoustic guitar and vocals. I have found a used SP B3 for 1 300 :- (Swedish) and then the new SP B1 cost 1000.

What is the difference between the two and what should I get?
Thanks!

To first answer your question: The B1 is one pickup pattern only, whereas the B3 has 3 patterns. They sound somewhat similar, but not identical, when set to the same pattern, cardoid.

As such, the B3 is probably a bit more versatile... but if you don't have a nice room to record in, most likely you will end up using mostly the cardoid pattern on the B3. Some claim they like the B1 better, some the B3. It all depends on the source. Can you try them out, and see how they are?

There are many other mics out there that may fit your bill, although I understand here in Scandinavia, the selection of cheaper mics is not that great. I would definitely not recommend any Behringer mics, so your only alternative to the B1 may be a Rode NT1A or something like that.

If you buy from the US, the selection is much larger and the prices way lower. In this price range, you could consider also Oktava 219/319 or the 012 for the guitar. Or a MXL v67g. Or you may even be more happy with a dynamic microphone for voice, such as the Shure SM57... depends on your style of music and voice/guitar and room, etc.

And if you look for used mics, maybe there would be other and better alternatives, albeit possibly a tad more expensive.

What preamps do you have, btw?


-- Per.

 

[Sputnik10]

I have a M-Audio Buddy to play with, and a Juli @ soundcard and it feels that my mic is the weak chain. I dont think I could try the B3 out so much but the B1 Im probably able to return If I dont like it.
I think my room is pretty bad since its an old appartment and very roomy.

I dont understand what the 3 settings the B3 could do for me, is it an advantage with in my room situation somehow? Also, shouldnt it be a better sound in the B3 since its almost twice the price?
Im always worried when buying used stuff, and I have no idea what to look for in its quality, maybe its an defect and wouldnt notice

Well I dont think I will look at the US market so the Rode mics is the alternative, are they any better?

 

[jeffree]

The B1 and B3 definitely sound different, as many many pro reviews have noted. The B1 seems to receive more positive reviews despite its lower price. Search for these reviews online--they're there because I found them myself a year ago.

J.

 

[ozraves]

I'd think there'd be more mics available to you than SP and Rode. Are there MXL, Audio-Technica, Shure?

 

[baekgaard]

I'd think there'd be more mics available to you than SP and Rode. Are there MXL, Audio-Technica, Shure?

Can't speak for Sweden, but most mics are way overpriced here in Scandinavia... 1000 SEK (USD 142) is a good price for a B1 here.

Just to give you a reference, an AKG C1000 is around USD 350, a KSM32SL is USD 1270, and so on... MXL and partly AT mics are difficult to find here; if anyone finds MXL mics here, please let me know ;-) In sweden, I've seen a MXL v67g for more than USD 300. A SP C1 is around USD 350...


-- Per.