B-1 is cheap is it really that good?

[Daniel Smart]

The multipattern versions are designed to have similar characteristics, but they will sound different 1 as they've got different electronics involved and an extra diaphragm in the capsule. Therefore even if you're not going to use the different patterns you should consider them side by side and see which you prefer.

My B3 doesn't sound as neutral as I've heard the B1 described - it's got a noticeable rise up top but not over-stated like the Cs. It still sounds very good on acoustic guitar and also sounds good on vocal (in fact as a vocal mic I think it's possibly a better all-rounder than the C1). The B1 may sound better on acoustic guitar (haven't tried it, so can't comment) but IMO the B3 is difficult to beat as your home-reccer's one all-purpose condenser. Of course if all you're doing with the mic is vocals, and one specific vocal at that then it other flavours may suit best and your best bet is to try as many as you can in the price range and see what suits you best.

The multipatterns on the B3 and C3 are omni, cardioid, and figure-8, and the other thing which they have over the 1 is a high-pass filter and -10db pad. Check out Harvey's big thread to understand why you'd want to use them.

Cheers,
Daniel

 

[Daniel Smart]

Or possibly a dynamic

You really need to consider the room acoustics and noise levels as well if you're going the LD condenser route. Many people starting out think that such a mic will give them a studio sound, but then they are disappointed because their room doesn't sound like a studio. Those large diaphragms are capable of picking up an awful lot - and if your room sucks it can spoil an otherwise good sound. Noise is also a big consideration - if your PC is just sitting there in the same room with it's fans going you're going to plug in that bad boy and wonder where the jet engine is. So, it really depends on your objectives - short and long term - and how much you're willing to look at the overall picture.

Sometimes it's worth remembering that you can get killer vocals with a nice dynamic mic. Different yes, but still good. Something like a Beta57 or Sennheisser evolution (e845 or e855) may in fact suit you much beter.

All the best with whatever you decide to go for,
Daniel

 

[Treeline]

Re: Or possibly a dynamic

...Those large diaphragms are capable of picking up an awful lot - and if your room sucks it can spoil an otherwise good sound. Noise is also a big consideration - if your PC is just sitting there in the same room with it's fans going you're going to plug in that bad boy and wonder where the jet engine is. ...

Boy, ain't that the truth! I tried out my B1 at a solo gig on the weekend, small place, lots of ambient noise. That was a mistake. I had a tape running and heard every single dropped dish out in the kitchen, audience chat, people walking by. I also had an SM57 on the guitar and ran separate tracks. It picked up stuff, too, but not nearly to the extent the condenser did. So now I know to avoid a condenser in noisy environments. Live and learn.

 

[DJL]

Yep - no drums (yet) and from the looks of the drum mic posts I've read, it will be a cold day below before I understand any of it! I'm an acoustic guitar / string band / voice type guy. I would like to learn the bluegrass band single mic trick, though...

<snip>

I don't think miking drums is really as hard as some would like others to believe, and when you get your kick and snare mic's, I think you'll find it's easier than you thought (if the room, kit, and dummer is good). As for the bluegrass stuff, they kind of mix themselves by moving up to or back from the mic(s) when it's their turn, again making it pretty easy to record. It's a lot of fun.