B1 or a B3

[Dr_Sbaitso]

I've already got a Studio Projects B1, and was thinking of getting another one because its a fairly useful mic to have around, and was thinking it would be good to have a pair to be able to use for stereo and overheads. But I was also thinking of getting a B3.the B3 is more expensive, but I would really like those extra options that multi pattern mikes make available. I was wondering would a B3 in cardiod mode be similar enough to a B1 to make it useable as an overhead with my existing B1? or would it be too different to bother?

thanks,
Dr_S.

 

[Bob Keelan]

I would say it depends on how critical having an exact match for stereo is to your recordings. I would say get the B3 now, use it with your current B1 for stereo, and pick up a 2nd B1 whenever you got a spare $80 lying around. Even then, your B1's won't necessarily be a 'matched pair'.

good luck,

bob

 

[Harvey Gerst]

There are really only two people qualified to answer your question. One is Alan Hyatt; the other is Brent Casey.

 

[DJL]

I've already got a Studio Projects B1, and was thinking of getting another one because its a fairly useful mic to have around, and was thinking it would be good to have a pair to be able to use for stereo and overheads. But I was also thinking of getting a B3.the B3 is more expensive, but I would really like those extra options that multi pattern mikes make available. I was wondering would a B3 in cardiod mode be similar enough to a B1 to make it useable as an overhead with my existing B1? or would it be too different to bother?

thanks,
Dr_S.

I may not be qualified to answer your question, but the B1 and the cardiod setting on the B3 sound different IMO, so my answer is no.

To match the Studio Projects B1 mic that you already have, all you do is look on the box or manual for a colored dot (red, green, or black) and order another B1 with the same color of dot. Alan Hyatt was thinking ahead, and has made matching Studio Projects microphones as easy as matching colored dots.

 

[ozraves]

Bumpola!

I'm wondering how Alan or Brent would reply to this.

 

[Brent Casey]

Bumpola!

I'm wondering how Alan or Brent would reply to this.

Ah yes. Well!...WHOOPS! THUMP! Ding! reebreebreeb! BAAAAAA!
heh.
Was over at me bench. Working on a B1 as a matter of fact.
As far as hoping to use the B1 and the B3 as a somewhat matching stereo pair: no. The B1 is not a cardioid-only B3, nor is the B3 a multipattern B1 with a pad and filter added. The circuits are quite different and the capsules treat off-axis sounds differently. The B3 off-axis is a little more phase-accurate, though the B1 is shown to have a slightly tighter pattern. Bottom line though, your room and your source will sound differently depending on which mic you're using. Also, note that the B1 also has a lower self-noise than the B3. It's what's known as "a damn quiet mic". Put it up next to your über silent Røde and give it a listen. You may be ASTONISHED! AMAZED! uhh...EEPAPAPEE!
Anyway, my recommendation would be to pick up another B1 (thank you) if a stereo pair is indeed what you are after.

Regards,

Brent Casey
Studio Projects Microphones
877-563-6335

 

[Sklathill]

Though I imagine a B1/B3 combo might make a good pair for M/S stereo?

 

[alanhyatt]

It could sound quite good....depends on what you are looking for, but if you want a match, then get the same mic. The B3 does behave differently than the B1.

Hello to all from the Musik Messe Show.... Germany is cold!

 

[Brent Casey]

Though I imagine a B1/B3 combo might make a good pair for M/S stereo?

Yes. A B1/B3 could make for a good cardioid Mid M/S combo.

Brent Casey
Studio Projects Microphones
877-563-6335