C1 & C3

[jgourd]

I have 1 C1 and 2 C3s. I typically use the C3s in omni mode when doing room recordings. I have not done any serious testing but it sounds like the C3s do not sound as good as the C1.

What I really need to do is run a test of the ECM-8000 against the C3 in omni mode

 

[Azimuth]

Yes, please do, I'm expecting a pair of ECM8000s this week and was planning on ordering a pair of C3s as well in the near future. What do you mean by not sounding as good? Have you compared the C1 and C3 as vocal mics?

 

[jgourd]

No, I have not compared them as vocal mics. Alas, I do not sing and when I have a vocalist in house I don't have time to fart around with different mics.

 

[alanhyatt]

jgourd


Your ears may prefer the C3, but the C3 is a better mic. It is smoother and silkier in the mids and top end. The only real issue is that the C1 is much hotter than the C3, so you have to level match properly when using the C3's. If you apply proper gain, the C3 shines. It is obvious on our Sessions CD, and in seveal upper end studios that have given me feedback as well.

We have had a few customers claim the C1 was better, but I expect that would happen as so many people hear differently, and who am I to tell them or you what you hear. All I can tell you is what I know about the C3 vs the C1.

Alan Hyatt
PMI Audio Group

 

[wes480]

true...true..

C3 through the Neve is the best sounding setup on the CD, imo. The t3 has a much different sound...somehow a bit thinner to my ears. Of course, thats only based off of the cd, havn't had a chance to actually record/play with them yet.

 

[h kuhn]

alan
how close does the c3 come to the 414 (i guess they are somewhat similar sounding, from all the comments i hear)? And are the front and back lobe of the fig of 8 pattern similar enough in sound to use it for M+S?
Harald

 

[alanhyatt]

alan
how close does the c3 come to the 414 (i guess they are somewhat similar sounding, from all the comments i hear)? And are the front and back lobe of the fig of 8 pattern similar enough in sound to use it for M+S?
Harald

Well, you are asking for my opinion, so just remember...it is only my opinion. Its different. The C3 has better low end so it sounds fuller. I like the mid range on the C3 better as well. It is much silkier. I have stated publically that I am not a great fan of the newer 414's...I love the older 414E versions much better, but that does not make the 414 bad. It just is not a mike I go to first unless I really have to brighten a huge dreadnought up or something similar.

The figure eight is excellent on the C3, and the lobe is dead on, so yes, I have used it that way several times. So you know, this response was from me as an engineer, not a manufacturer.

Alan Hyatt