Freq Response on Mics

  • Thread starter Thread starter TexRoadkill
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TexRoadkill

TexRoadkill

Audio Bum
Hey guys, I've been doing audio work forever but I'm new to studio mics. I've noticed a lot of condensors only go up to about 16-18khz. Do the mics that go up to 20khz have the hyped high end that everyone hates?

I may be oversimplifying things here but I would think you would miss that extra high end on most acoustic instruments. Vocals would be fine within that range.

I guess I have a hard time paying good money for a mic that doesnt cover the entire freq range.

Any thoughts on this subject?
 
Believe me, I am no expert, but I do have a few thoughts. First, I think that the hyped high end you've read about is generally a boost in the 5-10k register rather that the 16-20k area. Thats where the edge/brightness/presence is. If you look at a frequency graph of an AT 4033, for instance, you'll see it there. When you get up to 20K and beyond, you're really only talking about very high harmonics, but its the stuff that can give an airyness to a sound.

Two mics come to mind. The MXL 603 has high end that extends to 25k. The MXL V-93 extends up to 23k and actually rises starting at about 20k. In the 5-10k range, both mics are pretty flat though and don't have that hyped high built in. While I have not heard the 603, I have heard the V93 and it is not edgy at all.

The Shure 57 and 58 both have a presence peak at about 5k, which adds cut for live use.

That 16k--20K may just capture subtle upper harmonics, but I think thats a good thing for acoustic instruments and cymbals. I'd go for a full frequency response mic if I had the choice. I always look at the frequency graph to get an idea of what to expect from a mic. Although there are many other factors than that, it will tell you if a mic has presence bumps, early high end roll-off or low end rolloff. etc. Thats about as much as I know...
 
It's interesting that everyone seems to hate that high-freq. bump, yet in most books I read about mixing, you can usually find the authors suggesting an eq boost in that very same 12 khz on vocals during mixdown to help them "cut through."

It seems to me that some of these mic manufacturers are merely trying to make our lives easier by eliminating one extra step for us. Still, I think it's possible that some manufacturers do a good job on the bump, while others only make things sound shrilly and harsh.
 
Man, is there anything mic function related that isn't covered in that thread?
 
Thanks for the input guys. Anybody feel like condensing the prolific mic thread down to the nitty gritty? Not just for me but it would make a great FAQ/Tutorial.

I've read most of it but dont recall the part about Freq response. I'll check it out again.

Anybody prefer mics without the extra high end?
 
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