Harvey, a question about mic comparison techniques.......

[ausrock]

Assuming I have two LD condensers I wish to compare......, that I wish to have the mics as close as possible to each other, each one running into a channel on my desk and to individual tracks on my recorder so they are recording the same voice similtaneously..............how far from the mics to vocalist would be considered a fair distance to give a reasonably balanced result?

I guess this could be asked if one was using an acoustic guitar rather than vocals as well, and I realise there may be numerous little variables to take into account, so any comments and advice are welcome.

With all the interest in the plethora of LD mics out there, this seems to be one aspect that I haven't noticed discussion on here.

 

[Harvey Gerst]

I'd try several different things if you don't normally do a lot of mic comparisons:

First make sure the levels are matched as closely as possible. You can reverse the phase on one of the mics for a minute and adjust the level for the deepest possible null. I try to always test any mic against a mic I already know the sound of.

Try speaking softly right up on the mic, lips almost touching the unit. First one, than the other. Try not to cause popping, but notice if one mic seems more prone to popping. Notice the type and amount of proximity effect with each mic; is one more pleasing than the other? Does the proximity effect add a nice resonance to your voice, or does it make it sound muddy? Try singing/speaking into the mic from different angles. How much does the sound change with different angles?

Try jingling your keys right in front of the mic. Can you hear any distortion? Keys produce a tremendous amount of high frequency energy.

Move back about 18" or so from the mics and try singing again. You're out of the proximity range and you're now hearing the mic's normal response. Listen for any high frequency edginess or very overly-detailed high end - usually a sign of high end peaks. A great mic will produce a sheen, nicely detailed without being too bright. Move to one side while singing then the other side. How much does the sound change?

Move back 3 to 4' and again sing/talk. Can you hear any funny room resonances in either of the mics? Does either mic exagerate the room resonances? Try different angles again. Try miking an instrument from different locations.

Finally, make mental or written notes about what you're hearing. Can you think of places where the sound of one or the other mic would be valuable to you?

Put the tape away for a few days, then listen to the tracks again and see if your opinion has changed.

 

[tubedude]

Hey Harvey,
Just wondering if you ever got to try out that new Marshall tube mic that he was going to send you. Quite interested in the quality of that mic. You nearly have me convinced to buy their other tube mic, and I just might yet.
Hope you are well,
Peace,
Paul

 

[ausrock]

Harvey,

Thanks for the reply.............another bit of info to print out and put in the Harvey Gerst folder. Much appreciated.