How valid are a/b comparisons?

  • Thread starter Thread starter philboyd studge
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philboyd studge

philboyd studge

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I wonder sometimes. In the case of two very similar mics in the same price range it makes sense. But so many of the treads I've seen ask: 'what's the best vocal mic for $200' or 'what will make my guitar sound like it should'. That's not an easy answer.

I've been a home recording enthusiast since 1969 (Roberts 770X) and progressed through a number of multi track situations since, but only recently tried to make things sound better. What I'm finding out is that the mic I use for a paticular track has more to do with the song and the instrument and where I want it to end up in the mix than it does with weather mic A sounds 'better' than mic B.

In my humble home studio I have the following mics in order of use: Studio Projects C-1, Oktava MC 012 (2), Oktava MC 219, AKG C1000s, EV BK-1, Beta 57, 57's (2). In direct comparisons the C-1 always wins, but it's not always the best choice. Again, thinking of the final mix, I might want something full but darker and go with the 219 instead. Then on the next song with the same instrument go back to the C-1. I'm starting to think one can't have too many mics.

I'm hoping a few of the aces I've seen on this forum might chime in on this.
 
No, you don't have too many mics. Mics are like crayons, each one a different color. You use the color you think works best in a given situation and in another you grab a different color. I have to admit though, it's a son of a bitch trying to re-sharpen an 012 in that little bitty sharpener that comes on the box. And a 319, forgetaboutit.
:D
 
Track Rat,
Thanks for the comments, so, given my group of mics and the price range I'm in what else is out there that sounds different?

I've yet to get a sound out of my dobro or classical guitars, all the other instruments come out pretty well and for vocals I'm happy with the C-1.
 
If you're happy with your vocal sound you might want to look at some more small diaphram condensors or even a ribbon mic for your dobro. That's a complex instrument to capture, that's for sure. Granted, some cool ribbon mics (ala Royer, Coles) might be a little too expensive being in the $1000 range, something like a Beyer M-160 or M-260 can be had for half that. In condensors, Shure SM-81 or an AT4033 or any of the 40 series mics by Audio Technica or Some Earthworks omnis might be worth your consideration, IMHO. Which reminds me, do you have the omni capsules for your 012's?
 
No omni capsules for the 012's. I have been thinking about a ribbon mic and that guy who 'modifies' Oktavas sells one but I think it's used. I think they were 3 or 4 hundred, and might make a nice addition, even for some vocals. Plus it looks like the grill of an old Russian parade car. For now, I'm using the 219 on the dobro and autoharp, everything elso is too bright and the pick noise is unacceptable.
 
I believe your refering to Taylor Johnson at the Sound Room. He doesn't modify the mics, just a higher level of screening out the lemons. They have the ML-19 but I have no experience with it. I read about a new Octava condensor/ ribbon hybrid that's out now too. Give Taylor a call and I'm sure he'd be happy to fill you in on all the Octavas. He's a real nice guy.
http://www.oktava.com/
 
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Thanks Track Rat, I'll check it out after the holidays. Seems like there's quite a tiff between Mr. Johnson and the English distributor, of which I've got no opinion. I got my MC 012's from GC after going through the 27 they had. Some were definite returns and a few were even dented.
 
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