Marshall MXL-1006 or Studio Projects B1?

[NLAlston]

I just learned that these two mics are running neck & neck, pricewise ($79), and am trying to make a decision between the two.

Blessings,

Nate.

 

[Richard Monroe]

I can't speak to the Marshall mic, I've never heard one, but I can say B1 is a remarkable mic in its price range, and Studio Projects support and service is excellent. Note- MXL V67B is available in the same price range, and many here speak highly of it. My personal choice in that price range is definitely B-1.-Richie

 

[mrface2112]

B1

can't speak to the MXL, but i can say that i absolutely love my b1. got it for christmas and it does an excellent job of capturing my martin in all its radiant glory, and it does an accurate job on my voice too (not sure that's a good thing, really). ;-P

for $80 you really can't go wrong with this mic.

and yeah, the v67 comes highly recommended around these parts as well. it's on my list of mics to get sooner rather than later. between that and a c1, one of them has to be more flattering on my voice....hell, SOMETHING has to be. ;-)

hey, it's under $100 shipped.....go for it. or even better, order both from someone with a liberal return policy and check em both out in your space, through your gear, and return the one you don't like. i bet, though, that it won't be the b1.


peace,
wade

 

[ozraves]

I can't speak to the Marshall mic, I've never heard one, but I can say B1 is a remarkable mic in its price range, and Studio Projects support and service is excellent. Note- MXL V67B is available in the same price range, and many here speak highly of it. My personal choice in that price range is definitely B-1.-Richie

You've got experience with the AKG C414B/ULS and the B1. Do you have any opinions on the B1 and C414 comparisons being made?

--Steve
www.piemusic.com

 

[Richard Monroe]

I don't know if somebody out there is making comparisons, but I think the cardioid version of C414B-ULS and B1 are a little similar. Both are relatively accurate mics with a flattish response curve, The 414 not only is more versatile, it's pretty much the superior mic across the board, as its price would suggest. Oddly enough, I wouldn't use 414 as a vocal mic, at least for my voice, but B1 isn't too bad for some material. I think the 414 just zigs where my voice zags. For woodwinds, strings, acoustic guitar, or piano, the 414 is a whole lot better than B-1. The B-1, IMHO, is the best budget condenser out there, but the 414 is in a class with SM57. B-1 has a lot of track record establishing to do to buy its way into that club.-Richie

 

[MISTERQCUE]

Got it from Sam Ash 2 yrs ago @ $59, the C1006 is a decent 'denser! More than acceptable in mic'ing acoustics (we did a out door live mic-shoot-out with the 1006, an Oktava and AKG on 5 acoustic guitarists at JAMFEST 2001).
Prevalent in the mid freq'y's on vocs and on amp-mic'ing, I prefer a 2-3db cut on hi-freq's as the 1006 captures and "sweetens/colors" the upper range unneccessarily.

Overall, the 1006 is a average, middle-of-the-tobbaco-road condenser suitable for your most basic of mic'ing applications not
requiring pristine sound/signal captures. And at the price, it does make a decent addition to one's own mic-arsenal.

 

[NLAlston]

Well, I (as always) really appreciate everyone's input. I have finally decided on the Studio Projects B1, and just put in an order for it.

 

[Dot]

I'm the one making comparisons in similarities between the 414 and the SP B1/B3. I don't know that anyone else is yet. The two mics are similar in that they are fairly neutral and extremely versatile over a wide variety of applications. The 414 has a brighter top end. The B1/B3 will sound better on more people as a vocal mic than the 414 - although, the 10% or so of people who do sound good on a 414 sound amazing.

I am not belittling the 414. I've used them for 20 years, EB, B-ULS and TLII versions. The 414 is my single favorite large condenser mic. But I am saying if you're just starting to build a mic collection, that the B1 is a killer mic. I even recommend it as a first mic in a recent article, A step-by-step guide to building a mic cabinet.

The comparison of the 414, the 57 and the B1/B3 is that they are WORKHORSE mics - meaning you can use them for more applications than most other mics. The C1, for example, is a great vocal mic, good on amps and can be used on kick in a pinch. The C1 is a lousy mic for acoustic instruments, IMO.

Most mics you're lucky if you can use them for three or more applications. I haven't found an application yet where the B1 hasn't worked - although it might not work on kick and bass amp - but, who knows. I'll know this week.

I've also used the B1/B3 for live applications and it sounded great with no feedback problems on main vox and also a pair on a choral group.

Studio Applications:
Vocals: 414 - 10%, B1 - 75%, 57 - 10%
Acoustic gtr: 414, B1
Piano: 414, B1
OH's: 414, B1
Toms: 414, B1
Snare: 57, B1
Percussion: B1
Kick: N/A
Amps: Cone mic 57, Cab mic B1, 57
( 414 is usually not a first choice for amps, but works )
Stereo miking: 414, B1
Room mic: 414, B1
Bass: N/A
Brass: 414, B1
Woodwinds: 414, B1

My point is that you'll see the B1 listed as being a good mic for more applications than either the 414 or the 57. And that would make the B1/B3, arguably, one of the most versatile mics in the world. I think that's a pretty worthy accomplishment.

_____________

Dan Richards
Digital Pro Sound
The Listening Sessions

 

[Richard Monroe]

Frankly, DOT, I mostly agree with you. I have found AKG C2000B to be another versatility champ, which gets no respect. I also own a C-3, and I agree with you, I have not found it a great mic for acoustic, either as an omni close mic, or in cardioid.-Richie

 

[NLAlston]

Dan,

Thanks for taking the time to author such an informative piece for me. I really had no idea as to how much thought had to be given to the type of Mic that one is considering to purchase. I have recently learned that there are Mics which will offer a different 'color/flavor' to an individual's vocals. Even more worrisome is the fact that there are models from the same manufacturer (such as the Oktavia 319's) that will give varying degrees of quality within the same model line. But the SP-B1 seems to be a very highly regarded Mic, and is acclaimed to be worth more than three times the selling price of $79. But even if it wasn't, it would most definitely have to out-shine what I am currently utilizing .

By the way, with the B1 being a condenser Mic - would I have to invest in a preamp? I'll be using it with my Yamaha 16G recorder which has 48V phantom power (I don't know if this translates into pre-amping, or not). I also have a preamp in my little Behringer 802A mixer. If a dedicated preamp would have to be purchased, before the B1 could be used effectively, then I would have to return the Mic for one that doesn't require help from a preamp. If that would indeed be the case, what - IYO - would be the best Mic to go with for a hundred dollars or less?

 

[Richard Monroe]

The B-1 can go straight into your recorder, which has preamps in it. Later, you will want a preamp better than the ones in your recorder, and definitely better than the ones in your Behringer, but that can wait. What I would do right now is run the B-1 right into the XLR input on your DAW, use a good cable (try B.L.U.E. cranberry or blueberry) and let the Behringer look on in envy. You won't need a mixer until you get a bunch of mics. Preamps better than the ones in your DAW start at about $180, and go up to $2500 or so for 2 top shelf channels. For right now, get a heavy duty boom stand, a good cable, a shock mount and a pop filter and go play. When you need a better preamp, we'll be there for you.-Richie