Matched pairs

[LocusLarsen]

With all the stuff I need to buy, I was wondering the importance of a patched set of mics. I would like to have 2 Dragonflies or TLM103s, but I can't afford 2 right off the bat. If I want that stereo sound, will it be affected much if I get one now, and one later?

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

If you're buying mics costing $4-5K or so - with an equivalently priced signal chain, then I suggest you worry about it... at the more budget-oriented end of the gear chain, there are other far more important factors that you should worry about........!

 

[crosstudio]

what does matched set mean?

if i buy two shure sm81 at a music store are they a matched set? or does something in particular make them a matched set?

 

[Armistice]

Individual microphones will have variances in response etc as an inevitable part of the manufacturing. Matched set means that the manufacturer is guaranteeing that the two microphones are as close to identical as is possible.

So, to answer your question, 2 microphones off the rack don't constitute a matched set.

I have two NT5s which are only available as a matched pair - the serial numbers are consecutive, which doesn't necessarily mean that they're matched, but at least means they're from the same batch!

Doesn't mean there's anything wrong with 2 "unmatched" mics - depends what they're for - most people with matched pairs use them for things like drum overheads, where you want to know that they're reacting in the same way to the same sound source, and things like "stereo" recording of a mono source like an acoustic guitar or piano, using XY or other - type configuration.

Cheers

 

[meriphew]

If you have good ears, an abundance of the same microphone (or a dealer who is willing to loan you a few), and a little bit of time/patience, then you can match mics up yourself.

________________
Post indie electronic
Meriphew
www.meriphew.com

 

[DJL]

<snip>

So, to answer your question, 2 microphones off the rack don't constitute a matched set.

<snip>

But, it is possible for two or more mic's off the rack to be matched as well as if they were sold as a matched set.

 

[Sklathill]

Anyone have much of the recent Groove Tubes? They like to say how all of their mics are matched off the rack, within a decibel or something of each other or what not...

 

[Armistice]

Absolutely they can!

I probably couldn't as my ears aren't that good - but like meriphew said - it can be done.