TheOneTrueMatt
New member
So I "rented" a Studio Projects C3 from the store I work at today so I could try one out, figuring I'd probably end up buying it before I need to bring it back. So I hooked it up to my M-Audio Omni Studio and wailed at it a bit. Afterwards I decided to do an A/B comparison with my only other LDC, the Behringer B2 (don't hurt me, the B2 does so enough already!).
First off, regardless of whatever else I might say here, the C3 is a much better mic than the Behringer B2. No question.
Yeah, the high end is hyped. And maybe as a result that's why the low end sounds weak. I proximity-effected the crap out of it and just couldn't quite get that "ooo, baby" intimate sound. I suppose it is a bright mic afterall, but I was hoping to get a little more proximity bass than I got. The B2 was better for that (and that's all it was better at).
Disclaimer: I did not try it in a mix yet, because my project files are still getting moved from my old (dead) DAW machine to the new one. (I'm waiting on a harddrive enclosure)
Also, on my voice, when I pushed into my higher range (And beyond, hehe, metal headvoice/falsetto here) it was a bit harsh, which I suspected it might be, though I hoped since the C3 is a bit smoother than the C1 (thank god I didn't order one of those) that it wouldn't be much of a problem. Anyway, I think, even though I heard it on different preamps (but it was a digital mixer so I doubt they were any better than my DMP2ish Omni pres) and in a different environment, I'm going to get the AT4040.
Before I return it I'm going to try it on guitar cabs and in a mix (after I record said cabs, hehe). I imagine the hyped high end (which is really apparent) would be really good for making it stand out in a dense mix, but since I can only afford one mic right now, I think I better go with the one that sounds good on my voice on its own, and hopefully it'll sit well in a mix as well. ie: the AT4040.
My only dilemma is whether or not to get a B-stock one on Ebay ($245) or get a non-B-stock one through my store (my discount is not that fantastic on this for some reason, so it actually will cost me about $250-260). I heard someone say there was a price drop and they were going for that range anyway, but none of the e-tailers seem to have it for less than $299?
Finally, for the record, I don't think this is a bad mic, and in a lot of ways I liked elements of its sound, but I agree that its hyped in the high end, a tad lacking in the low, and most importantly, just doesn't flatter my voice. Maybe if I play around with it more I'll change my mind before it goes back. Its too bad since it would have been nice to have omni and figure-8 patterns.
First off, regardless of whatever else I might say here, the C3 is a much better mic than the Behringer B2. No question.
Yeah, the high end is hyped. And maybe as a result that's why the low end sounds weak. I proximity-effected the crap out of it and just couldn't quite get that "ooo, baby" intimate sound. I suppose it is a bright mic afterall, but I was hoping to get a little more proximity bass than I got. The B2 was better for that (and that's all it was better at).
Disclaimer: I did not try it in a mix yet, because my project files are still getting moved from my old (dead) DAW machine to the new one. (I'm waiting on a harddrive enclosure)
Also, on my voice, when I pushed into my higher range (And beyond, hehe, metal headvoice/falsetto here) it was a bit harsh, which I suspected it might be, though I hoped since the C3 is a bit smoother than the C1 (thank god I didn't order one of those) that it wouldn't be much of a problem. Anyway, I think, even though I heard it on different preamps (but it was a digital mixer so I doubt they were any better than my DMP2ish Omni pres) and in a different environment, I'm going to get the AT4040.
Before I return it I'm going to try it on guitar cabs and in a mix (after I record said cabs, hehe). I imagine the hyped high end (which is really apparent) would be really good for making it stand out in a dense mix, but since I can only afford one mic right now, I think I better go with the one that sounds good on my voice on its own, and hopefully it'll sit well in a mix as well. ie: the AT4040.
My only dilemma is whether or not to get a B-stock one on Ebay ($245) or get a non-B-stock one through my store (my discount is not that fantastic on this for some reason, so it actually will cost me about $250-260). I heard someone say there was a price drop and they were going for that range anyway, but none of the e-tailers seem to have it for less than $299?
Finally, for the record, I don't think this is a bad mic, and in a lot of ways I liked elements of its sound, but I agree that its hyped in the high end, a tad lacking in the low, and most importantly, just doesn't flatter my voice. Maybe if I play around with it more I'll change my mind before it goes back. Its too bad since it would have been nice to have omni and figure-8 patterns.
