B
blinddogblues
New member
Damn, I spent half an hour typing that post and it got lost in space.
Anyway, here it is again. I just received my pair of 603s from Abe's and just finished comparing them to my Octava 012s. I am no expert at this, so I would appreciate any feedback on how to do comparisons of this nature. Anyway, I will describe how I did it then tell you what I found.
First, I put up the pair of 603s to record acoustic guitar, which is the main application for me for both of these mic sets. I set them up as a spaced pair with one pointing at the 12th fret and the other at the bridge. Both mics were 6-8 inches from the guitar. I then recorded about 1 minute of random playing, trying to get a variety of textures and frequencies. I played slow strumed cords, blues shuffles on the low strings, high note solos, etc.
Then I plugged up the Octavas. I was careful not to move the mic stands. I simply changed the clips from the MXLs to the Octavas and left all settings the same. Without monitoring the first 2 tracks, I played a similar thing on tracks 3 and 4. I then went to the beginning and played the whole thing back, doing the A/B thing with 1-2 and then 3-4.
Bottom line is this.........I could not tell the difference.....they are both warm and detailed, and with my eyes closed, I would not be able to tell you which were the MXLs and which were the Octavas. I panned both full left and right, and then moved both to center position. No difference as far as I am concerned. The MXLs cost me $65 each..........they come in a zip up pouch that is too small to hold the mic and the clip at the same time. The Octava's cost me $200 each with the pad and the 3 capsules, I understand they are $99 now at GC with the pad and one capsule. The Octava's do come in a nicer plastic case that holds everything. Anyway, how could you go wrong for $65 for a great sounding small diaphragm condensor. If I find myself in need of more small condensors, I will be calling Abe for more 603s.
I know this just confirms what you have been hearing from people more knowledgable than me, but I hope this helps somebody.
By the way, if it matters, I put each pair through an ART Dual Tube MP, into an Aardvark Direct Pro 24/96 and recorded on Samplitude 2496 at 44.1 and 32 bit float. Both were crystal clear!
Anyway, here it is again. I just received my pair of 603s from Abe's and just finished comparing them to my Octava 012s. I am no expert at this, so I would appreciate any feedback on how to do comparisons of this nature. Anyway, I will describe how I did it then tell you what I found.
First, I put up the pair of 603s to record acoustic guitar, which is the main application for me for both of these mic sets. I set them up as a spaced pair with one pointing at the 12th fret and the other at the bridge. Both mics were 6-8 inches from the guitar. I then recorded about 1 minute of random playing, trying to get a variety of textures and frequencies. I played slow strumed cords, blues shuffles on the low strings, high note solos, etc.
Then I plugged up the Octavas. I was careful not to move the mic stands. I simply changed the clips from the MXLs to the Octavas and left all settings the same. Without monitoring the first 2 tracks, I played a similar thing on tracks 3 and 4. I then went to the beginning and played the whole thing back, doing the A/B thing with 1-2 and then 3-4.
Bottom line is this.........I could not tell the difference.....they are both warm and detailed, and with my eyes closed, I would not be able to tell you which were the MXLs and which were the Octavas. I panned both full left and right, and then moved both to center position. No difference as far as I am concerned. The MXLs cost me $65 each..........they come in a zip up pouch that is too small to hold the mic and the clip at the same time. The Octava's cost me $200 each with the pad and the 3 capsules, I understand they are $99 now at GC with the pad and one capsule. The Octava's do come in a nicer plastic case that holds everything. Anyway, how could you go wrong for $65 for a great sounding small diaphragm condensor. If I find myself in need of more small condensors, I will be calling Abe for more 603s.
I know this just confirms what you have been hearing from people more knowledgable than me, but I hope this helps somebody.
By the way, if it matters, I put each pair through an ART Dual Tube MP, into an Aardvark Direct Pro 24/96 and recorded on Samplitude 2496 at 44.1 and 32 bit float. Both were crystal clear!
