Need help choosing mic configuration

[rewt_]

Hey guys.. I've heard a few recordings done with Studio Projects mics and I like what I hear. I want to try a few out and see if they work for me. One of the recordings I heard was recorded with a stereo pair of B1s on acoustic guitar and a C1 on female vocals.

I'm curious to know the difference between the B1 and C1 because I'm not sure what to buy. I'm thinking of buying
the same configuration, two B1s and a C1 but I'm not sure what the difference is between the two. Basically, is the B1 just a "budget C1" or is it a mic of its own with significantly different characteristics?

These are among my first mic purchases so I know I want at least a stereo pair to try out as overheads (just for the hell of it) as well as on acoustic guitar and vocals, which are my primary concern. I know SD condensers are usually the norm on acoustic guitar but like I said, I like what I've heard with the SP stuff and I'm on a tight budget. My mic collection is next to nothing so a few LD condensers will be very welcome.

Am I better off getting a pair of C1s? What will having a stereo pair of acoustic mics as well as a dedicated vocal mic buy me? In a basement studio can I expect good results tracking vocals and guitar at once?

I know there are a lot of questions in there, but bear with me! I need help! I appreciate it a ton.

Jim
rewt@rawx.com

 

[MemoGtr]

ive heard studio projects in overheads and they sounded pretty decent

i say go for the c1

 

[crazydoc]

Start here
http://www.hr-faq.org/

Then do a search on the bbs use B1* and C1* as your search terms.

They are two different mics. The B1 is considered better then the C1 for accoustic instruments, and both can be used for voice, with different characteristics. The B1 is generally regarded a more neutral mic.

Go here to download some samples of these and other mics.
http://www.thelisteningsessions.com/home.htm

 

[Innovations]

Well, budget might certainly send you toward the B1. If it was for vocals and price was not a deciding factor I would consider the C1.

 

[Warhead]

Hi Rewt. I have reviewed the Studio Projects C4's here:

http://www.mojopie.com/c4.html

and have clips posted here:

http://www.nowhereradio.com/artists/album.php?aid=2079&alid=-1

Hope that helps. While you're there you can check out Shure KSM141's (review to be published in the next few days) and the Oktava MC012's (review coming soon as well) used in X/Y and OMNI on drums. The kit is Arbiter 9mm maples with a mix of Zildjian A and Sabian cymbals.

What kind of kit / sound are you going for?

Warren

www.mojopie.com

 

[Richard Monroe]

Although I've never used C-1, I do own B-1, C-3, and a pair of C-4's. The B-1 is a cheap studio workhorse that is good on guitar, as an overhead, and a variety of acoustic instuments. Some people sound good singing through it, but they are not a majority.
C-3 (I'm guessing similar to C-1) is a main vocal mic that's a little bright. It works very well for someone that sounds good through a Neumann U47ai. It ain't no U87, but it favors the same voices. I don't like it on guitar. I believe a pair of B-1's and a C-1 would be a more useful combination than a pair of C-1's.
The C-4's simply rock. I believe they are currently the most versatile small diaphragm mics for under $500 a pair. Every one of these mics has found applications on my current project, although I confess, since I got an AKG C414B-ULS, the B-1 has not seen much duty. I believe the C414 is the mic the B-1 wishes it was. I think the Neumann U87 is the mic the C-3 wishes it was. The C-3 has been particularly useful on a contralto I work with. For whatever reason, she sounds like shit through a B.L.U.E. Kiwi, which is my main vocal mic, but the C-3 just works for her, along with KSM44.-Richie