sell my se z5600a for neumann tlm103

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Melsi

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I'm considering selling my SE Electronics Z5600a mic to buy a Neumann TLM103

They are both sort of in the same price range, the neumann is a little more expensive, and i havnt been that pleased with the performance of my z5600a!

Good or bad idea?
 
I was just talking to a guy who has a studio. And his 2 main vocal mic's have been an Se Electonics SE5500 and a neuman TLM 103. His view was that if one didn't work on a voice the other would. So it might not be a bad switch.

Coiincidentally, I am currently toying with the idea of getting his used Se 5500. What is it you aren't liking with your SE mic?
 
Melsi said:
I'm considering selling my SE Electronics Z5600a mic to buy a Neumann TLM103

They are both sort of in the same price range, the neumann is a little more expensive, and i havnt been that pleased with the performance of my z5600a!

Good or bad idea?
Click to expand...


...are you using any compression or EQ on your tracks?...the Z5600 is a pretty capable mic...treating your tracks will probably offer you improvements that may achieve what you're looking for...I'd try other options before making that move...
 
I'd really advise trying a TLM103 before buying it. Enough people have expressed dissatisfaction with it on various audio boards that I'd be wary. YMMV. There are lots of LDC alternatives at that price point.
 
neogardguitar said:
I was just talking to a guy who has a studio. And his 2 main vocal mic's have been an Se Electonics SE5500 and a neuman TLM 103. His view was that if one didn't work on a voice the other would. So it might not be a bad switch.

Coiincidentally, I am currently toying with the idea of getting his used Se 5500. What is it you aren't liking with your SE mic?
Click to expand...

it has a very harsh high end, which can sometimes be annoying and can be very agonising eqing it out!

an yeah i use eq and compression on all my tracks, my quality is pretty good but just looking to step it up a level!
 
Melsi said:
it has a very harsh high end, which can sometimes be annoying and can be very agonising eqing it out!
Click to expand...

...then I ask you what preamp(s) you're using in combo with the Z5600?...the high end should not be that harsh on that particular mic...bright but not harsh, in my experience...
 
kidvybes said:
...then I ask you what preamp(s) you're using in combo with the Z5600?...the high end should not be that harsh on that particular mic...bright but not harsh, in my experience...
Click to expand...

ok well i exaggerated a little its not that harsh but it is overly bright, im using a focusrite platinum voicemaster pro,

im gonna rent a couple of pre amps and see if that helps before i get rid of the mic, but ive just thought since the neumann an z5600a are similar prices i might go for the neumann!
 
Melsi said:
I'm considering selling my SE Electronics Z5600a mic to buy a Neumann TLM103They are both sort of in the same price range, the neumann is a little more expensive, and i havnt been that pleased with the performance of my z5600a!
Good or bad idea?
Click to expand...
Have you changed out the tube or still using the stock chinese ECC81/12AT7?
I know kidvybes has done that change on his Z5600A and has had positive results....
 
i have put a new tube in my mic, and it has made a slight difference, so i guess i just play around with some new pre amps and try and test the neumann
 
Melsi said:
i have put a new tube in my mic, and it has made a slight difference, so i guess i just play around with some new pre amps and try and test the neumann
Click to expand...
What specific tube did you put in the mic? ;)
 
homestudioguy said:
What specific tube did you put in the mic? ;)
Click to expand...

i put a GT-5751-M tube inside, which has a lower gain factor than the original tube so should technically take away the overly bright top end, which it did do a little, but im just still not satisfied, and i dno, id like to try the neumann!
 
What makes you think the TLM103 isn't going to bright / harsh?

.
 
Melsi said:
i put a GT-5751-M tube inside, which has a lower gain factor than the original tube so should technically take away the overly bright top end, which it did do a little, but im just still not satisfied, and i dno, id like to try the neumann!
Click to expand...
Try the Neuman, but!
I found this on SND Tube Sales on the web RE; the 5751:"This is the "milspec" version of the 12AX7, but is also slightly different. The 5751 has the same plate resistance as the 12AX7, but the gain factor is only 70 compared to 100 for the 12AX7. The 12AT7(ECC81) also has a gain factor of 70, but since the plate resistance is different, the 5751 is closer to the 12AX7."
Essentially what you have done is replaced the factory sE ECC81(12AT7) with its gain factor of 70 with the 5751 tube that also has a gain factor of 70 and appears to have some sonic characteristics of the higher gain 12ax7. :eek:
You may want to consider going to a 6072A/12ay7 tube that will drop the gain factor another 20 or so from the stock 70. I believe with that specific change you will notice a big difference. ;) (check this site out, FYI: https://www.tubeworld.com/6072.htm) A GE 5 star triple mica black plate 6072a would really be a nice gift from Santa!!! Also, when you make that change, try the mic in different pattern settings (you can do this now, in fact). Listen to the mic in full figure 8 then try it in full omni and hear the differences. I just spent some time with my good friend Jeff (http://www.100yearpicnic.com/) doing the same thing with my Z5600A mounted in my sE Reflexion Filter and you'd be surprised at the different tonalities you can get.
 
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homestudioguy said:
Try the Neuman, but!
I found this on SND Tube Sales on the web RE; the 5751:"This is the "milspec" version of the 12AX7, but is also slightly different. The 5751 has the same plate resistance as the 12AX7, but the gain factor is only 70 compared to 100 for the 12AX7. The 12AT7(ECC81) also has a gain factor of 70, but since the plate resistance is different, the 5751 is closer to the 12AX7."
Essentially what you have done is replaced the factory sE ECC81(12AT7) with its gain factor of 70 with the 5751 tube that also has a gain factor of 70 and appears to have some sonic characteristics of the higher gain 12ax7. :eek:
You may want to consider going to a 6072A/12ay7 tube that will drop the gain factor another 20 or so from the stock 70. I believe with that specific change you will notice a big difference. ;) (check this site out, FYI: https://www.tubeworld.com/6072.htm) A GE 5 star triple mica black plate 6072a would really be a nice gift from Santa!!! Also, when you make that change, try the mic in different pattern settings (you can do this now, in fact). Listen to the mic in full figure 8 then try it in full omni and hear the differences. I just spent some time with my good friend Jeff (http://www.100yearpicnic.com/) doing the same thing with my Z5600A mounted in my sE Reflexion Filter and you'd be surprised at the different tonalities you can get.
Click to expand...


ok thanks alot i will take your advice an put it to action, im gonna purchase a GE 5 star triple mica black plate 6072a, i'll let you know the results!

Thanks
 
Melsi said:
ok thanks alot i will take your advice an put it to action, im gonna purchase a GE 5 star triple mica black plate 6072a, i'll let you know the results!Thanks
Click to expand...
Here is another website kidvybes shared for the same issue.
http://www.vacuumtubesinc.com/audionew.html
I give all the credit for my suggestion to kidvybes by the way.
I learned this from him.
He is a wise man :)
 
homestudioguy said:
Here is another website kidvybes shared for the same issue.
http://www.vacuumtubesinc.com/audionew.html
I give all the credit for my suggestion to kidvybes by the way.
I learned this from him.
He is a wise man :)
Click to expand...

thanks for the link, i will check that out!

i read that you have the se reflexions filter, does this help alot? also what pre do you run your z5600a into?

thanks
 
homestudioguy said:
I give all the credit for my suggestion to kidvybes by the way.
I learned this from him.
He is a wise man :)
Click to expand...

...you're too kind [blush] :o
 
Melsi said:
thanks for the link, i will check that out!
i read that you have the se reflexions filter, does this help alot? also what pre do you run your z5600a into?
thanks
Click to expand...
I run my Z5600A into my Focusrite TrakMaster Pro.
The Reflexion Filter does exactly what it says it does.
That was primarily the reason why friend Jeff came over as he wanted to check it out.
If you have the cash and need help in the "room" sound area, it will certainly help.
There are a number of threads about it here and on Gearslutz.
 
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