SM81 vs MC012 - acoustic guitar

  • Thread starter Thread starter antichef
  • Start date Start date
antichef

antichef

pornk rock
So now that I have a pair of MC012s, I figured I'd do a shootout of sorts with my trusty SM81s. Doing it reminded me of the buzillion factors that go into micing a particular track - mainly mic placement, which is an understatement of many combined factors including the mic's placement and pattern in relationship to neighboring sound reflecting/absorbing surfaces as well as sound sources. I did my best to achieve "equivalent" placement of the two pairs of mics, with the SM81s about an inch above the MC012s, both about 18 inches out from the 12th fret of the guitars. I used my BLA-MOTU traveler at +40 gain into logic express. I didn't have 4 matching cables, but I did have two pairs of decent quality cables that I used.

I used two guitars that I think sound good, but different: a six string 1972 Martin D-28, and a 12 string new Guild GAD-G212EATB (what kind of model no. is that?) - beyond the different number of strings, the Martin is has a fuller sound, but both are very loud, and the Guild has a nice percussive snap to it, even if it's lacking some low end.

But, before I make the wave files, I notice that the MC012s are hotter than the SM81s. Should I a) post the samples as they are, which will result in a noticeable difference in volume, or b) use some digital gain to bring them in line with one another? I tend to think (b) is better, since you always wind up mixing tracks to the volume you want, but on the other hand, I don't want to be accused of manipulation :)
 
antichef said:
So now that I have a pair of MC012s, I figured I'd do a shootout of sorts with my trusty SM81s. Doing it reminded me of the buzillion factors that go into micing a particular track - mainly mic placement, which is an understatement of many combined factors including the mic's placement and pattern in relationship to neighboring sound reflecting/absorbing surfaces as well as sound sources. I did my best to achieve "equivalent" placement of the two pairs of mics, with the SM81s about an inch above the MC012s, both about 18 inches out from the 12th fret of the guitars. I used my BLA-MOTU traveler at +40 gain into logic express. I didn't have 4 matching cables, but I did have two pairs of decent quality cables that I used.

I used two guitars that I think sound good, but different: a six string 1972 Martin D-28, and a 12 string new Guild GAD-G212EATB (what kind of model no. is that?) - beyond the different number of strings, the Martin is has a fuller sound, but both are very loud, and the Guild has a nice percussive snap to it, even if it's lacking some low end.

But, before I make the wave files, I notice that the MC012s are hotter than the SM81s. Should I a) post the samples as they are, which will result in a noticeable difference in volume, or b) use some digital gain to bring them in line with one another? I tend to think (b) is better, since you always wind up mixing tracks to the volume you want, but on the other hand, I don't want to be accused of manipulation :)
Click to expand...

Absoluely level match them. Without that, the mind always goes towards the louder clip. Human nature. Looking forward to hearing them as I've never really been a fan of the 81, it will be interesting to hear it against the Oktava's. Cheers,

bp
 
OK - thanks. Golly - those wav files are large - and I mean big boned. Took me over an hour to put them on my server -- about 90 megs each. For the less bandwidth endowed, I also made mp3s.

I should have also said that the SM81s are stock, but the MC012s are slightly modded -- I changed the capsule coupler capacitor with one that I like. I also have a modded SM81 where I changed that capacitor and also removed the slotted disk that sits on top of the diaphragm, but I only have one of those, so I didn't include it here. It does pick up more highs than the unmodded ones.

What I did was to play repetitively in an effort to let you hear details like pick noise, string rattle, mistakes, etc. First I played the Martin, then I hit pause and grabbed the Guild. The Guild is my son's and he keeps it tuned in DADGAD for that crazy celtic music (rebellious kid -- why can't he play speed metal like I did when I was his age?). As usual, untreated room using silk rug and some furniture, along with lots of background noise.

here are the links:

Oktava MC012 - wav: http://recursor.net/012.wav (89 megs!!) mp3:


Shure SM81 - wav: http://recursor.net/81.wav (89 megs!!) mp3:
 
Last edited:
Thanks for posting this. I've always been curious about how these mics compared. I've used the 81 on many occasions through the years, but never the Oktava.

I listened to the MP3 versions. I was surprised at how close they are in sonic quality. The 81 seemed more midrangey, and the Oktava seemed fuller in the lows and low mids, and maybe slightly hyped in the high end. All in all I think I preferred the Oktava on these clips, but if I took more than 10 or 12 seconds break between the clips the differences seemed negligible.

What's your take on them Antichef?
 
I tend to agree with your assessment, omtayslick, although the SM81 sound tends to be more usable for me. I'm tempted to remove the plastic slotted discs from the SM81s to open up the highs a little, but I'll probably wait (or just use the Oktavas when I want more highs).

I agree that the differences in the clips are less than expected, and I'm wondering if there was something about my playing or choice of instruments that is working to conceal the differences in the mics.
 
I think the 81 is like most Shure mics. No "wow" factor, but they deliver the goods. Maybe the wow factor should come from the source recorded? ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top