SP B3s or C3s for Fig.8 or Blumlein.

[Mark7]

Hey Chaps!

Now that these mics are available in the U.K. at such nifty prices I was thinking of saving up for a pair of each. Before I do though, I'd like to know if anyone here has any experience of using them in these particular arrays. How do they do?

Regards

Mark.

 

[jackybaby72]

I am not sure I understand your question. As far as the microphones go, both of them can be used in a Blumlein. The requirements of the microphones is that they are bi-directional, which both of the microphones you listed. "Figure 8" is a bi-directional pattern. Blumlein is a technique that uses bi-directional microphones. If I had to suggest which microphones you listed to use in a Blumlein, I'd say the C3. Just MHO!

 

[Mark7]

I just wanted to hear from people who'd tried either model in this way. Just to get a sense of how well they work.

 

[Richard Monroe]

For Blumlein or MS, I would choose B-3, but that's only because of the type of stuff I would tend to mic that way, which tends to be a small acoustic ensemble, such as a Bluegrass trio or a string quartet. When recording acoustic ensembles, I want transparency/accuracy, not flattering color. Here's an example that will work if you're from Europe. Use a C-3 on stuff you would use a U87 on, and a B-3 for stuff where you would use a C414.
Before anyone jumps down my throat for claiming these excellent budget mics are "the same as" the recognized industry standards mentioned above, I'm only saying that the Studio Projects mics tend to fall into the same categories of applications of the mics I mentioned.-Richie

 

[Mark7]

Hmm. So both models work okay then? You've had no problems with "matching" (is that an issue in F8 and Blumlein)?
Thanks for the analogy, BTW I'll keep it in mind.

 

[Richard Monroe]

Mark, please note that Studio Prijects mics have one of 3 colored dots on the box. If you're buying pairs, get 2 with the same color dot, which will produce a rough match, which is apparently enough to make them usable as pairs.-Richie

 

[Mark7]

That sounds like a very good idea. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for the matching dots when they start stocking them (SP Mics. Not "dots") at AOS's Leicester branch.