Studio Projects C1 Mic -- Not The Best Deal?!?

[Minker]

In an effort to find a mic that contrasts with my C1, I purchased a mic for half the price that sounds almost identical to me -- the MXL V67G! I've had my C1 since December 2003, and I believe it's a good mic at a reasonable price, although I've grown tired of a certain harshness it gives to my songs (the C1 is known to boost high frequencies). I began searching for a "not-so bright mic." I found a graph designed by Dan Richards of "The Listening Sessions." http://studioforums.com/6/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=1436041581&f=1526095781&m=6776029135 This graph is meant to show the relative brightness and color of various popular mics. Sure enough, there was the C1 toward the top of the graph, with only three out of forty mics judged to be brighter! I researched some of the mics at the bottom of the chart judged to be "darker". I decided on the V67 which was one of the darkest, and obtainable for only $99. When the V67 arrived I eagerly set it up side by side with my C1, ran them through my FMR "Really Nice Preamp", and began tracking vocals to some of my songs. During playback I was shocked and disappointed (again I expected a contrast) that these two mics sounded almost identical to one another!! I'm surprised Mr. Richards opted to put these two mics at opposing ends of the brightness spectrum! In my opinion the C1 may be just the tiniest bit brighter, (so I would say I actually like the V67 the tiniest bit more) and the V67 is half the price of the C1! This was a surprise to me, so I though I would share my findings with my fellow musicians/recording buffs.

 

[chessrock]

Well, for starters, Dan is a pretty dedicated contributor to these forums and generally has a lot of good things to say due to his experiences with a wide variety of equipment -- budget and high end.

That said, you really can't say that he or anyone else is any kind of authority on all things microphone related. We're all just guys with different opinions, and our collective mileages vary quite a bit. Not all of us go to the trouble to chart graphs, but I'm sure if we all did, that my graph will vary somewhat from yours which will be different again from the next guys'.

 

[Minker]

Chess., Yeah, your right, I didn't mean to suggest he was wrong or anything. In fact my respect for his opinion is what prompted my purchase in the first place. And as far a credentials go, I'm a speck of sand and he's a beach!! Just voicing my find f.w.i.w.

 

[ozraves]

I think Harvey has noted that if you own a V67 then you probably don't need a C1 and vice versa. I think it might be time to think about the possibility that time has sort of passed each of them by like it passed the Rode NT1 by but that's a different post all together. Chessrock, I dare you to write something about it in your blog.

I think Dan is on to something with his chart. I don't know what it is. I don't think he really knows what it is yet. But, someday, we might look back and see that he pioneered an idea that helps describe gear in a useful way.

 

[Minker]

Steve, of course I respect Harvey's opinion too. I wish I'd been aware of that "if you got one you don't need the other idea". I almost feel like I've got a matched pair of LDC's now!! Ha. (Just one "ha" cause it's not too funny) Both Harvey and Dan's efforts and contributions to the field to help us all out are very admirable. Once again my intention was not to disrespect Dan--just to respectfully disagree.

 

[chessrock]

And as far a credentials go, I'm a speck of sand and he's a beach!! Just voicing my find f.w.i.w.

His opinion isn't any more valid than yours or anyone else's.

Don't worry about saying what you think. It's okay to disagree with people ... wait a minute ... this is the mic forum. Okay, I take that back. Walk on egg shells.

 

[DJL]

In an effort to find a mic that contrasts with my C1, I purchased a mic for half the price that sounds almost identical to me -- the MXL V67G! I've had my C1 since December 2003, and I believe it's a good mic at a reasonable price, although I've grown tired of a certain harshness it gives to my songs (the C1 is known to boost high frequencies). I began searching for a "not-so bright mic." I found a graph designed by Dan Richards of "The Listening Sessions." http://studioforums.com/6/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=1436041581&f=1526095781&m=6776029135 This graph is meant to show the relative brightness and color of various popular mics. Sure enough, there was the C1 toward the top of the graph, with only three out of forty mics judged to be brighter! I researched some of the mics at the bottom of the chart judged to be "darker". I decided on the V67 which was one of the darkest, and obtainable for only $99. When the V67 arrived I eagerly set it up side by side with my C1, ran them through my FMR "Really Nice Preamp", and began tracking vocals to some of my songs. During playback I was shocked and disappointed (again I expected a contrast) that these two mics sounded almost identical to one another!! I'm surprised Mr. Richards opted to put these two mics at opposing ends of the brightness spectrum! In my opinion the C1 may be just the tiniest bit brighter, (so I would say I actually like the V67 the tiniest bit more) and the V67 is half the price of the C1! This was a surprise to me, so I though I would share my findings with my fellow musicians/recording buffs.

Yes, the C1 is a brighter mic than the V67... if you want a darker mic for about the same price as the V67... checkout the Oktava MC-319.

 

[Minker]

DLJ, Thanks for your suggestion of the Oktava mic, although my quest for a darker mic ended a couple weeks ago with the purchase of an AT4047(but that's another thread) Before this thread gets curved in a different direction, I should clarify that I'm not asking for mic suggestions, but rather stating that I feel the C1 and the V67 sound VERY similar. And a V67 is 1/2 the cost!

 

[DJL]

DLJ, Thanks for your suggestion of the Oktava mic, although my quest for a darker mic ended a couple weeks ago with the purchase of an AT4047(but that's another thread) Before this thread gets curved in a different direction, I should clarify that I'm not asking for mic suggestions, but rather stating that I feel the C1 and the V67 sound VERY similar. And a V67 is 1/2 the cost!

Yes, I know... but be careful about posting this kind of info on the internet... because PMI-AG and their supporters may not like it and give you hell for it. Anyway, take care and enjoy your new mics... I'm bailing out of this thread before it gets "curved in a different direction" as you said.

 

[slobbermonster]

I feel the C1 and the V67 sound VERY similar. And a V67 is 1/2 the cost!

I can't believe your comparing the C1 to that mic and not a Neumann

 

[Minker]

"... be careful about posting this kind of info on the internet... because PMI-AG and their supporters may not like it and give you hell for it" Yikess!! I've owned 3 pieces of PMI gear. I feel 2 of the 3 were fine pieces (and 2 outta 3 ain't bad) I've stated my honest opinion, but I am still a PMI customer, and they are known for great customer service (I'll hope that service does not include a slice of hell)

 

[chessrock]

Ooh boy ... here we go.

 

[alanhyatt]

Ooh boy ... here we go.

Well Chessrock, at least you know who started this one, and it ain't you.. So far, no free mic

Minker,

Don't pay any attention to DJL's comments. You will not have any problems with our service should you ever need it, and we do not give anyone hell for requesting service. This is just a ploy by DJL to turn this thread into a ten page war. Don't let that happen....

I am glad you enjoy our products.