Studio Projects C1 vs. B3

[studiomaster]

So now, im about to upgrade my current condenser mic..and my final choices are these two...for u owners of these mics and or atleast who have tried them out, tell me how they are...and which one's better..

im going to use one of these mics for singing and rap purposes...

 

[reshp1]

If you're just singing and rapping, the multipattern capabilities of the B3 shouldn't be that important to you. So it's really a question of B1 vs C1. Generally the B1 is a more natural, flatter mic, while the C1 has a more hyped sound that works well on a lot of voices (but not all). I'd say try them out.

 

[studiomaster]

But whats the harm of having the multipatterns? Whats the difference between cardiod and multipattern mics?

 

[kid klash]

But whats the harm of having the multipatterns? Whats the difference between cardiod and multipattern mics?

There is no harm in having a multipattern mic; I think he meant that it might be a bit fancier than what you'll need to meet your goal. Use the search function to learn more about singel and multipattern mics.

The B3 and B1 are similar to one another (more natural, flatter, unhyped) sound-wise, where the C1, as resh1 wrote, has a more contoured and "hyped" sound.

 

[studiomaster]

Thanks guys...appreciate it..I heard that the C1 is overall one of the best mics for us home studio enthusiasts..is that correct?

Currently i use an Apex 435 mic..i dont even know myself if its good for what i do since i dont have those trained ears like u all

 

[reshp1]

But whats the harm of having the multipatterns? Whats the difference between cardiod and multipattern mics?

No harm, just that you're paying for something that you may seldomly use. Three basic patterns are Omni, Cardiod, and Figure 8. There's variations and combinations of each but basically Omni picks up from all sides, Cardiod (heart shaped) picks up on the front side not on the back side with a gradual transition between the two, and Figure 8 picks up on two opposing sides, but not in between. (think the number "8"). For vox, you're usually only interested in capturing your voice, singing directly in front of the mic and the you want to mic to reject the ambient noise and echos/reflections coming from the other directions. Therefor most vox are done with a cardiod mic.

 

[studiomaster]

Well then ok..i took off B3 off my list...now im left with the B1 and C1. They are both cardiod patterened...so can u tell me some differences between them two..cause C1 is more expensive.

 

[reshp1]

Thanks guys...appreciate it..I heard that the C1 is overall one of the best mics for us home studio enthusiasts..is that correct?

Currently i use an Apex 435 mic..i dont even know myself if its good for what i do since i dont have those trained ears like u all

The C1's pretty well respected around here, good bang for buck.

 

[studiomaster]

The C1's pretty well respected around here, good bang for buck.

What about the B1 since its cardiod as well?

 

[reshp1]

Have you considered the Groove Tubes GT55? It's on sale at Guitar Center this month for $200. An absolute steal at that price.

 

[studiomaster]

Anyone have an answer to my last question?

 

[reshp1]

The B1 is also well respected as a budget mic. Like I said, it has a flatter frequency response so it may be more "versatile" while the C1 is designed with a certain frequency response that works with most vocals.

 

[junplugged]

i use omni a lot, i love it

 

[Big Kenny]

ADK Hamburg
AT 4040
CAD M179
or the c1
the b1 is kinda dull for vox,

 

[studiomaster]

Anyone have samples of the B1?

 

[Hover]

Try Here, they have alot of different Mic's, Mic Pre's and different source's to listen and compare.


http://www.thelisteningsessions.com/sessions.htm

 

[kidvybes]

the b1 is kinda dull for vox,

...exactly correct...better on instrument miking...

...take a look at the new MXL V67i...two settings "Bright" and "Warm"...the original V67 was always good as a vocal mic...now, with 2 diaphragms, it's like having 2 different mics...the "Bright" setting would be more like the SP C1...the "Warm" setting would give you another "flava" to work with (more flattering for thin or "reedy" sounding voices)...good bang-for-the-buck!
http://www.mxlmics.com/condencer_mic/mxlV67i/mxlv67i.htm

 

[simpleybass]

I have a b1 and a b3. They are both great mic's for the price. The b1 is brighter.

If you don't need omni or figure eight patters, I would get a b1 over a b3.

 

[studiomaster]

Would these mics be a major upgrade from my Apex 435?