the Mic-Pre Challenge!

[Blue Bear Sound]

For the 2 people (so far) that posted they don't hear a difference....

...you need your hearing checked!

 

[Outlaws]

Be advised that MP3 is not a good format for comparison. The audio compression will vary depending on the signal involved and is not constant for all files, which means the audio compression process can affect the 2 files differently, creating more of a distinction than there actually is.


The other issue is - define "better".... the coloration of the one sample over the other may be more appropriate in a particular context, making it the "better" choice... in this particular clip, I thought the darker clip suited the guitar sound better overall.

And dude -- tune the fucking guitar!!!!

I understand about the MP3, but I did cross reference them to the original CD tracks and they are VERY well represented here.

I also see your point about judging based on the mix, but there have been a lot of posts laely about spend large sums of money and then getting Behringer pieces because all the money went to one item. I think this will help show that there is defenatly a difference. And if they don't hear a difference, then atleast they can save the money.

 

[Flatpicker]

I love audio comparisons and I can hear a big difference in these, but let me point out a possible flaw in voting on a quick clip. Usually in a test like this, people are quick to select the brightest, clearest, and most “up-front” sound. However, a couple of questions I always ask are “Will it sound pleasant in the mix and will it cause any fatigue after repeated listening”.

I used to go for the “clear and “present” type of sound, but now “clear” has become “harsh” and “present” has become one dimensional. I like to hear sound coming from behind and around my speakers – not just from the front of them, and it takes a really good pre to do this.

Incidentally, my new way of listening has greatly affected my opinions of microphones as well.

 

[Outlaws]

Just since everyone is into details I figure I will give you a layout of the room.

I stood outside the door while recording.

 

[Outlaws]

Here is the mic position.

 

[darins]

Re: For the 2 people (so far) that posted they don't hear a difference....

...you need your hearing checked!

My hearing's fine, just not well-trained in the finer points of pro audio. I'm sure you were there at some point too.

-Darin

 

[darins]

Ok, just listened here again (first listen was done at work). They definitely sound different but I couldn't really say which is better. There are times when I'd want both sounds.

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

...but I couldn't really say which is better. There are times when I'd want both sounds.

Yup... that was my point exactly!

 

[Captain Nuke'em]

Neither sounds outstanding in the 1st place!

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

Neither sounds outstanding in the 1st place!

Yeah, but that's kinda beside the point!

 

[mixsit]

...And I apologize for the slight volume variation....

 

[regebro]

Stop complaining dumbasses!

I think this is really exciting! And fun!

 

[chessrock]

I'm having fun.

 

[BasPer]

I think it's fun too! But want to know which ones they are, 'cause I'm here so seldom that there is no way I'll remember to check it out next time. I'd find it very interesting if I liked the "wrong" one...

 

[CanopuS]

I think this thread is putting to death the idea of a "right" and "wrong" preamp.

 

[heylow]

There is another thread you should go and reread.

Hmmmm....somehow I thought you had said that though. Obviously I'm mistaken. No harm, no foul?

As as far as the samples go...I won't vote because though I could choose which sounds best to me right now at this particular moment, I can't say which would be best for a particular situation. It takes all kinds of tones to build a record and neither sample you posted is unusable by a long shot, given proper context.

About bypassing the preamp...I found the answer and though I don't think you want to hear any more about it ....I'd like to add for the sake of it's being said, that even when those pres are passing line signal and not adding gain, the signal IS running through the preamp path and WILL be colored, unfortunately. This may not be terrible, but it WILL inhibit your hearing the "total" difference.

The bigger difference between pres would come in the form of the "footprint". The more tracks you have, the more a given preamp's own colors and characteristics will turn into "buildup".


Hope this helps some.....


heylow

 

[billisa]

I'd love to see more of this kind of thing. When will we find out which was which? (Or did I miss that?)

 

[Outlaws]

I haven't posted that yet because there are a lot of poeple who frequent the board a lot less than some of us...

 

[Michael Jones]

Loosen the fuck up jackass. Homerecording ie limited shit. Fucking rich ass snob.

If you can't take criticism, don't post samples.

I think they both kinda sucked. Get a Neve.

 

[Flatpicker]

...I think they both kinda sucked. Get a Neve.