there's a new mic on the block

[Katie]

I've been seeing these new mics and wonder if anyone has had any experiance with them. I am speaking here of TBK mics (www.tbkmics.com)- they list some very nice mics. I have spoken with the sales woman there, these are chinese capsules and she assures me that the electronics are beyond what else is out there in this price range ($300).
What I would like to know is how these mics compare to some standards. I can't really audition them so I was looking for opinions or thoughts from some of you who may have heard them. Or has anyone even heard of them yet? Do they compare to the Studio Projects C1, C414, MXL mics, Meekrophone? The NTK or other large diaphragm Tube mics?I have seen people post that the C1 is in league with U87. What about these TBK mics? Please check them out and post your comments.
thanks,
Katie

 

[wheelema]

I need a budget!

 

[alanhyatt]

Katie,

TBK Mics are not mics. TBK are the cousins of the owners of SE Electronics, which is the owner of Fielo in South China that makes mics for Marshall, ADK, Nady, Joemeek, and many other brands.

TBK are only distributors in the Bay Area, they make nothing. There are many more distributors of these SE branded mics all over the country. This is really a family affair on these mics. The electronics are exactly the same as they use in all the other brand mics they manufacturer for. I know, they wanted to build mics for me, but I won't use them.

Bayview Pro Audio is a distributor for the SE mics as well, so if you want good information on them, call Bayview Pro Audio in Washington.

I hope this helps you.

Alan Hyatt
PMI Audio Group
Studio Projects

 

[Katie]

Alan,
Thanks for the info. I'm learning more all the time. And you didn't even mention your mic! Geez, and I've read people ripping you up on this board for that very thing. Some people have too much time on their hands. Actually, you don't have to mention the C1. After reading all of the user comments that I've seen posted, it sure sounds like a winner to me. ;-) I'm really leaning in that direction now.
I'm also in need of a mic pre. I know that Studio Projects makes a pre as well. What's the price on that and what other preamps does it contend with? I know that this is the microphone thread but can you post some links to reviews of the SP mic pre?
- katie

 

[lavoz]

Katie,

Just don't even think about it, go and buy the C1, you won't regret it. Just got mine into today...its as good as they say it is.
Hey, Alan do I get commission? Ah heck, just email me when you've got another hot product coming out. Oh, by the way if you need to get the C1 or C3 into broadcasters hands...I'm the guy.

Feliz Navidad

lavoz

 

[alanhyatt]

Lavoz,

See what I have to put up with! And all the time I was speaking the truth I am glad you like you're C1.

Katie,

Well you asked so I will tell you, but you know the lurkers will bash me for what I will say, so let me Spam away.

First of all, the VT-1 will be ready by the end of January, so there are no reviews yet, only the comments from the beta testers. Quite frankly, it has more features than any mic pre in its class, and the blendable(is that a word) tube is not being done by any other brand except us, and the feature rocks. Its great being able to add just a touch of air, or full on warmth if you choose, yet all the while you have a very pristine sounding pre when you need it that way.

I think it will compare to the Grace, the new RNMP, and some other more expensive units. I think it is way ahead of its competitors, but time will tell. We are still on target for the $299.99 retail price, but it could come in a tad less.

Anyway, there you have it, so we will all have to wait for the response. Can you imagine all the fights we will have when it starts to ship!


regards,

Alan Hyatt
PMI Audio Group

 

[Jan]

Hi Allan,

I believe in your microphone, because I believe in you. I can’t get it here in Europe, but I’m quite sure that If you tell me what your C3 costs in US$, and you give me an address where to mail an envelope full with best Christmas whishes to, I will sooner or later find a nice C3, as a personal gift for Christmas.

Love you all,

Jan

 

[alanhyatt]

Hi Jan,

That sounds kinky!!!

Where in Europe are you? I am sure I can assist you, but just not in the way you would like, or maybe that's the way I would like

Anyway, I will get you in touch direct with my distributor there.

regards,

Alan Hyatt

 

[Jan]

Dear Alan, I live in Tuscany (Italy), Siena to be exact. It’s a great place to live, because the Italians are wonderful people. I’m originally from Holland, but after eight years the Italian government officially decided that they’re not going to send me back.

I’m still in the Christmas card mood. I believe in Christmas, and in cards, and in US and Italian postman. They do their job, just as we try to do it.

It’s always good to do something positive.

Jan

 

[alanhyatt]

Jan,

I love Italy. I have spent time there. It is a beautiful country, but Rome is crowded and not so nice, but the Amalfi Coast is wonderful.

Repp Italia is our distributor in Milan. Ask for Pietor, and tell him you and I are good friends. Tell him we exchange Christmas cards, and I told you to tell him to give you a good deal.

Have Pietor email me, and I will tell him we met in Italy and had a brief yet torrid affair.

Merry Christmas....

Alan Hyatt

 

[Jan]

That sounds good Alan. I like the Amalfitanian coast as well. I always go there on vacation. I know some good hotels in Positano with a beautiful view on the bay. Mail me the next time you come to Italy.

I will call your friend in Milano and send him a Christmas card as well.

Merry Christmas to you and everybody else in your company and family,

Jan

faulino@hotmail.com

 

[Buck62]

Yo, Alan!...

In Europe, "Jan" can be a guy's name (pronounced "yaan").

You know, like "Jan Hammer", the keyboard player.

DOH!!

 

[chessrock]

Or Jan Stenerud . . . (?)

Used to be a kicker in the NFL, I believe.



Kidding aside, I can't wait untill your preamp and the rnmp hit the streets. I'm getting antsy. Wanted badly to invest in my first quality mic pre (aside from my joemeek) months ago, but I had to hold off. The Grace has been teasing me for quite some time, but if I think I can get something that plays in the same league for half the price, it should be worth the wait.

Peace

 

[Jan]

Jan is the most common name in Holland, where I was born. Besides Holland I think that there are also Jan’s in Poland. Jan is the Dutch equivalent for John, or Jon (like Jon Lord) and I think also Ian. Here in Italy lot’s of people misspell my name as Ian thinking that I’m British.

There are many Americans here in Siena and they told me that although Jan in the US is usually short for Janet, there are also male Jan’s in America, maybe from Dutch origin? My good friend Thomas who lives here to but comes from San Diego, told me he had a good friend in high school called Jan.

Anyhow, who ever ends up in Holland should try and shout Jan in a busy street. At least half of the man walking there will look around. I sounds like a joke, but guess what my fathers name is..? Right, Jan.

Signed,

Jan

 

[Buck62]

jan...

I'll bet your middle name is "Pat".... right???