VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Frank F · Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2009 4:49 pm Post subject: Not getting what you pay for...

GP sent me a link to a new microphone from Avantone: http://www.avantelectronics.com/BV-1.htm and I thought - "I really like the look, wonder what it sounds like"?

The next day this was discovered on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=120388212874

To be fair I have decided to order both and compare the qualities.

From what it looks like (on the surface) you can call it like it seems; Avantone is trading on their name/brand and buying some cheap Chinese microphones and marking them up - a lot - to make a quick buck in the slow economy. And, further the Chinese company KCM says - "Well, Avantone didn't tell us we couldn't sell the same microphone at our cost - we might as well make the money for ourselves".

We will see...

Sometimes you do not get what you pay for.

Toodles

F2

P. S.: I found a couple of differences already... the Avantone is a tube microphone using a Russian 6072A tube (The tube may be replaced with a 12AY7) . The KCM T-6000 is an FET.

Comparing the two will be similar to comparing the Mojave MA-200 - tube at $995.00 USD to the MA-201 (FET) $695.00 USD. (Personal note: I like both of the Mojave's and they compare spec wise quite admirably. Each has different uses in my microphone collection. I still like the looks of these newer "baby-bottle" or "lolli-pop" style microphones though.)

Frank F
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Bruce · Posted: Sun Jul 05, 2009 8:20 am Post subject:

Yeah, but the Avantone comes with a preamp and a cool alligator box that holds it all. Neumann, Sennheiser and even Manley don't do that. Imagine walking into a studio with the case and telling client and engineer, "I brought my own Bottle of Badass".

B
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jrkaiser · Guest

They sure do look pretty... I bought the Bluebird as my first real VO mic several years ago. It had a really nice sound and sure looked pretty. Frank, let me know how this sounds... I certainly don't need another mic in my collection right now though.

georgethetech · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 1:40 am Post subject:

Gotta friend who works for Avantone. I will get his take on that.
I know they redo the electronics, repackage with quality accessories, and warranty their product.
Is that all worth the extra dough?
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todd ellis · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 7:06 am Post subject:

similar to the cascade scenario? or different? very cool looking mic - looking forward to the results of the test!

ps - "bottle of badass" is now my new favorite term.
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Frank F · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 7:51 am Post subject:

Report. First take on the Avantone BV-1. This microphone looks great and the packaging (retro-style "tweed and alligator trim" case and all the toys) is delicious.

First Peek Inside: unless Avant really knows how to re-solder a circuit board or has completely replaced the board - this is a Chinese microphone re-branded with the Avantone logo and colors. I am almost certain I will need to replace the tube...

As this is a tube microphone I will be warming it up for most of the day today.

Additionally I received the Avantone CV-12 (the touted AKG C-12 knock-off). Comments forthcoming.

Note: I love my C-12's for singing vocals on mid to upper Tenor, Alto and Soprano voices. That said, the C-12 is not what I would consider a VO mic - mostly due to the sensitivity and pristine color of the sound. Add to this information the price of a C-12 and it does not fit well into the VO microphone category.

The KCM T-6000 should arrive later today. First thoughts on the microphone coming soon.
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jrkaiser · Guest

Todd,

Which is why I have no reason to buy it to try it. When I bought the ultra cool Cascade FatHead II, it looked great, fit and finish was great, and it sounded like a ribbon... but just not for my voice. $219 mic, 20% restocking fee and $60 cleaning fee. I ended up selling it on e-bay for $165 (I think).

JK

Frank F · Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 1:23 pm Post subject:

Update on the Avantone BV-1:

The Avanotone BV-1 is a nice microphone, but definitely not for VO. As a mic for strings this would be a very usable product. Smooth in the mids and high frequencies, with just the right amount of color. For vocals, the Avantone BV-1 would not be a go-to microphone. I might keep it in my mic locker for some uses, but it's capability is limited - in my opinion.

The Avantone BV-1 may be made a little better with a tube change-out and some updated electronics, but this is a Chinese mic made with Chinese components and no changes made after manufacturing.

On to better things; the Avantone CV-12.

Wow, I was not expecting the sound gathered with this microphone; not an AKG C-12 clone by any means, but the Avantone CV-12 is a good microphone for any recording studio.

Though the CV-12 is not what I would consider for everyday VO work due to it's characteristics of color and of being able to keep presence when the microphone is two feet away from the subject, the CV-12 is a very capable "vocal" microphone. With a price point of around $500.00 USD, the CV-12 can be a highly useful and well-rounded addition to your sonic arsenal; even when recording as a VO Artist.

The CV-12 comes packed in a sturdy aluminum briefcase so you can easily transport it to sessions or have a safe place to store the mic and its accoutrement's. A nice padded wooden case inside holds the microphone. A shockmount, a dedicated power supply, cables and two extra (different) tubes are included in the briefcase package.

Including the tube that ships inside the mic, you have three tube options that offer different gain characteristics so you can experiment and find the tonal combination that works best for your application.

Primarily a vocal microphone, as is the AKG C-12; the Avantone CV-12 is designed for studio users on a budget. Marketed toward musicians who are looking for a quality microphone product with excellent performance at a great price, the CV-12 delivers.

Soon: The review of the KCM T-6000.

Toodles

F2
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Bill Campbell · DC Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 621

Taylor Swift used the Avatone CV-12 on her latest album. A million selling album. The producer said it worked just right for her soft voice.

Nice review Frank.
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