VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Lee Gordon · Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2010 6:37 pm Post subject:

I never did post the comparison tests I talked about back in August, but I can report the results. I got my VO:1-A mic and recorded a small VO sample with it as well as the same sample with my RE-20. I then sent the side-by-side audio to about a dozen people (voiceoverists, producers, and audio engineers) whose opinions I respect. One guy couldn't decide which he liked better. All the others said they preferred the sound of the VO:1-A.

If you'd like to draw your own conclusion, here's the file I sent:
Lee Gordon Mic Comparison: Harlan Hogan VO:1-A vs. ElectroVoice RE-20

For the moment, I'm not saying which mic is which. If you're absolutely dying to know, you can drop me an e-mail at lee@leegordonproductions.com.
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Definitely Mic B

Gregory Best · Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2010 7:26 pm Post subject:

What Rob said.
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Jowillie · Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 3:27 am Post subject:

Hmm. I think I would like to hear "C."

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

Agree with Willie. B is better than A. Neither blows me away. What is your signal path?
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Mike Sommer · Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 8:27 am Post subject:

I don't like either of them.

There is too much room echo and resonance to make a fair comparison on what the mic sounds like.

Since I hear more of the room of the room in "A" and with you're working Mic "B" very close, you popped it 4 times, but it's offering more isolation and thusly a cleaner signal, the very thing I would expect from the RE 20.

The preamp is not doing anything for you either. Tell us the signal chain.
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Acoustics are counter-intuitive. If one thing is certain about acoustics, it is that if anything seems obvious it is probably wrong.

Lee Gordon · Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 1:13 pm Post subject:

For this test it was just the mic straight out of the box (didn't even fiddle with the shock mount) into a MicPort Pro and into the computer. No EQ or processing. Recorded at my desk.
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whalewtchr · Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 5:56 pm Post subject:

Mic A sounded dull as if it is not getting enough push, so I'll guess it is the RE20. B sounds a little crisper and open like a condenser...but these old ears are worn to the bone. I agree with Mike; not sure I like either of them in this set-up.
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Donald Seago · Joined: 16 Oct 2009 Posts: 4 Location: Indiana

I have been interested in pursuing a VO career PT for a few years and have reading, attending seminars, following forums etc... for at least two years now. I purchased the HH VO: 1-A a few months ago after testing multiple mics with Jeffrey P. Fisher in Chicago, and it seems to fit my voice. Been working with a VO coach to produce a demo so I recently purchased another mic and will post samples... hopefully next week and would like to get every ones feed back on which mic fits my voice.

I'm not ready to produce a demo yet but will at some point in the future. After attending a VO seminar in NY with Bob Bergen I came away with some of the best advice on producing a Demo. "Don't produce one until you KNOW YOU'RE READY".

Should I use tongue twisters to test the mics or should I simply read something I'm comfortable with.

Donald

Jowillie · Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 6:11 am Post subject:

Donald,
Is this a test for you... or the mics? Smile

Perhaps you can do a couple of different deliveries. Such as an informal, conversational, more intimate style. Then try something a little more "hard sell."

Otherwise, we would be tickled at a simple line or two describing which mic you are on and the signal path (what's it plugged into before it reaches the recorder). We just want to hear how your voice matches up with each mic.

Thanks for that.
VO MIC TEST
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Donald Seago · Joined: 16 Oct 2009 Posts: 4 Location: Indiana

Actually it's a test for both Laugh

Donald

Mike Sommer · Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2010 4:55 pm Post subject:

If you want real feedback, the test should be blind.

In and on the simple file Do Not tell us what the mics are; just say, "This is mic A" and "This is mic B."

In the post tell us what your audio chain is, and what mics you are testing, that's it.

Just give us about :15 seconds of some standard copy, and a few seconds of the room. No EQ, no compression, no noise gates; just raw sound file.
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Acoustics are counter-intuitive. If one thing is certain about acoustics, it is that if anything seems obvious it is probably wrong.

Tommy Ray · Joined: 09 Feb 2010 Posts: 9

Philip, you are shameless. I like that.

Philip Banks · Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2010 11:21 am Post subject:

I wish I had another strong personal character trait but I don't! Shameless it is.

SkinnyJohnny · Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2010 3:56 pm Post subject:

Same here. A sounds muffled, B sounds better, but the room really needs treatment! It's amazing what a well treated room will do for your sound.
My guess..."A" - RE-20 "B" - Hogan
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