VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

georgethetech · Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 7:49 pm Post subject: LDC mic shootout

I have a new client who is rather gifted in the mic closet (she's a singer and has a full music studio). She sent me a sample of six mics I requested her to test out of her collection.
There's a U87a, U87, Elux251, Blue Kiwi, Shure KSM32, and TLM103

I like the U87 (not a) the best with her voice.
What do you think?

PS:
Her booth was a total acoustical mess when we started, it's come a long way. ..
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Mike Sommer · Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 9:42 pm Post subject:

With the uneven recording levels, it's a little difficult to make a good comparison. It would be nice to A B the two U87 mics again, keeping the nominal levels in a proper range.

The U87 proper sounds a little darker, this could be due to the fact that (if this mic has the original capsule) the PVC could be getting a little old - and for that reason it does sound mellower- it almost does not sound like a U87. The U87i has crisper mids and highs. These two are the better sounding of the bunch.

There is still some strong resonance going on it this room, and it is coloring the mics just a little. It kind of sound like a hollow core door or something.

What is the sound chain??
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georgethetech · Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2011 1:27 am Post subject:

Before I listened I normalized each segment to -3db. The levels are all over the place because she didn't touch the gain setting on the preamp. The signal chain is Grace M801-AudioFire2. When I first started with her she was using a Shure X2u with the Grace. Yes, really!
I added a sample of what I heard the first time to the same Ge.tt folder, for some perspective, as I know you are curious...
It's nice she has a bright and dark U87 to pick from, depending on the type of work.
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
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TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

Eddie Eagle · M&M Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 2393

I'd like to hear some shootouts with Violet Mics.
http://www.violetusa.com/products.php

Mike Sommer · Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2011 11:18 am Post subject:

Just and FYI for everyone.

Normalizing only affect the highest peak to of that portion of audio. (everything is normalized to that peak- not that everything is raised to that peak level, but that peak is raised to let's say -3dBFS and the rest of the is raised or lowered in a linear fashion - like turning up the volume on the ration.

The main body of the audio should be within 3dB's to make a real comparison. Our ears don't normally hear momentary peak loudness as being louder. This can only be done manually. If peaks distort then hard limiting can be applied.

Yes I am curious and I do like the two U87's If she truly has a vintage U87 she is a lucky lady.
_________________
The Blog:
http://voiceoveraudio.blogspot.com/

Acoustics are counter-intuitive. If one thing is certain about acoustics, it is that if anything seems obvious it is probably wrong.

georgethetech · Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2011 10:30 am Post subject:

The drastic, 12 db difference between the U87a and U87 is telling of a tired mic, for sure. Would it be worth it for her to rediaphragm it?
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

Mike Sommer · Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2011 11:13 am Post subject:

Yes. It will cost about $800 or so for a new capsule, I would send it to Neumann.

If she really wants a great mic and is willing to spend a little more, she can contact Klaus Heyne for his mod and capsule tuning. She will not only have a collectors item but one hell of a fine mic. I believe his mod starts at around $1500 but she may get into the $2500 range with the new capsule.

http://www.germanmasterworks.com/
_________________
The Blog:
http://voiceoveraudio.blogspot.com/

Acoustics are counter-intuitive. If one thing is certain about acoustics, it is that if anything seems obvious it is probably wrong.

georgethetech · Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 12:57 am Post subject:

OK, so it turns out she had THREE U87's and a U87a to choose from. The other two U87's sounded better than the one you heard. She said she bought an entire collection of mics some years back, which is why she has what she does. The output level of the vintage U87 is a good 10dB lower than that of the modern mic. I suppose this is normal?
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder