VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Tom Test · DC Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 629 Location: Chicago, IL

I’m about to record a new Retail demo, and my producer asked me for samples of all of my microphones. (He doesn’t want each clip to sound like they came from the same studio, which I appreciate). As per his request, I recorded 2 sentences for each mic 2 times each – one at medium volume (like a “soft-sell” read), then one at high volume (more “hard-sell”). I thought it might be interesting for me to post the results here.

Please note that I do NOT pretend that this is a scientifically rigorous experiment. Although I did record all of these in one session on the same day, I did not take much time trying to find the sweet spot for each mic (although I am pretty familiar with all of them, so this may not be much of an issue). I’ll reveal each mic tomorrow, but I'll tell you upfront what the preamps are.

I recorded medium and loud reads for each mic on TWO different preamps: a SafeSound Audio Tracking Toolbox (no compression/limiting/EQ) and a Jim-Williams modded ISA One. A high pass filter was engaged on both preamps. I expect that all of pretty much all of you will agree that the mics sound much better through the SafeSound unit, since the ISA One often sounds so damn muddy to my ears. In fact I almost decided to delete all takes recorded on it, for simplicity’s sake. But there were a few instances where I thought the ISA One had an advantage, so I left all the takes in there. I think it’s fascinating how different mics seem to prefer different preamps.

Each mic has 4 reads: "soft-sell" into the Safesound Audio Tracking Toolbox (clean), then into the Jim Williams-modded ISA One; "hard-sell" into the SafeSound Audio, then into the ISA One. From cheapest to most expensive (not the order they appear, fyi), here are the mics:

AT2050 – about $150
AKG 200 – under $200, + another $90 for mods done by John Bonnell
CAD e100s – I paid $325 at B&H
Rode NTK - $600 new + $75 for an NOS Amperex tube + another $125 for further mods
Sennheiser 416 - $600 like new from eBay
Gefell M930 - $900 used from a seller on this forum

6 mic shootout (AT2050, AKG 200, CAD e100s, Rode NTK, Senn 416, Gefell M930) 2 preamp (Safesound Audio, ISA One) shootout listen here:

https://soundcloud.com/tom-test-voice-talent/tomtest-mictests-blind

I'm not sure if SoundCloud compresses the file or not, so if you want to download a 44 Hz 16-bit WAV file, go here: https://www.box.com/files/0/f/0/1/f_6736453267

I suggest that you please listen to the samples first before commenting, so you are not unduly influenced by reading others' opinions.
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Bill Campbell · DC Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 621

Hi Tom. I always enjoy a good mic test - check one two, check one two.

I listened to all on high end monitors. I don't have much of an opinion on the preamp differences. Preamps are overrated as having as having a big sonic effect, IMHO. Both those preamps sound good.

Of the mics, my only observation is the #3 is the weakest of the bunch.
And #4 is boxy/muddy. All the rest are fine.

Also, a really good producer could take all your reads, recorded in the same studio for a demo, and make them sound different.
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Tom Test · DC Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 629 Location: Chicago, IL

Thanks for your comments, Bill! I was hoping you'd chime in. I'll share my own thoughts tomorrow when I reveal the mic line-up.
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Scott Pollak · Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 6:24 pm Post subject:

First impression: Not a ton of difference between a $150 mike and a $900 mike (See Jeff Kafer's thread in this same section)

I echo Bill's comment about #3. I'm going to hazard a guess that that one is the AT 2050.
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FinMac · Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 8:40 am Post subject: mic test

Hei Tom,

Thanks for posting the mic test. Was very interesting to hear them all.

I liked no. 4, 2 and 6. 3 was the weakest link IMHO.

All the best,

Mac
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Lapianoman · Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 9:35 am Post subject:

Mic 3 was flat & lifeless. I liked 4, but that may have been influenced by hearing #3. I heard the ISA 'mud' on 4,as well as 5 and 6, but not on the first 3. Some mics just work better with some preamps.

My pic is #2 on the Safesound.
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Zach Meissner · Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 1:42 pm Post subject:

Tom,

Did John Bonnell replace the capsule in the AKG 200 as part of his mod on your mic?

Andy · Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 4:48 pm Post subject:

Four and six for me.

captain54 · Lucky 700 Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 744 Location: chicago

Either #2 or #6

Tom Test · DC Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 629 Location: Chicago, IL

Here’s the lineup, read it and weep:

1) Gefell M930
2) AKG 200
3) AT2050
4) CAD e100s
5) Rode NTK
6) Sennheiser 416

One thing that strikes me is the love for the CAD e100s - even on my voice, and I have never been happy with it myself! Though I definitely agree with Bill that it sounds too muddy. I know this is so subjective, but really – is there something wrong with my and Bill’s ears? It baffles me. However, quite honestly I don’t entirely trust my own ears. I listened to a lot of loud progressive rock through headphones in my college days, so I’m sure I’ve lost a bit of range over the years.

So far, we’ve had the following “votes” updated on 3.21.13 (I also added a few votes and comments from a Facebook thread about this, fyi):

Gefell M930 – 2 votes as “liked,” 1 as "best"
AKG 200 – 5 votes as “liked,” one as “best”
AT2050 – nobody liked this mic – I sure don’t!
CAD e100s – 5 votes as “liked,” two as “best,” plus 2 comments that it sounded muddy/boxy
Rode NTK – one vote as “liked”
Sennheiser 416 – 7 votes as “liked” (one person said it was his least favorite!)

At this point, the modded AKG 200 and the Sennheiser 416 arethe "winners," with a lot of love for the CAD e100s. I will update the totals if/when more comments come in.

The Gefell is has been my “go-to” mic for the past few years, both for narration and for commercial work, though nowadays I’m starting to use the 416 more for commercials. The 416 is either the #1 or #2 most popular VO mic here in Chicago, with the U87 being the other contender.

I am impressed with the sub-$200 AKG 200. Zach, I do not believe that the mods by John Bonnell (whom I found on eBay and who also modded my Rode NTK) included a capsule swap. I know that Mike Joly does that on his mic mods, but not Bonnell AFAIK. I’m working with Cliff Zellman on my automotive demo, and he raves about the AKG 200 or 220, saying that 10 years ago a mic this good would have cost $4000! To my ear, it sounds quite similar to the Gefell, which is my keeper. If anyone is interested in my AKG, shoot me a line! I might sell the e100s too – but if 4 other people said they LIKED it on my voice, in my booth, with my preamps.... well maybe I should listen…
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Best regards,
Tom Test
"The Voice You Trust"
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Zach Meissner · Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 8:15 pm Post subject:

I knew there was a reason I was holding onto that 'ol AKG 200....

I've been kicking around the idea of a Joly mod for awhile. Either on that, an old Behringer B-2 Pro, or a Rode NT1A.

Thanks much Tom for posting this test, it was fantastic and eye opening for me. It has been most helpful!!

Lance Blair · M&M Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 2281 Location: Atlanta

I liked the 416, then the AKG (they get no VO love outside of the 414EB, but I think they're terrific), and then the CAD which was definitely better with the Safe Sound pre. I like my CAD with my ISA, but I need to pump a little 8-12k action in post to make it shine. The CAD and the ISA are on the dark side, but they're both quality pieces of gear.

One note - I think your delivery was unintentionally with less projection on the 416. Did you record with headphones? Maybe you (rightfully) heard that the 416 was a perfect fit and didn't have to compensate for any shortcomings. I felt that to a slightly less degree with the AKG and the CAD.

Great test, and thanks for doing this.

At the end of it all - Rode and AT Pass.
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captain54 · Lucky 700 Joined: 30 Jan 2006 Posts: 744 Location: chicago

Dayo · Cinquecento Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Posts: 544 Location: UK

I liked 1 and 6 through the SafeSound pre each time. The Focusrite always sounded fragile in comparison. 1 a clear fave.

EDIT: Just noticed the results are already in - doh!
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Bob Stevens · Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 10:22 pm Post subject:

I agree 1 and 6 through the safe sound. It was easy to figure out they were the 930 and 416.

The isa darkened and mudded most of the others. But sounded best on the Rode to me.

I say nay to 3. Flat with no depth. That was an easy AT pick. Biased perhaps. I am not an AT fan... for my voice anyway.

I had a hard time Rode vs AKG. The AKG was a big surprise but had a little of a distortion edge to my ears.

The Cad was also an easy pick.

I agree with Lance about maybe driving the 416 and Cad a little more.

My faves in order: (Not sure I would even include the 416, it is a different fruit to me and has it's own place. )

1
6
4
5
2
3

Great comparison Tom! It was a candy store of flavors.
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