VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Bill Roberts · Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2013 5:31 pm Post subject: Another Short A/B Microphone Test

I would like to see if anyone can tell the Mic models, I know one will trick some, but the other should be obvious.

No Processing, flat, levels set as close as I could to match. Recorded with an RME Babyface built in Mic Pre.

I am not a narrator, but used a narration for an example.

SoundCloud Link.
https://soundcloud.com/bill-roberts-brady-vo/mic-test-no-processing-flat

Direct Link for audio File:
http://www.williambradyvo.com/Audio/MicTest_NoProc_Flat.wav

Frank if you get this one, you are cheating…because one of the Mics will give off a false reading or signature, I think!
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Frank F · Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2013 7:04 pm Post subject:

That made me laugh. Laugh

I know, I know! (Well maybe I do.) One mic is unique but it's signature is unmistakable. The color is off somewhat on the other.

I am now curious what others will guess; then I will post. And yes, I do admit when I am wrong and I didn't cheat.

F2
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Bill Roberts · Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2013 7:55 pm Post subject:

Your scaring me Frank…Your really scaring me, from that response, I bet you got it right. After the reveal, I would like your thoughts to see if you can hear the same thing that I Hear, I think the Mic’s basket to diaphragm distance is just to close, it seems to cause a condensed sound, (with my Ears) not really happy with it. I would never mod it, but I would love the pull a layer of mesh out of the basket!

Another strange thing is I don’t hear a big difference in the sound, not what I would expect With the Mic's used for the shootout.
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Bill Roberts · Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2013 8:13 pm Post subject:

Your scaring me Frank…Your really scaring me, from that response, I bet you got it right. After the reveal, I would like your thoughts to see if you can hear the same thing that I Hear, I think the Mic’s basket to diaphragm distance is just to close, it seems to cause a condensed sound, (with my Ears) not really happy with it. I would never mod it, but I would love the pull a layer of mesh out of the basket!

Another strange thing is I don’t hear a big difference in the sound, not what I would expect With the Mic's used for the shootout.
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Bob Stevens · Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2013 8:14 pm Post subject:

I love puzzles and am not feared to appear a fool. Smile

A: Hum... LDC sounds a little low muddy without the asian brightness.... Def european, I will throw my hat in with an (strike) restated below. Might be a little over driven?

B: Maybe a 416. A little thinner sounding than A but clearer

B, what ever it is, sounds a lot better to my ears.
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"Dialog is the painting on a canvas of silence"

Bill Roberts · Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2013 8:41 pm Post subject:

Ok, with the comments thus far, I need to get another Pre, I thought when I got the RME Babyface interface, and the pre sounded so sweet, I could sell the other Pre’s. I now think my pre is adding a bit of color, or it could be the haggard old warn out voice!
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Bob Stevens · Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2013 9:06 pm Post subject:

For heavens sake Bill, don't be buying a new pre based on anything my ears compare!!! lol
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"Dialog is the painting on a canvas of silence"

Bill Roberts · Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2013 9:23 pm Post subject:

Bob, after a couple thousand hours in c-130s, several different Helicopters, then 20 years loud head phones blasting in my Radio days, I had to write the answer down so I could tell the mic’s apart. I guess should add the question, what Microphone sounds better, so I know the one that I should use?

I also think for the demo I worked one of the mic's to close, did I Bogart the Microphone???
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Bob Stevens · Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2013 10:16 pm Post subject:

I think both are very usable.

A is bolder and in your face a bit more but I hear a low harmonic distortion transient thing going on. Could be proximity, over gain, the mic, my speakers, my ears, or needs a high pass filter. FWIW I tend to be hyper critical of low end because of my voice and have to watch it carefully. A is definitely usable as is, just may need a little tweaking. IMHO

B sounds a tad thin but cleaner. Maybe little eq and mojo would raise the bar.

As you presented them, B seems to me to be the most publishable.

That being said I think A may have more potential than B. If the low stuff (that may only be bugging me) can be resolved I would definitely pick A over B.

Keep in mind. I am deaf in one ear and can't hear out of the other. lol

Bob
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"Dialog is the painting on a canvas of silence"

Bill Roberts · Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2013 10:37 pm Post subject:

Bob,

I will leave the audio files like they are, rather than make the change that i should, the sad fact is, I worked the proximity a bit close, and induced proximity trauma upon the Mic. I do like the kind words about what you say in reference to # 1. It’s new…so new…I have been using the old one for so long it’s not as temperamental as the new one. With any luck the proximity will cause confusion for Fred, you just can’t make it to easy for him!
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Bob Stevens · Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2013 11:06 pm Post subject:

I am anxious to see your reveal. I like being embarrassed!

I do like the overall sound of #1 and am even more curious now after you mentioned you pushed it a bit. May have to change my answer to a higher end FET.
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"Dialog is the painting on a canvas of silence"

Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

I am guessing that Mic B is a 416.

chuckweis · Contributor IV Joined: 27 Feb 2008 Posts: 136

Bill Roberts · Posted: Sun Jul 28, 2013 10:47 am Post subject:

Chuck,

Sold it, I rotate equipment often (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) . The RME Pre sounded so good to me, no need run a Pre into it.

P.S. I used the VintageKing 6 months same as cash for this latest Mic. I received a G.A.S. card (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) from VintageKing, so I could be in trouble as the limit is higher than I would like. When you have the G.A.S. card, you have 6-months interest free.
Bill
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Bob Stevens · Posted: Sun Jul 28, 2013 12:35 pm Post subject:

Ok Bill, I am restating my first guess. I played with your take a little and am hearing a familiar sound. LDC, European, Gefell perhaps? m930TS

Bob
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"Dialog is the painting on a canvas of silence"