VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

Hart · Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 12:52 pm Post subject:

Okay, had some time so I put the box together and stuck the mics in there.

Having never done an "A/B" test before I'll describe what I did. Both mics were placed in the box at the same time. Both were run using the same brand cable into my Yamaha mixer using it's preamps. No processing in the chain. From there it goes to the line in on the Firebox. Recorded in the multitrack mode of Adobe Audition. Both files contain the same recordings.

ElectroVoice RE20

Shure SM58

There are a couple different reads of the same copy. The only post processing I've done is to normalise the reads to the same level (that's why you'll hear the background noise jump some on the files).

I'll leave the box up for a day or so if you want me to try anything specific.

B
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Bill · Guest

Interesting test Brian.

I did something similar the other day in Audition. with both voice and sax on #2 the sax blew its doors off but that was a mistake on my part. I was really more concerned with how it sounded on voice. still working on the sound treatment.

mics are

#1 Heil Pro PR-40
#2 Rode NT 2
#3 EV RE20
#4 SM58

Hart · Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 1:20 pm Post subject:

I've heard the RE20 is an excellent mic for saxophones. What are you thoughts?

Yeah, I've been known to squeal a note or two myself.
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JeffK · T-Shirt Joined: 22 Dec 2005 Posts: 276 Location: Oz

Hi Brian,
What Yamaha mixer are you using?

Thanks,
jjk

Hart · Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 2:03 pm Post subject:

Jeff,

It's the MG16/6FX
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Bill · Guest

I used the RE20 in my radio news days, and always liked them. This one is borrowed from my wife's brother whose project studio is in the process of being rebuilt (he's on tour with Blood Sweat and Tears, and Sam Moore so work is going slowly) He likes them on horns. I'm not sure what's in his mic locker, though he did have some Neumann 103's last time I was there.

I have a Rode NT 2 that I use for both, I like the way it sounds on sax, but my recording space isn't perfect and there is only so much I can do, so I'm thinking of picking up and Re20 to take more of the room out of the sound. I didn't have it positioned properly for the sax on that recording either, it was a bit heavy for the boom arm (just ordered a new one), so it fell a bit. it's a bit smoother on sax than the condensor,

does this constitute threadjacking? here's Honkin' at ya!

Laugh

Hart · Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2006 5:32 am Post subject:

New test, I've been drinking coffee this morning so forgive the mouth clicks please. I didn't want to edit for fear of tainting the results.

Same as before, both mics recording at the same time. I'm about 2 inches away (in radio mode).

RE20

SM58

Now granted, these tracks are a bit muddy in the bass because I was so close to the mics but it's amazing to me how much more clarity there is with an LD condenser compared to a dynamic mic.

B
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donrandall · Guest

The Shure SM58 is a very good, inexpensive dynamic mic. There is an updated version of that mic available for a just a few dollars more, the Shure SM58 Beta, which is a bit cleaner and more crisp sounding than the standard SM58. It will never be confused for a large diameter condenser mic - but for the money, it is a very impressive little mic and worthy of consideration by anyone not wanting to use a condenser mic.

jrodriguez315 · Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 8:48 am Post subject: Thank you!

Brian,

Wow! Thank you so much for taking the time to put the box back together and do this test.

I listened to the sound samples on my crummy PC speakers and through headphones. They both sounded pretty good to my untrained ears. My concern is that the SM-58 wouldn't produce a good enough sound quality to allow me to audition or produce anything of professional quality at home. The only difference I really hear is more sibilants with the SM58 and perhaps a bit less warmth.

Thanks again, I really appreciate you taking the time.

By the way, has everything cleared up in Apex? I hope you weren't affected too badly by that chemical cloud.
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Hart · Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 9:03 am Post subject:

One thing I forgot to mention is that the RE20 had a foam pop screen on it while the SM58 had none. I couldn't find it.

If I was choosing between these two only for my voice, it'd be the RE20.

Apex:

They're still trying to figure out exactly what chemicals are on site (they did finally release a list they THINK is right) and what the best way to clean them up is going to be. Nobody died so that's good. I don't believe there were any major injuries either.
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jrodriguez315 · Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 9:12 am Post subject:

Glad to hear that things are going well in Apex.

If you only had an SM-58, would that stop you from trying to start your voiceover career? That's all I have at the moment and my budget is too tight to purchase anything else unless I can generate some income with the 58.
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Hart · Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 2:12 pm Post subject:

No it would not stop me from trying. You work with what you've got. How else you going to get the money to upgrade? Wink

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JeffK · T-Shirt Joined: 22 Dec 2005 Posts: 276 Location: Oz

Brian, I like your concept for ventilation. Certainly beats $525 for the ready made unit at soundsuckers. Now the delima is with the fan. I spoke with someone at Fantec and did not realize how complicated it can get selecting the right fan. Have you made the fan purchase yet and if so with who?

Hart · Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 7:43 am Post subject:

No, I haven't. I'm still thinking it over. I found some good stuff on this at... www.homerecording.com I think. In the archives studio build section.

As pricey as fans are, I'm a bit worried about spending $100 on one only to find it's very noisy.

I've put ventilation on the back burner for now. With the stuff I'm doing right now I'm only in the booth for maybe 10 minutes at a time and I haven't had any issues. I do open the door between takes though, or even leave it cracked if the house is quiet.
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