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georgethetech · Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2013 5:13 pm Post subject: Mic shoot-out: $700 vs. $200

Which of these two mics do you think sounds better (on this inexperienced voice), and which is the TLM102?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/4saygkfzbpkxk70/102v875r.aif

No processing, just level matched, direct into Apogee DUET 2.
TLM102 and AT875R are the mics used in the test.
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Jason Huggins · Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2013 7:21 pm Post subject:

I'd say the first is the 102, and I prefer the second recording. Less mouth noise, fuller sound overall. The first sounds a bit "low-res" to me. But that may be because of my overly bass trapped room Smile

Edwino · Joined: 29 Oct 2012 Posts: 22 Location: Mid Atlantic

I would say 102 is first. Sounds more natural, balanced. Much prefer it.

Ed Fisher · Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2013 11:04 pm Post subject:

To my ears, the second recording is much more rounded and less harsh. I find it much more pleasant on this particular voice.

I just ordered the AT875R based on George's recommendation in another thread. 155.00 from B&H.
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Bill Campbell · DC Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 621

Listening at a normal level, on speakers, I like #2 better. More articulate.
#1 sounds a bit muffled and muddy.
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FinMac · Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2013 4:27 am Post subject: Mic number 2

Like mic no. 2 better. Sounds more forward to my ears.

Mic no. 1 sounds a bit thinner. Haven't a clue which is the 102 having never used one.

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

I think #1 is the 102 and it's smoother, but dull and boxy. My guess is #2 is the AT, and it's much better for her voice, but it has an edginess to it that a lot of AT mics have - kind of a high mid-range burr to it.

I love AT mics. Used to own a 4040, and have a 2035 as my back up/travel mic. When I used to do field production audio, I'd use an AT897 shotgun on the CEO of Coca Cola for his interviews and I loved it.

Just checking out a review of the AT875R on YT and the person notes that the AT875R has much better rear rejection than the NTG-2.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5S1S7KdZyE

Sounds good on him! Direct to the ZOOM H4N.
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Jason Huggins · Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2013 7:58 am Post subject:

Personally, I'd love to hear a comparison of the 416 and the AT875R.

heyguido · Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2013 8:03 am Post subject:

The 875r seems to have a pronounced rolloff below 125hz... And some reviews have noted a little more forgiving sweet spot.

+1 to a shootout.
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Bruce · Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2013 8:20 am Post subject:

Sample 2 is much cleaner and therefore better IMO.

B
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georgethetech · Posted: Tue Oct 29, 2013 5:22 pm Post subject:

This has been really interesting to read the varying opinions! In the sample, the first mic is the TLM102, the 2nd is the AT875R. The dead giveaway is the rumble in the 102 section, which is completely absent in the 875R section. The 875R has a higher self noise level, but it's still around -60dB. On paper, the specs aren't that impressive, but the sound tells the truth. In cramped booths with bass resonance issues, I think the 875R could be a great help for many. It's elevated self noise will only be evident in the quietest of studios.

The 875R response curve:

The 416 response curve:

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Diane Maggipinto · Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2013 9:03 am Post subject:

i thought the second read's sound was much fuller and easier to listen to.

thanks for that info, george.
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Ed Fisher · Posted: Wed Oct 30, 2013 9:57 am Post subject:

I don't know how similiar the TLM 102 is to the TLM 103. But, a woman I used to have record for me used one in her home studio and the TLM 103 was always a problem. Every time she said the "Ah" sound it would spike and I'd have to manually edit those areas. It was a PITA.
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georgethetech · Posted: Thu Oct 31, 2013 10:52 am Post subject:

More samples, my voice in a booth at Edge Studio direct into an Avid Mbox 3:
TLM103
AT875R
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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

Ed Fisher · Posted: Thu Oct 31, 2013 11:15 am Post subject:

The TLM103 - more rounded but nosier by virtue of being able to hear the air conditiong (?). A constant low frequency is present. Also a bit more blur in the midrange.

The AT875R - much cleaner. crisp. because of the 150 hz roll off. Not as "full sounding" as the 103. But, also, doesn't appear to have the proximity effect of the 103. Crisp on the human voice. Sharp. Should cut through a mix rather well. The proof will be in the production.

Monitored though Sennheiser hd380pro closed headphones.
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