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I compare here four different ribbon microphones numbered one to four. The mics with the same number are the same throughout the test. They all went simultaneously through Antelope Zenstudio interface Micpres at the same amplification level and were normalized to -0.9dB in Protools 11. Recorded at 96kHz/24 bit and bounced to 44.1/16 with no processing whatsoever. So within the differences of the placements of the microphones these are takes of exactly the same playing and as such can be directly compared to a certain degree. The mics were level with my eyes and a good stretched arm length distance from me.
The guitar used here is a Sebastian Stenzel 'Enhanced Wood' modell (cedar/Hondurian RW).
I will divulge later which one is which. Any comments very welcome.
Music is a big continent with different lascapes and corners. Some of them I do visit frequently, some from time to time and some I know from hearsay only ...
A good musical instrument is one that inspires one to express as free as possible
Posts: 3471
Joined: Jan. 20 2004
From: Austin, Texas USA
RE: Four ribbon microphones in direc... (in reply to rojarosguitar)
One thing I have concluded from beginning to record with a pair of good small diaphragm omni condenser mics is that after decades of playing both classical and flamenco, I am not familiar with the sound of my guitars out in front of the instruments.
Your recordings confirm this. Ribbon mics aren't known for emphasizing the higher frequencies, yet the recordings have more high frequency content than I am used to hearing as a player.
I also conclude that after listening once to the three selections on the four mics, it would take a while longer to arrive at a stable preference--if ever.
RE: Four ribbon microphones in direc... (in reply to Richard Jernigan)
Thanks for your comment...
The last sentence is a bit criptical to me...
The four different takes of the same piece are exactly the same, because I recorded them simultaneously ... if that's what you meant.
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Music is a big continent with different lascapes and corners. Some of them I do visit frequently, some from time to time and some I know from hearsay only ...
A good musical instrument is one that inspires one to express as free as possible
Posts: 3471
Joined: Jan. 20 2004
From: Austin, Texas USA
RE: Four ribbon microphones in direc... (in reply to Ricardo)
quote:
ORIGINAL: Ricardo
Mic 3 getting cleanest guitar sound ... Others especially 4 picking up room noise IMO very subtle differences nothing jumps out night and day
The ribbon mics I have read the specs on mostly have a "figure-8" pattern, being as sensitive at the "back" as they are at the "front." So they inherently pick up room sound. The differences in room sound presumably depend upon the frequency response, and how it changes as you go off axis.
Samar has the most extended frequency pickup, Royer SF-12 is not exactly figure 8 (though they claim it, but recording test show clear differences between back and front side) and that's maybe why it picks up less room.
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Music is a big continent with different lascapes and corners. Some of them I do visit frequently, some from time to time and some I know from hearsay only ...
A good musical instrument is one that inspires one to express as free as possible
Posts: 3471
Joined: Jan. 20 2004
From: Austin, Texas USA
RE: Four ribbon microphones in direc... (in reply to rojarosguitar)
I listened some more with Sennheiser HD600 headphones straight off the sound card of my Mac Mini, also via Airplay to Linn Katan speakers plus 10.25" Linn woofer, Linn electronics, in a fair sized room that's just a little too lively for hi-fi.
Unfortunately I like the most expensive mic the best.
Guitar Salon International has a video of Roland Dyens playing a 1956 Bouchet. They say it was recorded with AEA mics. In the video you can see which models. It sounds good to me. When I looked up the specs on the AEA's they have the frequency response of the old time ribbon mics, big rolloff above the high midrange. GSI didn't say what the rest of the recording chain was, nor whether they applied any equalization.
RE: Four ribbon microphones in direc... (in reply to Richard Jernigan)
I'm pretty sure GSI does process their recordings. Ribbons take EQ generally very well...
So if you say 'most expensive' you mean Royer, I understand? I like Royer too, but I don't like the coincident aspect of that too much. But that is a luxury problem
Thanks for your comments.
_____________________________
Music is a big continent with different lascapes and corners. Some of them I do visit frequently, some from time to time and some I know from hearsay only ...
A good musical instrument is one that inspires one to express as free as possible
Music is a big continent with different lascapes and corners. Some of them I do visit frequently, some from time to time and some I know from hearsay only ...
A good musical instrument is one that inspires one to express as free as possible
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