Microphones, Preamps and Impedance--Oh MY!

Want to get technical? Why are there so many variations of sound between mics and different preamps? There's lots of reasons. Many of which we have mentioned on these pages.

But I've noticed that in talking with the master technicians, they may add a little "footnote" to discussions about matching mics and preamps--impedance matching. They mention it as an aside and almost under their breath at the very end of the talks.

I may have referred you to other papers and sources about this subject in the past, but in case you missed this one, I submit it again. It's from the Microphone-Data website in an article by Rob Jones. Check out the PDF Here.

Keep in mind that Mr. Jones worked for Focusrite and demonstrates with a preamp with adjustable impedance--one of his.

How do I feel about it? He sums it up pretty well in his last paragraph:

Most microphones can be used very satisfactorily with most preamplifiers and true “matching” is actually undesirable. However if you are seeking a particular quality, tone, colouration, character – the terms are not fixed – then picking the right combination of equipment can be very helpful.

CharterOak S700 for Voiceover?

How did we miss this one?

(and who is that dude?)

The CharterOak Acoustic Devices S700 is a front address, cardioid, solid-state condenser microphone. The microphone is delivered in a fight case, with its shock mount and is extremely well suited for broadcast applications.

The CharterOak S 700 uses the side terminated 1.00" gold sputtered Mylar S-3 type capsule, pure class-A head amplifier and a custom made output transformer. Its rich and particularly non-sibilant eq, and cardioid pick up pattern make it a perfect choice for broadcast applications. The result is clean and rich sound on the voice without harshness or sibilance. The microphone is an excellent alternative to standard dynamic broadcast microphones, as it has a more detailed sound and higher output level.

Based on CharterOak’s unique S600, the S700 employs CharterOak’s series 700 type head amplifier with the S-3 type capsule used in the S600. The S700 was designed to meet the needs of broadcasters specifically, with its robust midrange, smooth and detailed top end and internal plosive filter.

“We’re responding to broadcasters who love the sound of the CharterOak E700, but find the E700, to be a bit too bulky, and would really prefer a front address microphone” says CharterOak VP Marketing.

I really would like to hear the S700 in action.

OK! Here's a temp video....

The better quality one with the audio recorded on the Centrance Micport Pro is coming....along with a full report and the start of the mic tests.
But for now......



Again, here is the audio from this video recorded directly on the Centrance MicportPro:
(Warning! There is :10 lag on file before audio begins.)

MicPort Pro Video Test Coming...I promise.

Actually, it's done and in the can. BUT...are you ready for this.... I can't seem to upload it.
Do you have any idea how embarrassing this is? I own a video production company, a group of Cable Access TV Channels... and I can't produce this simple on-camera demo of the Centrance MicPort Pro.
Oh believe me, it is GREAT! I mean I take it out of the box, plug it in to a Sennheiser MKH-416, turn on a video camera... and let it rip. No holds barred. If it is bad, we will see and hear it. Stupid me apparently did not match up the bit rate of the recorded video with the recorded audio through the Micport Pro. That means the video and audio are out of sync.

BUT SO WHAT!! Here is the actual audio as we recorded it on the video STRAIGHT THROUGH THE Centrance:

(It's a wav file so let it load)

I will stifle my pride and get a real video producer to straighten out my mess and YOU WILL SEE THE VIDEO TEST. And you will also get my opinion of this fine unit. (Here is a hint....It passed a supreme test by saving my butt in an audio emergency overnight.) And we will test various types of popular mics on the VO Mic Test Page.

Centrance Micport Pro..or Other Preamp in a Barrel?

Well, we expected to have tested a couple of the new "preamp/digital interfaces in a barrel" or "in-line" products by now....BUT--none of them have arrived.

We were excited about head-to-head test with some of our existing VO Mic Tests to compare the quality.

There is no doubt that the convenience and economy factor is a powerful plus for these types of units. I plan to switch to this work-flow for on-site client VO's.

There are lots of units to choose from reputable companies:
MXL
Centrance
Shure
Blue
..several others.

But my question is.... Is anyone using any of these devices for their day-to-day in-studio use. Have you replaced your "preamp to USB or FW to DAW" chain? And how does it compare to your old set-up?

You can remain anonymous if you like. I understand that "gear image" is very important to some clients. Your secret is completely safe with me.

Email me now. We all will appreciate it. Our future depends on it.

Oh, and the mailing address is still:
Vocal Impact Media
220 N. Main St.
Lexington, NC 27292

No Lawson Test...Yet.

Hi Willie,

Came across a test of a Lawson LM47 on Don Capone's website. Good grief! The guy on it was someone in Dallas. Great voice, but this mike really filled it out! Has anyone thought about running a vo-mic test on one of those?I saw the one post you had a year or so back about someone who had one.What a sound!

Thanks
Graham Smith

Thanks for the note, Graham.

I asked permission from Lawson some time ago to post those test from Dallas that are on the Lawson website on our VO Mic Test page. Gene Lawson replied and apparently did not see the need to allow us to do that.

We are dissapointed not to have a chance to compare the Lawson's in the same context as our other mics.

Our friends that have or had Lawsons spoke very highly of them.

WE

P.S. I think I used to work with "that guy in Dallas."

Digital microphone technologies on the rise

Press Release 05/04/09

At the 126th AES 2009 convention Neumann Berlin focuses on special microphone technologies developed for professional systems. Besides the well-known wide product range, visitors are invited to try and compare analog microphones with digital microphone technologies.

Experience shows that Neumann digital microphones offer decisive advantages in many fields of application. Neumann will offer valuable seminars held directly at the booth providing an interesting insight on digital workflows. In collaboration with experts from Optocore, Camelot, and Sennheiser visitors will be shown the added value of digital microphone technologies based on practical examples.

As digital microphones are being put to use in numerous practical applications, the specific advantages are becoming increasingly apparent. Many production workflows are being redefined, permitting enhanced effectiveness and reliability.

With their own peripheral products, more and more companies are providing for the seamless integration of digital microphones into large networks. In workshops with our partners at the AES, we would like to share and discuss these experiences.

Kind Regards from Berlin
Georg Neumann GmbH
http://www.neumann.com

We shall see.... WE