More Letters and Notes

Lots of response to the Mic-shootout games. We are working on expanding the scope. Keep the suggestions coming. Your input is what it's all about.

You are asking for some specific tests and we hear you:

How about adding a Berhringer B-2 Pro to your under $200 microphone test line-up?
Keith Nelsen

Keith,

Thanks for your note. We will add the B-2 Pro to our list of "try and gets."
In the meantime, we will share what we have heard from others. The B-2 Pro is a dual-diaphram multi-directional condenser that is very sensitive. The multi-directional makes it useful for many other applications besides Voiceover. It has a reputation for being somewhat sibilent--a little harsh in the high frequencies. That should be easy to clear up in post production. We really do need to test one to see (or hear) for ourselves.
You are right, we need to look at more mics in that $150 range.
Thanks again for your note

You know we can't try mics at dealers any more. So lots of us noobies would appreciate being able to hear the low-end stuff such as AT2020s, B1s and USBs through low-end pres, such as Art USB and Studio Projects, etc.

Great site! Load it up !!!
Rob

You are right, Rob. It is very tough to get a mic to try, especially if you don't live near a big dealer. (I thought the internet was supposed to change all that). Our original goal was to find possible mic choices that are a little out of the main stream of mass hype and peer pressure. We also wanted to plug into the "value" factor.
When you sift through the "you should buy this mic 'cause I got one," to the "I've got this one and it works great for me," we realize that maybe we need to try more of the "works great for me" mics.
If we can help you find the best match-up for the best investment, then you need to hear one recommendation against another. It's a matter of simple comparisons.
Thanks to our buddies and cohorts in the business, we are getting to hear some outstanding gear. Keep sending 'em gang. But we do need to listen to the basic standards that are available now. That means establishing a rapport with the dealers and manufacturers. We have had mostly positive inquiries from some pretty heavy hitters in the biz and as they watch your response to these tests, may decide to get more involved.
My question to you....should we accept advertising from these dealers and companies if it means getting more product to test? You and I want to continue to keep the test as straightforward and unbiased as possible....and they still will be--even if there are ads. But sometimes you may ask the question, "Are they just saying that to help the advertiser?"
Hey, I'm having fun here too. And I am also learning something, just like you.
Keep sending your suggestions and recommendations, especially on how to kick it up a notch.
On that note I'll tell you that I've been talking to Ed Gambill about the Peluso mics (Yeah, I know. I thought we were talking intro priced mics). We're working with Ed on some big news and opportunities for you soon. Keep checking.