Cheap mics vs. Expensive mics

[terminal3]

Originally Posted by saxman

I have not used a U-87 or a TLM103 but from what I've read on SOS it seems the TLM103 was designed as a cut-down U-87. So I presume it is natural to dislike the TLM103 if you own a U-87 but it surprises me to read any comment referring to the TLM103 being total garbage?

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jun9...s/neumann.html

I respectfully disagree with that review, having tried it on several occasions, and having really WANTED to like it - enthusiastic about a Neumann that mere peons could afford. This was genuinely the first "name" mic that I outright hated.

Seriously, if it was a "rebadged U87 with significantly upgraded electronics" alone as they state in the review, then WTF? That statement is both ridiculous and hilarious. If it really were THAT GOOD then all those studios would have dropped their U87s in a hurry and replaced them with the TLM103s - especially with no threat of them lacking a Neumann badge. But they didn't for some reason! Hmmm...

It sounds cheap, it doesn't sound like a U87 at all, and that article makes me think that SOS was afraid of losing Sennheiser advertising revenue.

Basically, IMHO, there are much better options than the TLM103 - mics that are more versatile, sound better and all they lack is the Neumann badge - for the same or less dosh.

[FrankGIK]

Originally Posted by terminal3

Anyway, what I meant to say was, I hate the TLM103 more than I hate vegemite.

I hear you, but man...be reasonable. Vegemite is *nasty*. I'd rather *eat* a TLM-103.

Frank

[MUSIKMAKER1]

Cheap mics vs. Expensive mics

One will break before the other ha ha ha lol!

[EdRyan]

Originally Posted by FrankGIK

I hear you, but man...be reasonable. Vegemite is *nasty*. I'd rather *eat* a TLM-103.

Frank

Just how bad do you think it is then? It's still an £800 mic. It can't sound terrible...

[FrankGIK]

Originally Posted by EdRyan

Just how bad do you think it is then? It's still an £800 mic. It can't sound terrible...

A Studio Projects C1 beat it nine times out of ten. An AT-4040 beat it seven times out of ten. A Behringer B-1 was dead even with it.

The TLM-103 is my least favorite mic in the world simply from a value standpoint. It's a ridiculous example of paying $800 to have the name "Neumann" on a mic.

Frank

[Bloke From Barnet]

Has anyone else here used an AKG Solidtube? I mentioned before that I used to have one few years ago & can't wait to get my hands on another one because it sounded just great on everything. That's to my ears anyway, I'm no professional by a long shot.
I'd be interested to know what any of you more experienced guys thought of it, I haven't seen anyone else mention it.

[TrevCircleStudios]

Originally Posted by EdRyan

Just how bad do you think it is then? It's still an £800 mic. It can't sound terrible...

Sorry Ed. It does. I thought the Rode NT1a was better and for abut a 8th of the price.

[TrevCircleStudios]

Originally Posted by Bloke From Barnet

Has anyone else here used an AKG Solidtube? I mentioned before that I used to have one few years ago & can't wait to get my hands on another one because it sounded just great on everything. That's to my ears anyway, I'm no professional by a long shot.
I'd be interested to know what any of you more experienced guys thought of it, I haven't seen anyone else mention it.

haven't used one

[terminal3]

Word, gents. I actually prefer my sE 2200A to the TLM103.

[TrevCircleStudios]

Originally Posted by terminal3

Word, gents. I actually prefer my sE 2200A to the TLM103.

Which pretty much says it all!

[rsnuk]

How do people feel about the se2200a to the NT1a?

I have very limited experience but anyway lol...

I have tried the SP B1 and the NT1a.

The B1 was 80 pounds.

The NT1A was 120 pounds.

I found the NT1A better, although the mics sounded similar.

I am wondering whether i just think that because i believe expensive = better on a subconscious level and this is colouring my conscious perception.

I think this issue is rather too subjective.

Different mics better for different things relative to a persons conception of what better is.

Perhaps a discussion of the technical differances would be productive.

Maybe also a disucssion about the quality of chinese vs non-chinese microphones.

I'm pretty much resided to the fact, my knowledge on this subject is going to have to come from experience rather than second hand accounts.

rsn

[TrevCircleStudios]

Different mics better for different things relative to a persons conception of what better is.

You got it!

Perhaps a discussion of the technical differances would be productive.

No it wouldn't. Listening with you ears is all that will tell you what is subjectively better to you.

Maybe also a disucssion about the quality of chinese vs non-chinese microphones.

Nope. Use your ears again.

I prety much resided to the fact, my knowledge oin thi subject is going to have to come from experience rather than second hand accounts

Yup [and for the avoidance of doubt] your ears are the key!

[Khazul]

A useful followup thread to this would be something on the lines of posting experiences with various mics you have used:

For eg:

Model X
character - slightly boosted presence and air
good for male vox, older/deeper female, drum overheads, accoustic guitar
bad for young breathy female vox (sibilant), ok slighly off axis
good with preamp types Y, bad with preamp types Z

... etc

Nearly every review you ever see and peoples comments you ever see just say vox, room, guitar and thats about it - very rarely enough context to get a sense that there is a chance it might actually be good for a particular type of voice and bad for another, or be very picky about which preamp you use etc.

Similar experiences with preamps and channel strips might be a huge benefit as well.

[modz1]

Originally Posted by Khazul

A useful followup thread to this would be something on the lines of posting experiences with various mics you have used:

Edit:.

+1 Khazul, this sounds like a most excellent idea for a thread.. Why not lead the charge and kick it off..? A very valuable resource could result, especially with our members who are true experts in this field..

[I_Am_Bic_Pentameter]

And possibly posters could post pictures of their ears.