Three omni SDC paqirs on grand piano

[musicfromtheroad]

I'm finding it hard to look (or listen e) past the noise, guess I'm spoiled by modern FET and Tube mics that have less noise than 20db and hoping the laws of physics will be transgressed again for small diapragms in general...thanks for the test - may have a key please?

[didier.brest]

Key send.

Indeed these three mics are not much quiet. Noise is not necessarily an issue with a SDC. For instance the Neumann KM183 has only 13 dBA self-noise.

Same test with 6 cardio SDCs.

[gotthold]

i prefer 7! would love to know about all three, and thank you very much for doing this for us!

[didier.brest]

thumbsup
key send

[Bflat]

I do think 8 is the most beautiful, but I'm not sure if it is the most natural. It might depend a lot on the type of piano. I actually like the accent that 9 adds in the upper end a bit. 7 is good, but doesn't add anything to me, and that makes me wonder if it is the DPA... Of course, they are known for there self noise - like 8- too.

Many thanks for your work!

[didier.brest]

Key send.

Same test with 6 cardio SDC pairs.

[Howie J]

Hmmm, 9, 7, 8. I think. 8 had the most noise, 7 was a tad bright, 9 seemed smooth. Got me curious now..


Howie J

[didier.brest]

Key send.

Same test with 6 cardio SDC pairs.

[brawee]

Hello, please send a key for both the omni and card test. For me, #8 sounded most lifelike on the right hand, but the left hand was veiled. #9 was balanced. Thanks for the tests!

[didier.brest]

Done.

[root]

# 8 for me please send me the key for the comparison and the SDC as well ....thinking about getting the OKtava 012 and may make a difference to which capsule or both....thanks for your efforts....much appreciated.
Bob G

[didier.brest]

Done;

The cardio SDC test is here.

[realmike15]

I think #7 was my favorite. Can I get the key for this?

[didier.brest]

Key send.

[groovon]

Love the playing, and the comparison. Please send key - thanks!

(PS - In your opinion, are the 4060s really 'known for their self noise' as I've heard some say? Is it ever really an issue?)

thanks again

[didier.brest]

Key send.

The self-noise from the 4060 is not an issue to me. On some samples posted here for comparing the 4060 and the 4006, I found that the self-noise excess from the 4060 was mostly due to its HF bump, which I do'nt experience such much with mines, and could be removed by means of EQ ... This HF bump would be tamed by removing the grid, which I tested: I did not find a significant difference.

With grid

Without grid

NB These takes are not to be compared with the three ones in my first post because of different placement of the microphones.

Same test with 6 pairs of cardio SDCs.

[guitarsfrommars]

Originally Posted by rumleymusic

Thanks for the shootout.

I prefer 8 or 9. More detailed than 7. I think 8 has great imaging, and 9 has a very clear sparkle to it. 7 is somewhat gritty in comparison.

This is what I hear.

[didier.brest]

Key send.

[steppert]

9 first close by 8 then 7

7 a bit too hars highs
8 somewhat more stereo image colour, but then somewhat less clear then 9
9 clear and detailed.

but all very useable

[didier.brest]

Key send.thumbsup

[MandoBastardo]

Like them all - 9 the most. Key please.

[didier.brest]

Send.

[robertgeorge]

I like them all pretty well but 9 a little more.

Please send key

[robertgeorge]

I like 5 best

Please send key

[didier.brest]

Done.

[audwiz]

Please send key...omnis

Many thanks

[datamasons]

Voting for #9. Please PM me the results. Thanks!

[didier.brest]

Done.

[saxmeister]

Okay, my vote is #8, #9, #7. #9 had too much ambient noise and although #8 also had some, it seemed the most like sitting at a piano to me. #8 simply sounded dead to me and the high notes seemed to squash and lose definition.

Please send me the key as well.

Thanks for your time and efforts for this blind test. This helps us all get rid of the hype and get straight to the music! Much appreciated.

[didier.brest]

I'm still away but get by chance an internet access for a while. Key send. Thank you for your listening and your report.