Avantone BV-1 vs Beesneez James

[johnnybregar]

Originally Posted by didier.brest

By the way, which James is it?

Original, one of the earlier ones. Are there differences in the later models as far as you know other than cosmetics?

[didier.brest]

No, sorry, I was in confusion between the model name (James) and the brand name.

[vonrichter]

The extra beef on the second BV-1 example is nice in a solo context like this, but a hair too dark. Not bad!

The James still sounds a bit more "3D".

[P-pangdrums]

Wow, that's a really nice song man! Really dig your voice and I'm a sucker for this type of music... I wasn't prepared for something like this, just expecting your usual shootout kind of bla bla... But instead, lo and behold, MUSICthumbsup

I think both mics sound nice but with a little edge going to the BV-1, especially in the 2 'o clock position. I've got to try that with my Peluso P12!

Thanks for sharing the song!

Greetings from Stockholm/Jonas

[Heartfelt]

The James sounds clear but not strident in any way. I like it better than both scenarios with the BV. Being a James owner, I can tell you that the pre can make a big difference with output.

My Daking can put a bit of high mid-ness into it, compared to the Steiny MR816 pres with which, it sounds very natural.

I also, with Ben's kindness, got a jumper selector in the James. One position is normal and the other extends the top and bottom. Worth a little extra scratch to have the variety. Any upcoming James purchasers should consider it. Taking the body off to change isn't a pain. It is well constructed.

Rob

[Mark D.]

Great song overall, great performer. Nice work by him & you.

The Avantone sounds better in the non-Cardioid. More open.

The cardioid version is useable, but a bit more harsh though.

James wins, as open if not more, but more smooth & natural.

[pasarski]

Originally Posted by Heartfelt

I also, with Ben's kindness, got a jumper selector in the James. One position is normal and the other extends the top and bottom.
Rob

So a stock James has a low and high cut?

[Heartfelt]

Originally Posted by pasarski

So a stock James has a low and high cut?

No. It is an addon. Doesn't cost a lot. IF I remember right, $100 or so. Ben can correct me as it was a while back. You end up with the stock sound and then a tonality with extended top and bottom.

[pasarski]

Originally Posted by Heartfelt

No. It is an addon. Doesn't cost a lot. IF I remember right, $100 or so. Ben can correct me as it was a while back. You end up with the stock sound and then a tonality with extended top and bottom.

It would be nice to hear about this from Ben. I don't see how top and bottom can be extended electronically if they were not bounded somehow in a first place.

But anyway it's nice to be able to have customized mics. And all the James clips I've heard sound fabulous, make's me wanna order one, so congrats of your mic!

[Aingell]

I like the bv-1 better, clearer and sounds like it would fit in a mix easily.

[SEB]

Yep, owning both of them this is my experience too.

[sae2111]

Nice clips. I'm going to have to listen to some Dylan.

[Gorgechon]

I know this is a year old thread but Im researching BN mics and came across this. WOW that James sounds amazing! I think it beats the avantone by a mile- way more open and pro sounding to me. Listening on Dynaudio monitors through RME fireface 800. I think I made my decision- Im buying a James!! Can any other James users comment on their experience on different voices, in the mix etc. Thanks

[Gorgechon]

Ok just to follow up I got a James and love it. I prefer it slightly over the Jade most of the time. Both very nice mics though!

[withintheflux]

Great performance, sir.

Both mics sound nice, but for me the James is the obvious winner for your voice on this tune.

[hereticskeptic]

Originally Posted by Gorgechon

Ok just to follow up I got a James and love it. I prefer it slightly over the Jade most of the time. Both very nice mics though!

Ah yes, someone with the Jade and James! How do they compare to you? What does each one remind you of, if anything? These two and the Elly are the ones I most want to understand the differences between.

[Gorgechon]

Hi sorry took me a while to respond. Since I got my james I havnt used the Jade much. I liked the Jade but always thought it had something in the midrange that bugged me a little and i would struggle to eq out. The james is a nicer mic if you ask me. More natural sounding but still interesting, thick and rich but with nice unhyped top. Not as dark as expected either. I go crazy with siblance issues and this mic is great for taming it. I have recorded the same vocalist through both mics on the same song for chorus/ verse and was surprised how similar they sounded actually. Not the same but when we played it back for comparison we both looked at eachother and just shrugged. I should go back and listen again.... After testing almost all my mics we liked tlm193 for him. 414 the least. Im tempted to trade in the james for an arabella or mahalia. Be careful beesneez are addictive! Build quality is amazing and Ben is a very helpful and honest guy. You cant go wrong. Im curious about the elly as well.

[rdaop]

I think the James would be good on your voice if you were doing pop or voiceover work. I think the avantone is better for this dylan style. But the first version was too 'live' sounding, second version was too close up and boomy. Maybe if you could split the difference, I think it would fit good.

[withintheflux]

For anyone interested in snagging a James 60 for a great price:

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/showthread.php?t=708484