Beyer MC930 vs. MK012 -- Output Comparison

[Jimbo]

I couldn't find any sensitivity specs with my pair of MC930s, so I just did a quicky output comparison between the MC930, an MK012, and an 414xlii -- I threw the 414 in just for another reference point.

The Beyer had:
- 7.6 dBs greater output than the Octava
- 2.8 dBs greater output than the AKG

I'm really impressed. I didn't expect the Beyer to be hotter than the 414.

And, yes, it does sound excellent.

- Jim

[Acoustic Cloud]

Thats impressive. Ive never heard the Beyer, but Ive always been happy with the output of the 102 and the 414 XL11 also.

[warhead]

Congrats Jimbo, I'm always excited when somebody else discovers the MC930. in the under $1k category it's about the best buy around in my opinion for SDC's.

War

[d_fu]

Originally Posted by Jimbo

I couldn't find any sensitivity specs with my pair of MC930s,

Beyer's website says: "Open circuit voltage at 1 kHz (0dB = 1V/Pa) 30 mV/Pa". That's more than a Sennheiser MKH 40 (25 mV). The 930s are indeed quite sensitive.

[Jimbo]

Originally Posted by warhead

Congrats Jimbo, I'm always excited when somebody else discovers the MC930. in the under $1k category it's about the best buy around in my opinion for SDC's.

War

I think your opinion is thumbsup

That's why I bought these.

Thanks for the headsup, Warren.

- Jim

[Jimbo]

I realize that mic sensitivity is probably not that important for most people here. However, I have only four channels of high output, low noise preamps, and the rest are my Metric Halo 2882 preamps -- which I rely on.

These pres are very good, with a sweet, clean timbre. However, they start getting noisy when driven > 25 dBs. A high sensitivity microphone (like the MC930) means that I don't have to drive those preamps into noise-land. Ultimately, this means I can spend more $ on mics and less on preamps.

I had no problem at all getting a > 18dB average signal to the converters with the MC930 2.5 feet in front of my acoustic guitar, and the 2882 preamp set to 25 dBs of gain.

If you're in a similar position with your gear, a high-output microphone like the MC930 might be just the ticket.

- Jim