Fathead vs. 121 vs. 84 Shootout CD

[GuitarRuss]

Originally Posted by Lynn Fuston

I spent hours testing 8 ribbon mics from China. These were all RSM-2s that were delivered in the same case. They were sold to me as four "factory matched" pairs.

I set up all of them side by side and spoke into each (and recorded the results). My purpose was to ascertain how big a quality difference there was between mics, since QC from China has always been a concern.

I found no sonic differences at all, not only between the pairs, but between any of the eight mics I was supplied. I don't think the manufacturer took the time to dig out dozens of mics and compare them to find eight that matched.

Here's a thread with audio you can listen to:

Talking into the RSM-2-take a listen - 3dB

By the way, it was only seven mics. How did I forget that?

I would guess the chances of getting a problem mic in "Matched Pairs" would be less, but maybe not. Maybe there's a guy whose job it is to set up all the matched pairs to match each other. In this case, uniformity would not be surprising as he's tensioned all the ribbons (for example) exactly the same.

I've just read number of times about quality control problems with the cheap Chinese ribbons. Maybe it's just one of those things where people who get the lemon post, but hundreds of others who get a good one don't bother, so it creates an impression of things being out of control.

[Lynn Fuston]

Originally Posted by GuitarRuss

I would guess the chances of getting a problem mic in "Matched Pairs" would be less, but maybe not. Maybe there's a guy whose job it is to set up all the matched pairs to match each other. In this case, uniformity would not be surprising as he's tensioned all the ribbons (for example) exactly the same.

Then how would you account for the seventh?

[GuitarRuss]

Originally Posted by Lynn Fuston

Then how would you account for the seventh?

Did it come with the same order? Did they know it was for review or testing purposes? Do they know who Lynn Fuston is? If the answer is yes to any of these three questions then, there is your answer. If the seventh mic was borrowed from a friend or something then it would act as a "control".

[Lynn Fuston]

If memory serves, the seventh was a demo mic that had been previously sent, i.e. not a part of the same order. I think they only knew me as "the guy that ordered 20 ribbon mics."

[GuitarRuss]

Originally Posted by Lynn Fuston

If memory serves, the seventh was a demo mic that had been previously sent, i.e. not a part of the same order. I think they only knew me as "the guy that ordered 20 ribbon mics."

In that case, I think you've made a good point, that it's not a given that there will be significant variation in sound between same model Chinese microphones. This challenges a common (mis?)conception, and should be looked at more carefully.

[Lynn Fuston]

I wouldn't extrapolate my experience to mean that it's no longer an issue, but for this particular group of Chinese mics, it wasn't an issue.

Just wanted you to know that I don't limit my testing to just high end mics with stringent quality control, like Shure, Soundelux now Bock Audio, A-T and others.

[StrykeBack]

anybody been able to try the fathead with the lundhal transformer yet? curious what the difference sounds

[soupking]

Heh, I just saw your post on my surprise mics thread.

I haven't tried it, but I'd be curious. The Fathead II rocks.

[emrr]

Yeah, I see a Cinemag option now too, besides the Lundhal. I don't see any copy at the website touting any benefits of doubling the price. Anyone heard the whole lot?

[clintrubber]

Originally Posted by Hint

Is the Fathead the same mic as the T Bone RM700?

It might have a different ribbon-thickness, 6 micron vs the 2.5 microns of the Cascade model.
Who knows the Cascade-model differs internally from all the other types that look like this.

I'm just quoting, no idea how accurate their claims are and how much it all really matters:

[url="http://www.cascademicrophones.com/cascade_FAT%20HEAD.html"]Ribbon Microphones - Cascade FAT HEAD[/url]
How does the FAT HEAD differ from similar competitive models:
1). Radian grill (bows out) adds better frequency response vs. flat closed grill.
2). Upgrade suspension mount vs. clip.
3). 2.5 Micron vs. 6 Micron ribbon element ...symmetrical ribbon placement...offers a true figure 8 pattern (6 micron is considered to thick).
4). Grill is manufactured from Zinc Alloy vs. iron (iron is prone to rust).
5). Accurate specifications....preformed by Cross spectrum Labs vs. no real specifications.
6). High quality wood box w/ large polished nickel latch and hinges plus upgrade aluminum case vs. clip and vinyl pouch.
7). Manufactured to a higher quality standard in a different manufacturing plant.
8). Engraved serial number vs. no serial number.
9). Quality control...every microphone is inspected for audio and build quality before it leaves our shop vs. no USA inspection.

Regards,

Peter

[emrr]

I've done initial tests of the Fat Head II-L against an RCA 44B, and they were the same neighborhood, much more so than the Beyerdynamic M130 I also put up, and exhibited more extended top and bottom than the 44B. Output level was pretty much identical.

No stock Fat head II to compare against.

My listening companion thought the RCA had more detail in the mids, but this may be a reflection of it's narrowed frequency response.