Should I get some SDC's?

flybeereligion · 20th January 2012

Hey guys, I have a very limited set-up and don't plan on spending heaps more any time soon, but I was just curious if you guys think I should invest in some small diaphragm condensers, or if my large's will do?

I am maxed out at four inputs unless I upgrade my interface, so for drums I prefer the Glyn Johns technique in which I use my two Studio Projects B1's as overheads. I also use them on acoustic guitars and vocals, with my 57 covering most other needs. Do you think some cheap SDC's would work better as overheads/acoustic guitar than the B1's and worth investing in, or am I better off just sticking with what I've got until I eventually buy a better LDC and some decent SDC's down the line?

Thanks!

millennial · 20th January 2012

Are you unhappy with the way your LDC's sound as overheads?

Small diaphragm condensers tend to be brighter than large diaphragm condensers. They also tend to handle transients better, as their smaller diaphragm allows them to react more quickly. Conversely, LDCs tend to have a more pronounced low end response.

Depending on your needs, a pair of SDCs may be a useful addition to your mic locker. However, as with anything - you get what you pay for. Just because they have a small diaphragm doesn't make them any better than what you have currently - just different. It's up to you to figure out what will work better for your needs. I've used both small and large diaphragm condensers on drums, and both can yield excellent results.

Jason

ProfessorNick · 20th January 2012

I agree with millennial. SDCs are nice, but given the LDC you have, they are probably bright sounding anyway. The response to transients a LDC should be between what SDCs and ribbons respond like. As always, look at the room and the kit first, then the mics.

dkelley · 20th January 2012

cheap LDCs are imho far better, more versatile, and just nicer sounding than cheap SDCs. Iv'e used both for recording overheads. LDCs have typically won in audio results.

not a fan of SDCs for overheads here. but NICE SDCs are a differnet matter... SDCs from china still haven't been brought up to nearly the same sound quality as LDCs from china.

20th January 2012	#1
flybeereligion Gear nut Joined: Jul 2011 Location: Paradise City Posts: 84 Thread Starter	Should I get some SDC's? Hey guys, I have a very limited set-up and don't plan on spending heaps more any time soon, but I was just curious if you guys think I should invest in some small diaphragm condensers, or if my large's will do? I am maxed out at four inputs unless I upgrade my interface, so for drums I prefer the Glyn Johns technique in which I use my two Studio Projects B1's as overheads. I also use them on acoustic guitars and vocals, with my 57 covering most other needs. Do you think some cheap SDC's would work better as overheads/acoustic guitar than the B1's and worth investing in, or am I better off just sticking with what I've got until I eventually buy a better LDC and some decent SDC's down the line? Thanks!

20th January 2012	#2
millennial Gear maniac Joined: Nov 2011 Location: New York, NY Posts: 220	Are you unhappy with the way your LDC's sound as overheads? Small diaphragm condensers tend to be brighter than large diaphragm condensers. They also tend to handle transients better, as their smaller diaphragm allows them to react more quickly. Conversely, LDCs tend to have a more pronounced low end response. Depending on your needs, a pair of SDCs may be a useful addition to your mic locker. However, as with anything - you get what you pay for. Just because they have a small diaphragm doesn't make them any better than what you have currently - just different. It's up to you to figure out what will work better for your needs. I've used both small and large diaphragm condensers on drums, and both can yield excellent results. Jason __________________ Online mix critiques, mixing, and mastering Free recording/mixing tips!

20th January 2012	#3
ProfessorNick Gear nut Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 129 1 Review written	I agree with millennial. SDCs are nice, but given the LDC you have, they are probably bright sounding anyway. The response to transients a LDC should be between what SDCs and ribbons respond like. As always, look at the room and the kit first, then the mics. __________________ Audio Production Tips and other music goodies http://carillonaudio.wordpress.com/

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20th January 2012	#4
dkelley Lives for gear Joined: Sep 2006 Location: Maple Ridge, BC, Canada (by Vancouver) Posts: 4,071 3 Reviews written	cheap LDCs are imho far better, more versatile, and just nicer sounding than cheap SDCs. Iv'e used both for recording overheads. LDCs have typically won in audio results. not a fan of SDCs for overheads here. but NICE SDCs are a differnet matter... SDCs from china still haven't been brought up to nearly the same sound quality as LDCs from china.