Peluso Mics: All 6 Models Compared

[warhead]

With the help of Bob Moore of Sound Lab Recording, these clips were recorded to compare the range of Peluso microphones on acoustic guitar and drum overhead use.

Click here: Peluso Clips Page (click the right arrow to download on the page)

Models tracked:

Peluso 22 251
Peluso 2247(LE)
Peluso P12
Peluso P28
Peluso CEMC6
Peluso R14 (front)
Peluso R14 (rear)
AKG 414 (original, for reference)
Neumann KM84i (great condition, recently cleaned, for reference)

Acoustic Guitar: Yamaha, older model (don't have), from about 12" out pointing where the neck meets the body.

Drum OH: Tama Rockstar kit, Sabian B8 cymbals (low end, but served the purpose of comparing mics), about 2' over my head pointing between the kick and snare.

I'm not a guitarist, so just strummed a simple line and picked it out a bit at the end. It served well for this purpose anyhow. Not my drum kit, a band that is in his studio had it in. Again for comparison purposes it does the job.

Signal path: Monster 500 mic cable, Earthworks ZDT preamp, Digi 002R line input, Protools LE @ 44.1/24 bit, imported raw wavs to Cubase and edited, exported as 320k mp3.

Hope this helps.

War

[kittonian]

(Warren, I would like to preempt this post by saying that this is not intended to bring any bad blood between us. I am only speaking from my personal experience and I just spent a good 30 minutes going back and forth between every file you posted while listening very closely to each)

I appreciate that you took the time to do a comparison and post it but after listening I couldn't believe my ears. I have experience with all these mics and I've never heard them sound like this (and drum oh's and acoustic guitar are pretty normal things to be mic'ing).

Could it have been the placement you chose? The pre-amp and/or fact that you used low-res 002r conversion? I don't know. I even turned my speakers way up so that it wasn't a volume thing that was making me wonder why I was hearing what I was hearing.

I want to be clear once more that I'm not intending to be mean or start an argument here. I just know these mics and maybe it's my signal chain or the way I place mics on sources but you can listen to the non-eq'd/comp'd acoustic guitar (22 47SE) on our website with the vocal being sung through a 22 251 and there's a huge sonic difference in the sounds that came out of the same model microphones (and that recording was with no setup time or pre-production, the whole thing was completed start to finish in 30 minutes).

I can see why you posted before about the KM84 sounding darn close to the 22 47LE. With the exception of the 47 track sounding a little more full/round, the files you posted do sound really close. Something is going on that's making this comparison extremely odd.

[Brad McGowan]

Well there are a lot of variables involved here. Warren is using different preamps, different converters, and different mic cables. And as you mentioned different miking technique. Perhaps it's the room. It can play a bigger part than most people would like to believe.

I'm looking forward to checking out these clips once I get home from work.

Brad

[woomanmoomin]

I think there's some phase trouble or something going on with the P28 clip, but other than that, I think these are very good, clear clips. I too am surprised some of the differences aren't more extreme, but it doesn't sound to me as if there's anything fundamentally wrong here.

Nice one, war.

PS I would have liked to hear the short-body 2247 (especially on voice).

[RKrizman]

Wow, on the guitar the 414 and 84 sounded familiar (and not too terrible) whereas the Pelusos all sounded glassy and somewhat unreal. The drums, IMO, were too weird sounding to indicate much of anything.

Not at all consistent with the excellent samples at Kittonian's site.

-R

[shanabit]

Not being critical here at all Warren, but I wouldnt buy a Peluso based on those clips. However they do sound awesome on Joshuas site. Just saying
Lots of variables and recording methods for sure here as was said.

[squeegybug]

mp3.

And different levels.

Thanks for posting though, War. I only listened to the guitar. As I always do on shootouts, I renamed the files and mixed them up, then set all the levels close to the same, then listened blind.

I liked them as 1) 2247LE, 2) 22251, 3) P12. I rarely use my 2247LE on instruments, but sure love it on vocals.

Steve

[lpkyer]

Thanks for the clips warren. Will Front End audio be carrying the line anytime soon?

[shortyprs]

I only listened to the guitar clips. Its strange. I hear the differences I expected between the mics (it helps to have a couple of them), but over-all I much prefer the sound of my Peluso's.

[bigbone]

Originally Posted by lpkyer

Thanks for the clips warren. Will Front End audio be carrying the line anytime soon?

If this can help..steve music in montreal sell the peluso line......

[jamroom]

Front End does carry Peluso now,Thats why Warren did the post.They just got a huge opening order and Warren likes to hear all of the mics that he sells so He and Bob did a quick comparison test.I'm sure that a more comprehensive set of Puleso mic clips will appear on the Studio Auditions site soon.For those hungering for a more controled mic comparison that should do the trick.Warrens test did show that he is dedicated to checking out all of the gear that they sell there.

[forsooth]

So does SoundPure in Durham, NC. I got a pair of Peluso CEMC 6s and a Peluso R14 from them. Love these mics!

http://www.soundpure.com/showProduct.do?id=681

forsooth

[warhead]

If my quickie clips here sound different than someone else's, I'd say the source, the distance, the cables, the Earthworks preamp, the converter, the player, the room, the approach of using a single source with a single mic & the mp3 process might have a liiiiiiiittle bit to do with it. I did not run through an Amek channel strip and dbx mic pre, through a Dangerous 2 bus, blending 2 mics on one guitar (what is that telling me about ONE microphone?) sent out to a dbx160SL then presented in the form of a song...

My clips are single source quick comparisons, using the flattest response mic preamp I've got at my disposal. Our approaches are 100% different. The one you value more is up to you, not me.

Yes, we're carrying the line now and yes, this shootout was mainly for me to familiarize myself with the line and compare it vs 2 classic mics: AKG 414 and KM84.

War

[kittonian]

Wow Warren. My post in response to this thread was specifically "not to come after you", but instead, clarify to the public that these mics don't really sound as poor as you presented them. You responded and felt the need to come right after me. Nice way to do business considering you are brand new to the Peluso line and I've been carrying it since before any big dealers were signed (heck, I had a big part in helping John gain the massive awareness of these mics, and why they are known to so many people these days). I've had years of experience with these mics, have a great relationship with John, and here's you with like 0 experience with this line presenting it to the world as if you have a clue.

There are plenty of other Peluso dealers these days. I'm so glad they are there to spread the word, so that those who aren't yet familiar with the line (but may happen to already be customers and feel comfortable with that dealer) can realize that they too can own a fantastic microphone with amazing customer support if they ever need it, and not break the bank.

This is the model that John set out with and I fully supported over the years (and still do on a daily basis). Sure I wish everyone would buy from AudioLot, but I can't be everything to everyone. To me, it's about presenting the real story and standing behind the products you choose to carry, not because it's the "cool thing that'll sell better, and after you pickup the line you better learn something about it", but because you know and love the products and truly believe in the line/company/philosophy/etc.

More power to any of the people on this board who buy from you. I'm sure you're a nice guy and good salesman, but stepping on others to make yourself look better is not the way I choose to do business.

[buzzjoe]

Originally Posted by warhead

If my quickie clips here sound different than someone else's, I'd say the source, the distance, the cables, the Earthworks preamp, the converter, the player, the room, the approach of using a single source with a single mic & the mp3 process might have a liiiiiiiittle bit to do with it. I did not run through an Amek channel strip and dbx mic pre, through a Dangerous 2 bus, blending 2 mics on one guitar (what is that telling me about ONE microphone?) sent out to a dbx160SL then presented in the form of a song...

My clips are single source quick comparisons, using the flattest response mic preamp I've got at my disposal. Our approaches are 100% different. The one you value more is up to you, not me.

Yes, we're carrying the line now and yes, this shootout was mainly for me to familiarize myself with the line and compare it vs 2 classic mics: AKG 414 and KM84.

War

Thank you Warren for posting this raw samples. I think they give a good picture of the different sound of this mikes. On acoustic guitar I like especially the P12 and the 22 251.

[macr0w]

Originally Posted by kittonian

Wow Warren. My post in response to this thread was specifically "not to come after you", but instead, clarify to the public that these mics don't really sound as poor as you presented them. You responded and felt the need to come right after me. Nice way to do business considering you are brand new to the Peluso line and I've been carrying it since before any big dealers were signed (heck, I had a big part in helping John gain the massive awareness of these mics, and why they are known to so many people these days). I've had years of experience with these mics, have a great relationship with John, and here's you with like 0 experience with this line presenting it to the world as if you have a clue.

There are plenty of other Peluso dealers these days. I'm so glad they are there to spread the word, so that those who aren't yet familiar with the line (but may happen to already be customers and feel comfortable with that dealer) can realize that they too can own a fantastic microphone with amazing customer support if they ever need it, and not break the bank.

This is the model that John set out with and I fully supported over the years (and still do on a daily basis). Sure I wish everyone would buy from AudioLot, but I can't be everything to everyone. To me, it's about presenting the real story and standing behind the products you choose to carry, not because it's the "cool thing that'll sell better, and after you pickup the line you better learn something about it", but because you know and love the products and truly believe in the line/company/philosophy/etc.

More power to any of the people on this board who buy from you. I'm sure you're a nice guy and good salesman, but stepping on others to make yourself look better is not the way I choose to do business.

Who's stepping on who here? I think maybe you should go back and reread the posts. They speak for themselves.
Is this a dfegading match or what?

[FabJZ]

FWIW...

I bought a Peluso, in Canada from
Canadian Audio Distributing, London, Ontario (519) 858-2687, or canadianaudio@sympatico.ca

I recommend this company - talk to Bob. He knows his mics and has regular contact with John Peluso. I have no financial involvment with this company, other than being a customer. Bob treated me well and imagine he does so with all his cutomers.

[warhead]

Originally Posted by kittonian

To me, it's about presenting the real story and standing behind the products you choose to carry, not because it's the "cool thing that'll sell better, and after you pickup the line you better learn something about it", but because you know and love the products and truly believe in the line/company/philosophy/etc.

I'm going to just ignore all the other ______ in that post and go directly to the heart of the matter.

The real story on these mics, in my opinion, is best presented comparing on a single source and when available, against mics that everyone is familiar with.

I have talked with John in the past, and now many months later we decided to take on the line. If you assume I don't believe in his philosophy or the value of Pelsuo mics, you assume too much. You might not want to post your own assumptions as fact.

Originally Posted by kittonian

More power to any of the people on this board who buy from you. I'm sure you're a nice guy and good salesman, but stepping on others to make yourself look better is not the way I choose to do business.

But jumping into my thread to say your way is better is a matter of opinion, and you had no problem espousing this. I didn't step on you, I linked to your page that uses all kinds of gear that can more affect the sound and presentation vs simply pointing it at a source and pressing the red button. Yes, your clips sound very nice! My approach was different and raw, and compared rather than featured the mics.

War

[warhead]

Originally Posted by macr0w

Who's stepping on who here? I think maybe you should go back and reread the posts. They speak for themselves.
Is this a dfegading match or what?

I never asked for a pissing match, sorry it has turned this way.

War

[valverec]

Originally Posted by kittonian

Wow Warren. My post in response to this thread was specifically "not to come after you", but instead, clarify to the public that these mics don't really sound as poor as you presented them. You responded and felt the need to come right after me. Nice way to do business considering you are brand new to the Peluso line and I've been carrying it since before any big dealers were signed (heck, I had a big part in helping John gain the massive awareness of these mics, and why they are known to so many people these days). I've had years of experience with these mics, have a great relationship with John, and here's you with like 0 experience with this line presenting it to the world as if you have a clue.

Sounds as if you are trying to start something here, not the other way around.

[Slaytex]

How the hell is Warren stepping on anyone's toes? He made no direct reply to ANYONE, he PUBLICY stated and reiterated what equipment he used and that the main reason for doing this test was for himself to become aware of the product line.
Plus any engineer who knows shit, knows not to judge a product by an audio clip. What you do is order a couple from Warren and send back the one you don't like. Doesn't every good dealer do this?
It sounds like you are jealous, and to be honest it makes you look bad the way you are getting so sensitive over a fun little comparison that took a bit of hard work.

I rarely get angry, but when I see shit I wipe!

[kittonian]

Originally Posted by warhead

I never asked for a pissing match, sorry it has turned this way.

War

Warren,

My apologies. I am not looking for a pissing match either. When you said
"(what is that telling me about ONE microphone?)" it sure seemed as if you were saying to the world, AudioLot's clips are completely worthless, why even bother listening to them. That's why I took offense and responded as I did.

Let's move on. Everyone enjoy the clips posted by everyone out there (dealers, owners, etc.) and make your own decisions based on what you feel is best for your studio.

Originally Posted by Slaytex

It sounds like you are jealous, and to be honest it makes you look bad the way you are getting so sensitive over a fun little comparison that took a bit of hard work.

I do get sensitive over things like this because I spend time every single day explaining to people that just because the cost is a lot lower than some of the other manufacturers out there, the Peluso's outperform the competition 9 times out of 10. These are not two minute discussions, so I make sure that the best representation of the products is presented at every step.

[billgennaro]

Originally Posted by kittonian

Wow Warren. My post in response to this thread was specifically "not to come after you", but instead, clarify to the public that these mics don't really sound as poor as you presented them. You responded and felt the need to come right after me. Nice way to do business considering you are brand new to the Peluso line and I've been carrying it since before any big dealers were signed (heck, I had a big part in helping John gain the massive awareness of these mics, and why they are known to so many people these days). I've had years of experience with these mics, have a great relationship with John, and here's you with like 0 experience with this line presenting it to the world as if you have a clue.

There are plenty of other Peluso dealers these days. I'm so glad they are there to spread the word, so that those who aren't yet familiar with the line (but may happen to already be customers and feel comfortable with that dealer) can realize that they too can own a fantastic microphone with amazing customer support if they ever need it, and not break the bank.

This is the model that John set out with and I fully supported over the years (and still do on a daily basis). Sure I wish everyone would buy from AudioLot, but I can't be everything to everyone. To me, it's about presenting the real story and standing behind the products you choose to carry, not because it's the "cool thing that'll sell better, and after you pickup the line you better learn something about it", but because you know and love the products and truly believe in the line/company/philosophy/etc.

More power to any of the people on this board who buy from you. I'm sure you're a nice guy and good salesman, but stepping on others to make yourself look better is not the way I choose to do business.

joshua,

when you put someone in a position to defend themselves they will. even if you think you qualified your statements beforehand. and the above quoted post by you sure comes off as a bit "nasty" on your part.

bill

[beechstudio]

Thanks for those clips War! I've been wanting to hear the Peluso's for months now!

[Brad McGowan]

Passion about microphones is a good thing. However, I do think Joshua has stepped into the ring swinging for no good reason and brought some unnecessary attention upon himself.

Joshua--the clips on your site sound great. You had a great singer playing a nice sounding, high quality guitar. What does that tell me about the mics? That they at least didn't f--k up a decent source. The clips show the potential these mics are capable of given ideal circumstances.

Warren--the clips on your site sound like nice mics placed quickly on what I would consider to be a mediocre instrument (which we've heard over the years in many of Warren's clips) played by an average player. The drums sound like the drums always do in Warren's clips--you can hear the boxy room. But I don't mind all this. Because this too is real life. Sometimes you get less than stellar instruments and players in your studio and it's nice to know how a given mic will fare on them. I'd say if anything, most potential buyers of these affordable, yet high quality microphones are going to be people dealing with conditions closer to the ones that Warren has represented. That's just my opinion though.

Any microphone is only as good as the source and the environment in which it is recorded. I keep revisiting the Royer website and listening to some of the SF12 clips on drums. My SF12 never sounds like that nor does any clip I've heard on this website. Go figure...


Brad

[warhead]

Brad, I'm no guitarist so "average player" is way too nice a compliment. I think the strumming served its purpose though. Mediocre is also way too nice a word for that guitar...but would represent the average $300 acoustic that comes into my place and certainly most of yours when tracking half broke, half assed bands.

That is not my room or my kit, explained above. It was less than ideal, but it's what an average band brought into the studio that day in that room! My loft style room is pretty small and has always reflected that sound in other clips I have provided over the years (can't wait until the new room is done sometime this year...).

So, it's actually not my room, guitar or drum kit.

War

[lpkyer]

Originally Posted by bigbone

If this can help..steve music in montreal sell the peluso line......

Thanks...I saw them for the first time there. But I HATE Steve's music.

[Brad McGowan]

Originally Posted by warhead

Brad, I'm no guitarist so "average player" is way too nice a compliment. I think the strumming served its purpose though. Mediocre is also way too nice a word for that guitar...but would represent the average $300 acoustic that comes into my place and certainly most of yours when tracking half broke, half assed bands.

That is not my room or my kit, explained above. It was less than ideal, but it's what an average band brought into the studio that day in that room! My loft style room is pretty small and has always reflected that sound in other clips I have provided over the years (can't wait until the new room is done sometime this year...).

War

Yep--this is exactly my point. So I totally agree. Your clips reveal the real world experience of the average recordist out there.

I didn't want to offend you and say your guitar sounded crappy, but now that's you've said it...yeah it's a POS.

Brad

[kittonian]

Originally Posted by Brad McGowan

Joshua--the clips on your site sound great. You had a great singer playing a nice sounding, high quality guitar. What does that tell me about the mics? That they at least didn't f--k up a decent source. The clips show the potential these mics are capable of given ideal circumstances.
Brad

I appreciate the complements, and although it's an amazing guitar (my dream acoustic actually) the singer had never sung in front of a mic before (nor in front of anyone else for that matter and I only convinced her to do it because she was the only female around and I wanted a female voice on the 22 251). The track was recorded, leveled and posted on our website within 30 minutes (so this was definitely and throw it up and see what comes out example). I played the acoustic and she sung (separate tracks, with takes one after another). My intention was a show these mics in a less than ideal situation where an engineer didn't have to (or simply didn't have the time to) spend a whole lot of time "getting sounds". Sort of a guerrilla recording of a song as fast as possible.

----------------

Speaking to the other responses above, I already apologized for my heated post and explained why I felt I was being attacked. I even went as far as to call Warren to discuss the situation with him personally, but he said he was with a customer and will have to return the call. I hope he does.

[Brad McGowan]

Sounds like you got lucky then.

I wish I could have had the same good fortune on some of the sessions I've been a part of.

Brad