Defining Characteristics of Great Microphones?

DCMIX · 16th November 2007

I’d like to hear what everyone’s thoughts are on Great Microphones.

What are the defining characteristics of a GREAT microphone?

What is it that you look for in a great microphone?

I just picked up a Wunder CM7GT (M7). Its different in many ways than what I expected.

I’ve bought and sold many sub 2000.00 mics over the years. My main go-to mic is a Pre ai 87 with the Korby Mod. It’s a great overall mic.

Last night I did an a/b comparison of my 87 and the GT. I was surprised at the results. It got me to thinking what are the defining characteristics of great microphones.

What, in your opinion, makes a Great microphone.... great?

What is it about the u47’s, C12 and U67’s that folks hold near and dear?

The 87 definitely held its own, but there are qualities about it that make it not near as nice as the GT.

The GT seemed to be even. Nice top end, no funky bumps (like the 87) that would make me reach for an eq. The GT seemed ready to mix as is. I was expecting a James Earl Jones larger than life sound. It did not exhibit that, but sounded like what my ear hears.. in every way.

The GT took to EQ very nicely, when adding some top end sheen to an acoustic guitar.

My a/b test was a quick and dirty one. I did not have a lot of time to spend last night, but I did want to hear the new mic for the 1st time. I ran both mics thru the most boring and uncolored pre’s I own… which are the Precision True 8. I wanted the pre’s to be identical for a fair comparison.

For grins and giggles, this weekend I will be doing an a/b of the GT against some Oktavia 219’ just to hear the difference.

Denicio

allencollins · 16th November 2007

much of the mojo in the u47 u67 is due to the tube. It has a great ability to smooth out sources. Especially the mids on vocals It has to do with Even order harmonics the tube creates.

16th November 2007	#1
DCMIX Gear nut Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Elvisville,TN Posts: 136 Thread Starter	Defining Characteristics of Great Microphones? I’d like to hear what everyone’s thoughts are on Great Microphones. What are the defining characteristics of a GREAT microphone? What is it that you look for in a great microphone? I just picked up a Wunder CM7GT (M7). Its different in many ways than what I expected. I’ve bought and sold many sub 2000.00 mics over the years. My main go-to mic is a Pre ai 87 with the Korby Mod. It’s a great overall mic. Last night I did an a/b comparison of my 87 and the GT. I was surprised at the results. It got me to thinking what are the defining characteristics of great microphones. What, in your opinion, makes a Great microphone.... great? What is it about the u47’s, C12 and U67’s that folks hold near and dear? The 87 definitely held its own, but there are qualities about it that make it not near as nice as the GT. The GT seemed to be even. Nice top end, no funky bumps (like the 87) that would make me reach for an eq. The GT seemed ready to mix as is. I was expecting a James Earl Jones larger than life sound. It did not exhibit that, but sounded like what my ear hears.. in every way. The GT took to EQ very nicely, when adding some top end sheen to an acoustic guitar. My a/b test was a quick and dirty one. I did not have a lot of time to spend last night, but I did want to hear the new mic for the 1st time. I ran both mics thru the most boring and uncolored pre’s I own… which are the Precision True 8. I wanted the pre’s to be identical for a fair comparison. For grins and giggles, this weekend I will be doing an a/b of the GT against some Oktavia 219’ just to hear the difference. Denicio

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16th November 2007	#2
allencollins 3 + infractions, forum membership suspended. Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Rosedale Cemetery Singing Beach, MA Posts: 4,873	much of the mojo in the u47 u67 is due to the tube. It has a great ability to smooth out sources. Especially the mids on vocals It has to do with Even order harmonics the tube creates.