Soundelux (Bock) U195 vs. CharterOak SA538

[KrisNY]

Uh oh.. nobody?

[NathanEldred]

CharterOak 538 (not 538B version): More 'lush' with slightly more color than the Bock. A bit more upper mid emphasis than 195. 9 polar patterns (not fixed cardioid) - polar patterns have different freqency curves and proximity effect amounts. Not as thick as in Bocks 'fat' mode, but not quite as airy as in Bock's 'regular' non fat mode. Hotter output. More options shouldn't make things overwhelming, it just opens your possibilities. Just turn the knob until it sounds right, it takes 2 minutes to run through the general settings. Sometimes fig 8 or omni (or places between those and cardioid) can make a huge difference to the way the vocal sits in the mix.

Bock 195: 'Faster' FET type sound, cardioid only, fat/normal switch adds tonal flexibility, lower sensitivity/output making it more appropriate for louder sources (amps, kick drum, toms, very loud vocals, etc).

They are different mics, that sometimes overlap in what they are better at in general, but not often.

[holger]

Very nice description abovy, which makes the u195 more attractive to me ..

I now this thread is a little old, but may I ask what your decission was ?

I am standing at the exact same decission now .. Bock or Charteroak .. I heard a lot of good things about the bock, and will get the Charteroak for testing soon ..

Just interested ..

[DJBlueDrink]

The 195 is an excellent mic. It's very rich and very detailed. The thing has that U87, real life but a little better type sound, with a little rise to the high end when compared to an 87. Put up a cheapo chinese condenser like an SE or SP, then replace it with a 195 immediately after and you will be floored by the difference. The thing about the high end on the 195 is that its rather hyped. It can be a little harsh up top. Not in the grainy, brittle, under detailed cheap mic way, but in the just a tad sibilant way. The type that can be fixed by a de-esser, good eq, or a nice smooth preamp. It does require a bit of gain. Quiet sources should avoid it without a good preamp. Also, the thing has some weight(physical) due to the transformer in it. It really does have the feel of being a sturdy and well made piece of equipment as well.

This all being said, the 195 is an extremely versitile, and all around good sounding mic. There is no doubting it status as a true piece of professional equipment. Also, it is a beaut. It really is one of those things that make a person say "Ooo, that's a nice mic. How much did that run you?".

If you do get it, the foam in its case grips it real tight. A good way to deal with this is to put a ribbon under the center of it and leave the 2 ends on top of the mic. This way when you take it out, you just grab the ribbon ends and pull up and it will come out easier.

[holger]

Also get a JZ Blackhole soon.. very interested how those three compare to each other. Heard also really good things about the JZ BH-1 .. so very nervouse here ;-)