No Mics That Sweetwater Does Not Sell? - Gearspace
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No Mics That Sweetwater Does Not Sell?
Old 1st May 2017
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No Mics That Sweetwater Does Not Sell?

Any of the included mics ones that Sweetwater does not sell?

If not, isn't this all just a big advertisement?

I would really like to hear how Advanced Audio mics fare against all these.
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Old 1st May 2017
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That's a bit unfair, no?

Obviously they have a commercial interest but you can just as well buy them somewhere else. That they tested the mics they had on hand seems quite natural to me. Those are the ones availble. If they had included mics they didn't sell i bet some people would complain about that too. Unfair comparisons etc.

Take it for what it is, it's a test between different mics that they sell. Yes, they're in the business of selling mics but it is still of value to the consumers.
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Old 1st May 2017
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As much as some real classics would have been fun, ummm DuH ! This is a dealer doing a demo!
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Old 2nd May 2017
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There will always be the naysayers - shame really - this is a very informative shootout. A lot of people ask for mic shoot outs so they can get some idea how they all sound as they cannot purchase 50 mics and try them all out. Some can't even buy locally and have to order online.
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Old 2nd May 2017
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Advertising? Well, yeah! Kind of of like posting your project samples? Doesn't mean you have to buy a mic from Sweetwater!
Old 2nd May 2017
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So let me get this straight.

You get to download a bunch of 24/96 files of a bunch of mics all prepared in a rigorous manner in a professional recording studio for free and you're complaining?

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Old 2nd May 2017
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My apologies. Wasn't meaning to sound like a complainer.
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Old 2nd May 2017
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Lynn already made at least two CD's that you can buy that compares a lot more microphones.
Old 2nd May 2017
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As far as LDC vocal mics go, this represents a more-than-adequate selection. If an engineer can't do the job with one of these mics, they have other issues that need to be addressed. To quote one of my engineering heroes, Alan Parsons:

"I'm really not that fussy β€” I think it's more important to make the best use of what you have. I don't like to walk into a studio and lay down the law and say, 'I must have this, otherwise I cannot continue with the session.' I'm not like that. I prefer to be more, 'What have you got? Well, okay let's see what we can do with that.' And I hate spending inordinate amounts of time just playing with a sound and trying different pieces of equipment and different mics and that stuff... It's, 'Let's get the job done. Let's make a record.' The whole process of recording is one big experiment in itself."
β€” Tape Op, July 2004
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Old 2nd May 2017 | Show parent
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ccmdav ➑️
As far as LDC vocal mics go, this represents a more-than-adequate selection. If an engineer can't do the job with one of these mics, they have other issues that need to be addressed. To quote one of my engineering heroes, Alan Parsons:

"I'm really not that fussy β€” I think it's more important to make the best use of what you have. I don't like to walk into a studio and lay down the law and say, 'I must have this, otherwise I cannot continue with the session.' I'm not like that. I prefer to be more, 'What have you got? Well, okay let's see what we can do with that.' And I hate spending inordinate amounts of time just playing with a sound and trying different pieces of equipment and different mics and that stuff... It's, 'Let's get the job done. Let's make a record.' The whole process of recording is one big experiment in itself."
β€” Tape Op, July 2004
Great quote from Mr. Parsons there.

Oh, did everyone pick up on the fact that I apologize?

I'm very soprry for coming off like a whiner, or worse yet, a naysayer.
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Old 2nd May 2017
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brucerothwell ➑️
Any of the included mics ones that Sweetwater does not sell?

If not, isn't this all just a big advertisement?

I would really like to hear how Advanced Audio mics fare against all these.
Let me ask you an honest question though,

What would be the purpose of comparing anything?

For me, this example compared 49 mediocre mics to one Chandler Redd Mic.
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Old 2nd May 2017 | Show parent
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Doc Mixwell ➑️
Let me ask you an honest question though,

What would be the purpose of comparing anything?

For me, this example compared 49 mediocre mics to one Chandler Redd Mic.
If you are literally asking me this question, then I would say the reason for comparing anything is to determine if mics that one has heard about, and have huge reputations, or even others one knows nothing about, sound as good or better than one imagines.

For instance, we have a couple Advanced Audio mics, and they are not their top-line models either. But, I have read that they are highly regarded.

I have no idea if that is true, having never heard all their models, and having never heard most of the 50 that Sweetwater did their shoot out with.

It sounds like your opinion is that the Chandler Redd Mic is the _only_ mic in the bunch to consider.... whereas I was not as impressed with it as I thought I'd be.
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Old 2nd May 2017 | Show parent
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brucerothwell ➑️
Great quote from Mr. Parsons there.

Oh, did everyone pick up on the fact that I apologize?

I'm very soprry for coming off like a whiner, or worse yet, a naysayer.
I'm sure your apology is accepted by all... my post wasn't specifically directed at you. Your post just aroused the thought, is all.
Old 3rd May 2017 | Show parent
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brucerothwell ➑️
If you are literally asking me this question, then I would say the reason for comparing anything is to determine if mics that one has heard about, and have huge reputations, or even others one knows nothing about, sound as good or better than one imagines.

For instance, we have a couple Advanced Audio mics, and they are not their top-line models either. But, I have read that they are highly regarded.

I have no idea if that is true, having never heard all their models, and having never heard most of the 50 that Sweetwater did their shoot out with.

It sounds like your opinion is that the Chandler Redd Mic is the _only_ mic in the bunch to consider.... whereas I was not as impressed with it as I thought I'd be.
This response is absolutely perfect then......


Since DEALERS are, by and large, the majority of people who stand to progress/profit in their business by letting you decide which of the 50 units tickled your elmo,


It can ONLY be motivated by sales......not by preference, which is by and large, what ALL members of Gearslutz are here for.


THEY chose the offerings, for sale! If YOU choose the offerings for comparison, it would be related to you!!


Fair game
Old 4th May 2017
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A number of people on Sweetwater's payroll worked very hard to make this happen. They also hired outside talent. Of course it's going all be mics they sell. There are still a boatload of mics to listen to. Yes there is an air of marketing and sales, but that shouldn't offend, that is what Sweetwater is there for. I wouldn't expect them to have mics they don't sell. I appreciate the effort put into this. The description of the rigorous process proves this task what not taken lightly.
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Old 4th May 2017 | Show parent
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Drumsound ➑️
Yes there is an air of marketing and sales, but that shouldn't offend, that is what Sweetwater is there for.
And it's the engine that drives this site, for Pete's sake.

Complaining that Sweetwater's hugely informative project is motivated by marketing is like complaining that the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is a big ad for God.
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Old 4th May 2017 | Show parent
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brent Hahn ➑️
And it's the engine that drives this site, for Pete's sake.

Complaining that Sweetwater's hugely informative project is motivated by marketing is like complaining that the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is a big ad for God.
I have apologized already for starting this thread. I didn't intend for it to be a complaint.

Perhaps the moderators can just delete this thread?
Old 4th May 2017 | Show parent
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brucerothwell ➑️
I have apologized already for starting this thread. I didn't intend for it to be a complaint.

Perhaps the moderators can just delete this thread?
Oh please no. It's a valid point. Initial reactions are always valid.

Just like first impressions.
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Old 5th May 2017
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First, I think Bruce meant well, so no issue Bruce

Complaining that Sweetwater's hugely informative project is motivated by marketing is like complaining that the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is a big ad for God.

but this just made me laugh!
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Old 5th May 2017
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It's a valid topic and the OP wasn't off-base for asking. Yes, Sweetwater is a for-profit company, and if their efforts aren't making them money then they're losing them money, therefore this is, ultimately, an advertisement. There's a strong odor of defensiveness (not to mention irony) from those calling the OP a whiner. The OP has been gracious enough, and there's no need to stand up for Sweetwater in this case.

The mic shootout is useful to a degree, and as long as they don't label it "The Ultimate Mic Shootout" or something along those lines then we understand that it's NOT a comprehensive sampling of *all* available mics.
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Old 5th May 2017 | Show parent
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Quote:
Originally Posted by elambo ➑️
The mic shootout is useful to a degree, and as long as they don't label it "The Ultimate Mic Shootout" or something along those lines then we understand that it's NOT a comprehensive sampling of *all* available mics.
Whoa. There's a thought. How long do you think it would take to record vocals through all the 500+ mics that Sweetwater carries? Check back with me in 2020.

And if you want to hear an SM57, SM7, Sony C-800G in the lineup, I think somebody did a shootout with those once. Plus another 46 mics. Hmmm. Who was that?
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Old 5th May 2017
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One thing to think about: how many of the $2k-$5k mics tested are _that_ much better?
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Old 5th May 2017 | Show parent
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Doc Mixwell ➑️
Let me ask you an honest question though,

What would be the purpose of comparing anything?

For me, this example compared 49 mediocre mics to one Chandler Redd Mic.
You're kidding right!

I might sound cr*p on a Redd Mic.

You seriously think there's a mic that suits every singer - that's a new one on me.
Old 6th May 2017
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Thumbs up

First of all thumbs up to Sweetwater. Spent the last couple of weeks in locations that do not have large local music stores. There are a number of engineers who had been asking for samples of various mics as they do not get the opportunity to test those mics themselves. I am sure those guys will simply love this shootout.

To the Op, I kinda feel comparing 50 mics is a lot of work for Gearslutz. Adding a few more mics to the mix may lead to symptoms of work overload such as ear fatigue, stress, loss of quality time with the wife and kids, ... Seems Sweetwater omitted some models in the interest of public health
Old 6th May 2017 | Show parent
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thehightenor ➑️
You're kidding right!

I might sound cr*p on a Redd Mic.

You seriously think there's a mic that suits every singer that's a new one on me.
Huh? Where did i say anything about a mic that sounds right on YOUR voice!?

If you think you'll sound like crap singing into it, then call your favorite cubed guy and buy an Sm57
Old 6th May 2017 | Show parent
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Originally Posted by Doc Mixwell ➑️
Huh? Where did i say anything about a mic that sounds right on YOUR voice!?

If you think you'll sound like crap singing into it, then call your favorite cubed guy and buy an Sm57
I might sound great singing into it - in fact I'm sure I would - I sound great on almost anything (sorry if that sounded egotistical it wasn't meant to)

But that really wasn't my point, but never mind

Last edited by Deleted fe72b38; 6th May 2017 at 05:51 PM.. Reason: -
Old 6th May 2017 | Show parent
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thehightenor ➑️
I might sound great singing into it - in fact I'm sure I would - I sound great on almost anything (sorry if that sounded egotistical it wasn't meant to)

But that really wasn't my point, but never mind
It get what your point was, but the fact is it had nothing to do with what I said above.
Old 6th May 2017 | Show parent
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Doc Mixwell ➑️
It get what your point was, but the fact is it had nothing to do with what I said above.
So ....

Why were the other 49 mics mediocre compared to the Redd mic (the current GS flavour of the month) I own a few past "flavours of the month" - and I would mind adding a Redd to my locker (after a demo of course)

What exactly made them mediocre?

All I was saying is given a different set of singers/genre and the whole perspective would change.

But clearly I miss understood your point - fair enough.
Old 8th May 2017
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Sweetwater has treated me very well. Sure this is marketing. They don't carry Advanced Audio, Warbler, Mitek, and many other brands. But it sure is nice if you want a vocal mic to be able to listen to a large sample of mic's all done at the same time in an environment more controlled than most mic shootouts.

Props to Sweetwater for doing this.
Old 8th May 2017 | Show parent
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thehightenor ➑️
You're kidding right!

I might sound cr*p on a Redd Mic.

You seriously think there's a mic that suits every singer - that's a new one on me.
This is why mic shootouts are kind of silly when you think about it. They are dependent on the source so much. All they tell you is what mics sounded the best on the particular source they recorded. Better than nothing I suppose if you can't audition the mics yourselves. Kudos to all for the hard work making this happen.

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