Microphones comparison continued

Date: 7/4/10
Duration: 3 hours

Continuing from the microphone comparison, I compared the Shure SM57 mic with the Red 5 RVD9 mic. Both dynamic microphone.

I recorded the snare drum  from the drumkit. Same rules applies from the previous post, same settings (on the Focusrite pre-amp), placements (from the sound source).

Here is the recording of the snare by the Shure SM57:

And here is the recording of the snare with the Red 5 RVD9:

And here is the two tracks inside Logic 8:

Visual inspection of the two tracks reveal no huge difference in sensitivity of the mics (SM57 is slightly more sensitive)
On the hearing test, the RVD9 is sharp and defined but lacking the punch. The SM57 has more punch to the recording and generally fatter sound. I could see myself using the two sets of mics for different snare sounds I'm after. Generally in rock you want a fatter sounding snare, in jazz for example require more 'snare' sound.
I'm very surprised by the result and will be sure to experiment with snare mics more often to learn the characteristics of these microphones.

Next I compared two small diaphragm condenser microphones. AKG C1000s and Red 5 RV4.

I recorded a cymbal (Paiste 2002 Wild crash 20") from the drumkit and using same settings on the pre-amp and positioning of the mics above the cymbal, I hit the record button.

Here is the cymbal recorded with the AKG C1000s:

And here is the recording done with the Red 5 RV4:

And here is the two tracks next to each other in Logic 8:

Visually they look remarkably similar and there are no obvious artifacts that can be seen on picture above.
Listening tests prove the hardest so far to distinguish one from the other. They sound very much alike. There are no obvious hints to which may be which and I am hard pressed to decide on my favourite.
I have however have experience recording other parts of the drumkit, mainly the hi-hat using these microphones and my experience was slightly different. The RV4 is excellent until it gets to very high frequencies at which point they start to sound rather harsh and the high-frequencies seemed to get hyped. The C1000s however coped very well and I managed to record a smooth sounding cymbals.

I knew the RV4 was a great performer but this experiment has reaffirmed its usefulness in recording many types of instruments. And considering its price point, roughly half the price of the AKG C1000s, its definitely a good all round microphone.

Summary

After comparing microphones of two separate brands, I can confirm that these are great microphones and although they sometimes seem lacking compared with its more established competitors, these microphones are great performers. Performing these tests has increased my intimate knowledge of the microphones I own and will greatly help me in the future when trying to obtain a certain sound and finding the right microphone to do the job.