Stage 1 vs SM7b vs NT1a

[Jackel]

Now that I have my studio set up I started testing my new stage 1 and SM7b against my old NT1a.

I recorded my wife singing a bit of the old song "At Last" by Etta James.

I was really surprised how similar all the recordings sounded. The mic pre I used was the Mackie Onyx Mic pre in the blackbird. I may try to run it through the yamaha mic pre at some point but I dont have that set up yet.

Overall the Stage 1 with the basic B8 capsule was the most detailed. Had nice high end and a fairly warm ton. My wife sings with a very wide dynamic range and the Blue was a little challenging to find the right level.

The SM7b was my favorite for her voice. Warmer throughout without the brightness in the high end. Still it retained excellent clarity and managed the dynamics really well. I've never recorded with a dynamic in the studio before and I was really surprised how much extra power it took to drive it. I had to turn the mic pre up over 80% vs about 30% that I run the condenser mics.

the NT1a was really strong especially when considering the price differential. Perceptably less detail than either of the other mics but only when switching between. Most of the detail loss was in the Lowmid range to my ear.

If I can figure out how to make a video of the computer screen and audio while I switch back and forth I will. If anyone knows how I am open to pointers.

Jeff

PS I really like the bottle rocket and if anyone is in the market for it I bought mine from B&H photo because they are selling them for 569 rather then 799. They are still selling them at that price.

[MASSIVE Mastering]

That's one of those things I've always liked about the NT1a -- It doesn't sound like so many of the overly-sensitive LDC's out there. I still have a "general" preference for the 7b, but true, you need a bit of clean HP behind it...