Audio Test Kitchen Has Revolutionized the Microphone Shootout - Warren Huart: Produce Like A Pro
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
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➡️➡️Audio Test Kitchen Has Revolutionized the Microphone Shootout: bit.ly/2LVwcVz
We recently met with the fantastic Alex Oana at Gold-Diggers in Los Angeles to check out his rather amazing endeavors with Audio Test Kitchen!
Audio Test Kitchen is a free online resource aiming to change the way we audition microphones. They've partnered with top pro audio manufacturers to provide the most comprehensive gear comparison platform ever! At the core of what makes Audio Test Kitchen such a valuable resource is the elimination of the many, many variables in typical mic shootouts. You're able to hear 225 different mics exactly as they are on a variety of different sound sources!
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Produce Like A Pro is a website which features great tips to help the beginning recordist make incredible sounding home recordings on a budget.
This may be the biggest mic shootout of all time! What should we shootout next?
Produce Like A Pro do some marvelously good sounding preamps!!!
Amp Cabinets!
Interface/ dynamic range /stereo separation /at price points would be fascinating
best vid ever !! cheers Warren and gang
Great idea Elliot!
This is honestly amazing..I don't think people realize how important this will be. It's like a time capsule reference of all microphones, completely unbiased. And people are worried about what he's wearing..😒
Agreed Derek! Huge deal! Very important work indeed!!
Hi Derek. Too funny. Personally, I like the scarf - both practical for a tall skinny guy like me, and more fashionable than a plain t-shirt. Did you sign up to the ATK mailing list? Because we have 17,000 audio samples and more songs to share with you over time - more content, more insights. Will you share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website?
Audio Test Kitchen I hear you! For me it’s the hair! Haha we are in audio and we tend to have our little quirks because we are so obsessed with music!!
I absolutely love that Audio Test Kitchen even included the mics modeling other mics such as the Slate ML-1 so you can compare the modeled microphones with the actual ones. An absolute critical comparison in my opinion that I wasn't sure they would include - especially in the first release. So happy they did. Thanks so much to Audio Test Kitchen for this effort.
Hey Les. You're very welcome. Our own curiosity demanded inclusion of modeling mics. We have a total of 17,000 audio samples for these microphones to share with you over the course of time, so please sign the mailing list and stay tuned for more content, more insights. Please share any observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website. Rock on!
Yes, that iOS a truly wonderful and very smart thing to do indeed!!
@@AudioTestKitchen amazing!!
Hey, Alex. I remember seeing you with Warren doing a mic shootout when you were with another company. Thanks so much for continuing to be a friend of the Produce Like a Pro Academy. You keep bringing us great insight, which is very much appreciated. I've been checking out a dozen mics with vocals in the test kitchen. Very interesting, and very useful. Thanks so much for bringing this to our attention and giving us a chance to check it out.
Hi Lem. Really a pleasure to hear from you. You are so welcome and we thank you for your acknowledgement and positive response. Please share any observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website. Rock on! -Alex
Hi Lem, you are a true gentleman my friend! I really appreciate everything you do for all of us!!
Cool. I've been thinking about this for the longest time but with preamps and the converters as well, and finally someone's gotten to it. Great!
Yes! Me too! I didn't;t have the time to do this! They have done an absolutely amazing job of this!!
Agreed great idea! Makes perfect sense to me!
Hi Ovo. Thank you so much. Our community needed this, right? Did you sign up to the ATK mailing list? Because we have 17,000 audio samples and more songs to share with you over time - more content, more insights. Will you share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website?
@@AudioTestKitchen Signed up. Looks great! Will do.
Spent a good 3-4 hrs experimenting yesterday testing a whole host of stuff.
I have discovered that I'm beginning to consider the Lewitt LCT441 Flex the best mic of all time.
Hi Chris Norris I’ve got to say I might agree! For value for money it’s fairly unbeatable! However, as Alex has said, everyone can hear for themselves in an unbiased way!!
Hi Chris! So interesting. I have some favorites, too. But the cool thing is, it doesn't matter anymore what my favorite are - you don't need me or my opinion. You've got Audio Test Kitchen. Did you sign up to the ATK mailing list? Because we have 17,000 audio samples and more songs to share with you over time - more content, more insights. Will you share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website?
Very well said Alex!
@@Producelikeapro But what about the 540? Did you hear the way it makes the vocals shine through the denser part of the mix
Is this an advertisment?
As a tech and audio geek I absolutely love this! Great job!
Thanks! Me too!!
Thank you, Carl. Did you sign up to the ATK mailing list? Because we have 17,000 audio samples and more songs to share with you over time. Please share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website to help us make it better for All!
Thanks a lot ! This tool is amazing ! As a beginner, I discover that the difference between a really expensive mic and a cheap one is very very subtle !!! I can just imagine how other parameters (like the source, the placement, the room) have a more serious impact on the result...
Hi Raph. Placement and the room are super important, that's why we recorded each microphone in multiple different environments - to reveal what they do under various conditions. Did you sign up to the ATK mailing list? Because we have 17,000 audio samples and more songs to share with you over time - more content, more insights. Will you share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website?
Indeed Raph! There are many great m ics out there for a fraction of the cost that do an amazing job!! This wonderful site brings that information to ALL of us!!
Mic shootouts FTW! You're the best, Warren. There's no one else we'd rather launch the Early Access code with! 🙌
FTW?
Hi Pat, FTW means For The Win!
This guy is truly passionate about his work. Love the idea. I can't wait to start shopping with this concept having my back in choice making
Thank you NFWP! We are. The whole ATK team is really dedicated to this mission. I hope you signed up to the ATK mailing list because we have 17,000 audio samples and more songs to share with you over time - more content, more insights. Will you share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website?
I completely agree!!
Wow! So amazing! Tons of work and they thought of everything! I am blown away! This is a wonderful project!
Thank you analogkid :) We believe in the mission! I hope you signed up to the ATK mailing list because we have 17,000 audio samples and more songs to share with you over time - more content, more insights. Will you share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website?
I agree 100% my friend!!
How fantastic! Thank you for sharing this resource Warren! Absolutely incredible the things & people you're involved with!
Thanks ever so much my friend! I really appreciate your support as well! They are doing a wonderful thing here!!
Thanks Beatledave. Did you sign up to the ATK mailing list? Because we have 17,000 audio samples and more songs to share with you over time - more content, more insights. Will you share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website?
@@AudioTestKitchen Hi Alex, yes I've signed up after having a few initial problems creating an account. Haven't had time to audition the mics yet but looking forward to it.
What a bloody good idea! Fantastic! That's a great deal of hard work there. Alex you are the man!
Chris Ibbetson I agree 100%! Incredible idea and extremely well done!!
Thank you, Chris! I hope you signed up to the ATK mailing list because we have 17,000 audio samples and more songs to share with you over time - more content, more insights. Will you share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website?
@@AudioTestKitchen Thanks Alex i have signed up and will definately post feedback on the site.
Wow! I can't imagine the time to do that! I'm gonna test that. It's really amazing. Fantastic job
Hi Stephanie Leclercq yes!! Unbelievable amount of time indeed!
Thank you, Stephanie. I hope you signed up to the ATK mailing list because we have 17,000 audio samples and more songs to share with you over time - more content, more insights. Will you share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website?
Audio Test Kitchen yes, I have signed but I haven't try it a lot for the moment. I will do some comments and feedback 😉
There's something about the California air that makes people laid back & sophisticated at the same time.
I had a chance to visit Cali for myself this past spring, and I'm soooooo glad i don't live there. My brain hurts listening to the Audio Test Kitchen dude. Thankfully, the California air hasn't infected Warren...luv u man!!
Hi Ase o/m/g. Laid back and sophisticated sounds great. Sorry to make your brain hurt. Hopefully the website does not. Will you share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website?
This is truly astounding... this will have ripples that could change the audio industry! :O
Hi Alexander. Honestly, we feel the same. Could you say more about why you feel this way? Thank you! -Alex
Hi Alexander Common I agree 100%!!! It’s an amazing idea!!
Hi Audio Test Kitchen I agree my friend!! Great work!!
Such an amazing idea - and also great to hear how willing all the companies were to get involved, really lovely to see :-)
Thank you, Joe. Please use the Feedback button on the site to share your likes and wishes. Rock on!
@@AudioTestKitchen Signed up - already loving how close my Aston Spirit is sounding to the $3600 U87! Hah
Agreed Joe, it was wonderful that so many companies agreed to join in!!
Wonderful Joe!!
Wow! What an amazing tool! The website is superb! Thank you for your hard work and attention to detail, it is well appreciated :-)
Agreed 100%!! Alex and his team did an amazing job!!
Thank you so much, Surinder. Did you sign up to the ATK mailing list? Because we have 17,000 audio samples and more songs to share with you over time. Please share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website to help us make it better for All!
Wonderful idea and you can clearly see the people involved have a passion for music making. It does make me think that when you come to hear each mic via the service you will really need to know the sound of whatever speakers you are listening and judging them on.
Pat, that concept is always beneficial - you're spot-on. Value can still be derived on any sound system that allows you to assess 'differences.' Please share any observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website. Rock on!
Hopefully you can listen to Audio Test Kitchen on the same system you are used to producing music on.
Thanks ever so much Pat for sharing your insight! Yes, as long as you know your room, your speakers and/or your headphones you'll do well with the site!
Awesome, just amazing. This will end a lot of friendly arguments as far as the sound of a mic is concerned :D The whole "This mic sounds so much better because it costs 2000$ and the 400$ mic sounds like crap because it's cheap" debates :D Thank you Warren for introducing me to this. It's so scientific and I love scientific :D
You can "Share" your Audio Test Kitchen session as you hear it on social media to support or start one of these debates.
@@jeffehrenberg2306 We had to turn off the social share feature just prior to launch because of a bug. We'll get it back online soon. But don't let that stop you from doing exactly what you mentioned: have a dialogue based on a shared, accurate reference point.
Nacetone (and Jeff : )), the SHARE feature Jeff describes (which is awesome, BTW) will be rolled out likely later this week
It's physics❣️ Other people who understand physics! 😃 I'm not alone in the world! Thank you Alex & Warren & Audio Test Kitchen!
Hi Audrey. You are so welcome. Thank you so much your acknowledgement. We are pleased this is intriguing and helpful for you. Please share any observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website. Rock on! -Alex
Haha yes, indeed Audrey!
@@AudioTestKitchen Marvellous idea Alex!
Awesome site!! Nicely done Alex!!
Yes! Great stuff!!
Wow! This is great stuff. I just bought an AKG C214 last week. I wish I had access to this site a few weeks ago since I am hearing things on comparison that sound just as good as my AKG but cost considerably less. Not that I don't like the AKG C214 (I love it) but I am hearing other mics costing $100 or more less than the AKG that I might have considered. Thanks Warren.
Rick, the power to learn, the access to knowledge, that's why we're doing this. Rock on!
That's a great idea, espiacally for making pruchasing decisons online. Yet, not a single mic of the same model will sound the same even by todays technology and QA standards, as analog is never 100% on specs, not even on the TQM 99,96% on specs - and that's what makes the beauty of it.
Pascal Clerotte yes, it is such an amazing idea!! We had to get there first and help people!! So exciting!
Hi Pascal. Manufacturing tolerances and QC margins vary per manufacturer. Can be incredibly small deviations.
I hope you signed up to ATK so we can tell you about the additional vocals, guitars, drums and new songs - 17,000 audio samples on these mics!. Will you be so kind as to share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website? Thanks! Rock on...
@@AudioTestKitchen Thx. I did register.
omg this is incredible
Hi Андрей Инфантьев agreed 100%!
This is awesome! i believe i talked with this guy back at Namm 2018. Good stuff!
Thanks Creative Minds!
Well, hello again, then, Creative Minds. -Alex
This is so amazing, thank you for the resource!
Thank you, Quinn. I hope you signed up because we have 17,000 audio samples and more songs on these microphones to share with you over the course of time - stay tuned for more content, more insights. Please share any observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website. Rock on!
@@AudioTestKitchen I have signed up - I am actually just in the market for a new mic so this early access is perfect for me. Thanks again ATK!
@@damascusmusic7 agreed amazing resource!!
This is amazing!! It rocks!!
Thank you, Dave. We have a total of 17,000 audio samples for these microphones to share with you over the course of time, so please sign the mailing list and stay tuned for more content, more insights. Please share any observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website. Rock on!
Agreed Dave!!
Holy crap, that is amazing (and a LOT of work!). Very interesting Warren!
Hi Martin Luxen I know! I’m very impressed indeed! They did amazing work!!
Hi Martin. Thank you so much - we did this for you. I hope you signed up to the ATK mailing list because we have 17,000 audio samples and more songs to share with you over time - more content, more insights. Will you share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website?
@@AudioTestKitchen thanks for the wonderful interaction my friend!!
this is such a good idea!!! ... I LOVE IT !!!
Agreed! Great idea!!
These guys are real microphone testing scientists. Awesome work!
Hi Samuel Atoche wonderful!!
It’s also very exciting to imagine the impact on manufacturers trying to improve their products too. I think a vast collection of shootouts on different product types can’t happen soon enough. Can’t wait for preamps and compressors to be done. Especially compressors.
Hi Chris. We couldn't agree more! We hope that is one of the outcomes of this resource. Did you sign up to the mailing list so we can notify you when we add more songs, more sources, and more vocalists for you to compare on these mics?
Absolutely brilliant idea, the attention to detail is incredible! I'll be on it all the time! Thanks Guys!
Agreed! It's truly great!!
Thanks Track Drums. Surely you'll want to hear about the drums we recorded on all these mics. I hope you signed up to ATK so we can tell you about the additional vocals, guitars, DRUMS and new songs - 17,000 audio samples on these mics!. Will you be so kind as to share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website? Thanks! Rock on...
Audio Test Kitchen , oh yeah! All signed up yesterday! Really looking forward to hearing the 🥁! Thank You for all your amazing hard work! 😀👍
Amazing work!
Agreed 100%!!
Genius work guys! I really like the Warm Audio mics on this challenge because I like the flat EQ response on their microphones. I will add or adjust were I need it!
Thanks Chris. I hope you signed up to ATK so we can tell you about the additional vocals, guitars, drums and new songs - 17,000 audio samples on these mics!. Will you be so kind as to share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website? Thanks! Rock on...
That is some under taken hats off to you. Just been having a listen fantastic. I've been looking in the lower price ranges and subtle differences can be heard so now buying any mic can now really be a matter of taste to suit your palette.
Hi Mark. Thank you so much. Glad to hear the report of your success with the information. I hope you signed up to ATK so we can tell you about the additional vocals, guitars, drums and new songs - 17,000 audio samples on these mics!. Will you be so kind as to share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website? Thanks! Rock on...
such an amazing idea, brilliant.
Leon Phythian agreed 100%!!
SLAYER logo on the wall🤘🤘🤘
I know!! Used to be their rehearsal space. I hope you signed up because we have 17,000 audio samples and more songs on these microphones to share with you over the course of time - stay tuned for more content, more insights. Please share any observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website. Rock on!
That studio (Gold-Diggers) was Slayer's practice space in the 80s.
@@jeffehrenberg2306 Yes!! Slayer!!
This guys doesn't have an idea about how much they did for us!!! This is simply amazing, unbelievable and all the community must say a big thanks for help us in that way, they will save us a lot of time, questions, and read a lot of reviews that are sometimes biased, so....,guys , a big thank you and hugs from spain, you are the best !!
One good thing with this (other than the obvious) is that maybe soon people stop say “this sound so much better!” when actual difference is just a very subtle and sometimes not even audible.
Yes, sometimes there is hardly any difference and sometimes there is a huge amount!
Wow absolutely fantastic ! This is amazing
Agreed 100%!!
got it thank you Warren
One added benefit - I might look into my existing mics. I already found out that there were some great recordings done with a few of the mics I rarely ever use. Lemme dig up my old AKG c214
Hi Emrah. Isn't that a great benefit? Did you look at the c214 on the frequency response graph? Please sign up to the mailing list so we can notify you when we add more songs, more sources, and more vocalists for you to compare on these mics. Thanks!
Wonderful work Alex and his team! Thank you Warren for this
Thanks ever so much!!
Thanks Harmony Studios! I hope you signed up to ATK so we can tell you about the additional vocals, guitars, drums and new songs - 17,000 audio samples on these mics!. Will you be so kind as to share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website? Thanks! Rock on...
It's brilliant. I wanted to share my experience with ATk. After a couple weeks of testing and blind testing on the site. I had my heart set on Telefunken 251 and Bock 251. None of my sales guys could get either so I ended up pre-ordering a manley Gold just because of it's price and a few online shootouts. I went on the site again to search for another hi end mic to add to the collection along with the Manley and was only shopping by price again(which i’ll never do again.) I filtered the mics by 5k and up but still couldn't find the hi end air that I liked in the 251’s. Decided to try some mics in the $500-$1000 range just to see how much better the 5k up mics are. I randomly picked the two mics that I thought looked the coolest, Mabel by Ear Trumpet Labs and AL-Y56 by Luke Audio. Surprisingly they beat the 251 in some cases and beat all the other hi end mics in multiple blind tests. They had that hi end I was looking for in the 251’s. I ordered one of each minutes after. I've always known that price has nothing to do with the “right mic” because I have a long experience with mics, but when you get a lump sum of money, you just want to buy the most expensive and fancy thing available. It's a mistake. That's why something like this is so incredible. It gives you the chance to accurately compare all these mics and potentially support some of these smaller companies that sound just as good or better than the popular competition.
AMAZING!
Agreed!!
such a valuable resource for so many...thanks to all involved!!
Agreed Adrian!!
Thank you, Adrian. I hope you signed up to ATK so we can tell you about the additional vocals, guitars, drums and new songs - 17,000 audio samples on these mics!. Will you be so kind as to share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website? Thanks! Rock on...
Great work!!! All in the name of great sound!
Hi MixedByScience yes indeed!!
That's brilliant!
Yes! Agreed Danny!
Thanks Danny! I hope you signed up to ATK so we can tell you about the additional vocals, guitars, drums and new songs - 17,000 audio samples on these mics!. Will you be so kind as to share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website? Thanks! Rock on...
This is amazing! Ill have to go to their sire and have a listen
Hi Jason Martin thanks ever so much!!
I'm convinced I need to sell my Blue Dragonfly and buy a Shure KSM44A now that I used this tool. It's really close to the Neumann U87.
Hi George Young wow! Interesting to hear that! Thanks for sharing!
This is an amazing resource. Well done.
Two questions:
1) Did you have to disassemble some of the mics in order to get an accurate measurement if the distance between the surface of the diaphragm itself and its screen? That is the most challenging part of trying to compare two different manufacturers' mics on a source with distance variables eliminated during a session.
2) Where did you get those wonderful lasers? Especially for re-amping sessions, those lasers would seem like an excellent tool for maintaining consistent mic position.
Really thanks again for your time reading this and first creating this resource.
@Audio Test Kitchen you posted a response in my alerts, but I don't see more than 20 words there. I clicked on the link in my alerts and it seems your response has disappeared somehow. Can you let me know the full answer by PM if it was not supposed to be a public post?
@@drbonkerssoundlabllc Let me know if you can see this: We indeed inspected the position of the surface of the diaphragm (from the outside, using lights) and made external marks on the windscreen/grille to guide our positioning in front of the source. One might not expect it, but some diaphragms are not placed dead-center within the microphone's head grille.
Brilliant idea! Cool...checking it out now! After renting all the legendary mics from Blackbird, my favorite mic of all time is an original U87.
Right on, Daniel. I hope you signed up because we have 17,000 audio samples and more songs on these microphones to share with you over the course of time - stay tuned for more content, more insights. Please share any observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website. Rock on!
@@AudioTestKitchen Hey Alex, I did sign up. I will listen more later on. It is always frustrating when manufacturers don't have any audio samples or poorly recorded samples, etc., when you are shopping for pro audio gear. This looks like it will be invaluable in that regard. Really looks like you put a lot of effort into getting accurate comparisons...very cool!
super legit!
Thanks Julian. I hope you signed up because we have 17,000 audio samples and more songs on these microphones to share with you over the course of time - stay tuned for more content, more features, more insights. Please share any observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website. Rock on!
Agreed Julian!
simply amazing!!
Thanks, Eric. We made this for you. Additional vocals, guitars, drums and new songs - 17,000 audio samples on these mics are coming so I hope you signed up to the mailing list. If you want to help improve the site and influence the our next gear categories, please do via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website. Thanks!
Eric Gonzalez yes!! Thanks Eric!!
Wow! This is going to cost me some serious time and a bit of money. For limited budget folks like me who want to maximize the value for the dollars spent, this will be fantastic for finding the sweet spot mic for my money!
Matthew Sweet exactly! For me this really is why I stand behind this very strongly! It levels the playing field bringing more people in!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you! Warren and the wonderful people at Audio Test Kitchen have saved me so much envy, time, confusion, headache and money! I have been in the market for a new mic for a while now and I want a great all around mic that sounds like the Sony C800G because frankly it is one of the best microphones to ever exist (Yes, even better than a vintage U47 in perfect condition). It turns out that my existing Rode NT1 is closer than I thought, it just lacks the low end warmth. However, the less than $1k Rode K2 is remarkably close, damn near identical even! I hear almost no discernible difference when I compared the two side by side on their website both in terms of audio and their frequency curves. The similarly priced Sontronics Orpheus is also remarkably close, and even brighter in the high mids than the C800G but in a pleasing way. I can't thank you enough. I feel so much less envious and more inspired than I have in a while to make great music knowing that I can legit achieve what my idols are and with less than a quarter their budget
So great to hear this, Odin. I hope you signed up so we can tell you about more content, more features, more insights. Please share any observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website. Rock on!
Amazing information so freely given!!
Yes! Agreed 100%!!
Thanks Appledumplings! I hope you signed up to ATK so we can tell you about the additional vocals, guitars, drums and new songs - 17,000 audio samples on these mics!. Will you be so kind as to share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website? Thanks! Rock on...
He can grow that hair and he even can wear a scarf, but we all know that's the guy from Vintage King. And he's awesome!
Aleksandar!! You!! Hello, you've spotted me. Working for Vintage King, I learned so much about how to help my fellow audio creators with gear decisions, but I always wanted to find a way to empower you to make your own, well-informed decision. Audio Test Kitchen is the result! Be well, my friend. -Alex
Indeed, Alex has had an amazing collection of experiences that shape his success and created a unique understanding of how to achieve these great results!
Fabulous! This is amazing!
Hi TreyDay thanks ever so much!!
Gotta drop this quick; so busy atm, music stuff is a little 'back-seat' - unavoidable. There's a lot of effort going into this, so I think results should be worthwhile and only improve in the future. I've always wondered how something similar could be done, because of the variables involved, but I can see here, that work has gone into eliminating the issues where possible. What will be really interesting, is to see how the manufacturers might reference these test results in approaching their own products. If there is one downfall - I'm trying to not be unnecessarily negative - it's the fact that, let's say, one drummer, one kick drum, one tuning, one level, is far from what's out there in the real world and sometimes it's impossible to say for definite that you won't get a great sound from a microphone (any microphone) under certain circumstances. But, as you point out, the listener can decide based on what 'their' ears are telling them - a major step from talking curves and frequency response, blah, blah. That said, this is Audio Test Kitchen v2, so there's development ahead. Good work and good luck to 'em
Hi Bring MeSunshine. All good points. You're right that we give you the means to form a picture of what every microphone sounds like. Importantly, all characteristics are cross-comparable with every other microphone. Glad you made it to the Kitchen.
He really likes what he does. Nice job.
Very cool and usefull
Hi Fredrik Johansson Thanks ever so much!!
Holy cow this is amazing! SCIENCE FTW!
Loudtim haha yes!! Agreed 100%!
Hi Loudtim. Thank you! I hope you signed up to ATK so we can tell you about the additional vocals, guitars, drums and new songs - 17,000 audio samples on these mics!. Will you be so kind as to share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website? Thanks! Rock on...
I think it's great a team is doing this with such high precision. I have tried out the website briefly, and it's wonderful to hear mics back to back and really hear the differences on the same song and source. The site seems a tad buggy, for example would not allow me to start a new 'session', and certain actions seem very slow (e.g. Delete mic from list) but I'm sure those bugs will be worked out. The other thing that made me wonder a bit were the test curves for frequency response, which in some cases do not agree very well with the manufacturer's curves. I wonder which is the more accurate? Have Audio Test Kitchen consulted with the manufacturer when their own results vary greatly from the published spec? Thanks to these guys for launching this great resource!
Hi TW. Great feedback. Will you be so kind as to share any observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website? Helps us address each issue in an organized fashion. Published frequency responses are a hot-button issue! Our frequency curves are an industry first: all microphones measured under the same conditions in Harman International's anechoic chamber in Northridge, CA. We're confident in the accuracy of the frequency responses published on Audio Test Kitchen.
@@AudioTestKitchen Looking very particularly at the ridges and valleys of the frequency responses, there are some that show up on every single microphone, which means they display limitations of the testing equipment rather than the mics themselves. This is almost unavoidable (no speaker is ever purely flat) but it would be useful if there were some sort of algorithm to find those specific deviations and subtract them from the frequency response graphs. This would make for more accurate graphs, and would please the microphone manufacturers by virtue of them looking flatter.
I am sure there is a mathematical way to do this, especially if you did and kept tests made with any small-diaphagm omni measuring microphones, but it could be done even without.
I'm checking it out right now. MINDBLOWING. Who in their right mind would pull such a thing as this shootout? These guys did, hah. Just thinking of all the minute details and all the prep work makes my mind spin. I LOVE IT! ATK are madmen for sure.
Thanks so much! This is just the beginning--much more to come, for certain!
@@ianhlatky5329 You're every welcome. I'm excited about this. Commendable work, guys. God bless you. Peace.
@@ANSWERTHECALLOFJESUSCHRIST Yes! Amazing work indeed!!
Wow, that's such a fantastic idea! The web application is also really useful, pretty amazing stuff!
Interesting to compare 9000$ mics, and hearing how the cheap ones actually seem to hold up surprisingly well.
Now go to the next step and create a matching EQ plugin for a $80 Sterling or $99 AT2020 to make it sound like a U87 or C800G or something, using all the data you gathered here :) (of course it wouldn't be the same, but I bet it'd still be quite useful; at least it would be an amazing marketing gimmick for those low-cost options)
I'm wondering though, it seems like they recorded with all the different mics from studio monitors rather than the actual source? I mean how else could you record the exact same performance using so many mics from the same position? If so, which mic was used for the initial recordings then? And how representative are these comparisons then?
This is going from what's up there on the website right now though (which seems to be one session at the moment), and I could be wrong here, but seeing the video there seems to be a lot more work going on to improve what's there on the website at the moment.
Anyway, I'm pretty excited about this project. This guy has the right idea, and this project can really go places!
Thank you, Erik. We have a total of 17,000 audio samples and more songs on these microphones to share with you over the course of time, so please sign the mailing list and stay tuned for more content, more insights. Please share any observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website. Rock on!
Question: One thing I've heard so many times is the issue with mics matching vocals. It's one thing to hear many mics on someone's vocal but to hear them on your vocal is another. Did they address this particular thing? (Seems like an un-addressable variable, but maybe they figured it out?)
Hi L. Scott. We recorded 6 very different sounding vocalists on every microphone to enable you to get a sense of how these mics will perform on a variety of singers. I hope you signed up so we can notify you when we release this additional content.
this is a really awesome
Thanks @Paul Smith. Additional vocals, guitars, drums and more songs - 17,000 audio samples on these mics are coming, so I hope you signed up to the mailing list. If you want to help improve the site and influence the next gear categories, please do via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website. Thanks!
Paul Smith yes! It certainly is my friend!!
I guess Alex's neck gets cold? This product looks very cool.
Yes, and he (I) wanted to dress up a touch for you guys - something more than a t-shirt. Hope you don't mind. Let us know what you think of Audio Test Kitchen. Send your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website. Thanks!
@@AudioTestKitchen You looked fabulous!
Oh wow, this is so so useful and enlightening, really great. Id like to be able to drag mics into the audition area without shuffling the others along, one minor thing that could perhaps be improved in the site in my opinion, unless im missing another way of doing it. i was looking at 414 style mics and loving the Warm wa14s which I wouldn't have otherwise considered. Also a bit disturbed at the frequency response of my Flea 47 after hearing it in this context, big dip between around 3-9k compared to the other 47 style mics which make it sound quite dull in comparison! Id love to hear the 67RI and Chandler REDD in there. Can't wait for the ribbons! ...AMAZING stuff, thank you!!
ah wait if i drag a mic off first i can populate the empty slot without them shuffling.
Awesome site. I'm only getting two of the tunes though... The Weekend and The L.A. Song. Is something wrong with that? How about you all, just two tunes?
Great idea. Seems like there is only one song ("The Weekend") currently available- true? Look forward to hearing these mics on a baritone vocal and strummed guitar.
I'll go and check that out! I do remember seeing two songs originally!
@@Producelikeapro I checked again today, only saw the one. If there is more than one, it's not clear how to find/switch songs. I hope they intend to add a Song Library tab (like the mic search tab, with filters).
Hi BerkeleyBernie! Additional vocals, guitars, drums and more songs - 17,000 audio samples on these mics are coming, so I hope you signed up to the mailing list. If you want to help improve the site and influence the next gear categories, please do via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website. Thanks!
berkeleybernie yes! Seems like there’s plenty more coming my friend!
Audio Test Kitchen great stuff!!
Who's the poor guy that had to pull back and release the bass drum beater 225+ times?
Hi Matthew, as you can imagine, we sampled very meticulously, 3 bass drum hits per microphone, each compared to the Master Reference. I hope you signed up to the ATK mailing list because we have 17,000 audio samples and more songs to share with you over time - more content, more insights. Will you share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website?
Hi Matthew, I believe it was Alex himself!
@@AudioTestKitchen I did indeed sign up with Warren's code yesterday.
Matthew, if you look closely, Alex's right index finger is 1.5x the circumference of his left index finger due to the intense bass drum beater pull-back exercises :).
@@ianhlatky5329 🤣😅😂
Love it!
Thank you, Yuba. I hope you signed up because we have 17,000 audio samples and more songs on these microphones to share with you over the course of time - stay tuned for more content, more insights. Please share any observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website. Rock on!
Audio Test Kitchen Done! Greetings from sunny Uk
Can these guys PLEASE PLEASE PLEASES do tone wood for guitars? I'd really love a "definitive" answer to the question of if wood matters on electric guitars, and if so how much. It would be so simple for someone with the tools and methods that these guys have. They really understand the importance of eliminating variables, and it would be far less work than mic setups obviously lol. Having a definitive answer to the tonewood debates would be legitimately highly beneficial in the event of either outcome. If it turned out to be false, it would free up consumers from paying premiums for tonewoods, _and_ free up guitar companies to seek out cheaper materials/innovate more on designs/materials. If it turned out to be true, that would open up the market for those who disagree with the concept to start seeking out what they've been "missing out on" in terms of tone-chasing. On top of that, people could then research what causes those differences and ways to change/accentuate/negate those tone-coloring qualities where desired. I really wish someone would just do something like these guys and settle it for the benefits of either outcome. It shouldn't be difficult for anyone with a bit of money and resources to do it properly. More resources than most average people have to spare probably, but very little money on the scale of scientific research since you wouldn't need all that much in terms of materials.
Hi Nic--musical instruments is 100% definitely on the roadmap (hopefully sooner than later)!! You pretty accurately describe a variant that we have had on the roadmap since day 1 that's focused on exploring a specific question about a gear variable that can be addressed directly (i.e. without capturing the universe of guitars).
Hi Nic. This question is very interesting to us, as well! There is so much information we want to give to you, can you help us decide what to do next? Will you be so kind as to share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website? Thanks! Rock on...
@@ianhlatky5329 Awesome! I'm very much looking forward to it! :) People on either side always seem rather biased and invested in their belief about it, so I'm glad people like you are interested in testing things in a very legitimate and controlled manner. It's always weird to me that people are so strident about it as well because, as I explained a bit, there are vast potential benefits in either conclusion. I'll definitely be keeping watch on your guys' stuff and just subbed to your channel. I hadn't heard of ATK before this video.
@@AudioTestKitchen I'll do that right away! I'm very very excited that you guys are interested in testing such things in such well-controlled tests without apparent bias or investment in the outcomes. I just subbed to your channel and really look forward to more from you guys!
" The physics of a human foot " lol. Brilliant.
Crazy how we have to think about these things. First through failure. We have a total of 17,000 audio samples for these microphones to share with you over the course of time, so please sign the mailing list and stay tuned for more content, more insights. Please share any observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website. Rock on!
Hi Alex and Warren
Hi Brynn!
Hi,
It seem like they applied the eq of microphone's frequency response to the audio sample. I am not sure whether they include the self noise, THD, SNR.. to replicate the real environment of recording using the microphone.
Example:
10USD mic A has almost same frequency responses as 10k mic B, so, does the test shows the accurate representation of each microphones in real recording session?
Thank you.
Pregunta Solo funciona con la interfaz de Focusrite??? Lo digo por que yo tengo la Apollo de Universal Audio ,, me pueden informar .... si con las Apollo sirve ???
It's a very interesting idea. I just hope they cover some mics that I can afford.
Yes, Adam. From $80 to $10,000 - compare them all, apples-to-apples.
That's good to hear. Thanks. I'll mess around with the website this weekend.
Hi Adam Fox yes! There’s all kinds of price ranges covered!!
Tinder for mics!
UnderCurrents Radio haha indeed!
Insane, I whish I was part of it.
Thanks Ilan. If you are in LA next time we produce a library... :) Did you sign up to the mailing list so we can notify you when we add more songs, more sources, and more vocalists for you to compare on these mics?
@@AudioTestKitchen Just signed up! I'm in Paris but maybe next time I'm in LA... :D
Hi Ilan Benitah sign up my friend!!
Great stuff! What's "The Grace"?
Hi Denis,
"The Grace" refers to the Grace Designs m108 transformerless pre-amp/analog-to-digital converter that we used in tracking (was critical for us to have as little color in the signal path as possible). Thanks!
-ian
Hi Denis Cloutier Grace made the pre amps that Audio Text Kitchen used.
Grace Designs from Colorado, USA have been dedicated to producing the highest quality, transparent audio paths for decades. The m108 mic preamp and AtoD converter was key to Audio Test Kitchen's ability to reveal the true characteristics of every microphone.
How were all the tests recorded? Chain? I think I can hear both compression and deessing. Feels strange to make up my mind on a mic that is processed.
There is no processing at all on the mics. They used a Grace Mic Pre, I would watch the full video it does explain the whole process in detail.
Hi Jens. There's absolutely no compression, de-essing, EQing.... no processing on any mics. When you listen to the 'Stacked Effect' you'll hear all sources from that one mic stacked together into one mix. We panned and added some reverb to give you the sense of how each mic would stack up into an actual song. This technique naturally amplifies each microphone's personality. Try it and let us know what you think!
Please share your observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website? Thanks! Rock on...
@@AudioTestKitchen thanks ever so much for sharing that information!
Located between the freeway and the cemetery on Santa Monica . . .🚘🌄
The drums and percussion 🥁🎤 require great finesse 🖌― then the electric guitar speaker cabinets. 🎸🔊🎤 Then add some lasers, 🔦 a whole lot of geometry, 📐 LCD-Xs, and then you are good to go! 🎚🎚🎚🎚🎛🎛🎧✔
Hi Platinum! Great finesse and lasers, indeed! The Audeze LCD-Xs have been super helpful, too. Can't wait for you to hear the drums and percussion to be released soon. Did you sign up to the mailing list so we can notify you?
@@AudioTestKitchen Yes, I did sign up. Thanks!
@@PlatinumBlack90038 Great to hear it :)
I want to be Alex Oana, hands down
Haha I'll let him know!!
Hahaha! :)
All i got was a sign up for the email list page. No where is there a place to put in a code to listen to different mics
Same here
Unfortunately it doesn't work on Mobile yet, you'll have to sign in on either a Lap Top out Desk Top.
@@EG_John Unfortunately it doesn't work on Mobile yet, you'll have to sign in on either a Lap Top out Desk Top.
🆕 World Record
Yes! Must be!
Hey Warren, Alex's scarf puts your shirt to shame. Are you going to take that? (Also: Great video as usual. ^^)
Finally, a scarf appreciator. You're clearly a person of class and great taste. :)
There's two words I seldom hear together when describing me. Thanks! :-D
Audio Test Kitchen yes! I’m in England at the moment! Many times I appreciate having a scarf!
Lasse Huhtala sounds good to me!
Lasse Huhtala yes! I’ve got to up my shirt game somewhat!
I cannot find anywhere to enter the code. How can I try it out? Is this for USA only?
WoW! End of story!
Thank you, Matija! We have a total of 17,000 audio samples and more songs on these microphones to share with you over the course of time, so please sign the mailing list and stay tuned for more content, more insights. Please share any observations and requests via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website. Rock on!
@@AudioTestKitchen Did all of that, thank you. One thing comes to mind immediately. Pink noise samples of each microphone. Extremely revealing, and can be used for mic modeling or matching ;)
Are they going to make them into plugins?
Hmm, where do i put the code? There is only the email address box which leads to an email that has a link that takes me bacl to the website and this video.
Hi Dennis, at the moment you have to sign in from your lap top or desktop, they don't yet have a mobile version.
@@Producelikeapro Oh ok thanks for the info! "Desktop version" in chrome mobile didn't do it this time then.. :)
@@DennisMillner yes, I tried as well and got the same result. works great on my Lap Top!
Dennis - glad you got sorted out. We plan a mobile app in the future. Additional vocals, guitars, drums and new songs - 17,000 audio samples on these mics are coming so I hope you signed up to the mailing list. If you want to help improve the site and influence the our next gear categories, please do via the Feedback button on the right edge of the website. Thanks!
Audio Test Kitchen thanks for answering!!
This whole process would have seemed like voodoo even 10 years ago.
Ha, perhaps, Pat. Our many years of dreaming coincided with the right technology.
@@AudioTestKitchen Well I did edit down from 15. I'm a Midi Man myself
Yes, agreed Pat! This is very detailed!
@@patkelly3966 nicely done!
I’d like to know which mic Alex likes the best? 🤔
Hi Nebstaism! I thought I knew microphones really well. Then we captured them all. Now I'm using my own app - Audio Test Kitchen - to hear and visualize (via the Frequency Curves) what the world's large diaphragm condenser mics really sound like. Believe me, I've fallen in love with some surprises. I hope you have the same experience.
So is that 60-day thing only a "pre-official-public-launch early access" thing? Or is it "just" 60 days *free* access and then it'll be for a fee?
Hi Khron. Right now it's a 60-days exclusive let-Warren's-crew-have-their-way-with-it. If there's enough ad revenue, we can keep ATK free. Please use the Feedback button on the site to share your observations, likes, and requests. Rock on!
The idea Khron is to keep this free! They have been very generous in allowing our community early access!
@@Producelikeapro Well, that particular detail is debatable - since it's (supposed to be) free anyway, i'm not 100% sure where the generosity comes in :)
Two extra months of ad revenue is good for *them* , and so is unpaid beta-testing - feel free to correct me if i'm wrong :D
Don't misunderstand me, i'm not knocking anything - if anything, the (seemingly standardized) frequency plots are a breath of fresh air in a sea of vague and nearly meaningless buzzwords. I'm just a nitpicker when it comes to spreading information to large audiences, that's all :)
Buy one and get creative I feel that's a great achievement?
Yes! Get create my friend!!
Tried the site on Firefox, says corrupted content and won't allow me to access it... Anyone else having access problems?
Thanks for the report, Jimsy. Would you have a moment to use the Feedback button on the right edge of the browser window? That would help the engineering team resolve the issue. If Firefox is still buggy, check that you're updated to the latest version, clear cache, refresh. Or jump over to Chrome, Safari, Opera, or Edge and try. We're working to ensure stability on all browsers.
Jimsy I do know that they don’t yet have a mobile version. It does work for me on every browser on my lap top. Maybe it was a freak annoyance?
@PRODUCELIKEAPRO I WENT TO THE SITE AND ENTERED THE CODE. IT DOESN'T GIVE ME ACCESS. ANYBODY ELSS HAVE THIS ISSUE?
If you enter "listenlikeapro" and then it should take you to a page to create an account. If you get stuck there, try refreshing or clicking on the ATK logo.
Hi Leonel. Thanks for reporting this - sorry that you've encountered an issue. Try these things: refresh your browser, clear cache then refresh, or try another browser. It would help us solve this issue most quickly if you would use the Feedback button on the right edge of the website at the moment you run into any problems on the site.
Hi Leonel, did you sign in from a Lap Top or Desk Top computer? At this moment the site is not available on Mobile. I hope that helps!
@@Producelikeapro It was from a desktop, but I did it a day later and it worked. Thanks for the follow-up.