Finally a shoot-out where I can actually hear the differences! Quite striking. I favor the ribbons as well, for me the Reslo is the winner with a very rich, almost velvety sound, second place is the KU-2A. Having grown up during the condenser era, I still appreciate that KM84, the go-to for violins for decades. A lot more high end, but gives it a certain sparkle. Fantastic job on this.
I like the Skunk-clear but warm, the RCA44 nice but slightly muffled compared with the Skunk, and the Reslo sounds very nice very clear but not at all harsh. I have been recording since the late 60's. Very nice professional demonstration, thanks, beautiful playing!
I would sure love to hear how the Coles 4038 compares to these. BTW, that KU-2A is stupendous! I wonder how the AEA KU4 compares to it? It would seem to be its grandchild.
man, what a reel! interesting, informative, extremely well made. thank you so much for your work. the rca solo didn't tickle my particular fancy, but man in the mix it really fits nicely. the u87 on the other hand has this unbevlievable natural sound to it when listening solo, but in the mix it shows too much of it. very interesting how these mics behave in different scenarios. and it shows how important the selection is when choosing a microphone. once again, thank you for this great video!
happy to come across your video. I'm also violinist and I operate as you do here, whenever Imrecord orchetra ensemble on my productions. Yes true: ribbons are really better for violins, viola and cello. Way less harsh and they get less "small noises" about the hairs of the arc on the strings. Thanks for this video ❤
All the ribbons were really good in their own way. I can hear each one of the ribbons being perfectly suited for specific moods. In this case, I think the 441 is perfectly usable. The KM84 is good for more brightness. The 87 was not very flattering. And the Skunk is the winner...at least that's the one I would go with.
I have an RCA ribbon collection and just love the 44bx. There is another RCA ribbon you should try to get your hands on. The RCA SK-46 !! Ridiculous big ribbon sound. Reslo was inspired by its design. They are great to add to your collection. Very cool mics. Awesome Video. Amazing commitment to show their true sound and character. Very good video. Thanks for sharing.
As a blossoming intermediate/advanced violin player, I really like the condenser microphones. I like the clarity and honest reproduction that the small diaphragm mic gives, and the subtle smoothing that the large condenser gives. I want that honesty for critical listening to my own playing, so I can review it and improve. I'd use a medium or large diaphragm condenser for recordings to share with others.
Solo the big Neuman U87 was the best. Togehter the 'Skunk' was the nicest. But somehow the string section sounded quite 'trumpet-y'. Maybe it's the room or maybe the mic's where to high... Not sure.
so rare to find violin producer types of your level, thanks so much for sharing! Very cool to hear the differences! And thank you for A/B-ing them so well. Curious what treatment you had on the section samples? I have a similar setup at home minus the nice vintage mics lol. just a pair of KM 184s, KM183s, Beyerdynamic MC930s, Audio-Technica AT-4050s, and an AEA Nuvo N8. I find that my room (which is not a professional studio) makes a huge difference on the mics. the N8 doesn't work so well for layers because of a low-mid buildup. I assume it's present in the condensers as well but maybe the upper hype distracts the ear. Anyway, it's nice to have options when doing layers!
I enjoyed the video. I notice that you are using an Avid 003 interface. I was given one recently by a friend who said it wont work with the latest Apple operating system. I am a Windows user, and Windows wont support Firewire any more. I also understand that Avid isn't supporting the 003 either. Would you be prepared to share how you have kept it working?
i have no idea about the ins and outs of microphones but to my ears that RCA KU-2A sounded the best and the Neumann U87 made my ears hurt at some parts
So so tnx for this great video! Firstly I wanna tell that I love reslo more. And I am Really tired of hearing harsh violin sounding microphones! After many searching and examination I found that I better go for a ribbon one! But there aren't many options in the place I live. I need your help to buy one of these rode ntr , beyerdynamic m160, mxl R144 HE. So do you suggest one of these? Or another mic? I want to sound like what I hear in classical violin pieces. Some buttery , creamy feel. I am sure you know what I mean and sorry for my English. ❤
Hi Houman. Hohm Ribbon Microphones are beautiful on violin and not too expensive. I like their HR01 2.4micron ribbon mic. www.hohmmicrophones.com/ Cheers, Ian.
YES! Keep it up! Us string players need more string production videos like this. Excited to see more!
The skunk seems to love strings!!
Also the Reslo is fantastic.
Finally a shoot-out where I can actually hear the differences! Quite striking. I favor the ribbons as well, for me the Reslo is the winner with a very rich, almost velvety sound, second place is the KU-2A. Having grown up during the condenser era, I still appreciate that KM84, the go-to for violins for decades. A lot more high end, but gives it a certain sparkle.
Fantastic job on this.
That reslo was a real surprise! Lovely
Wow the Skunk give's it another dimension !
I like the Skunk-clear but warm, the RCA44 nice but slightly muffled compared with the Skunk, and the Reslo sounds very nice very clear but not at all harsh. I have been recording since the late 60's. Very nice professional demonstration, thanks, beautiful playing!
I really love that KU-2A. Really nice video.
The MI-6203 sounds so lush and full, especially on the full string sections 🤤
I would sure love to hear how the Coles 4038 compares to these. BTW, that KU-2A is stupendous! I wonder how the AEA KU4 compares to it? It would seem to be its grandchild.
man, what a reel! interesting, informative, extremely well made. thank you so much for your work. the rca solo didn't tickle my particular fancy, but man in the mix it really fits nicely. the u87 on the other hand has this unbevlievable natural sound to it when listening solo, but in the mix it shows too much of it. very interesting how these mics behave in different scenarios. and it shows how important the selection is when choosing a microphone. once again, thank you for this great video!
happy to come across your video. I'm also violinist and I operate as you do here, whenever Imrecord orchetra ensemble on my productions. Yes true: ribbons are really better for violins, viola and cello. Way less harsh and they get less "small noises" about the hairs of the arc on the strings. Thanks for this video ❤
Fun and very useful video, thanks a bunch. And of course, great music choices :)
All the ribbons were really good in their own way. I can hear each one of the ribbons being perfectly suited for specific moods. In this case, I think the 441 is perfectly usable. The KM84 is good for more brightness. The 87 was not very flattering. And the Skunk is the winner...at least that's the one I would go with.
That KU2A and 203 sound so unique and interesting!
reslo is amazing well balanced! skunk and mi-6203 are my 2nd favorites very warm and dark as well. u87 too much harsh amazing job mate!
Excellent comparison!
love this content! thank you for this information!
The Skunk does it on the string section!
I have an RCA ribbon collection and just love the 44bx. There is another RCA ribbon you should try to get your hands on. The RCA SK-46 !! Ridiculous big ribbon sound. Reslo was inspired by its design. They are great to add to your collection. Very cool mics. Awesome Video. Amazing commitment to show their true sound and character. Very good video. Thanks for sharing.
Most helpful Video, Waiting for something like this for a long time in reference to recording violinist.
Amazing video! Great work
amazing... i think you made every mic sound great !!! and your fiddle too... bravo !!
As a blossoming intermediate/advanced violin player, I really like the condenser microphones. I like the clarity and honest reproduction that the small diaphragm mic gives, and the subtle smoothing that the large condenser gives.
I want that honesty for critical listening to my own playing, so I can review it and improve.
I'd use a medium or large diaphragm condenser for recordings to share with others.
Amazing work ...
Great vid Coops!
WHERE did you find a working original RCA 44 those mics are like finding the proverbial "Needle in a Haystack!"
Thanks for this information!!! Very nice presentation.
wow, I like the Skunk! the Neumann u87 seemed the best of the condensers>
Solo the big Neuman U87 was the best. Togehter the 'Skunk' was the nicest. But somehow the string section sounded quite 'trumpet-y'. Maybe it's the room or maybe the mic's where to high... Not sure.
I like the RCA 44 and perhaps the Reslo for brighter. Hearing the violins together in the mix, I really do like the Reslo. I think it sounds the best.
Something about the reslo sounds the best to me
so rare to find violin producer types of your level, thanks so much for sharing! Very cool to hear the differences! And thank you for A/B-ing them so well. Curious what treatment you had on the section samples? I have a similar setup at home minus the nice vintage mics lol. just a pair of KM 184s, KM183s, Beyerdynamic MC930s, Audio-Technica AT-4050s, and an AEA Nuvo N8. I find that my room (which is not a professional studio) makes a huge difference on the mics. the N8 doesn't work so well for layers because of a low-mid buildup. I assume it's present in the condensers as well but maybe the upper hype distracts the ear. Anyway, it's nice to have options when doing layers!
The SKUNK! What are some other mics that may compare to the SKUNK.....if any
6203
Oddly the KM84 sounded a bit thin like it lost some of the nuances of the instrument. The skunk was probably the best, then the U87.
I enjoyed the video. I notice that you are using an Avid 003 interface. I was given one recently by a friend who said it wont work with the latest Apple operating system. I am a Windows user, and Windows wont support Firewire any more. I also understand that Avid isn't supporting the 003 either. Would you be prepared to share how you have kept it working?
Hi John. Don’t be tempted to update your operating system. I’m running Mac OSX 10.9.5 and everything is sweet!!
What preamp setup are you using on the reslo? I picked one up after watching this video as an option for recording violin.
AEA TRP2
i have no idea about the ins and outs of microphones but to my ears that RCA KU-2A sounded the best and the Neumann U87 made my ears hurt at some parts
I like the RCA. It´s i bit warm/rounder but i think that it´s better than sounding a bit to hash.
U87 👍👍👍👍👍
So so tnx for this great video! Firstly I wanna tell that I love reslo more. And I am Really tired of hearing harsh violin sounding microphones! After many searching and examination I found that I better go for a ribbon one! But there aren't many options in the place I live. I need your help to buy one of these rode ntr , beyerdynamic m160, mxl R144 HE. So do you suggest one of these? Or another mic? I want to sound like what I hear in classical violin pieces. Some buttery , creamy feel. I am sure you know what I mean and sorry for my English. ❤
Hi Houman. Hohm Ribbon Microphones are beautiful on violin and not too expensive. I like their HR01 2.4micron ribbon mic.
www.hohmmicrophones.com/
Cheers, Ian.
@@IanCooperViolinist so tnx dear Lan! Will check it. Some studios also suggested me Rode NT5 small condenser. Do you tried them?
thanksss. the endss
I like U87 more...)))
Easily the no.2 SKUNK!
03 best