How much can non-matched mic pairs differ?

Recording Techniques, People Skills, Gear, Recording Spaces, Computers, and DIY

Moderators: drumsound, tomb

Post Reply
Phobos
alignin' 24-trk
Posts: 54
Joined: Fri Mar 12, 2004 3:10 pm
Location: Kelso, WA

How much can non-matched mic pairs differ?

Post by Phobos » Thu Nov 25, 2021 8:38 am

I have a non matched pair of AKG C 414 B-ULS mics, bought used. One is significantly louder than the other - like 10db louder. I've also noticed that the louder mic seems to sound better, although this could just be my perception. Is this "normal," or could there be an issue with the quieter mic?

User avatar
A.David.MacKinnon
ears didn't survive the freeze
Posts: 3819
Joined: Wed May 07, 2003 5:57 am
Location: Toronto
Contact:

Re: How much can non-matched mic pairs differ?

Post by A.David.MacKinnon » Thu Nov 25, 2021 11:21 am

It's not uncommon for older mics to vary widely. Parts age and values change. Record both mics at once on the same source (placed as close together as possible). Level match in post. How close do they sound then? Louder always sounds better so you need to eliminate that variable before you can accurately judge.

User avatar
Nick Sevilla
on a wing and a prayer
Posts: 5555
Joined: Mon Mar 03, 2008 1:34 pm
Location: Lake Arrowhead California USA
Contact:

Re: How much can non-matched mic pairs differ?

Post by Nick Sevilla » Thu Nov 25, 2021 11:01 pm

Phobos wrote:
Thu Nov 25, 2021 8:38 am
I have a non matched pair of AKG C 414 B-ULS mics, bought used. One is significantly louder than the other - like 10db louder. I've also noticed that the louder mic seems to sound better, although this could just be my perception. Is this "normal," or could there be an issue with the quieter mic?
Jiggle the different switches on the mics. They do have a pad switch, maybe one is stuck?

I own two of this same mic, they are close enough to do Stereo micing. And are not a matched pair.
Howling at the neighbors. Hoping they have more mic cables.

User avatar
digitaldrummer
ghost haunting audio students
Posts: 3476
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2005 9:51 pm
Location: Austin, Texas
Contact:

Re: How much can non-matched mic pairs differ?

Post by digitaldrummer » Fri Nov 26, 2021 7:16 am

I have a pair of these also - bought used from different sources - and they are pretty close. I use them for drum overheads and they are close enough for sure. definitely not 10dB difference in level.

for most modern mics (that benefit from modern CNC machining and such) I probably wouldn't worry about it - they are usually so close already due to the tight tolerance levels (vs. when things were more "made by hand").
Mike
www.studiodrumtracks.com -- Drum tracks starting at $50!
www.doubledogrecording.com

User avatar
Scodiddly
genitals didn't survive the freeze
Posts: 3957
Joined: Wed Dec 10, 2003 6:38 am
Location: Mundelein, IL, USA
Contact:

Re: How much can non-matched mic pairs differ?

Post by Scodiddly » Fri Nov 26, 2021 4:52 pm

"10 dB difference" == "probably broken".

You can actually do a frequency response comparison - just record a snippet of pink noise from a speaker, being careful to mount each mic in the exact same spot. You can use Audacity to generate a FFT for each, and from there it should be easy to make a real comparison.

Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 80 guests