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Post by Tbone81 on Jun 20, 2023 6:58:48 GMT -6
Next I hope to grab their Hamburg 67 T FET. I think the 49 and 251 sound great. Their 67 tfet (and zmod) is really a stand out. It’s a really excellent mic |
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Post by mcirish on Jun 20, 2023 9:07:15 GMT -6
Maybe this is a question already answered but do the FET and Tube mics both use the same capsules? I am trying to understand the gigantic price difference. $4k seems really high for the Z mod mics.
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Post by tkaitkai on Jun 20, 2023 12:52:40 GMT -6
I finally tried one of the Cremonas on vocals. Really impressed. Really nice edge terminated tone without being harsh. Just like in the drum OH application, lots of dimension and realism. Might be the best fit for my voice out of any of my mics.
Damn, that's some high praise. You and Vincent R. are making me want one of these. How's it fare against your 67? |
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Post by gmichael on Jun 20, 2023 17:02:38 GMT -6
Next I hope to grab their Hamburg 67 T FET. I think the 49 and 251 sound great. Be interested in your findings for the Hamburg. I'm looking at the Vienna or the Munich 7 next. Main use will be small choral and gang vox in M-S
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Post by gmichael on Jun 20, 2023 17:05:38 GMT -6
Next I hope to grab their Hamburg 67 T FET. I think the 49 and 251 sound great. Their 67 tfet (and zmod) is really a stand out. It’s a really excellent mic Same goes for the Z-Mod 251. Fantastic sounding microphone
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Post by gmichael on Jun 20, 2023 17:08:45 GMT -6
Maybe this is a question already answered but do the FET and Tube mics both use the same capsules? I am trying to understand the gigantic price difference. $4k seems really high for the Z mod mics. The ADK psu is over a grand in and of itself. It is a big price difference and honestly, I have no qualms at all using their FET's.
The ones I have used or heard all sound really good. My understanding is the capsules used are the same, yes based on conversations with Kevin and Miles at ADK.
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Post by wiz on Jun 20, 2023 17:38:08 GMT -6
Are the capsules 3u?
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Post by wiz on Jun 20, 2023 19:06:36 GMT -6
Just maybe. Well maybe more than maybe.  Chris The reason I ask, is I had a Wabler IV (the 251 variant) and it didn't spin my wheels.. it was alright... but nothing special. cheers Wiz |
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Ox Han
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Post by Ox Han on Jun 20, 2023 20:35:10 GMT -6
Just maybe. Well maybe more than maybe. Chris The reason I ask, is I had a Wabler IV (the 251 variant) and it didn't spin my wheels.. it was alright... but nothing special. cheers Wiz The capsule in the ADK T-fet Cremona is different than the capsule in the Warbler IV. The capsule sizes aren’t the same. They sound very different. Check out my samples on drums a few posts back. No idea if ADK produce it, or if 3U makes it, or a different 3rd party. |
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Ox Han
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Post by Ox Han on Jun 20, 2023 21:56:29 GMT -6
Compelling evidence is that 3U DOES make all these capsules. (Including an excellent possibility for the new top tier UA microphones too) Between ADK's marketing copy itself... Alao certain posts over the years at various websites. Re-found one at VS Planet from approximately 5-6 years ago, for example. (I was actually looking up something else) I have the Warm 47jr. Nice capsule but the Circuit must be wonking up the resulting tone. So it's hit/miss. More miss. It crosses the back of my mind to take the capsule out, and even put it in my AKG 200 Perception as a fun project (someday)-if it fits. Glad to hear the ADK's are doing so well. My limited understanding is ideally the higher end Chinese capsule microphones can be QC'd well. And the internal circuitry can be effectively a "special order" for that Brand. Chris What is the evidence 3U make ADK capsules? Or do you mean 3U make similar type capsules? It seems like this is a common suspicion that 3U is making capsules for every other mic company. Either way, the t-fet capsules are 27.5” diameter and I have not seen 3U sell this size capsule on their website or eBay store. Aside from that, their respective sonic signatures are very different. That doesn’t mean 3U don’t make it, but I haven’t seen/heard any concrete evidence 3U make ADK capsules except hearsay and rumors. I don’t think it’s wise to invest much belief into conjecture especially when it could harm the reputation of one these great companies. If one of these companies wants to say otherwise, then fair game |
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Post by ragan on Jun 20, 2023 23:43:20 GMT -6
There's more than simple speculation out there. Larry (ADK) even briefly participated in the huge 3U thread when it had taken off. I can't recall exactly what he said, but I think he kind of stuck to emphasizing that quality control and ongoing support are also important when considering a mic purchase. ADK also used to brag up their 'Australian capsule guru' (or something like that) in their ad copy. And there was often this pretty interesting synchronization between what 3U would come out with and what would show up as ADK options (this is also true of other companies widely believed to use 3U capsules). I remember this with the Warbler MKVI. Shortly after that came out, ADK started offering the Z-800. I think same for the GZ47FET V (marketed as being similarly voiced to the M49). I recall that right after that mic came out, the ADK Z-49 appeared.
As for other stuff, I won't post things that were shared in confidence.
But anyway, the Cremona is a sweet mic. I tried all the Z-Mod mics together at one point and wasn't wowed by them. All subjective and it was several years ago. I might hear them differently now. I definitely think the Cremona outshines the Warbler MKIV, and that might be transferrable to the T-FET series vs Warbler series in general. Not sure since I've only used the Cremona. But if you grab something like the Cremona on a good sale, it's a steal. I paid $508/each all in for mine.
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Post by gmichael on Jun 21, 2023 2:32:56 GMT -6
There's more than simple speculation out there. Larry (ADK) even briefly participated in the huge 3U thread when it had taken off. I can't recall exactly what he said, but I think he kind of stuck to emphasizing that quality control and ongoing support are also important when considering a mic purchase. ADK also used to brag up their 'Australian capsule guru' (or something like that) in their ad copy. And there was often this pretty interesting synchronization between what 3U would come out with and what would show up as ADK options (this is also true of other companies widely believed to use 3U capsules). I remember this with the Warbler MKVI. Shortly after that came out, ADK started offering the Z-800. I think same for the GZ47FET V (marketed as being similarly voiced to the M49). I recall that right after that mic came out, the ADK Z-49 appeared. As for other stuff, I won't post things that were shared in confidence. But anyway, the Cremona is a sweet mic. I tried all the Z-Mod mics together at one point and wasn't wowed by them. All subjective and it was several years ago. I might hear them differently now. I definitely think the Cremona outshines the Warbler MKIV, and that might be transferrable to the T-FET series vs Warbler series in general. Not sure since I've only used the Cremona. But if you grab something like the Cremona on a good sale, it's a steal. I paid $508/each all in for mine. Cool post Ragan
Same here, bought Cremona on a substantial sale offer, and felt like the 2 blokes looking after my purchase did a really good job and answered my every question, all up resulting in an excellent microphone buying experience. Regardless of where the capsule was made, it sounds fine and it's obvious someone knew what they were doing when they designed it and knows how to get manufacturing done to a high standard with an international builder. So where the capsule is made should not be an issue, unless there is a subjectivity to tales and myths of convenience that suit a bias narrative towards international builders. Economic racism has many faces and it is prevalent with N. American consumers.
Eva Manley is always banging on about proud to be american made blah blah but Manley quietly imports parts for their American made goods with no mention of their international component inclusions, which to me is far more dishonest and worthy of scrutinising discernment than a company with great sounding products making absolutely no claims to be American Made or otherwise. The hypocrisy that can accommodate a bias narrative occasionally just begs belief. It needs to often be repeated; if a domestic brand name builder spends the money to have a quality product built on the international manufacturing scene, there is a strong liklihood that a fine product will be the result. When brands, particularly big brand American companies exploit the international manufacturers for dirt cheap goods what often accompanies the poor standard product is a campaign to "buy American" quality. It's revolting and as an American living outside the 50 states, it's embarrassing watching that same scene play out over and over again. It's economic racism plain and simple. Instead of holding the brand accountable, it's the old blame the Chinese tactical punch down.
If the international part builder was from a predominantly white country, people would trip over their own tongues oohing and ahhing and celebrating a sonic achievement at a particular price point. I've been affected by this no different than anyone else but these ADK's are certainly worthy viable cost effective professional tools.
The Cremona for me is a stand out, unique smooth hefty modern sound that is very much it's own thing yet definitely could fit in under the profile of it's borrowed namesake and inference.
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Ox Han
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Post by Ox Han on Jun 21, 2023 8:22:23 GMT -6
There's more than simple speculation out there. Larry (ADK) even briefly participated in the huge 3U thread when it had taken off. I can't recall exactly what he said, but I think he kind of stuck to emphasizing that quality control and ongoing support are also important when considering a mic purchase. ADK also used to brag up their 'Australian capsule guru' (or something like that) in their ad copy. And there was often this pretty interesting synchronization between what 3U would come out with and what would show up as ADK options (this is also true of other companies widely believed to use 3U capsules). I remember this with the Warbler MKVI. Shortly after that came out, ADK started offering the Z-800. I think same for the GZ47FET V (marketed as being similarly voiced to the M49). I recall that right after that mic came out, the ADK Z-49 appeared. As for other stuff, I won't post things that were shared in confidence. But anyway, the Cremona is a sweet mic. I tried all the Z-Mod mics together at one point and wasn't wowed by them. All subjective and it was several years ago. I might hear them differently now. I definitely think the Cremona outshines the Warbler MKIV, and that might be transferrable to the T-FET series vs Warbler series in general. Not sure since I've only used the Cremona. But if you grab something like the Cremona on a good sale, it's a steal. I paid $508/each all in for mine. I don’t see how that is anything but speculation. Supporting and praising a company is not the same as confirming they make ADK components. This is also info being recalled from a long time ago and there is a saying about memory as time goes on, but I can’t remember it clearly (pun drop!) That’s all I will say further on this topic. Y’all say what you wish as I will not derail further. I don’t want to be misunderstood as I know you guys are just shooting the breeze and I respect you both much Anyway, the Cremona… Wish I bought them sooner. I will eventually pick up some of the other ADK T-Fet mics. If you’re just recording out of your home, or as a hobby, I don’t think there is a better bang for buck mic brand bringing this level of quality. If you record professionally, these are truly the workhorse mic everyone searches for and would allow one to use their more specialized mics on sources that require it |
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Post by ragan on Jun 21, 2023 9:09:30 GMT -6
There's more than simple speculation out there. Larry (ADK) even briefly participated in the huge 3U thread when it had taken off. I can't recall exactly what he said, but I think he kind of stuck to emphasizing that quality control and ongoing support are also important when considering a mic purchase. ADK also used to brag up their 'Australian capsule guru' (or something like that) in their ad copy. And there was often this pretty interesting synchronization between what 3U would come out with and what would show up as ADK options (this is also true of other companies widely believed to use 3U capsules). I remember this with the Warbler MKVI. Shortly after that came out, ADK started offering the Z-800. I think same for the GZ47FET V (marketed as being similarly voiced to the M49). I recall that right after that mic came out, the ADK Z-49 appeared. As for other stuff, I won't post things that were shared in confidence. But anyway, the Cremona is a sweet mic. I tried all the Z-Mod mics together at one point and wasn't wowed by them. All subjective and it was several years ago. I might hear them differently now. I definitely think the Cremona outshines the Warbler MKIV, and that might be transferrable to the T-FET series vs Warbler series in general. Not sure since I've only used the Cremona. But if you grab something like the Cremona on a good sale, it's a steal. I paid $508/each all in for mine. I don’t see how that is anything but speculation. Supporting and praising a company is not the same as confirming they make ADK components. This is also info being recalled from a long time ago and there is a saying about memory as time goes on, but I can’t remember it clearly (pun drop!) That’s all I will say further on this topic. Y’all say what you wish as I will not derail further. I don’t want to be misunderstood as I know you guys are just shooting the breeze and I respect you both much Anyway, the Cremona… Wish I bought them sooner. I will eventually pick up some of the other ADK T-Fet mics. If you’re just recording out of your home, or as a hobby, I don’t think there is a better bang for buck mic brand bringing this level of quality. If you record professionally, these are truly the workhorse mic everyone searches for and would allow one to use their more specialized mics on sources that require it Yeah the parts I posted are still speculation, I just meant it wasn’t random and unqualified speculation. Responding to the conjecture about 3U making the capsules for ADK by emphasizing that ADK also offers nice cases, cables, and good QC/product support could be taken as a coy confirmation, or I guess it could be taken as some sort of generalized non-response to those specific questions. Either way, I’ve never really cared about it. That’s probably because I see 3U capsules as a plus, not a minus. They’re really high quality. Guosheng himself will tell you that the weakest link in the Warbler line is the transformer. That’s why, if you want, you can go the GZ series route with fancier transformers (and a higher price point). Anyway, I’ll likely try some other T-FET mics too. After getting the Cremonas, I’m keen to hear more. |
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Ox Han
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Post by Ox Han on Jun 21, 2023 9:12:41 GMT -6
I don’t see how that is anything but speculation. Supporting and praising a company is not the same as confirming they make ADK components. This is also info being recalled from a long time ago and there is a saying about memory as time goes on, but I can’t remember it clearly (pun drop!) That’s all I will say further on this topic. Y’all say what you wish as I will not derail further. I don’t want to be misunderstood as I know you guys are just shooting the breeze and I respect you both much Anyway, the Cremona… Wish I bought them sooner. I will eventually pick up some of the other ADK T-Fet mics. If you’re just recording out of your home, or as a hobby, I don’t think there is a better bang for buck mic brand bringing this level of quality. If you record professionally, these are truly the workhorse mic everyone searches for and would allow one to use their more specialized mics on sources that require it Yeah the parts I posted are still speculation, I just meant it wasn’t random and unqualified speculation. Responding to the conjecture about 3U making the capsules for ADK by emphasizing that ADK also offers good QC and product support could be taken as a coy confirmation, or I guess it could be taken as some sort of generalized non-response to those specific questions. Either way, I’ve never really cared about it. That’s probably because I see 3U capsules as a plus, not a minus. They’re really high quality. Guosheng himself will tell you that the weakest link in the Warbler line is the transformer. That’s why, if you want, you can go the GZ series route with fancier transformers (and a higher price point). Anyway, I’ll likely try some other T-FET mics too. After getting the Cremonas, I’m keen to hear more. I’m more curious now how the gz251 compares to the Cremona. However, since the capsules in the gz251 & Warbler IVD are the same, I’d bet on the Cremona with out hearing the gz251. |
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Post by Vincent R. on Jun 21, 2023 10:02:10 GMT -6
I believe the power requirements on the ADK capsules are a little different than standard capsules. So watch out if you attempt to swap in a different capsule.
I jokingly told Larry a while back that I wish they had made their Tube mics and FET mics head swappable systems like the Korby was. He told me they did try that at some point, but has some issues with phase. To bad. I feel like one of their tube mics with a few different heads would cover a lot of bases.
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Post by robo on Jun 21, 2023 10:32:52 GMT -6
Yeah the parts I posted are still speculation, I just meant it wasn’t random and unqualified speculation. Responding to the conjecture about 3U making the capsules for ADK by emphasizing that ADK also offers good QC and product support could be taken as a coy confirmation, or I guess it could be taken as some sort of generalized non-response to those specific questions. Either way, I’ve never really cared about it. That’s probably because I see 3U capsules as a plus, not a minus. They’re really high quality. Guosheng himself will tell you that the weakest link in the Warbler line is the transformer. That’s why, if you want, you can go the GZ series route with fancier transformers (and a higher price point). Anyway, I’ll likely try some other T-FET mics too. After getting the Cremonas, I’m keen to hear more. I’m more curious now how the gz251 compares to the Cremona. However, since the capsules in the gz251 & Warbler IVD are the same, I’d bet on the Cremona with out hearing the gz251. Just because the capsules are both made by 3U does not mean they are necessarily using the same ones for corresponding mics. I’d be happy to test that out if anyone in the Portland area has a Cremona they’d like to compare with my GZ251. Of course, with ADK prices being so low right now I’d probably go that route if I needed another mic. Nice paint jobs and resale value are a consideration if nothing else. |
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Ox Han
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Post by Ox Han on Jun 21, 2023 10:41:54 GMT -6
I’m more curious now how the gz251 compares to the Cremona. However, since the capsules in the gz251 & Warbler IVD are the same, I’d bet on the Cremona with out hearing the gz251. Just because the capsules are both made by 3U does not mean they are necessarily using the same ones for corresponding mics. I’d be happy to test that out if anyone in the Portland area has a Cremona they’d like to compare with my GZ251. Of course, with ADK prices being so low right now I’d probably go that route if I needed another mic. Nice paint jobs and resale value are a consideration if nothing else. The capsule in the warbler IVD and the gz251 is the same. I know because I communicated via email with Mr. Zhuang directly and asked. From our communication: “GZ251fet and Warbler MKIVD have the same capsules, but Warbler MKIV has a single sided capsule. The GZ251fet is made with the best components that I could find, including AMI T8 transformer. The components are sourced from America, Europe and Japan. It has more 3D depth and articulation than Warbler mics. Your sincerely, Guosheng Zhuang” |
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Post by gmichael on Jun 21, 2023 13:31:05 GMT -6
I’m more curious now how the gz251 compares to the Cremona. However, since the capsules in the gz251 & Warbler IVD are the same, I’d bet on the Cremona with out hearing the gz251. Just because the capsules are both made by 3U does not mean they are necessarily using the same ones for corresponding mics. I’d be happy to test that out if anyone in the Portland area has a Cremona they’d like to compare with my GZ251. Of course, with ADK prices being so low right now I’d probably go that route if I needed another mic. Nice paint jobs and resale value are a consideration if nothing else. The ADK Cremona I bought shipped from Portland Oregon, which is where Kevin is located I believe/think. He does all the QC before mics ship.
Not sure which Portland you're in. If PDX, maybe you can email Miles and see if you can get directly with Kevin and do that comparison..maybe?
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Post by robo on Jun 21, 2023 17:43:04 GMT -6
Just because the capsules are both made by 3U does not mean they are necessarily using the same ones for corresponding mics. I’d be happy to test that out if anyone in the Portland area has a Cremona they’d like to compare with my GZ251. Of course, with ADK prices being so low right now I’d probably go that route if I needed another mic. Nice paint jobs and resale value are a consideration if nothing else. The capsule in the warbler IVD and the gz251 is the same. I know because I communicated via email with Mr. Zhuang directly and asked. From our communication: “GZ251fet and Warbler MKIVD have the same capsules, but Warbler MKIV has a single sided capsule. The GZ251fet is made with the best components that I could find, including AMI T8 transformer. The components are sourced from America, Europe and Japan. It has more 3D depth and articulation than Warbler mics. Your sincerely, Guosheng Zhuang” I meant 3U and ADK both using 3U capsules, reportedly. |
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Post by mics on Jun 23, 2023 2:40:05 GMT -6
What I want to know is who is this mystic Australian capsule manufacturer? 3u is based in China. Not trying to be difficult here but it seems these days that Warm and ADK both spruke of an Australian made capsule but I’m yet to meet him and it certainly isn’t me!!
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Post by ragan on Jun 23, 2023 7:32:39 GMT -6
What I want to know is who is this mystic Australian capsule manufacturer? 3u is based in China. Not trying to be difficult here but it seems these days that Warm and ADK both spruke of an Australian made capsule but I’m yet to meet him and it certainly isn’t me!! Guosheng lives in Australia (at least part time), though his factory operation is of course in China. |
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Post by mcirish on Jun 29, 2023 10:04:41 GMT -6
I just bought the Cremona from Pro Audio Toys. They have a sale right now. No tax and free shipping. $505 total. I'm wondering if the place I bought it is legit. Anyone have any experience with them?
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Post by Vincent R. on Sept 20, 2023 9:23:51 GMT -6
Something Larry just posted on Facebook, and worth noting for those of us interested in the Z-Mod line, this album was recorded primarily with ADK TT Tube mics. Some were custom per Ray's requested tweaks. These mics are the precursor to the current Z-Mod Line.
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Post by teejay on Sept 22, 2023 7:42:38 GMT -6
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