Modded CV4 vs. MK-U47

Wonder why this one is different?

Cool...try it now...These were wavs, but I guess SC compresses them?

Weird...I have no idea why my graph would show the big difference at 12khz...I'm not using the Pro version of the software...don't know if that made any difference. Regardless, I thought they sounded very similar.

When you match frequency plots like that you are really looking more at the source than the mic/pre combo. I've seen mic shootouts where 4-5 mics look that close. Also, everyone is obsessive about frequency but rarely take in to consideration distortion and phase response, two things that are as (if not more) audible. As for the Apollo pres, they are actually good implementations of a pretty good chip base pre. For straight wire they are as good as some respected IC based designs like the Grace 101 and DAV BG1. That said, for mojo and musicality I expect the Heider or pres of similar pedigree would sound quite a bit more lively and sweet. You made the right choice using the interface pres. It's more of a comparison between mics that way.

I think both mics sound great on your voice JohnKen, but I'd go with example B after a quick listen. Personally I don't feel that midrange honk you talk about. I think both mics suit you. In other words, I think you have a good voice and neither mic exposes anything you should lose sleep over.

BTW, check your PSU voltage on that MKU. A passive supply will vary its output with changes in input, and unfortunately line voltage is all over the map depending on where you live, the condition of the grid and the condition of your electrical wiring. Don't forget, changing tubes will also affect voltage. You want to dial in a steady 105V on warm tubes.

That's what I was trying to ask Tony when we were talking about it...is the graph just measuring "my" freq response instead of really telling what the mics are adding. Although, it seems like you would still see varying differences - and I guess there were if we are talking about tolerances Tony mentioned. I didn't really hear a lot of midrange honk either - it was definitely more apparent when compared to the Helios example. There's a big difference in hearing these on their own and making them fit in a mix...While they sound good here, I'm sure I'd have to dig out some stuff to get this to sit in a mix. Did the mics sound similar to your ears?

I had them straight up in the cans, so I couldn't tell what was what.

@johnkenn if you're using the free Freq Analyst plugin from BlueCat, just stick it on a stereo bus, route one mic to the left side of that bus, route the other mic to the right side of that bus. Check the boxes at the bottom of the plugin so it shows "peak", and L&R. that'll give you a blue and red line, one for either input to the pluin.

Thanks, NoFilterChuck!

BTW - for some reason, it won't tag me unless you use <at>admin

I just pulled it from their website.   they probably used Photoshop to create the mirror effect, or something built in to iPhoto/etc..

bluecataudio.com//Vault/Products/Product_FreqAnalyst/Screenshots/Processed/main.png

however, if you're using mac, press Command Shift 4 (or 3, can't remember), then space bar and move your cursor over a window. it'll capture just that window. If you don't press spacebar, it'll capture whatever you select with the cursor (click and drag to draw a rectangle that'll become the captured image)

try the spacebar trick alongside the rectangle screen capture. it's GREAT for posting plugin setting pics.

NO, Shann is the Mann...

put a sample up of the miktek vs the U47 with the helios or Heider firing them up(no processing at all), I believed that the A sample was the 47 based on the fact that the sibs were much less than the B sample, but for what ever reason, it didn't sound like your 47 to me until you posted the helios file. BTW, to give context, when i say the apollo pre's suck, i mean in contrast to a Capi or Helios or ?, even my FM modded 002 pre's suck in comparison to those big boy pre's, any piece in a chain is only as strong as the weakest link IMV