Mic preamp comparison

On Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 5:18:05 PM UTC-4, Tobiah wrote:
> I recorded two mono channels, each through a different preamp into the same
> audio interface. I normalized those, then arranged the results as A/B/A/B
> into the same sound file.
>
> All things were as equal as I could make them, other than the preamps.
> Can you detect a difference? Do you like one better?
>
> http://ven.rcsreg.com/r2/2_pres.wav
>
> Later, I'll disclose the premps.
>
>
> Tobiah

Due to my present situation, I have not listened, but need to mention................
The mic/preamp match is not a simple thing. Years ago I found that a certain SD mic sounded better through a Mackie preamp than my GML. I was surprised. I don't think it was due to a problem with the GML. I think a better mic would have sounded MUCH better with the GML than the SD mic in question sounded with the Mackie.

On Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 2:18:05 PM UTC-7, Tobiah wrote:
> I recorded two mono channels, each through a different preamp into the same
> audio interface. I normalized those, then arranged the results as A/B/A/B
> into the same sound file.
>
> All things were as equal as I could make them, other than the preamps.
> Can you detect a difference? Do you like one better?
>
> http://ven.rcsreg.com/r2/2_pres.wav
>
> Later, I'll disclose the premps.
>
>
> Tobiah

My preferred way to A/B audio gear is to record the choices simultaneously on separate tracks. This removes the question about when the 'switch' takes place. The evaluating listener decides when to switch. Here, I'd use a "Y" cord to feed the mic to both preamps. Their outputs would go to two tracks. Typical input impedances should prevent cross-loading problems. Scott?

On 5/19/21 2:17 PM, Tobiah wrote:
> I recorded two mono channels, each through a different preamp into the same
> audio interface.Â* I normalized those, then arranged the results as A/B/A/B
> into the same sound file.
>
> All things were as equal as I could make them, other than the preamps.
> Can you detect a difference?Â* Do you like one better?
>
> http://ven.rcsreg.com/r2/2_pres.wav
>
> Later, I'll disclose the premps.
>
>
> Tobiah



It was Two NT1-A's positioned side by side. One went into
a Mackie 1402-VLZ Pro preamp and out the insert into the
line input of a Presonus 1810 inteface.

The second mic went into a preamp of the 1810.

Each was recorded simultaneously onto separate tracks,
then arranged Mackie/Presonus/Mackie/Presonus.

On Thu, 20 May 2021 11:30:12 -0700, Tobiah >
wrote:

>On 5/19/21 2:17 PM, Tobiah wrote:
>> I recorded two mono channels, each through a different preamp into the same
>> audio interface.Â* I normalized those, then arranged the results as A/B/A/B
>> into the same sound file.
>>
>> All things were as equal as I could make them, other than the preamps.
>> Can you detect a difference?Â* Do you like one better?
>>
>> http://ven.rcsreg.com/r2/2_pres.wav
>>
>> Later, I'll disclose the premps.
>>
>>
>> Tobiah
>
>
>
>It was Two NT1-A's positioned side by side. One went into
>a Mackie 1402-VLZ Pro preamp and out the insert into the
>line input of a Presonus 1810 inteface.
>
>The second mic went into a preamp of the 1810.
>
>Each was recorded simultaneously onto separate tracks,
>then arranged Mackie/Presonus/Mackie/Presonus.

It did sound like you had them quite close to the sound hole, though,
which is not good for balance. I also use NT1-As, and I reckon the
ideal position for recording acoustic guitar is about six feet away.
You need a decent room of course.

d

--
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On 21/05/2021 6:30 am, Tobiah wrote:
> On 5/19/21 2:17 PM, Tobiah wrote:
>> I recorded two mono channels, each through a different preamp into the
>> same
>> audio interface.Â* I normalized those, then arranged the results as
>> A/B/A/B
>> into the same sound file.
>>
>> All things were as equal as I could make them, other than the preamps.
>> Can you detect a difference?Â* Do you like one better?
>>
>> http://ven.rcsreg.com/r2/2_pres.wav
>>
>> Later, I'll disclose the premps.
>>
>>
>> Tobiah
>
>
>
> It was Two NT1-A's positioned side by side.Â* One went into
> a Mackie 1402-VLZ Pro preamp and out the insert into the
> line input of a Presonus 1810 inteface.
>
> The second mic went into a preamp of the 1810.
>
> Each was recorded simultaneously onto separate tracks,
> then arranged Mackie/Presonus/Mackie/Presonus.


"Side by side" could itself cause a subtle difference.

Better option would have been to use one mic and a mic-splitter. But
that would defeat the point of a mic preamp test ;-/

geoff

On 20/05/2021 10:40 pm, Chris K-Man wrote:
> On Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 6:20:19 AM UTC-4, geoff wrote:
>> On 20/05/2021 9:17 am, Tobiah wrote:
>>> I recorded two mono channels, each through a different preamp into the same
>>> audio interface. I normalized those, then arranged the results as A/B/A/B
>>> into the same sound file.
>>>
>>> All things were as equal as I could make them, other than the preamps.
>>> Can you detect a difference? Do you like one better?
>>>
>>> http://ven.rcsreg.com/r2/2_pres.wav
>>>
>>> Later, I'll disclose the premps.
>>>
>>>
>>> Tobiah
>> One seems to give a little more twang off the higher strings than the other.
>>
>> On my cruddy computer speakers at least ...
>>
>> geoff
> ____
>
> Different EQ on one of the versions perhaps?
>


Doh. I don't think the OP is as dumb.

geoff

On Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 5:13:49 PM UTC-4, geoff wrote:
> On 20/05/2021 10:40 pm, Chris K-Man wrote:
> > On Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 6:20:19 AM UTC-4, geoff wrote:
> >> On 20/05/2021 9:17 am, Tobiah wrote:
> >>> I recorded two mono channels, each through a different preamp into the same
> >>> audio interface. I normalized those, then arranged the results as A/B/A/B
> >>> into the same sound file.
> >>>
> >>> All things were as equal as I could make them, other than the preamps.
> >>> Can you detect a difference? Do you like one better?
> >>>
> >>> http://ven.rcsreg.com/r2/2_pres.wav
> >>>
> >>> Later, I'll disclose the premps.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Tobiah
> >> One seems to give a little more twang off the higher strings than the other.
> >>
> >> On my cruddy computer speakers at least ...
> >>
> >> geoff
> > ____
> >
> > Different EQ on one of the versions perhaps?
> >
> Doh. I don't think the OP is as dumb.
>
> geoff
____

Just pointing out that I'd attribute any audible
difference to mastering than to any difference among
preamps, or DACs, etc.

On 5/20/2021 7:46 PM, Chris K-Man wrote:
> Just pointing out that I'd attribute any audible
> difference to mastering than to any difference among
> preamps, or DACs, etc.

Who said anything about mastering? Tobiah was trying to compare
differences in signal path - preamps and converters. However, I suspect
that the difference between the sound of the two mics, even though
they're the same make and model, are greater, though of a different
nature, than the difference between good preamps and converters.

This is a flawed experiment but is of value in demonstrating that the
difference between the two signal chains is audible. Preference for one
over the other is subjective.


--
For a good time, call http://mikeriversaudio.wordpress.com

geoff wrote:
==========
>
> "Side by side" could itself cause a subtle difference.
>
> Better option would have been to use one mic and a mic-splitter. But
> that would defeat the point of a mic preamp test ;-/


** A Rode NT-1A ( source Z = 100ohms) could easily drive several pre-amps at once.
The output level is very high ( 35mV at 94dB SPL) so pre-amp self noise is a non issue.

The dopey OP needed to make a Y lead and match gains to a fraction a dB - a basic DMM could do this with a steady sound source.

Famous saying:

" Never let an audiophool devise his own test ".


...... Phil

On 21/05/2021 11:46 am, Chris K-Man wrote:
> On Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 5:13:49 PM UTC-4, geoff wrote:
>> On 20/05/2021 10:40 pm, Chris K-Man wrote:
>>> On Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 6:20:19 AM UTC-4, geoff wrote:
>>>> On 20/05/2021 9:17 am, Tobiah wrote:
>>>>> I recorded two mono channels, each through a different preamp into the same
>>>>> audio interface. I normalized those, then arranged the results as A/B/A/B
>>>>> into the same sound file.
>>>>>
>>>>> All things were as equal as I could make them, other than the preamps.
>>>>> Can you detect a difference? Do you like one better?
>>>>>
>>>>> http://ven.rcsreg.com/r2/2_pres.wav
>>>>>
>>>>> Later, I'll disclose the premps.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Tobiah
>>>> One seems to give a little more twang off the higher strings than the other.
>>>>
>>>> On my cruddy computer speakers at least ...
>>>>
>>>> geoff
>>> ____
>>>
>>> Different EQ on one of the versions perhaps?
>>>
>> Doh. I don't think the OP is as dumb.
>>
>> geoff
> ____
>
> Just pointing out that I'd attribute any audible
> difference to mastering than to any difference among
> preamps, or DACs, etc.
>


Only a ****wit would think of mastering tracks in any way whatsoever for
a mic preamp comparison.

geoff