Topic: Omni mic comparison: please listen to two samples (of same material)

[illconditioned]

OK, as some of you may know, I'm on the lookout for the best sounding Omni capsules.

Here are two samples, please listen, tell me which you like best, and *why*:
  http://Soundmann.com/2008-04-02-JillBarber_clip_mics1.mp3
  http://Soundmann.com/2008-04-02-JillBarber_clip_mics2.mp3

Basically, if you could take home this tape today, which mics should I wear.  Both are hat mics.  The placement and recording gear is a bit different, but I want to know about the mics.  Go ahead and use whatever descriptive words (warmth, detail, transparency, whatever) you wish.  But in the end, which one do you like best?

  Richard

[Dede2002]

Sample 2 sounds better to my ears. Sound is more open and clear. What more can I say? 

[illconditioned]

Sample 2 sounds better to my ears. Sound is more open and clear. What more can I say? 

OK, great.  Keep the comments coming.  After a while I will disclose what gear is being used...

  Richard

[tfrench]

Sample 2 sounds better to my ears. Sound is more open and clear.

I second source #2.  Source #1 sounds kinda dull/muffled in the vocals.

Todd

[DaveG73]

I didn't read the comments until after I listened but I am gonna go with #2 also. Sounded a little more "transparent" and "clear" and seemed to cut out the chatting crowd more.

#1 I preferred the keys on. It seemed to have a slightly "dirtier" sound that I always love on piano.

Either way she has a great voice.

Dave.

[itook2much]

#1 seems dull compared to #2.  #2 is much more "detailed" to me, better highs & the bass (a stand-up?) stands out much better.

Who is it?  Great voice, great song.
EDIT:  Duh, it's right there in the mp3 link. 

Cute too.

[illconditioned]

#1 seems dull compared to #2.  #2 is much more "detailed" to me, better highs & the bass (a stand-up?) stands out much better.

Who is it?  Great voice, great song.

It is Jill Barber, a Canadian (Toronto based) singer-songwriter.  Yeah, I really like her voice.  I'll be posting a full clip at Soundmann.com shortly.

  Richard

[digifish_music]

The stereo image of #1 and #2 are different. #1 is more centered and #2 is has be bit more separation. The whole sound-stage in #2 is slightly shifted to the right. Particularly the vocalist and banjo. This exposes the audience on the left a bit more.

It's almost like #1 is a stereo pair in-front of the stage and #2 is back a little further and more widely spaced.

digifish

[drewloo]

#2 sounds a bit more 'like you're there' to me.

[illconditioned]

The stereo image of #1 and #2 are different. #1 is more centered and #2 is has be bit more separation. The whole sound-stage in #2 is slightly shifted to the right. Particularly the vocalist and banjo. This exposes the audience on the left a bit more.

It's almost like #1 is a stereo pair in-front of the stage and #2 is back a little further and more widely spaced.

digifish

That's true, the images are a bit different.  As I said earlier, I'm more interested in the sound/flavor of the mics.  This is as close as I could get to a fair comparison given that some beer was consumed during the experiment .

  Richard

[illconditioned]

OK, I've just reloaded #2.  EQ applied to make it flat, at least closer to #1.

Nothing is ever flat, though, as they are both mounted (flush) on my hat, at at different places, lol.

Thanks again.  Mics will be identified in a bit...

  Richard

[setboy]

Sample 2 sounds better to my ears. Sound is more open and clear.

I second source #2.  Source #1 sounds kinda dull/muffled in the vocals.

Todd

what they said.

[Jimna]

#2

[mblindsey]

Sample 2 sounds better to my ears. Sound is more open and clear.

I second source #2.  Source #1 sounds kinda dull/muffled in the vocals.

Todd

I concur...#2.

--Michael

[stirinthesauce]

I know which is which 

Sonic signature of both mics.  I'll reserve my speculation though until Richard posts.