Gear / Technical Help > Microphones & Setup
Opinions on the smallest SP mics vs. Core Sound Cardioids and possible WTB
robgronotte:
I'm a long time user of Core Sound Cardioid microphones, and I generally love the recordings I make with them. They're good at filtering out chatters to the side and behind me, and I like the sound profile. I know some people think they don't have enough bass, but I don't like bassy recordings and have some high frequency hearing loss. I also think the size is pretty much ideal - I can use them unobtrusively in a hat or on my collar. Really the only thing I don't like about them is they seem to be very fragile. Mine do get heavy use, and I always have two sets so one can be sent for repair if needed. Seems like every year I have to get one set repaired or replaced though. Getting tired of doing that, and I imagine eventually CS won't repair them anymore, so was looking at other options.
I know several people who use Sound professionals mics and have recommended them - specifically the SP-CMC-8 and SP-CMC-4U models, as having good sound quality and being sturdy. Unfortunately those are much larger than the CSCs. I think they would be more apparent and I couldn't use them in my hat vent holes. Someone at SP told me the SP-CMC-26 model was made from the same base mic elements as the CSCs, and they were the least expensive choice, so I decided to try out that set (along with their 9v battery box). I got it and tried them out, but am not happy with the sound. They don't sound anything like the CSCs to me; much more bassy and muddy sounding. So I'm planning to return them and possibly exchange for one of their more expensive but still reasonably priced sets. However, I've not heard much about the sound quality of these others, and most don't even have measurements listed on the site to know exactly how large they are. They have photos with coins, but it's still tough for me to judge.
Wondering if anyone has experience with any of these Sound Professionals cardioid mics:
MS-CMC-26
SP-CMC-25
MS-CMC-25
The MS models are more expensive and supposed to be higher quality than the SP models, but I don't really understand how the sets with the same numbers are related.
Also, if anyone has other recommendations for a very small cardioid mic they could recommend I would be happy to hear about it. I'd be willing to spend up to around $500 if the mics sounded at least as good, or preferably even better, to my ears as the CSCs, and if they seemed to be less prone to damage.
Finally, if anyone actually has a set of any of these mics in good condition they're no longer using, I would consider buying a set used. If anyone has a set of CSCs that are in good shape and they're willing to part with for less than the cost of new ones, I would also consider that.
Thanks in advance for any help you can give me!
robgronotte:
I would still appreciate any general suggestions regarding my situation and preferences, even if you don't know anything about the mics I listed. Open to ideas.
unidentified:
These are good--https://soundprofessionals.com/product/SP-CMC-4U/. They are comparable to Church Audio CA14C. I actually prefer the CA14Cs but if you find the Core mics to be fragile, the CA14Cs might not be to your liking. The SP-CMC-4U are sturdy.
beatkilla:
SP-CMC-8 and SP-CMC-4U are actually Audio Technica microphones and i would recommend them .
SP CMC 8 are AT943 and CMC 4 are AT853.
I have used both of them and also Core sound CSC,.
You will like the AT943 (SP CMC 8) the best for sound and size,going by your original post.
I have samples or just PM me for specifics as i've used all these mics extensively.
robgronotte:
Yes, both of those have come recommended by other tapers I know, but they're both larger than I would like, and I specifically think they would be too large to use with my hat.
Another member here sent me a PM recommending the Sennheiser ME104 cardioids, but I can only find them sold individually and know nothing about putting a set of mics together with the cables, etc.
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