Topic: B3 questions

[bryonsos]

I bought a pair of B3s that are new, never used but pre owned. One is the normal sensitivity and is terminated with a mini plug (TRS I guess), the other is high sens and is terminated with a mini XLR. I'm assuming I can't use these as a stereo pair unless the sensitivity mod is in the connector. Is that the case? I was going to reterminate them to a single mini stereo plug to use with a battery box. I'm hoping that the connector is the difference between the 2 sensitivities, otherwise I'm going to need to buy a third mic    Gutbucket gave me some input that it may be possible to put a resistor on the high sens one to match them. Has anybody done this? Any info is most appreciated.

Cheers,
Bryon

[SmokinJoe]

I don't know, I expect the difference is near the capsule, not the termination.  Depending on how far apart they are (3db or 20db), you could try running them as a pair and then make up the difference in post.  Or try a preamp which has separate gain knobs.  Either of these solutions is apt to result in a different flavor, but it's worth a try before you drop cash on another mic.

[bryonsos]

I don't know, I expect the difference is near the capsule, not the termination.  Depending on how far apart they are (3db or 20db), you could try running them as a pair and then make up the difference in post.  Or try a preamp which has separate gain knobs.  Either of these solutions is apt to result in a different flavor, but it's worth a try before you drop cash on another mic.

Thanks Joe, I suspect you're right. I could take apart the connectors to check, but I'd hate to do that and mess up the high sens one by mistake as I'll likely be selling it.

[Massive Dynamic]

I really think you would want to sell the low sensitivity one. The standard mic ("high" sensitivity) has a sensitivity of 12 mV/Pa, typical of many of the standard SDC mics used here, while the red band version intended for theater use is only 4 mV/Pa. I use a pair of the standard B3s in loud concert settings and there is no worry about overloading.

[bryonsos]

I really think you would want to sell the low sensitivity one. The standard mic ("high" sensitivity) has a sensitivity of 12 mV/Pa, typical of many of the standard SDC mics used here, while the red band version intended for theater use is only 4 mV/Pa. I use a pair of the standard B3s in loud concert settings and there is no worry about overloading.

Oooo, good to know. I assumed that since the red band can take higher SPLs, that that was the one to keep. That settles it then, I'll pick up another high sens and try to unload the red band one. Thanks for the input guys!

[yates7592]

Firstly the B3's are phenomenal mics. You made a good choice.

But red band or not, I think it depends on what type/how loud music you will be taping and how close.

Me? Rightly or wrongly, I am a die-hard stack-taper of very loud music, often within 1-2 feet of the stacks if possible, and find the red band to be absolutely flawless, man these mics can take anything!

For info, I have found that the B3 sounds a LOT better taping close up, rather than in the "sweet spot" or "FOB". The bass response is exceptional, too far back it gets too reflected, but close up, you really feel like you're there. On playing back, the whole house (including the cutlery drawer) shakes, but in a really good way!

[bryonsos]

Been doing some reading about wiring these, and came up with a new question. Is it necessary or desirable to include 2.2k resistors on these? Once again, any thoughts or input is most welcome!

[Massive Dynamic]

Try this thread, http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=149121.0 I can recommend Sound Pros to do the mod if you go that route.

[bryonsos]

Try this thread, http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=149121.0 I can recommend Sound Pros to do the mod if you go that route.

Thanks man, missed that thread while I was searching around. Pure gold. I love TS!

[firmdragon]

Firstly the B3's are phenomenal mics. You made a good choice.

But red band or not, I think it depends on what type/how loud music you will be taping and how close.

Me? Rightly or wrongly, I am a die-hard stack-taper of very loud music, often within 1-2 feet of the stacks if possible, and find the red band to be absolutely flawless, man these mics can take anything!

For info, I have found that the B3 sounds a LOT better taping close up, rather than in the "sweet spot" or "FOB". The bass response is exceptional, too far back it gets too reflected, but close up, you really feel like you're there. On playing back, the whole house (including the cutlery drawer) shakes, but in a really good way!

what's are you using for powering? 9v based?

[yates7592]

Yes I am using a 9V preamp, had the mics re-terminated. 9V is still more tha enough to power the low sensitivity model.

[aaronji]

But red band or not, I think it depends on what type/how loud music you will be taping and how close.

Me? Rightly or wrongly, I am a die-hard stack-taper of very loud music, often within 1-2 feet of the stacks if possible, and find the red band to be absolutely flawless, man these mics can take anything!

I think, in your situation, the SPLs are high enough to justify the mics' low output.  For many people, though, 4 mV/Pa would require a substantial amount of additional gain.  To hit -20 dBu (the minimum input level on the DR-2d line input, as listed by Tascam), for example, would require 120 dBSPL...Especially with a battery box, it seems like the higher sensitivity would make much more sense for the average taper.

[Gutbucket]

The source resistor(s) typically go inside the connector housing, soldered between the connector pads.

The sensitivity changes somewhat depending on the resistor value used, so using 4.7kOhm reduces sensitivity more than 2.2kOhm which reduces sensitivity more than no additional resistor.  By how much I'm not certain, so in practical terms the available range may not be enough to try and match sensitivities of the mics by using no resitor on the low sens one and a higher value on the high sens one anyway.  If you are on a strict budget forcing you to use what you already have and have the DIY inclination to do the resistor thing yourself, trying that may be worth a go, but your best bet will be to get two mics of the same sensitivity, no matter if you choose high or low sens.

I'd say the good options for you are these if you want to record louder stuff:
1) get two of the higher sensitivity versions, use 4.7k resistors and stick with 9V powering (batt box or preamp)
2) get two of the lower sensitivity versions and use 2.2k resistors if you want to use PIP power or 9V

I haven't bothered to install source resistors on mine, but that's only because I usually record less loud material and don't use the B3s very often.  I did have some ocassional peak overloading with them on stage for a jazz trio, boundary mounted to the floor close to a drum kit and powered with Niant PFAs, but boundary mounting increases sensitivity another 6dB for direct sound and the drum transients were pretty dynamic up close so that was pushing things.  If I used them more often I'd install 2.2kOhm'ers.

BTW, boundary mounting these little guys by simply taping them directly to a hard reflective surface is is a great way improve the performance of the mics for zero cost.  Don't overlook this too seldom implemented technique!  Stage floor, wall, monitor sides, etc can all be good surfaces.