Topic: Sound Professionals vs. Church Audio

[MJ]

This is what I've found: two samples of the same song (Have A Cigar) from the same gig (Roger Waters somewhere in Canada), recorded with two different mics:

http://www.mediafire.com/?bjz99zz3m39
==> SP-BMC-2 binaural microphones w/SP-EMC1 croakies > MM-CBM battery module > Sony MZ-NH600 Hi-MD @ 16-bit/44.1kHz

http://www.mediafire.com/?g9dwjym4cw1
==> Church Audio stealth cardioids > Church Audio ST9100 preamp (bass filter on) > Edirol R-09 w/4GB SDHC card @ 24-bit/48kHz

To me the SP-BMC-2 version sounds clearer (at least the vocals and overall sound). The CA version has better drums I think. Still, if I my decision had to be based on these two samples, I'd probably go for the SP mic... :-(

When you try to compare the sound of two mics, you should make sample recordings at least by taping from the same location.  I think it is worthy of checking several more recordings before you make a final call.  I have CMC-4(Card/AT853s), CMC-8(Card+Hyper/AT943s), Church Audio Mic(Card), DPA4061(Omni), and OKM2(Omni).  I often tape the loud metal, punk rock show and usually pick up the mics depending on the acoustic of the venue and the recording location.
Koichi

[Mr.Scully]

Thanks for all the advices. Since my budget is limited, I think I'll get the only unidirectional mic for now as it seems to be more versatile for my purposes. Sound Professionals don't seem to offer the croakie mount for their cardioid mics so I'll probably get one of the CA mics (CA-11 or the new CA-14) + the croakie mount + a battery box. With the free shipping it should be below $200.

[su6oxone]

Thanks for all the advices. Since my budget is limited, I think I'll get the only unidirectional mic for now as it seems to be more versatile for my purposes. Sound Professionals don't seem to offer the croakie mount for their cardioid mics so I'll probably get one of the CA mics (CA-11 or the new CA-14) + the croakie mount + a battery box. With the free shipping it should be below $200.

You may as well get the package deal with the 9100 preamp included as well.  That baby will come in handy far into the future even after you upgrade your mics.

[Mr.Scully]

Thanks for all the advices. Since my budget is limited, I think I'll get the only unidirectional mic for now as it seems to be more versatile for my purposes. Sound Professionals don't seem to offer the croakie mount for their cardioid mics so I'll probably get one of the CA mics (CA-11 or the new CA-14) + the croakie mount + a battery box. With the free shipping it should be below $200.

You may as well get the package deal with the 9100 preamp included as well.  That baby will come in handy far into the future even after you upgrade your mics.

But then we're talking about at least $150 + $180 = $330 + $20 for the croakie mount. And I also have to buy the recorder which means another $380 incl. postage to EU. That's well over $700. Not good :-) Hard life of a taper... ;-)

[tilomagnet]

Buy used?

[nameloc01]

You are much better off buying what you know you like (want) right off of the bat, if you don't..I can gurantee you after your first recording you'll be unhappy and will be looking to upgrade immediately. Which means more money than you would have spent in the first place.

[MJ]

>But then we're talking about at least $150 + $180 = $330 + $20 for the croakie mount. And I also have to buy the >recorder which means another $380 incl. postage to EU. That's well over $700. Not good :-) Hard life of a >taper... ;-)

I bought Church Audio mics and a Church Audio pre from a TS member on Yard Sale for $150+shipping
I can not find a better pre than Chris's in this price range.
   

[deadheadcorey]

I made a great stealth recording of Stephen Stills last year with Church Audio cards and preamp 9100.

GO CHURCH AUDIO!