If I were to be hypothetically setting up a mic shootout, which initial setup would you see as most relevant?
Specifically, if I were to set up using one methodology and never change preamp levels for ensuing tests which would include
- voice recording
- foley
- ambiances and room tones
- off axis rejection
which set up would allow you to most directly assess the quality of each mic?
*edit-*To address the issue of removing variables like mic cables and preamps - I'd like to test more than just what comes out of my speakers, meaning that I'd like to test these mics recording real things in the real world, which means that I have to make a call as to whether I feel like I'll get more undue influence from things like preamps and cables than I will from things like different performances of the same thing - specifically voice performances in a room and room tones. I'll add this setup as setup C here, but my argument against this setup is that I think different performances will add more variables to the equation than multiple cables into a mixer that is built to the tolerances of the 552.
setup A:
- 4 mics are setup with diaphragms as close to one another as possible
- all pads and filters are switched out
- calibration consists of recording pink noise in a controlled environment, and setting preamps so that input levels match
- calibration set to 80dbspl of speaker pink noise = -20dbfs
- differences in preamp levels required to achive calibration are noted
setup B:
- 4 mics are setup with diaphragms as close to one another as possible
- all pads and filters are switched out
- calibration consists of setting all preamps to the same level
- differences in mic output are measured
setup C:
- 4 mics tested separately - each using the same cable and preamp channel.
- each test will require a re-iteration of the performance in front of the mic
- calibration via setup A
setup D:
- 4 mics tested separately - each using the same cable and preamp channel.
- each test will require a re-iteration of the performance in front of the mic
- calibration via setup B
Also, do you see any value in doing things like switching in an 80hz hipass at the mixer acros all mics? I'm planning on running into a 552 for portability and consistency wrt mixer and preamp setup.
I think setup A will put on display the tonal characteristics of the mics, while setup B will showcase the output level and maybe the dynamic handling a little better, though I'm not positive on that.
Also, setups A and B will both allow for the recording of the exact same performances for evaluation purposes, while setups C and D will require multiple iterations of the performances in order to use the same cables and preamp channels.
thx!