Thanks Ian -

Though I'd like to take credit for the playing, it wasn't me. Arthritis is beginning to claim the old digits and I fear my playing days are numbered. I can twist knobs and throw faders around though!

Actually, the artist is a former band mate and friend of mine. The guitar was an older Guild nylon string. Nothing stellar, but he plays very well so it always sounds nice. We're currently trying to put together an album of his solo stuff together that features him on guitar and vox. We have another session tomorrow and are planning to use the C4's again for a few more of his instrumentals. If anyone's interested, I'll throw up a few more clips. I've really warmed up to the C4's lately. Not having tried other SD mics, I've no clue how they stack up with other popular favorites. Still, I sure like the results I've been getting with them.

You'd get just as quality a sound on a nylon string with a pair of Oktava MK012 small condensers. The real trick with small condensers is steel string. The real difference to me usually is on the decay part of the note. BTW, Skeetch, those old Guild nylon strings hold their own quite nicely with some very expensive Classic guitars.

Of course, small condensers aren't the only thing for acoustic guitar. I love the Blue Dragonfly on steel string acoustic.

--Steve, publisher of Mojo Pie
www.piemusic.com

quote:

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Originally posted by Skeetch:
Submitted for your consideration - a short clip featuring the C4's on acoustic guitar. IMO, they work fine for acoustic guitar. But, you be the judge. The clip is http://home.velocitus.net/tandl/westwing/angel_clip.mp3

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WHOA! Now if that's "colored", color RULES! That sounds great. Have you tried them on steel strings?

Great little tune, BTW...

Steve -

I don't doubt the 012's are nice mics. They've certainly received quite a few positive write-ups. Eventually, I plan on having a more diverse mic cabinet as funds permit and the 012's could very well be represented (like to have some SM81's and/or 451's and maybe some Josephsen's too). I've used a couple of different SP large D mics on some of Dan's guitars in the past. They've worked well, but we're both really digging the C4's right now and are just trying to see where they'll take us. BTW, I'd LOVE to have a couple of the BLUE mics. Some day . . .


Flatpicker -

Thanks. Yes, I've tried the C4's on an unremarkable little Dean A/E steel string guitar I've got. I can't get around the fretboard like I used to and I recorded the tracks by myself in my cramped control room. Tonally, I was very pleased with the results. However, the performance was, shall we say, less than stellar so it never saw the light of day. I may attempt another shot at it someday with someone else at the helm if my hands haven't completely stove up by then. I know some very good players in town who have Larivee's and Avalons and I've already talked with them about doing some test sessions.

Here's a clip of another tune of Dan's hot off the hard drive from a quickie mix session we just finished. I'm not quite satisfied with the mix on this one, so it may get another go round through the CuisinArt. The full version of the tune is here.

I posted this in another thread. Thought I'd copy it here:

I wouldn't and I didn't call the NT5 a "bright" mic, I just said it was brighter than the C4. An AKG 451 is a "bright" mic. It's partially that the C4's are smoother than the NT5's, the C4's also have a fuller body, sound more round and are more colored.

We've used both set of mics in a number of applications in a few studios. drum OH's, a couple acoustic gtr [ Larrivee DV05 and Taylor 110, both with Jim Pierce medium-gauge strings ]. We close-miked, 6' away ORTF array. Also on amps and assorted percussion.

Now, the color of the of the C4's may or may not appeal to someone tracking acoustic guitar. That's a personal decision. Again, the C4's are "C Series" mics, and they do have a similar characteristic to the rest of the SP C series mics, in that there's color and the mic is a bit hyped in the high-mids peaking at around 8K in cardioid mode. Now, I think where the C4 acts better on acoustic is in omni mode, where the frequency response curve is much closer to being flat.

With the C4, there really are two different mics with two different sounds - depending on whether or not the omni or cardioid capsules are used.

Skeetch was nice enough to post an MP3 audioclip of a nylon string guitar. But he didn't indicate which capsules he used – and not only that – no one in the thread even bothered to ask! T Payton was curious enough to ask about the rest of the chain – and Skeetch kindly filled him in. No mention of which capsule. : )

Dan Richards
Digital Pro Sound
The Listening Sessions

[This message was edited by Dot on 09-02-03 at 01:22 PM.]

DOH! A thousand pardons. Dan is, as usual, on top of things. Color me properly chastized.

OK, here's the scoop. Omni cap on the fretboard mic - about 8 inches away, aimed at 12th fret, about a 45 degree angle. Cardioid cap on other mic - about 6 inches over guitar player's right shoulder, aimed at sound hole.

must .... pull head ...... out of .... ass! arrrgghghhhh.

Studio Projects C4 - they rock. Other than the GT 6 its the only Chinese mike my studio uses. I have sold my Shure SM81s as once the C4s were in the house they were no longer needed.

They are a bit colored, but in a very musical way. they cut though a mix nicely without being harsh. They EQ beautifully. They are winner for Drums, Guitar and Harmonica. Even vocals can sound good through them.

Highly recommended!

Cheers,

Jose

I'm in the hunt for a stereo pair of small condensors. Kind of have my mind narrowed down to either the C4 or the oktava. They wouldn't see extensive use. I like my LD's and ribbons on accoustic instruments. Thinking more as an option for OH's or even tom's. Maybe the occasional guitar.

Do Makes,
I use the oktavas for overheads and yes, even
toms. I know they arent the best for toms,
but I've found the sound alot more appealing then
with shures or the AKGs I'd use.
especially since they can be found for $100/pair.

my mp3z

Here's a little thing I have started to work on. No bass or vocals yet. Just thought I'd post it due to the discussion on the C4's

The right and left acoustic guitars were miced with a single C4 using the omni cap, straight on and about 10-12 inches from the 12th fret.

Its right here

guitartb
www.cardboardroom.com

does anybody have tested the new c4 models?

Yeah, I'd like to know too.

Seeing that the C4's got some bad reviews on Harmony Central, whereas the Rode NT-5's always get decent/good marks.

I've read the bad reviews too. A friend of mine bought a pair, compared them to his Apex 180's and sent them back the next day. He wanted a bump up from the very inexpensive 180's and didn't get it in the C4's as he'd hoped. He's bought a pair of AA CM54's and said they blew the C4's away.

SF member, Kel, seems to like his so maybe he can chime in.

Hmm, just saw this. Yea, I do have a pair of the new C4s. I like them a lot. they're not overly crisp like lots of less expensive mics in this range. I've owned many AT mics, like the 4031 & 4041, and have a pair of SM81s, GT33 and sterling 44(groove tubes). While I've not side by side compared them, the C4s will stay in my lineup. I like them better than the 4041s I owned. I like the kit too, the mounts. I'll try and do a 'lil something that might compare the sets I have, and at the same time discover for myself..