2/11/2021 - Senior Project Update 4

To continue my DIY microphone project this week, I got together a couple friends to play some instruments in order to capture different timbres in both my S-87, and a Neumann U-87. To get a mix of different timbres, I employed my friends to play guitar, electric piano, and trumpet into these two microphones simultaneously so as to get the exact same performance, and making it very easy to hear the tiniest differences between the mics. Here's what we got:

Electric Piano

To start off, the Neumann U-87 seems to have softer mid-frequency response than my S-87. I can hear this most in the first few seconds of the electric piano recording. The S-87 is a bit "fuller sounding" only because it brings out more of that midrange. The Neumann's low-end was a bit tamer as well, but not by much. The S-87 didn't catch as much of the analog distortion the piano was putting out, which could have played a part in that. Lastly, I feel like the Neumann did a better job capturing the attacks of the notes. If you listen closely, you can hear a bit more high-end in the Neumann when the notes are initially played.

Guitar

I don't have as much to say in regards to the guitar track comparison. Muddiness seems to be an issue with the S-87 in this application. The Neumann brings out some more high-end in the guitar which make the distortion a bit more pleasant and clean. Overall, the S-87 is just a bit too midrangey for this usage.

Trumpet

This is where both of these mics really shine. I can hardly tell a difference in the quality of these mics when used on trumpet. In my opinion, I like the S-87 more when used in this application. I think the attacks are a bit more smooth, which creates a more comfortable listening experience. Also, considering the trumpet is a brass instrument, the tamed high-end of the S-87 takes away some of that annoying "brassiness" that is a bit evident in the U-87 recording. In the end, they are both great choices for the trumpet.

Being able to listen to both of these microphones side-by-side was pretty eye-opening. Sitting in the studio and coming to the realization that you made something that actually works and comes close to the quality of one of the most renowned mics in the world is really humbling. It's projects like these that really push my limits and help me become better at what I love and learn more about every aspect of my craft.

Coming up, I'll have some more content like the video I've been putting together, and some peer review of my microphone. Stay tuned!