Vocal Mics Comparison - Results

Aim of experiment: To compare the difference of using a Neumann TLM103 vs a clean mic from the Virtual Microphone System (which then will be plugged in with a Neumann U47 mic model) to test out the sound of both.

We tried to set up both mics as close to each other as possible so that we can compare the same exact recording for both of the mics.

When it comes to comparing the 103 with the clean VMS mic, I would say they are highly similar. However, after slapping on the mic plugin (FG-47), there is a noticeable increase in the gain. After balancing out the volumes of both tracks, I do however, hear the difference in the VMS recording in terms of the highlight in diction in the male vocalist recordings. To my ears, I would say that the FG-47 has a higher sensitivity to the high ends as compared to the 103.

Slate Digital FG-47:

Neumann TLM103:

For the female vocalist, I would say both mics sound very much similar to each other.

FG-47:

In terms of the distances of the vocalist with the mic, I think close miking produced a much tighter sound while distanced miking sounds much natural to me.