New York, NY (Top40 Charts) For the past 20 years, we have been setting up comparisons of audio equipment," states Sonic Sense COO, Marc Nutter. "For a fair comparison, there can only be one variable and in this case, only the microphones are different.
Denver, Colorado-based product comparisons website, Sonic Sense Resource Center (SSRC) have just released a new online auditioning system that enables users to compare over 30 large diaphragm condenser microphones in 9 applications. This interface allows shoppers to directly compare the recording characteristics of large diaphragm condenser microphones over the internet. Unlike traditional brick and mortar settings, online auditioning enables shoppers to accurately compare how microphones match up in a controlled environment.
SSRC's team of audio engineers used the following sources during the recording process: Vocals (male and female), Voice Over (male and female), Electric Guitar Amplifier, Acoustic Guitar and a Drum Kit. They utilize
Grace Design preamps, a Toft console, a Universal Audio Apollo interface, and Benchmark digital converters.
All recordings are streamable through a custom-designed application embedded in the Sonic Sense Resource Center and can be downloaded for free at 24-bit, 96kHz.
The recording teams at Sonic Sense used 32 of the well-known large diaphragm condenser mics ranging from $99-$4,000. All of the microphones were used in the same applications in a controlled environment, to enable users to directly compare how each performed.
"For the past 20 years, we have been setting up comparisons of audio equipment," states Sonic Sense COO, Marc Nutter. "For a fair comparison, there can only be one variable and in this case, only the microphones are different."
There are 200 recordings available for streaming and high-resolution download in organized sets in the Sonic Sense Resource Center along with interactive video reviews, infographics and written articles. Users can directly navigate between recordings from the various condenser microphones to see how each sounds beside the others and relative to recordings made on higher-priced reference systems.
While Nutter acknowledges that online auditioning may not replace directly auditioning microphones in person, he adds that "Sonic Sense has developed the process to the point that it is possible to choose the best microphone for your tastes by directly comparing many more microphones than would be available at a single retail store. Nearly everyone has heard at least one of these mics and knows how it 'sounds.' You can use it as your reference to determine how the other mics compare."
About Sonic Sense Resource Center: SSRC started as part of online audio retailer Sonic Sense Pro Audio. Preferring to focus on product education so users could determine what best suits their tastes and applications, the company began offering demos, tutorials, and online comparisons. Recognizing that most equipment needs accessories and other components to operate fully, the retail company specializes in providing purpose-built product packages for a diverse array of pro audio and musical instruments. For more information about Sonic Sense, visit https://www.sonicsense.com.
