The two microphones in question for this new Test are an sE electronics Gemini II and a Neumann U87.
The first is a microphone a double valve with cardioid pattern particularly suitable for recording the voice. Its constructive feature (12AX7 valve input coupled with a valve 12AU7 on the output stage instead of the traditional transformer) gives us a warm, intimate and defined sound that reminds us so much of the old tube microphones; however, that “sparkle” typical of the high end of the spectrum is not lost, as can often happen in classic microphones that combine tubes and transformers.
The Gemini II has a frequency response from 20Hz ai 20 KHz with a slight emphasis on the frequencies around 10Khz, such as to return a more airy sound and make it very effective also in the recovery of wind and string instruments (in particular plucked).
The microphone could be less satisfying if you are looking for not so sharp sounds in the high frequencies but, if we try to move a little off axis or move the sound source closer to it, you can get more rounded or vintage sounds.
In general it can be said that this is a microphone with a unique character, an absolutely satisfactory signal-to-noise ratio, a fairly colorful response that combines a bright and warm sound across the entire spectrum.
The second is probably one of the most used microphones in the recording studio and doesn't need a big introduction.
It is a solid state microphone with omnidirectional, cardioid or bidirectional polar pattern.
Unlike the Gemini II, theU87 it has a more linear response, making it a more transparent and versatile microphone. It still has a fairly mellow sound and a nice presence in the mid-high register. It is particularly suitable for recording the voice managing to capture all the nuances and details but personally I find it a little more uncomfortable on voices that have sibilant problems. The cardioid pattern it is very effective on acoustic instruments e percussions even at close range without losing the naturalness of the sound; in this case it may be useful to use pad a -10db the microphone is equipped with. Finally, the bidirectional diagram (figure 8) is more suitable in a live environment where it returns a detailed and at the same time colorful sound.
As for the Gemini, also in this case it would be useful to experiment with the different possibilities offered by the microphone by changing the distance of the sound source and also moving off-axis, moreover in the case of the Neumann, it is possible to add to this the configurations of the polar diagram.
In the following video, the warmth and color (especially on the highs) of the Gemini II and the natural yet brilliant sound of the U87 are compared.
Which one do you prefer?
Perhaps the best answer as always is: it depends.
USEFUL NEWS
Singer: Vincenzo Granato
Sound technician: Giorgio Durantino / Francesco Guarnaccia
Recording studio: www.thectrlroom.it
The two microphones selected for this new test are the sE electronics Gemini II and the Neumann U87
The first, a micrófono a válvulas dual with cardioid pattern is ideal for recording voices. On construction particularity (a Válvula 12AX7 in the entrance stage fitted with a valve 12AU7 in the salt, instead of the traditional transformer) we offer a warm, intimate and defined sound that recalls the old valve microphones; However, it maintains the “sound clarity” typical of the high frequency range of the spectrum, as can commonly happen with classic microphones that combine valve and transformer.
El Gemini II He asked a response of the frequency that goes from him 20Hz until the 20 Khz with a light emphasis on the frequencies starting from them 10 Khz, capable of reproducing a clearer sound, which makes it efficient even for recording wind and sound instruments (especially those who implement the pizzicato technique)
The microphone may prove to be less satisfying if you are looking for a sound that is not very strong in high frequencies, but if you leave a little of the ear or looking, above all, for the same sound source, you will be able to get more rounded or vintage sounds.
In summary it can be stated that it is a microphone with a unique character, an absolutely satisfactory sound-signal relationship and a sufficiently colorful response that combines with a bright and clear sound throughout the spectrum.
Neuman U87
The second is probably one of the most used microphones in recording studios and does not require large presentations.
Se trata de un micrófono solid state with omnidirectional, cardiod or bidirectional polar diagram.
Unlike the Gemini II, el U87 It offers a more linear response, converting itself for a long time, in a more transparent and versatile microphone. It has a sufficiently smooth sound and a very good quality for the medium-high register. It is particularly suitable for capturing voices, allowing you to capture all the nuances and details, although personally, I find it a little awkward for voices that present sibilance problems. The cardioid pattern is very efficient for acoustic and percussive instruments even at short distances and without losing, therefore, the naturalness of the sound; In this case, you could use the attenuator pad -10db which is included in the microphone. Lastly, the two-way diagram (Figure 8) is most convenient for live environments, where a detailed and colorful sound is needed at the same time.
As with Gemini, also in this case, it would be useful to experiment with the different possibilities that the microphone offers, by changing the distance from the sound source and by changing the sound, as in the case of the Neumann, it is possible to adjust the configurations of the polar diagram.
In the following video we compare the warmth and color (all at the top) of the Gemini II and the natural sound and the same bright time of the U87.
Ustedes cual prefieren?
Sometimes the best response comes, as always: it depends.
Until next time!
USEFUL INFORMATION
Singer: Vincenzo Granato
Sound technician: Giorgio Durantino / Francesco Guarnaccia
Recording studio:www.thectrlroom.it
