I was in radio for well over a decade. How about 20 years in recording studios. There is miscommunication. Large diaphragm condensers which are 25.1 - 34mm are usually extremely sensitive and pick up very subtle changes such as long distance vehicle noise and every click and pop of the mouth. These are to be used in a recording booth only. 25 mm to 16 mm are the medium diaphragms. Electret technology is often utilized for the medium and small, 16mm or below. The smaller the diaphragm, the more resistance, and the more pressure they can handle. This also means they are not able to pick up very subtle sounds at far ranges. Small diaphragms are usually used for instruments, especially percussion due to the quick release of the diaphragm
I just bought a stereo pair of Lewitt LCT 140s. They are so much better at everything than my old mic, the Warm Audio WA14. These small diaphragm Lewitt’s do not pick up room noise and echos. They sound exactly like my acoustic and classical guitars. Also incredible on voice, though a pop filter is a prerequisite.
Thanks for that, very useful to know. I'm a fan of SDC mics and you don't have to spend a lot to find one that will suit your needs. If you look for good quality vintage SDC's on eBay, you can pick them up for very little and will be more useful than a new cheap condenser. I've only just discovered the benefits of using SDC mics on vocals - late at night when I chant in hushed, reverential tones - haha. I just used a Tandy (Radio Shack) Optimus 33-3017 mic that cost £9.00 for a vocal track, sounded great, got a silky top end (not much bottom end, but you don't need that) was really liking the sound. Every mic has it's own unique tonal characteristic, the key is learning how to use them for different applications. My main SDC is an Audio Technica AT 4021, used for acoustic guitar. And yes - I still use Garageband! Keep on with the good, good vids!
Well, I'm glad this review is still available in 2022. Thanks to the info you provided, I've ordered just one - to see how it works for acoustic guitar, and even vocals - for many of the reasons you state. I trusted your review of the Rover mandolin 7 years ago - and the one I ordered sight-unseen remains a favorite to play. Cheers. Like 282.
Very nice review, although I do have a problem with my AKG P170, it only records on the left side... Nothing comes out of my right speaker, do you have any clue of what could be the problem?
This is incredibly useful Lewin. Really good video, to the point, with all the relevant info. I’ve been looking at the Lewitt mics for a bit, I think illl be investing in one soon👍
My favorite mic combination for acoustic guitar has been an AKG414-B ULS in omni and a Neumann KM183 (SD omni). Something about those two together really does it for me. Thanks for all you do for us.
Great video. I have a matched pair of Røde small diaphragm but always found the signal to be pretty weak. Maybe it's my setup?? Will try them for vocals on your suggestion.
Hey Lewin, new to the channel and really diggin' it. I tried to use your amazon link to go purchase but I think that mic is discontinued since the release of the Air. Any chance there will be a link for the Air model? Would love to support the channel.
Thank you for your review. Some of what you've said is not accurate. SDC mics are actually less sensitive than LDC mics, and usually have a higher noise floor. The advantage of the smaller diaphragm is that they are less colored, and, if well made, deliver a more accurate signal. They work better in noisier environments because they are less sensitive and pick up more of the source (what you're pointing at. An SDC mic isn't going to pick up the sound of the clock on the wall, or the humming of your refrigerator across the room like LDC mics. do.
bro i got a question, will this be good alternative to the clarity of the sony c800g, i know its a far shot but i heard the small diaphragm condensers super clear and have something that does noise cancelation from ambience rooms, would u recommend this for a garage vocal recording? thanks and sorry for all the info lol
Did you ever find a microphone? I record my clarinetist friend who plays in the Navy band with a ribbon microphone and it is his favorite. I use a Stagg SRM70. I don't think the small diaphragm in this video would be good for a clarinet. I think a large diaphragm condenser would be better...but a ribbon mic would be the best. One thing to be aware of is key clank on the clarinet...not a big deal when he plays with the band but it gets picked up in the mike when he plays alone. I recorded a clarinet duet on the ribbon mic because it pickup equally on both sides of the microphone so I had the 2 players face each other and I put the mic in between them. Try out mics and make sure you are recording in a decent sized room without bad reverberations. Easy way to test is to clap hard...if you hear a harsh metallic echo, that is not good. Good luck!
I was in radio for well over a decade. How about 20 years in recording studios. There is miscommunication. Large diaphragm condensers which are 25.1 - 34mm are usually extremely sensitive and pick up very subtle changes such as long distance vehicle noise and every click and pop of the mouth. These are to be used in a recording booth only. 25 mm to 16 mm are the medium diaphragms. Electret technology is often utilized for the medium and small, 16mm or below. The smaller the diaphragm, the more resistance, and the more pressure they can handle. This also means they are not able to pick up very subtle sounds at far ranges. Small diaphragms are usually used for instruments, especially percussion due to the quick release of the diaphragm
I just bought a stereo pair of Lewitt LCT 140s. They are so much better at everything than my old mic, the Warm Audio WA14. These small diaphragm Lewitt’s do not pick up room noise and echos. They sound exactly like my acoustic and classical guitars. Also incredible on voice, though a pop filter is a prerequisite.
Thanks for that, very useful to know. I'm a fan of SDC mics and you don't have to spend a lot to find one that will suit your needs. If you look for good quality vintage SDC's on eBay, you can pick them up for very little and will be more useful than a new cheap condenser. I've only just discovered the benefits of using SDC mics on vocals - late at night when I chant in hushed, reverential tones - haha. I just used a Tandy (Radio Shack) Optimus 33-3017 mic that cost £9.00 for a vocal track, sounded great, got a silky top end (not much bottom end, but you don't need that) was really liking the sound. Every mic has it's own unique tonal characteristic, the key is learning how to use them for different applications. My main SDC is an Audio Technica AT 4021, used for acoustic guitar. And yes - I still use Garageband! Keep on with the good, good vids!
Well, I'm glad this review is still available in 2022. Thanks to the info you provided, I've ordered just one - to see how it works for acoustic guitar, and even vocals - for many of the reasons you state. I trusted your review of the Rover mandolin 7 years ago - and the one I ordered sight-unseen remains a favorite to play. Cheers. Like 282.
Very nice review, although I do have a problem with my AKG P170, it only records on the left side... Nothing comes out of my right speaker, do you have any clue of what could be the problem?
Sounds like you're recording a mono signal to a stereo track. Change the track input to MONO.
Very informative. I think now I am convinced to have an SDC mic for my acoustic guitar recordings. Thanks.
This is incredibly useful Lewin. Really good video, to the point, with all the relevant info.
I’ve been looking at the Lewitt mics for a bit, I think illl be investing in one soon👍
It's the wrong information, but if you flip everything around from small diaphragm to large diaphragm the information is okay.
My favorite mic combination for acoustic guitar has been an AKG414-B ULS in omni and a Neumann KM183 (SD omni). Something about those two together really does it for me. Thanks for all you do for us.
How you set it? M/S technique?
@@Xzvsc Just a spaced pair. 414 at the neck and 183 at the lower bout.
Have you ever tried these pencil condensers on a guitar cab?
Very informative handsome Lewin☆ Thx for making these vids for us newbies lol😁🍷
Thank you very much Aliciia😄!
Thanks! Always wondered what the difference was for. Just thought it was smaller form factor.
Great video. I have a matched pair of Røde small diaphragm but always found the signal to be pretty weak. Maybe it's my setup?? Will try them for vocals on your suggestion.
SDC mics are actually LESS sensitive than LDC mics.
You forgot to put a card in with the review above your head
Really useful information! Really clear explanation. Thanks so much!
Hi, Ive been thinking about the Avantone CK1 with hypercardoid capsule for talking head shots . Any thoughts or recommendations would be helpful.
Hey Lewin, new to the channel and really diggin' it. I tried to use your amazon link to go purchase but I think that mic is discontinued since the release of the Air. Any chance there will be a link for the Air model? Would love to support the channel.
Can we use small diaphragm for chorus
Thank you for your review. Some of what you've said is not accurate. SDC mics are actually less sensitive than LDC mics, and usually have a higher noise floor. The advantage of the smaller diaphragm is that they are less colored, and, if well made, deliver a more accurate signal. They work better in noisier environments because they are less sensitive and pick up more of the source (what you're pointing at. An SDC mic isn't going to pick up the sound of the clock on the wall, or the humming of your refrigerator across the room like LDC mics. do.
bro i got a question, will this be good alternative to the clarity of the sony c800g, i know its a far shot but i heard the small diaphragm condensers super clear and have something that does noise cancelation from ambience rooms, would u recommend this for a garage vocal recording? thanks and sorry for all the info lol
Can we use it for vocal recording ?
Epic info!
So... if I want to record at home a clarinet, do you suggest a small diaphragm? I am a classical musician.
Did you ever find a microphone? I record my clarinetist friend who plays in the Navy band with a ribbon microphone and it is his favorite. I use a Stagg SRM70. I don't think the small diaphragm in this video would be good for a clarinet. I think a large diaphragm condenser would be better...but a ribbon mic would be the best. One thing to be aware of is key clank on the clarinet...not a big deal when he plays with the band but it gets picked up in the mike when he plays alone. I recorded a clarinet duet on the ribbon mic because it pickup equally on both sides of the microphone so I had the 2 players face each other and I put the mic in between them. Try out mics and make sure you are recording in a decent sized room without bad reverberations. Easy way to test is to clap hard...if you hear a harsh metallic echo, that is not good. Good luck!
@@Strange-Songs Thank you very much!
Are these good to record piano too?
DarthShadie Lavellan Most definitely yes! Check out my full review of those microphones, there’s a link in a more info area.
@@GaragebandandBeyond Awesome. Will do. Thanks.
7 minutes to say what you could say in half a minute or one.... :-/