The Difference Between Microphones
1. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE BLACK HOLE SERIES AND THE BB29?
In short, the Black Hole Series, and the BB29 are our more modern sounding microphones. The BB29 is by far the brightest, but never becomes harsh like many other brighter mics on the market, thanks to the transformer coupled output that smooths the transient information as well as being the reason for it's airy and shimmering characteristics.
The Black Hole Series is our take on what a modern, neutral, and versatile microphone built to fit any source should sound like. Not only does the Black Hole Series provide a tool for every situation, but it's a culmination of intense attention to detail, the highest quality components, and our ground-breaking advancements in technology - in particular the Golden Drop Technology found in all our microphones. The BH1S is the only multi-pattern microphone in our line-up and is the ultimate powerhouse for any studio.
DOWNLOAD frequency graphs for all models - HERE
2. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE VINTAGE SERIES MICROPHONES?
If you want a warm vintage sound, we've created many colours for you to choose from, which we've broken down for you here;
VINTAGE 12 - The newest addition to the JZ Mics family, the V12 is our first take on the beloved C12 tube microphone, now without the maintenance or cumbersome luggage needed for a tube mic. With a slight scoop in the upper mid-range, a neutral and harmonic rich low-end, and a airy, wide bell lift in the top end, the V12 puts its stamp on all my sources, giving them a luscious and full character without ever becoming too bright or too dark. On vocals, this mic is a must have for all voices. Acoustic guitar, electric guitar cabinets, percussion instruments alike, spoken word and so much more, the V12 is outstanding.
THE AMETHYST - Sharing the same capsule as the V67, but a slightly different housing and body design, the Amethyst has slightly less lowend than the V67 and a shifted presence making it just a hair brighter than the V67. For many, having a pair of these, and a pair of the V67 is a must. They share many of the same characteristics and excel on all the same sources.
VINTAGE 67 - With a little fuller low end than the Amethyst, the V67 is the middle ground in terms of sound. Perfectly set between warm and bright, the V67 is a neutral mic that really does any job very well, allowing you record the source as it sounds without embellishment. Loved on just about anything, however many specifically love it as an overhead pair, room mic pair, for acoustic guitars and especially vocals.
VINTAGE 47 - Warm, present, with a slightly gritty and darker sound, the V47 gives slightly less top end than it's relatives - the V67 and Amethyst. Loved by many engineers for it's bloomed low-mid-range married with smooth upper mid-range, the V47 is a workhorse microphone. Many love this mic on the outside kick, as a pair for overheads or room mics, as well as vocals, acoustic guitar and more.
VINTAGE 11 - With the boldest low-end content, matched with a lift at the very top of its frequency response. Acoustic instruments, vocals and electric guitars excel particularly on the V11.
DOWNLOAD frequency graphs for all models - HERE
3. IF SOME OF THESE MICROPHONES SHARE THE SAME CAPSULE, CAN THEY REALLY SOUND THAT DIFFERENT TO EACH OTHER?
Absolutely. For example, the Black Hole Series and BB29 share the same capsule, however it's tuned slightly differently, as well as the BB29 having a transformer-coupled output. Both of these factors make the microphones very different from each other in terms of timbre, characteristic and harmonic content, but they still remain in the more modern sounding group, compared to our other mics because they share the same capsule, however different to each other.
The same can be said about the V67 and Amethyst, which again share the same capsule; but because of the housing, circuit and body size and shape, both the sound is slightly different as well as the proximity effect each of the microphones perceive.
4. DO I REALLY NEED MORE THAN ONE MICROPHONE?
Admittedly, all of our microphones stand on their own in their own ways; but, as any studio engineer will tell you, the term 'Mic Locker’ exists for a reason!
Microphones sound different, and having a 'color palette’ to choose from for each session allows you to capture the way you would like the source to sound, at the source and makes your workflow easier as well as providing further options for how to capture the performance of the musician. We have always recommended having more than just one microphone, either of ours or just in general, to give you the best options each and every time you record.
All of these are handcrafted premium-quality mics made here in Latvia using only the best electronic components.
DOWNLOAD frequency graphs for all models - HERE
Here is the basic audio comparison on acoustic guitar using BB29, BH1, V67, V47 - LISTEN NOW
If you need more help or assistance, feel free to reach out - HERE!
