Samson VR88 Velocity Ribbon Mic Takes On AKG

[janklosowski]

VR88 is more detailed. C3000B is louder but flatter.

[AphoticAgony]

the vr88 is smoother albeit much quieter

[jamalshookup]

Thanks for the demo!

[togethia]

The VR88 sounds absolutely legendary, smooth and classic sound, that is everything you would want in a smooth subtle vocal track. The condenser has that hard edge to it which others may find appealing but if you want smooth vocals, the ribbon mic is the way you go, and thats why all the studios use ribbon mics. Don't confuse what you think is a better sound with a sound that simply has more treble or sibilance.VR88 gets my vote vocals and it would simply destroy the condensor mic for jazz music

[senhorbonifacio]

VR88, I'M SORRY, but you're muddy.

[Derek6563]

the condenser sounds more metallic and life full, but the s sounds really dont come out good. the ribbon mic has a ice deep tone, more quiet, radio station tone, muffled mic

[MrSkinspanker]

The VR 88 sounds dull and lifeless. AKG takes the prize fo sho.

[dayingyang0]

At this price range you should put a Bluebird from Blue Mics and see the difference.

[FLATTSFANATIC]

I wonder if a bit of EQ with that ribbon mic would make up for the lack of detail on the high end. It definitely has a smoother sound as ribbon mics are known for, but I wonder how it would sit in a mix.

[BartinixP]

i just bought the c3000b and i think you made an awesome review of these mic's ( i like the akg better ) but i wonder why would you a mic upside down what difference will it be?

[RealtyStudioHD]

Your videos are awesome! Thanks so much for comparing mics in this way. Live demonstration. You should really compare the "Blue Kiwi" mic with another mic in it's class. I have been looking for months for a good live demo of the blue mics, specifically the Kiwi. Thanks again!

[dayingyang0]

@RealtyStudioHD - the Kiwi is $2K mic, not really in this $300 price range. If you're looking for like demos of the higher end Blue mics you should search youtube for "sweetwater studio". A lot of their videos of studio recordings have the blue kiwi, bottle, etc. in them and they synced the audio in some so you're actually listening to the real recordings and not the video mic.

[AUdioHipster]

here is info: on the C3000 The mic was introduced in 1993, and later replaced in AKG’s lineup with the C3000B, a single-capsule electret condenser mic that had little in common with the original but a name and body shape. would not use this newer C3000 on vocals or thehe AKG C 4000 B the only electret dual large-diaphragm transducer maybe on something else but the floor noise & non true condenser rules it out for the price. but the ribbon is a keeper. Doyen

[AUdioHipster]

The fast transients and depth smoothness of the ribbon is amazing... I could not imagine Lee ann Womack picking the AKG over a ribbon... I need to post 2 ribbons on a drum kit vs 2 large condensers... the ribbons will sound just like standing in front of the kit, very natural... & some of the best mic's are discontinued.. and if you want a c3000 look for the old used black ones... or better yet buy a NTK. AudioHipster Recording Services

[jazzman90405]

Wow, he starts singing King Crimson "Matte Kudasai" as an example. Hilarious! I wonder how many people on here were wondering what the hell is he singing?

Thank you so much for making this video & putting it on here. I'm considering buying the AKG C3000B, but now I AM CONCERNED because they DISCONTINUED this mic; they stopped making it, and so that worries me...

Should you spend all that money on a microphone that is discontinued?

[mwalsh59]

Great demo, thanks.I just ordered the ribbon.Close your eyes the ribbon is more natural,without the hf lift,cheers.

[TIMOMUKKY]

@mwalsh59 Hey, Tell me please, what is the best of microphones akg C3000B or akg c4000 ... Why is it c4000 more expensive than C3000B????

[mwalsh59]

@TIMOMUKKY sorry i only have the samson and beringer b1, both exellent value

[TheJQuake]

i can really tell that some of you guys really do not have a ear for freq.............and things of that nature

[israeldogfather]

sorry but this video is hopeless, you can't tell the good of the sound useing a youtube video, the sound here is low qualitiy and compressed

[realitas]

I think the ribbon just leaves a 'dead' space sounding dead, whereas the condenser boosts certain midrange frequencies, sort of simulating a more reverberant space. In a 'live' room, the ribbon might give a more pleasing sound.

[justind507]

the ribbon seems more like a podcasting tyme microphone,,,, i personally think that its to .. dark sounding for vocals..

[sthugh]

@tggpk1 "i use the akg on hi hats and SOMETIMES on acoustic guitars but always acoustic guitars for leads" I don't know anyone who would use a 1" diaphram mic on acoustic guitar as the main mic. Maybe over the shoulder, but NEVER at the neck-joint. 1/2" condensers are the only way to go.

[xblackiris10x]

the ribbon mic sounds awesome

[TonyBono]

Samson a little rounder, AKG brighter with higher gain....

[chilidog1001]

good vid, nice to know the difference

[IamHymn75]

Not a "fair" comparison...but I think you knew that already! Lol! Two very different types of mics that can be used for different purposes! Both sound GREAT actually! I'm actually wanting to see more on the Shure SM7b b/c I'm tempted to get that mic!

Hymn

[wilhopebay]

I think they both sound good!! The Velocity sounds warmer!! While the AKG is really bright sounding!!

[DesertKid760]

Thanks!

[OwensDrumming]

AKG is SOOOOOOOOOOO much better! It has much more treble, and it just has a nicer frequency response. I'm only 11, so I'm kinda just getting into all these microphones. I'm looking at the Coles 4040 ribbons as room mics for drums, so can you please post a video comparing those to some other ribbon of its class?

Thanks

Owen

[MichaelBradus]

The AKG definitely has a more modern sound, which isn't always the best for vocals. It has a shrill quality sometimes. The Ribbon Mic seems to be a little easier on the ears, and more realistic sounding. I can see how it would be better for horns and female vocals.

[Damselfly6]

great review. THANKS!

[robdrums69]

King Crimson- saw them in toronto - great show! too...

I just ordered the AKG C214 - I can't wait to use it!

Keep singing :) man!

[DjSairuncn]

akg its the best hands down

[pacvsantos]

Thanks a lot! this was precisely the review I've been looking for!! Now the doubt is if I'm going to buy a Superlux R102 or a MXL R144...

[pyrioni]

I love AKG sound

[ReverendNovember]

OOh. That AKG sounds good

[Punctgramatical]

i have a akg 3000 b and the mic is "Da shit" in the good way. it`s verry good on rap and female vocals .. it has a big big BIG presence

[jessegimbel]

Did that second video using this on a guitar cab ever happen? I couldn't find it in your videos, it'd be great to hear!

[21sneeuwwitje]

I think the ribbon sounds much better in singing!

[amaurythewarrior]

well oyu just proved me wrong xD

[amaurythewarrior]

very interesting. i agree with everything you said, but i can't understand why anybody would prefer the samson (for vocals at least)

[thepriceofreality]

depends on the application of the mic

[joshuarlyon]

love it. nice vibrato

[granitefreedom]

Fantastic review. Very nice comparison of the two mics. Great review, Owen.

[joshuaraziel]

thank you good video 5/5

[ugarmada]

OMG the C3000B sounds so much better!!!

[Raasmuss]

@ugarmada it does not sound better it sounds different! which mic you choose depends on what you are going to record with it.

Rasmus

[stevepeef1980]

great comparison video!! Could you do some on Rode NT1000 and/or Neumann U87? Would like to see/hear a "shootout" of those...

With the Ribbon mic your vocals kinda remind me of the days of Nat "King" Cole, vintage indeed...while the C3000b sounds more like recent rock vocals. Very nice voice too by the way!

cheers!

[virgogreg]

Great demonstration !!

[ledd75]

King Crimson! Great!

[LoveCheer]

good!

[tomamami48]

you should compare the audio technica4022 and the akg c 4000

[TIMOMUKKY]

@tomamami48 and what is better? C3000 or C4000? I am in the process of buying(

[lixbitchslaughter]

good one!

[slackinatdabass]

i love the smooth sound of ribbon mics. vocals sound soo good with them. not a "pickup every nuance of your voice like a condenser" type good, but a real smooth like cool whip good. good comparison, owen, and don't worry, it'll grow back!

[lougeehowser]

wow horrible singing

[frylocdub]

wow the a.k.g sounds a lot better on vocals.. i bet the samson sounds good on guitars though.

[Specter074]

Wow, good at guitar, bass, AND singing? I'm impressed.