Galil wrote on Tue, 18 November 2008 01:09 |
Ben Sneesby, the manufacturer of these microphones is on the forum. Perhaps he will drop by and comment on this.
It seems that there is greater interest in microphones which are not $79 and not $5,000. This demand is being met by using the lower cost (mass produced) metal work and putting extra energy into the capsule and the electronics.
Galil
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Galil, you are absolutely right. So many people are very interested in a great sounding mic that is also affordable.
Hi Everybody, My name is Ben Sneesby owner and designer of BeesNeez Microphones.
First let me give you some background. I have been an electronics nut for about 20 years and a musician (sax player) for 25.
I started to tinker in the land of high end audio and microphones over the last 14 years. And for the last 7 years have been repairing, designing and rebuilding a plethora of mics and pre's.
In this time i have manufactured over 500 capsules, and re-diaphragmed just as many.
Well enough about me, let's move on
The Studio Series of BeesNeez Microphones is a very exciting line for me as it is/has taken off very quickly and the industry support is overwhelming.
There are a heap of very well made, excellent sounding microphones in the market, but let's face it, there's also alot of crud.
THere are at the present time, companies that find a good OEM manufacturer, change 1 or 2 things, rebrand the mic and sell it at a rediculous price. This is something that i am definatley keeping away from.
Facts; Yes i am using an OEM mic Body, Power supply Enclosure, mount and Case.
Reasons; I am doing this to create a brand new niche in the mic market ie; a range of mics that contain the best of the best in electrical components (as good as those found in mic in the 3 - 10k range) without the 3 - 10k price tag.
The Capsules in the Studio Range are hand drilled/milled by me and then skinned (diaphragmed) by me as well.
The tubes are NOS American and European tubes from the 1965-1985 era. They are also military spec.
The Transformers i use are Cinemags, specifically the 2480 and the 2461nico.
The high impedance Resistors i use are manufactured in Al Hambra CA USA and are the bomb, they are so quiet and the quality control during manufacture is second to none.
The other Resistors in the circuit are BC Vishay again Manufactured in the USA.
The microphone itself contains Not a single Electrolytic Capacitor, all caps used are Paper in Oil or MKP. For those of you that know caps, you'll know these are the best. These Capacitors are manufactured in Europe.
I don't use any Printed Circuit Boards in the mic body, all circuitry is point to point wired using tag Strip/Boards as were U47's, C12's, Ela M250/1's etc etc.
I am confident enough as a manufacturer to offer a money back guarantee on the Entire BeesNeez Range and also a lifetime warranty, so what this means is that if you buy a BeesNeez Microphone, you have a working mic that sounds every bit as good as new for life.
You might wonder how i can do these mics at this price, but perhaps you should be asking how others can get away with charging the prices they are charging.
Sure building up a company, brand and reputation costs money, but i think the industry is growing and technology is now available to the masses. Rather than producing just microphones that can only be sought by the select few, i am trying offer the same quality of sound in a much more affordable package without sacrificing some of the most important parts ie; capsule, tube and transformer etc.
If there are some that question my skill as a capsule builder, the fact that i build them for Pearlman's flagship TM1 and the money back guarantee should build your confidence somewhat.
I don't claim to know everything about everything, but i will happily stack a BeesNeez Microphone up against any other microphone in the market place.
I have seen some quotes regarding chinese components (resistors, capacitors and tubes) that they are better and more accurate than NOS and USA/Euopean brands, but last time i checked, oscilliscopes didn't buy CD's or have an i-tunes account!!
My business model is simple, not too much advertising, let word of mouth do the business and Never lose contact with what Customers want from a mic.
If any of you want to chat, i am always available (please take note of the time zones, i have 3.5 children and a 2am cranky boss) You can call me on +61 419 481 569 or email too.
Cheers.