R/E/P Community

R/E/P => R/E/P Archives => Budget? Budget? We Don't Got No Steekin' Budjet => Topic started by: Trumpetman2 on November 14, 2007, 09:46:04 PM

Title: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: Trumpetman2 on November 14, 2007, 09:46:04 PM
Guys:  As I had promised; here is my unscientific, but honest, trumpet player, studio owner review of an incredible microphone:


EMPIRICAL COMPARISON OF ADK S-7 MICROPHONES
By:  Claude Gnocchi, Lawyer, trumpeter and novice AE and studio owner of CTS Group Records, Fort  Washington, MD

2 November 2007


The tested product:  Three (3) ADK S-7 Microphones; each distinctively "voiced" and marked w/blue tape as "A," "B," and "C."    These were sent by ADK co-owner and founder, Mr. Larry Villella; they arrived at my door on 2 November 2007.  This tester had/has no advance/inside knowledge of what modifications were made to which microphones.

Testing Procedure:  A/B direct comparison with the other "comparable" mics, and with a Telefunken AK-47 and a Cascade "Fat Head" ribbon mic; the first, a microphone costing 5 times more than the ADK and the latter, a ribbon microphone.

Other "comparable" microphones:  Oktava M-319 (Joly modification); Cascade M20U; and a Samson C1.  The Telefunken and the Cascade Fat Head, because of their different type (tube multi-pattern and a ribbon mic) are not really "comparable" to the ADK.

Recording chain:  

a.  Microphone preamps- Great River ME 1NV,  Ward-Beck 470D dual  pre (racked by Dave Thomas), and a Rane MS1b.

b.  Microphone Cable- Evidence and Zoalla pure silver.

c.  Multi-track recorder- Tascam DA38

d.  Mixing Desk- Phonic 3243

e.  Master Recorder- Alesis Masterlink

f.  A/D Converter - Lucid 9624

g.  Trumpet- German-made b-flat, B&S JBX with a Huttl #18 trumpet mouthpiece



Findings:  

  Physical:

    a.  All three ADK mics came very well packaged in a wood or wood-like case which seemed to belong to a more expensive mic.

   b.  Fit, "feel" and finish of these mics is impressive period; but, particularly impressive for a mic in this price range.

   c.  The -8db pad is a welcome touch and seems to be more "usable" than the typical -10 or -20 db pads commonly available on most mics.

   d.  The included utility mic clip is usable but undeserving of a mic of this high quality.  A quality "spider" mount should be used.


General Sonics:

   a.  All three mics seemed to "match" or "favor" the GR preamp.  The Ward-Beck was very acceptable, but the GR seemed to provide a more "open" sound"  i.e. the trumpet tone was "full bodied, yet had some "air."  The sound w/the WB or the Rane seemed not to have as much "realism."

   b.  Mic "B" was my absolute favorite sound; followed by mic "A;"  I did NOT like mic "C" at all, it seemed "screechy" and thin as compared to both A & B, and even the other mics.

   c.  Mic "A" was good, but it seemed just a tad too "clean" and "symphony-like" for my taste.

   d.  Mic "B" coupled with the GR had the best tone of all mics, to include the Telefunken and the Fat Head.

Comparison with all the others:

   a.  ADK "B's" ability to take front-on loud trumpet was greater than all others tested, particularly, the AK-47.  Of course, the AK-47 does not have a pad, still, I had expected it to take more volume than the ADK.  It did NOT.

   b.  Reproduction of an accurate  trumpet sound- here again, the ADK was, in this trumpeter's opinion, the truest reproduction of the live trumpet's sound as far as TONE is concerned.

   c.  The ADK has a beautiful tone to it, however, in my opinion, it did come-up a bit short to the Telefunken in its "spatial" and 3D ability."

A "Ribbon-like" Mic W/out the Hassles?

When comparing the ADK w/the Fat Head, I noticed that the ADK marked as "B" gave a "ribbon-like" sound that actually had more "presence" and high-end than a typical ribbon....thus, I would use this mic where I would normally employ a ribbon and not have the limitations of a ribbon (fragile; can't blow into it, poor highs, etc.) plus in my opinion, a better tone than most inexpensive ribbons!!  Talk about a "win-win" situation!  (I could not compare it to my Coles, since I sold it some time back).  Also note that I did NOT compare the ADK to my Beyer M-160, since I had already deemed the Fat Head a more "usable" ribbon than the M-160.  



BOTTOM LINE:

In my opinion, with the equipment mentioned here, and for recording "jazz trumpet" and vocal sounds, the ADK S-7 mic, marked "B" was the most "beautiful sounding" microphone of the lot;  the "tone" of the ADK was the absolute best, however, as directly compared to the Telefunken, it did seem that  it did not have as much "3D super realism" and "air" around it as the Telefunken, however keep in mind that the AK-47 is a microphone which costs five times more than the ADK!  Additionally, and this is important; I am not technical enough to know whether the extra 3D and "super presence" of the AK-47 is only attributed to it by its tube and/or its multi-pattern capability....if that is the case, then I would dare say that a multi-pattern, tube version  of the ADK S-7 would be the "Holy-Grail" of microphonedom!!!!  (a new word....)





ADDENDUM


Due to the availability of the ADK mics, further tests were done during the long Veteran's Day weekend (9-12 November 2007).  Having settled on the ADK S-7b, this microphone was paired up with a Presonus MP20 Mic preamp and compared to the AK-47 through the same preamp.  The results are contained in the CD and indicate that the ADK and the Presonus are extremely compatible; more so than the AK-47/Presonus combination.

In my opinion, the ADK/Presonus combination made for a more useful "trumpet sound" than the AK-47 w/any of the tested microphone preamps.  At about one fifth the cost for the ADK/Presonus combination, I would call this nothing short of amazing; in fact, I preferred this sound at any price!  You go ADK!    
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: sdelsolray on November 15, 2007, 01:53:33 AM
Interesting review.  I haven't tried the S-7, and I don't know that I'd find it useful for my limited uses (solo fingerstyle acoustic and classical guitar), but I do appreciate many of ADK's products.  I've used ADK mics (pairs of CE, TL, Vienna) and their preamp right along with Schoeps, Gefell and Pendulum gear.  Many of the mics are very acceptable in the sense that they simply sound good.  The preamp is quite nice, and the swapable input transformers and op amps offer many choices of behavior and sound.  I did try the A6, which is somewhere inbetween a Hamburg and a Vienna, with a bit more smoothness.

I would enjoy reading Harvey's impression of the A6 in that earlier thread.  Larry did send a pair to Harvey for evaluation.

After A/B'ing a standard TL with a modded TL (new AU capsule), I've decided to have the pair of TLs I have modded by Kevin of ADK by putting the AU capsules in them.  Somewhat flatter response and a bit smoother and honest for a mic that was pretty honest to begin with.
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: compasspnt on November 15, 2007, 09:33:29 AM
Trumpetman2 wrote on Wed, 14 November 2007 21:46

The included utility mic clip is usable but undeserving of a mic of this high quality.  A quality "spider" mount should be used.  




Why, exactly?

Because it looks cooler?

Was there a sonic problem with the solid mount?
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: Trumpetman2 on November 15, 2007, 10:13:20 AM
Well, I would think that a sensitive condenser mic would be more prone to pick up floor/stand vibrations if it is mounted on a rigid plastic mount....,no?  Also, you are absolutely right - a great spider mount looks so much kooler!!!!!! Laughing  
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: compasspnt on November 15, 2007, 10:59:58 AM
Was there a sonic problem with the solid mount?
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: Trumpetman2 on November 15, 2007, 11:24:11 AM
Not that I could tell.
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: compasspnt on November 15, 2007, 01:08:13 PM
Both of my Neumann M-49's came with only solid mounts.

Never  problem.

Six of my eleven 87's came with solid mounts.

Never a problem.

All six of my 414-EB's came with only solid mounts.

Never a problem.

Not that there might not ever be a situation where an elasticised spider mount mightn't improve something, but the "need" for these is way, way overblown.

Just like a lot of things in the gear world today.



Sounds like Larry is doing good things with his "B."


(Larry, I will still be checking in with you to get some mics, just been too busy.)
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: Larry Villella on November 16, 2007, 12:46:23 PM
Thanks for all the lively comments gents!! End-users Rule!!


There is a heavy-duty shock mount due end of December for all the new generation ADK, including the S-7.  

The irony here is that JP predicted the "B" Vesion would be perfect for Brass !!  ADK is nothing without our design-engineers.

On that point, as of the end of this year, 100% of all ADK Audiophile Series Mics will be built in this new factory (where A6 / S-7) are made, with 100% new electronics, capsules, and exceptionally rigorous QC.  


The proof is in the consistancy, durability, and musicality!!!

For Rock And Roll - Give me an S-7.  But for Horns, I love the new S-7 "B" version.  


ADK's long-term goal is to build a mic to cover every source-material.


Glad to hear we're making some headway . . . .
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: Galil on November 19, 2007, 02:35:27 PM
Larry Villella posted in another thread:

It is possible to TUNE the S-7 to be several shades "darker"

We created two Darker Shades of the S-7 for evaluation.

Chestnut Ale and Guiness if you like . . .


It seems that Trumpetman2's favorite of the S-7s is the darkest of the microphones (Is this right?).  Larry, is that the popular one in other quarters, too?

I think that marketing it as a "brass" microphone might be a mistake.  It seems that there are many "bright" large diaphragm condensers but there may be quite a bit of room for darker-voiced LD microphones.  I have a much easier time mixing when every track does not have a presence peak between 5khz and 15khz.

Galil
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: Larry Villella on November 19, 2007, 08:04:13 PM
I think it could be explained this way -


Trumpetman picked the exact variation (B) that JP predicted would be the most useful color for Brass.  

The "C" version turned out to be a bit off the mark.  

For Most Rock and Roll High SPL Sources, we think the stock version S-7 (marked A for the blind-tests) is spot-on.  

For Brass, Reeds, the S-7B is getting exceedingly positive responses.  I think of it as a Hamburg Version of S-7.  

If someone wanted a Vienna Version, we're capable of offering that up, too.  Our High SPL mic has adaptability.  (Why not?)

Indeed, the ADK Custom Shop is set up to build one-offs of Any ADK product.  


As a practical matter, are there enough brass and reed players out there to support a separate production model?


Only time will tell . . .

Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: JP Gerard on November 28, 2007, 02:01:23 PM
Hi guys!

Sorry to catch up so late.

The S7 ended up being voiced a bit darker than neutral. Still, since most horn players enjoy ribbon mics, we also made a couple of one-offs, with a darker and even-darker response. You don't quite get the sub 80Hz kick a good fig-8 ribbon mic will get you but the top end is smoother than what you'd expect from a LD condenser.

I'm curious. Perhaps the S-7b will go into production as part of the regular ADK catalogue next year, or the US Custom Shop will just keep making one-offs for those who want a darker S-7.

Now I'd like to see some people try it on toms and floor toms. I sometimes struggle getting a full tone with good attack but mellow top, and the S7 works fine (and it definitely takes the SPL).

I haven't had the chance to do a good kick drum session with the S-7 but hopefully will do sometime in the coming months... thanks to all those who take some time to try our new stuff!
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: Larry Villella on July 08, 2008, 10:25:29 AM



THE MICROPHONE BORN IN THE FORUMS!

The S-7B will be shipping in Early August!!!

Thanks Harvey and Trumpetman and all the members who
contributed ideas to this new "ribbon-like" Condenser.


http://www.adkmic.com/catalog/audiophileseries/S-7B.php


Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: JP Gerard on September 08, 2008, 01:42:32 PM
Hey folks,

If you guys need tech info on the S7 family, just let us know. I check the thread regularly.
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: Datcha on September 20, 2008, 03:22:26 PM
I'm game to test one out...

Frank Duch
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: Larry Villella on November 24, 2008, 04:48:56 PM


While the "B-MOD" of the S-7 Loves Trumpet and Cabs, the
two Other-Brother Microphones have their best Apps as well !!

We countinue hearing how this High SPL Platform,
with three 'primary-colors' is Studio-Useful. . .

Example - Snare (for all but the loudest drummers)

The S-7C on Snare-Top
The S-7 on Snare-Bottom, 180 degrees out of phase w HPF

Fader-Control of Texture in Post, and a Sizzling Result!!!

Or so I've been told by folks who's ears I trust. . .

Cheers!!


Larry V / ADK)))
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: Trumpetman2 on December 19, 2008, 06:56:17 PM
...Incidentally, its been a while now since I first fell in love with the S7-B, and just wanted to confirm that I am now even more impressed with this microphone....did I mention that I got rid of the Telefunken AK-47?  Well, I did!  Oh, and now I also have an ADK AP-1 mic preamp...this thing is super incredible! Particularly with the S7-B...and you can user-swap the op amps and transformers by just pluggin them in...talk about "colors!"  Larry and ADK- you guys ROCK!!!!!!! Very Happy
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: sdelsolray on December 24, 2008, 07:15:13 PM
Trumpetman2 wrote on Fri, 19 December 2008 15:56

...Incidentally, its been a while now since I first fell in love with the S7-B, and just wanted to confirm that I am now even more impressed with this microphone....did I mention that I got rid of the Telefunken AK-47?  Well, I did!  Oh, and now I also have an ADK AP-1 mic preamp...this thing is super incredible! Particularly with the S7-B...and you can user-swap the op amps and transformers by just pluggin them in...talk about "colors!"  Larry and ADK- you guys ROCK!!!!!!! Very Happy


Several of the older ADK mics were rather good.  The newer ones are generally much better.  I haven't tried the S7, but the A6 is an excellent inexpensive mic.  The soon to be released Sigma C.H.I. Series are quite nice.  Although more expensive, the versatility of the numerous modular large and small diaphragm capsules, along with the sonics, will be noticed.

I have an AP2 with 5 tranny pairs and 5 op amp pairs, for 25 combinations.  Great pre - plenty of clear clean gain - and the swap feature is a kick.  The Jensen/990C combination is so close to a John Hardy M1 that I sold my John Hardy M2.  The stock Cinemag/DOP1A J-FET is nice.  I particularly like the Lundahl/VinM (Melcor) combination.  All of the combinations are just different flavors of good.

The pre was designed by Jon Erickson with help from Justin Morse.  Jon has designed many of the A-Design products.  The AP-1 is basically an API 312 design with high quality parts throughout.  
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: Adam The Truck Driver on January 21, 2009, 11:21:22 AM
I wonder how an ADK S7B would be on close miced/internally miced bass drum? A U47 FET is completely out of the picture for me, but if I could get something fractionally close to a U47 FET...uh...thats what I'm going for. I am aware that there isn't a replacement for the sound of a U47 FET...that I know of anyway.

Terry...Oliver...Jeff??? CS-2?

Thanks
AB
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: compasspnt on January 21, 2009, 11:55:32 AM
Adam The Truck Driver wrote on Wed, 21 January 2009 11:21

I wonder how an ADK S7B would be on close miced/internally miced bass drum? A U47 FET is completely out of the picture for me, but if I could get something fractionally close to a U47 FET...uh...thats what I'm going for. I am aware that there isn't a replacement for the sound of a U47 FET...that I know of anyway.

Terry...Oliver...Jeff??? CS-2?

Thanks
AB


Hey Adam,

First, Lucas have no plans for any fet mics in the near future. We are deep into tubes and transformers at the moment.

I haven't used the ADK mics (yet), but I would wager that, if you are thinking "inside bass drum," the normal S7 would be a better bet (you better, you bet) than the B version.

The "B" one is said to be slightly "darker," for use on things like brass, or other things that do not benefit from as much high end.

Inside a bass drum, I think you would indeed benefit from the more "normal" high end.

How this would compare directly to a Neumann fet47, I do not know.

I heard that a couple of people were successfully using the TNC ACM-583 as a "fet47-like bass drum mic."  When I tried that, it didn't do it for me, at least as a direct comparison to my fet47's, on the same preamp, same settings. Not to say it couldn't work with some experimentation.

But I'll bet the S7 (non-B) might work pretty well...also possibly with some experimentation of placement and preamp/eq...it will supposedly take a lot of spl!
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: Adam The Truck Driver on January 21, 2009, 05:47:17 PM
Not knowing a U47 FET by experience, but from what I've heard by word of mouth, print, and on stuff like WSP's last one you did Terry, I thought the U47 and or U47 FET had considerable roll off top side. That is what I figured was a big part of it's magic, and mood sound wise. Am I wrong about the roll off?

Thanks
AB
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: compasspnt on January 21, 2009, 05:57:54 PM
A properly functioning U47 (fet or tube) should not have a "rolloff."

It should sound properly balanced to the ear.

Many of the extant vintage U47's do sound variably somewhat "warm," but that can often be because of an old capsule, worn out caps, etc.
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: Adam The Truck Driver on January 21, 2009, 06:05:24 PM
Thats cool. Uh, how did you get that bass drum sound Terry? It's like soft sounding but deep and hard hitting...I dunno how to discribe it otherwise really. That was a U47 FET in there wasn't it?

Thanks
AB
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: compasspnt on January 21, 2009, 06:37:06 PM
That was indeed a fet 47 through an API 512b preamp.

I think there was a bit of API 550b EQ on it, probably 2.5k boosted about +3.

There is a photo of the microphone inside the bass drum in the book.
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: Larry Villella on February 04, 2009, 04:54:50 PM

I think if any of the members were to go to Any of the ADK Dealers
and offer them a GROUP-BUY on S-7B you might be suprised at the offers.  

It's a tough market- PLUS: I did a really nice discount to distributor on last shipment!

Take advantage of the our largesse if the "B-Mod" works for you!

Beware - It's Too Dark for a lot of sources.  That said:

GREAT for Trumpets, Hissy Tube Cabs, Brass and Reeds And LOUD MALE VOX!

Cheers!!!

Larry J Villella, ADK)))

ADKMIC.COM
HYBRIDMIC.COM
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: Adam The Truck Driver on February 04, 2009, 07:01:23 PM
Then it'd would work on my voice.
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: markisham on April 29, 2009, 06:01:14 PM
Thought I'd chime in here, as a recent ADK convert.

A little background...

I own far too many trumpets and flugelhorns to list, but suffice it to say they have their own closet.  I have been playing the trumpet since I was young.  Due to my other job as a composer, there are times when I do not get to play as much as I'd like.  But recently I've been getting those chops back in order.  Lots of playing, lots of recording.

I own ADK's Berlin AU, A6, and all S7's.

I'm constantly looking for "the setup".  The right pairing of mics that has that rich tone you only get from 50 year old mics.  I have a few of the classics, and have used just about everything in my travels.  I enjoy M49's, and I think Royer makes pretty great ribbons.  But I have yet to get "that setup".

When I put the S7b up, I had that little moment a lot of us have had on rare occasions.  I was genuinely surprised by it's tone.  I perked up.  I turned things DOWN because I could really hear it.  The more I played, the more and more I would get that feeling.  "Wait a minute, what am I doing differently?" "What pre am I in to?"  And after making sure I wasn't missing anything, the lovely realization sunk in.  The new variable here is the ADK.

So experiments continued.  Paired the S7b with a few of my favorites.  And every time it was the yin to the yang.  The newspaper to the silly putty.  The butter to the bread.  Any time I would remove the S7b from the equation, I was no longer satisfied.  It was reminiscent of going from 44.1 to a clocked 96.  Do you guys remember that?  Those moments when you're thinking, "Ahhhhhhh, THIS is it."

So "the setup" is now an S7b and a Royer R-122V.  And the NECESSARY part of that equation is the S7b.  And if ADK would release that "Darkest" version of the Berlin AU, "the setup" would be an S7b and the Darkest Berlin AU, both being quite necessary.

I think what draws me to this concept is that I feel there are a lot of cloners out there.  Ok.  Great.  But what happens when you're searching for a sound?  A unique quality?  It's like THIS, but it is its own thing...that sort of search...

The point being, if you record brass, if you play brass, you shouldn't be without an S7b.  It's not a pitch, it's a versed recommendation.  It's a learned heads up.

Mark


Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: tom eaton on April 30, 2009, 10:15:05 AM
Wow.  Amazing to have you here, Mark.  "Blue Sun" remains a sonic benchmark for me... an amazing sounding record among many amazing records you've made (I think I have them all...).

I appreciate your thoughts on the ADK mics... I trust your ears!

Weren't you recently sold on the M-Audio tube mic, too?  

Are you in search of tones to fit a certain project, or in search of your "basic" sound from this point forward?

Thanks-

tom

Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: Larry Villella on May 11, 2009, 03:32:33 PM


Mark Isham's been a busy boy lately!!!


He made a rare appearance at Potatoes in LA last week.

He has a new CD coming out May 19 . . . (drum roll . . .)

And I'll be the first to admit it, I'm thrilled to hear that he had
that 'light-bulb' moment with a few of our new microphones.  


For Brass Players - the ultimate Historic Mic seems to be the M-49.

ADK Custom Shop took a Berlin-47 and did a Mark Isham Mod.

One of the first emails I got from him was something about it
reminded him of a really pristine M-49. (How'd that happen??).

Like Ray Charles, Manhattan Transfer, and Kathy Mattea, I think
if you asked Mark Isham, he'd tell you he trusts ADK's Ears!!!!

And unlike the Famous Brands, we don't pay for endorsements.

So his words have more gravitas than most 'hired-gun' endorsements.


Anyway - we're glad to have his golden-horn and golden ears, too!


Be on the lookout for an exceptionally well played & well recorded CD.

Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: tom eaton on May 12, 2009, 08:26:01 AM
Larry Villella wrote on Mon, 11 May 2009 15:32



ADK Custom Shop took a Berlin-47 and did a Mark Isham Mod.

... he'd tell you he trusts ADK's Ears!!!!

And unlike the Famous Brands, we don't pay for endorsements.



So, he paid you to mod the stock mic so he'd like it?

I'm confused.

Either he trusts your ears and bought and uses the mic you made or I'm missing something.

Can you explain the process?

tom
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: Larry Villella on May 12, 2009, 10:45:37 AM


This thread started with an S-7 "B-Mod" that we did for trumpet-man.

The last post was about modifying a Berlin-47Au for Mark Isham.

The process was almost identical. We sent 3 "Flavors" in both cases, and
(as our design-team predicted) both trumpet players prefered the darkest.


As to whether Mark truly trusts our ears, you'll have to ask him.
I only stated that I think he would concur with other ADK Artists.


He was charged for the microphone, but not charged for customizing it.  

In fact, that's one of the standard services we offer to all our Custom Shop
Mic clients.  We will "fine-tune" it for them free within a reasonable time-frame.


Does that help?  I will try to get a sound-file soon . . .
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: tom eaton on May 12, 2009, 08:51:52 PM
Larry Villella wrote on Tue, 12 May 2009 10:45



This thread started with an S-7 "B-Mod" that we did for trumpet-man.

The last post was about modifying a Berlin-47Au for Mark Isham.



Hi Larry,

Mark posted about an S7B... not a 47au. Was he mistaken?

Is the mic that Mark is using commercially available, and if so, where do I find a price?

Thanks... I'll return your PM as well.

tom
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: DanaB on May 25, 2010, 05:51:22 PM
I have gotten very spoiled by the S7 family.  I own quite an assortment of the ADK family in addition to various Rode, Blue, AKG, etc.  The S7 has become the mic that is always up.  Tracks always sounds great, whether it is a vocal, acoustic guitar, or cajon.  I might choose a different mic to flatter a particular voice or instrument, but the black grilled (natural) S7 usually does a great job out of the chute, and is a great calibration mic to have in the arsenal.
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: Greg B on May 25, 2010, 06:13:01 PM

I have an S-7B that I mostly use on guitar cabinets and in front of the kick drum.  Also makes a great floor tom mic.
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: JP Gerard on May 31, 2010, 10:35:57 AM
Hi folks,

One thing the S7 might not be famous for yet is its nice, even, predictable polar response and high off axis rejection. This is very useful to control spill both on stage and in the studio. The cool thing is that the capsule and grille combination yields a very decent off axis pickup, so that leakage from other sources or room reverberation sounds OK.
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: mljung on June 13, 2010, 09:13:07 AM
I agree about the fine off axis respond of the S7.

I just have one S7 [black grid], and think it's a most natural sounding microphone [even compared to some of the more expensive ones]. It's not brittle in any sense, or honky or anything else that many designs can be to some extent, especially cheaper ones. I really like it!

I will consider getting more and know that the T7 should be on its way!?

So therefore these questions:

I'm aware that T7 will offer both cardioid, fig. 8 and omni, but want to know if T7 in cardioid mode will sound as good as the "ABC versions" of the S7? Is there any differences between them, even if they're small, either because of the grid, the capsule used or otherwise? Will noise specs be the same? Is it the same circuits and electronic components used, or is it just about the same?

I truly believe S7 [and hopefully T7] is a great microphone even if we forget the price, but would like to know if it's also a quality microphone in the sense that it use components that will last for many years, just as the more expensive ones ADK are offering?

Moreover can T7 be expected to come out in stereo pairs also and finally, when will it be released..?

Kind regards,
Mads


Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: JP Gerard on June 17, 2010, 12:24:29 PM
Hi,

Larry has asked me to tweak the specs of the T-7 so that it has a virtually
identical noise-spec to the U-87A.

So this re-design is what is holding the production up for a few additonal months.


Is there any differences between them, even if they're small, either because of the grid, the capsule used or otherwise? Will noise specs be the same? Is it the same circuits and electronic components used, or is it just about the same?

The capsule and grille wil be the same. Most of the circuit will be the same too.

I truly believe S7 [and hopefully T7] is a great microphone even if we forget the price, but would like to know if it's also a quality microphone in the sense that it use components that will last for many years, just as the more expensive ones ADK are offering?

It's built with long life components, no worries!

Moreover can T7 be expected to come out in stereo pairs also and finally, when will it be released..?

We might offer matched pairs, indeed. ETA Autumn of 2010, with a bit of luck, but could be early winter 2010.
Title: Re: ADK S-7b, A real Gem!
Post by: mljung on June 19, 2010, 10:56:12 AM
Thanks for your answer JP

JP Gerard wrote on Thu, 17 June 2010 11:24

Hi,

Larry has asked me to tweak the specs of the T-7 so that it has a virtually
identical noise-spec to the U-87A.

So this re-design is what is holding the production up for a few additonal months.



Doesn't the S-7 already have the more or less the same noise specs, as the U-87A ?

Best,
Mads