An audio engineer explains NPR’s signature sound

Re:An audio engineer explains NPR’s signature sound by TheOtherHobbes on Sunday June 26, 2016 @01:28PM (#11981662)

All mics colour the sound in different ways. For some reason the U87 adds a colouration that's perceived as expensive, larger than life, and authoritative.

Other mics - including cheaper Neumanns - don't have quite the same effect.

It's not about capturing the sound perfectly accurately, but about creating an impression with sound. That's why some pro audio gear is so insanely expensive.

It's very hard to create the same impression digitally because this kind of subtle analog distortion is complex, non-linear, and not very well understood.

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Re:An audio engineer explains NPR’s signature sound by baldfat on Sunday June 26, 2016 @05:33PM (#11982854)

There is a reason why AKG 414 are probably the second most popular mic for studios that have huge budgets. 414 sound is also considered an awesome mic.

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Re:An audio engineer explains NPR’s signature sound by wrigby on Monday June 27, 2016 @09:30AM (#11986021)

I've never gotten a better drum overhead sound than with a spaced pair of 414's (I think TL II, but it's been awhile). Love that mic.

That said, I don't think the 414 color is the same as the U87 color. My impression has been that the U87 is much more flattering to vocals, but I've admittedly never had the opportunity to use one.

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