Can YOU Hear The Difference?? Vocal Mic CHALLENGE (Slate vs. Sony)

[@antoinelablanquie3827]

The C800 has that magical upper midrange that seems almost naturally more compressed than than other mics, it’s not the warmest mic but for female vocals/rap that need to punch through a dense electronic mix it allows you to not push the highs with EQ as much as you would need to with another mic. It also never sounds harsh but SO articulate, what a masterpiece of a mic...

[@damonwicketts1638]

Tube magic.

[@daydreamera8558]

no wonder mariah carey likes usin it

[@vg6761]

@@daydreamera8558 Ew no she hated it. Tommy forced her to use it because she was signed with Sony at the time.

[@tuexday2535]

I was all types of wrong with my guesses. That Slate mic sounds amazing.

[@SOUNDINTHECITY]

Plot Twist: It was recorded on a SM58

[@ReidStefanMusic]

SOUND IN THE CITY 🎤🤷🏼‍♂️🎤

[@chriskemp466]

what do these 2 comments mean? Also what preamps were used@@ReidStefanMusic

[@ReidStefanMusic]

chris kemp the first comment was a joke suggesting I secretly recorded this video with a $90 hand-held microphone to troll everybody. The 2nd comment was just me adding some funny emojis because I laughed at the joke in comment 1. The preamp I used is in the technical details I wrote in the video description. Hope this helps 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@erickbardales]

😂

[@austinsummersofficial631]

That made me laugh out loud. 😛

[@johanrautenbach]

Great AB test guys. I actually preferred the sound of the ML-1 with every test. I love Slate products and it has changed my mixes in such a positive way. The ML-1 is on my shopping list for sure.

[@freedeeztallbikes82]

Why it had frequency bumps it was no where near as clean as b

[@beeisbad]

Bro.... I STILL watch this video over and over!!! Without question SLATE is definitely the way to go! Why? Because no one... and I absolutely mean NO ONE.... listening in their car, dancing on the dancefloor, listening on headphones is gonna be able to hear, nor give a damn whether you used a $3,000 Sony mic or not!

[@zaksmith9274]

$10,600 Sony mic* lol😬😬😬

[@IsraelKelly]

Trueeeeeeeeeeeee lol 😂

[@beeisbad]

@@zaksmith9274 MY BAD!! Even worse... a $10,000 mic! Lol

[@officialWWM]

Or the $30,000 C12 that's also included!

[@Lucid925]

More or less depends what purpose you use it for. I work in a hip-hop studio and the sony is in such high demand that we would lose quite a few sessions to competing studios in the area without it. Everybody wants to try it, especially when their favorite artist wont sing/rap on anything but that mic.

[@mbauer1]

I could tell the difference. Something in the upper mids that sounded softer and less sibilant in the Sony, but VERY subtle and VERY close. That was a beautiful song BTW !!

[@kingzparadise474]

mbauer1 I like song a lot I’m following your Instagram immediately follow back I’ll shout you out great production again guys

[@thedfferencetab1977]

I thought it was just me. That’s powerful.

[@wsound9548]

Stop it! They both sounded great and every c800 in the world sounds different so there is no way you could really tell... But to anybody willing to put up or shut-up; $5000 bet. I just get so tired of people lying about mics.

[@beeisbad]

@@wsound9548 Bruh.... Did you really say that it sounded less "sibilant, but very subtle??". Are we talking about MUSIC or WINE?? I can't smh.

[@BeccaLozierTrumpet]

Not sure why you got haterade on this comment. I had the same conclusion. I heard the high-end was smoother on mic 2,1,2 respectively, but it was a small difference. That top end is so silky smooth on the sony, but the slate is doing what it can at that price point. Very close.

[@danjwalker]

My ears are pretty sharp so I'm going with microphone 3 for all of them.

[@Felix00007]

No man Microphone 4 was batter

[@Vlacky.]

@@Felix00007 I think microphone 6 was better than 4

[@KyleBrianAbbott]

Sony sounds more compressed out the gate - you can even see it in the waveforms. That being said I prefer the slate in the low register areas and the Sony in the higher register sections

[@magrumb]

This is exactly what I heard as well! The Sony has a tiny bit more presence/detail while the Slate had a tiny bit more chest.

[@WoodOxha]

i feel more mid tone in the vocals w the slate. it's a pretty valid microphone

[@bennettshapiro7711]

I also like the Sony better when it was raw. But as the Sound’s came together, I heard less and less difference between the Sony and the Slate.

[@EPtheDreamer]

The sony c800 comes with a tube amp where ML1 doesnt have that. That's pretty much the difference lol. It's soooooo close and I work with a c800 all the time

[@nolanneal]

Dude! You have the best vs. gear vids on youtube! I don't know why KZbin didn't recommend you sooner! I totally agree with TubeTech plug ins. They sound great until you start slamming them. Also the silent fart noise when you make the release SUPER fast on a compressor plug in. ugh! Best one I've heard so far is the UAD 1176 plug ins. They're the closest to the hardware of any other plug in I've heard. That Slate mic though.... man, I had to upgrade the wifi at the hotel and listen in 4k so I could hear the difference haha

[@joshjames6397]

I don't exactly know why but on every test I blindly decided that I prefered the sound of the ML-1. There was something in the presence of the Sony that I could pick out. I didn't particularly like the sound of what I was picking up, hence me prefering the sound of the ML-1.

[@sarahneczwid366]

Joshua James Castle I totally agree. The Sony felt almost too present to me by comparison. Cool thing to discover in the shootout. Yay ML-1!

[@bowlingotter]

I ended up at the same conclusion. After looking at the answers I felt that the C800G had a little extra harshness while the ML-1 still had that signature bright character without sacrificing quite as much warmth. I'm surprised. I got to the end certain that the harsher mic was going to be the ML-1.

[@LeoAr37]

@@bowlingotter Same, the harshness was noticeable in the Sony. Is that a victory or a loss for ML-1? I mean, it's not doing it's job if you can tell them apart lol, but it does sound better to me.

[@bowlingotter]

@@LeoAr37 It was a really subtle difference that I'm not sure I would've picked up on had I not been intently trying to find the difference between the two recordings. for a $9200 price difference, that's a victory imo

[@LeoAr37]

@@bowlingotter That's true for almost all audio equipment, except not all audio equipment runs on the claim that it can indistinguishably model other sounds.

[@Nightmoore]

Ok. Sold. The Slate Mic is gonna get purchased. That was amazing. We're all so very spoiled with all these toys we have now - but I'm not complaining. :)

[@officialWWM]

It's close enough for my ears! And don't forget, there's 7 other mics in the Slate bundle!

[@bignellgaming4243]

They both sound great but there’s a noticeable difference between the two. I’d only invest in the Sony if I had a well established client base and clientele that demands it

[@bigdcs5322]

I 100% agree. I definitely don’t have 11k laying around for it, but just owning a Sony alone would increase your clientele.

[@Jamminn555]

Outstanding comparison video. I'm an experienced pop/R&B producer and I was wrong! Twice! Dammit! Really enjoyed this and will be taking a serious look at the ML-1. Really appreciate all your videos, including the best line anywhere in music right now: realest puppet in the game! Thanks so much for posting.

[@mike42441]

I wasn't sure until I heard the last track and then I knew instantly that Mic 2 was the Sony. I don't get it, especially with all the processing, but one major giveaway is when she sings "Are" in 'are you lonely.' Listen how the word Are in the 2nd & 3rd time in the riff is wider and grabs you in Mic 2 on the final take (note: you may need a really good speaker system to hear this difference, which is what I use when I listen to mic shootouts). It might not sound like a big deal to some, but that's exactly the sort of thing that convinces me to use the best mics for polishing the final recordings. And WOW what a beautiful voice she has !!!

[@QueMusiQ]

That puppet needs a chiropractor!

[@Kharrari]

QueMusiQ facts

[@andrewrodriguez1467]

Brooo, I feel in love with her voice!

[@LukeMaynard]

This was a really, really slick test. It was such a delight to my ears to listen to this again and again. I should have expected nothing less from a guy who looks like he mixed & produced the Avenue Q soundtrack. Thanks for taking the time!

[@luislaboy86]

This mic shootout reminded me of the first Rocky movie, he didn't win, but it was the closest Apollo ever came to defeat, thanks for this!!!

[@ChrisChris011]

What vocal chain is this?

[@jeanpierreisyou2]

I guessed the Sony correct every time. The Sony, just like the other big dogs (251, U47, U67), just does something to the vocal that is instant pristine. The Slate had a mid frequency bump, the Sony sounded pretty neutral

[@J77199]

That's innacurate. The Slate is far flatter of the 2 in terms of hardware. 800 has a more pronounced curve and it's prob why it sounds more present and arguably nicer raw. It's all published on their site. The software algorithm is def making the Slate slightly brighter than the 800 but it's effectively corrected with the de-eser I have a hard time believing anyone who claims they picked right every time without showing their work when professional engineers have been unable to pick out the differences in a controlled test on 100 tries. Ive done it myself on more than one occasion The slate mic is nearly impossible to pick out in the mix reliably. In fact quite often people prefer the Slate depending on the source. Just look at the comments here, people are split. It's all a taste thing, but I'd take either mic and create successful recordings.

[@freedeeztallbikes82]

103

[@freedeeztallbikes82]

@@J77199 dude what? What comments are you reading the top comments all clearly say b was clearly more pristine more neutral and you can easily tell the difference by looking at the waves you’re full of it or been told some 💩

[@freedeeztallbikes82]

@@J77199this is how I know I have a good ear

[@claycollinsmusic]

Wow I’m surprised! I was positive mic one on the raw test was the Sony. Mic 2 sounded thinner to my ears which is usually a dead giveaway to a lower end mic. Gotta say the slate mic is pretty impressive. I’d love to hear other comparisons with the different models

[@recet]

Exactly how I felt!

[@BretLevickMusic]

I guessed Mic 1 was the Sony too as it was noticeably warmer out the gate. Then again I’ve never used the real C-800G or chosen it in my VMS software. It sounds pretty “sizzly”.

[@zmoney1212]

That tickle on the top end is much harder (and expensive) to get than a round bottom end. That's how I am able to tell the the expnsive mic usually.

[@prestonjames4655]

Thanks for doing this Reid. I think the first mic had the more low(ish) mid range in the vocal and wasn't as clear, but still sounded amazing and could easily be EQ'd to fit into a mix with ease. Great test, Thanks again Reid. Appreciate you doing these videos

[@MCCABEWORLD]

Thie voice recording sound so clear and smooth wich plugins effects did you used for her voice? By the way I got the same slate mic. Keep up the good work producer puppet :)

[@alexanderreyes6874]

I actually liked the ML-1 overall before seeing the answers. I am not blessed to be a puppet hearing it everyday for the past year. I hate seeing that SLATE logo but I admit I actually like the mic even without the emulation. Thanks again Mr. Stefan. You're the best mix coach I've ever had.

[@erickbardales]

Wow! Not only was it hard to tell the difference but I preferred the Slate ML-1 over the 800. I love the C800 so having that sound for under $1k it’s definitely worth it.

[@azamat19]

lmao me too

[@ecarey2]

I was one of the ones that was on that looong waiting list to this mic when it first came out and it has been by far the most impressive piece of gear out all the recording gear that I’ve purchased!!!!! Thanks again for re-confirming that for me. Lol

[@GaragebandandBeyond]

I think t's weird that this channel has been around since 2011 and this is the first time I'm seeing it. Anyway...... cool video!!!

[@ReidStefanMusic]

GaragebandandBeyond I didn’t start using my channel until 2017 even tho I signed up 2011 🤷🏼‍♂️ welcome to the show !! 😁

[@MikeRP3147]

Please do the hardware and plugin comparison of the tube tech CL1B

[@ReidStefanMusic]

MIKE PIERRE that will be happening 😁

[@MikeRP3147]

@@ReidStefanMusic the hardware version is my next purchase.. So getting an honest review from you would definitely help

[@semajtheprod]

MIKE PIERRE same bro that’s was gonna be my next investment

[@musicbyfavio]

I knew the Sony was Mic 2 in the Raw test but for me, the Slate (Mic 1) sounded better for this particular vocal. Great video Reid! And in general, sometimes the most expensive mic is not the best for the case.

[@tantebarnet]

The Sony was Mic 2? I went with Mic 1! It just sounded so much fuller to me. Are you sure the Sony was no. 2?

[@PabloVacaRodriguez]

same! I was surprised that the slate had more body.

[@rasxiel2493]

the Slate ML-1 sounds cheaper but wow with some eq and you can do magic with it, the sony sounds warmer. but in the end i prefer the ML-1

[@thisisDeus]

I listened to this in my control room and i am shocked to see that i preferred the Slate mic in every test! i enjoy the extra body in these recordings along with the sharper high mid freqs.

[@Q10-n7u]

Same experience… I could have sworn the “extra body” was the Sony. I’m def buying a Slate 👌💯

[@Droolboy]

How do you know which is which?!!?!?

[@vadimmartynyuk]

For $800-900 Slate Digital VMS is a no-brainer must have. Especially that you can switch virtual mics after recording

[@czarnicholas_]

This video just sold me on the ML1

[@Barncore]

Wow in the first test i was certain that mic 1 was the Sony one. On 1st listen it sounded deeper, more 3D, and mic 2 sounded cheaper and thinner. I was about to comment "Mic 1 is obviously the Sony" and close the video. I'm actually pretty stunned

[@marioparra00]

Absolutely no reason whatsoever to spend $9,000 more on a microphone, unless you have an incredibly large bank account and feel that collector itch to have "The Sony Mic".

[@ReidStefanMusic]

Mario Parra when you earn money recording vocalists every day, you’ll eventually have a very good reason to purchase a Sony and probably a couple other mics too! Most people don’t need a Sony, certain professionals do!

[@MikeRP3147]

Hardware is king. All these software emulations are all dependent on passwords and computer capabilities which over time will be difficult to manage. Hardware is just plug in and play

[@danielalexandre3933]

@@MikeRP3147 Yeah i agree on that

[@ytnsanw]

@@MikeRP3147 I always bounce the emulated track to audio - that way I'm not dependent on future software developments - or restrictions...

[@AyoMillz]

Reid Stefan I agree. The game definitely changes when the difference between securing a client or not, isn’t your talent/skill set, but having what they request.

[@JimmyFontanez]

Mic 2 was the Sony. That I noticed from the raw recording before I read the description. The Sony lacks a frequency right around the 250ish mark. When you apply all the processing, you’re essentially filtering all that out. In the end, I’m always going to choose Slate’s mic modeling unless I have a large budget to get the Sony. I’ve use the Sony, and see why it’s priced the way it is. You really don’t need too much processing. Keep up the good work Slate, love your products. Eventually I’ll get the mic modeling bundle. Can I suggest a rent to own plan for it?

[@kombad]

Townsendlabs sphere l22 for uad system would be niice for the next comparison test :D

[@TYPEXMEDIA]

Yes please Townsendlabs

[@keanelimusic]

Great video and I love the puppets. Thanks for this video.

[@mattolivo]

Reid U need a new shirt that one is starting to get a little dingy. Just looking out for my boy.. Keep it Loopy bro....

[@spacecadet3879]

Speaking of the shirt though, where can we buy these Whole loops tee's?

[@mattolivo]

@@ReidStefanMusic can't wait to have my own whole loops shirt.

[@spacecadet3879]

@@ReidStefanMusic Yes Please!!!

[@ReidStefanMusic]

Shirts are available and should be visible beneath the video player now!!

[@spacecadet3879]

@@ReidStefanMusic Ayyy, just copped

[@SoundwaveOfficial]

The C800G captures more information. Period. noticeably more detail on the transients and mid to high freqs. The difference is minimal, but the margin of quality becomes more apparent when recording multiple tracks. It could also be argued that nobody is going to notice except for engineers and they sure as hell aren’t buying tickets to your shows. I personally will be adding an ML1 to my arsenal

[@briannab4770]

I was thinking the same. Honestly, to be controversial, I feel like it just does NOT matter. I believe that an artist can EASILY get a professional, beautiful sound with the ML-1. I feel like the only people who would be able to nitpick the slightest audible difference are people who are highly trained. I don't think a song is gonna be made worse by a tiny decrease in audio quality, especially when layered in with so many other elements of the song, and post-processed. The vast majority of human beings would not be able to tell the difference if you paid them to spot it.

[@SoundwaveOfficial]

@@briannab4770 yes exactly. it can also be argued that the recorded signal is going almost always going to be subject to mixing and mastering, therefore further minimizing the noticeable differences that can be attributed to the microphone. also arguable that with minuscule mixing efforts the ML-1 would match nearly perfectly.

[@4ceGames]

I guessed them right, they are very close, but the c800g does have a slightly more raw and analog sound. The slate has a slight digital sound/feel to it

[@alainpatry]

Great video - would love to see one on Antelope Edge Solo!

[@andrewbreazna]

I actually found it interesting that I could pick out the sony in every case, having never really had the chance to really hear it before. my gooorl friend for the first two chose the ml1 and it makes sense to me... it sounds a little more edgy and aggressive without having much of a mix to it - which, as even she agreed, becomes it's downfall when put into the context of a song. the c800 stayed airy and "mixable" no matter how dense the song got.

[@thedfferencetab1977]

The latter part of your statement is perfect. The ML sounded complete all on its own. I’m not sure how that would fair when being mixed. Sony did have room for polish.

[@RobertoDeNegro]

My guess is the Sony was Mic #2. There was a "grit, warmth, or Darkness," in which I think provided a bit more clarity. I am totally impressed by the comparison. I think since I spend a lot of time slaving over the "vibe" of mixes that this allowed me to hear any difference at all, really this was more of a perception thing. I did like the top end of mic #1 a little better even though it sounded like it had a bit of "digital blur," in there. For anyone that is in the market for a new mic the ML-1 is a no brainier. If you had to punch in using the ML-1 no one would know the difference, unless they were recorded in different rooms. Thanks for doing this challenge, hopefully I guessed right...lol

[@EJfromUK]

amazing shoot out bro... thanks for this... i subscribed to your channel..

[@kwokedwin9628]

To me, I think slate did a really great job on replicating the tone of C800g. but to me, c800g always has that smoother low and less harsh high end that make it sounded like it is HD vs 4K.

[@gleamsatm]

Mindblown. I know what mic I'm upgrading to next. Thanks

[@alexlechanteur3606]

I was here for the mics but finally the two cats fighting in the back won for me HA AH AH

[@FreDGuitaRtv]

i would REALLY appreciate a version of the song with just voice and piano... plz

[@DCXTV]

2:00 ... Mic 1 is C800G and Mic 2 is Slate ... just wild guess, based on Mic 2 having sharper transients and Mic 1 sounding a bit warmer/rounder. Listening on a Macbook 13" 2015 though so not very scientific here :D

[@DCXTV]

Wow, awesome to be wrong :D

[@jeffkercheval4010]

What is cool....is that I can finally hear the subtle differences (with good headphones).....it took a long time for me to get there......but hey.....in a car (where most people listen). that ain't happening. Love your channel!

[@stevewoodmusic1]

Thanks for this. As a full time professional it was not hard to tell the difference, the Sony is like a clear window while the Slate had a bit of haze. However, the difference in price is way out of whack with the difference. Also, if you can't tell the difference there is absolutely no reason to spend the extra money. And there is nothing wrong with not being able to tell the difference. If you work in the audio realm for many years, you SHOULD get better and you can't start as if you can tell subtle differences. Anyone who tries to embarrass you because you can't tell is messed up. Plus, one thing I have learned 99% of the listeners can't tell and don't even care!

[@NiniRockX]

💯

[@JocanMaveric]

Would love a comparison with the slate ml-2 and rode k2!

[@danthegeetarman]

Great shootout! Wow those are amazing vocals to start out with. I actually surprisingly preferred the ML1 on the blind tests which actually makes me happy because I own the ML1 already. Plus the slate ML1 on the c800 mic is the only mic I’ve EVER used that works perfect on my voice without having to notch out some harsh frequencies that all other mics I’ve used had 🙌🙌🖤🖤

[@ozannidayi]

The Sony sounds amazing...i thought the sony had a wider spectrum... bigger dimension... the slate was very close... i felt the slate brought out the fundamental more than the sony which felt more realistic and warm and 3 dimensional.... but its so so close. defo worth checking out for 800 bucks!

[@v3zMedia]

Can you compare the 2 using your analog vocal chain???? I'm interested in that.

[@tom_k_d]

C800G is clearly a tad less hyped / harsh in the high mids (which is astounding, as the C800G is known for its presence boost), more natural overall, and more precise in the top end. As a long-term investment in a professional recording studio I'd go with the Sony.

[@austengiles2089]

Hello Reid, have you reviewed the MXL CR89? I heard it can stand with the c800.

[@MistaRags]

Great video..I have the Townsend Labs and the VMS. Love them both, but lately Ive been using the VMS a lot more than the sphere. Mainly because the VMS sounds more "modern" to my ears.

[@ofri925]

I actually liked the ML-1 more in all three 😅

[@youngwhitefresh9220]

After you notice what is the difference between those, it's easy to tell which is which. The Sony just has these "thin / clean" midrange. Just sounds like a shelf, but not unnatural. The Slate sounds muffle and boxy there. I mean, just more! It's also really really great!

[@Harvey-te9fg]

Nothing about the ml 1 sounded boxy. I'm convinced you fake wanna be engineers are just talking I've been doing this 15 years and they sound nearly identical no one would care after you dropped the song.

[@camjo6397]

Hey Reid, have you heard of/tried the L22 Sphere mic that emulates these mics too? I was wondering if it was worth the extra 700 and better. Honestly though, if you think the Slate sounds this close to the CG800, then I don’t think it’s necessary. Thanks!

[@JoshuaLTRyan]

thanks, this was the best demo yet.

[@bengsynthmusic]

So which one is which? I prefer the warmer one.

[@dspoet1]

I just got the Warm Audio 8000. With a few eq tricks, it’s spot on to the Sony C 800G.

[@Johnnylaurelli]

Actually chose the same mic for all 3 comparisons - The Slate ML-1. Love this mic.

[@emyhR]

What’s crazy is the second to last I said #2 was the Sony but then I changed to #1 on the last one cuz thought both test was same numbers and come to find out both times I picked the Slate as the sony but honestly once processed I couldn’t tell the difference so definitely gonna get the Slate. Thank you for just an all around quality video

[@rickyguitarra88]

Wow! There is so much fun in your video! Is amazing!

[@JayHartMusic]

Did you use the Slate preamp as well? (Not the plug-ins the actual slate hardware) and what preamp was used for the Sony? Thanks

[@ReidStefanMusic]

Jay Hart Music preamp details are written in the video description!

[@jinxypoes1]

bought ml1 and connected on my avalon m5, very dynamic sound and warm sound 🙏🎶

[@mminjarez]

I could tell, I didn't think they were close at all. But I do think the Slate is a good mic, great shootout.

[@djentlover]

Holy shit I guessed wrong! The slate sounds less fatiguing and sits better in the mix!

[@DanielBergonzoni]

Great video. Do you think it’s necessary to buy the Slate mic preamp as well? I’m using a Focusrite Scarlett interface and I haven’t had the opportunity to try out much gear

[@jfrosavage]

So which mic extension pack is best for hip hop vocals in 2024

[@ReidStefanMusic]

Sony or Telefunken

[@A1MadeTheBeat]

Reid, are you running the mic emulation by itself in VMR on the actual vocal track and then using your chain on the group?

[@ReidStefanMusic]

A1MadeThe Beat for the dry test you’re hearing the Sony thru no plugins and the ML-1 through the FG-800 in virtual mix rack plugin only. For the other 2 tests you’re hearing a plugin chain on the group of both mics

[@A1MadeTheBeat]

@@ReidStefanMusic I been using and ML-1 for about a year now and I keep bouncing between directly plugging the mic directly into my Apollo 8 mic pre or sending it thru the VMS ONE into the line input of the Apollo. I read you went direct into your Apollo. Do you use the UAD unison/preamp emulations in console or record dry and do everything post? Slate told me I do VMS OMNE into the Apollo line and do everything post via VMR (I am sure that was a biased answer) but, UAD told me the exact opposite (I am sure that is a biased answer also). I trust my ears but, just wondering what other people are doing and their opinion on the subject.

[@ReidStefanMusic]

A1MadeThe Beat I’ve listed my preamp setup in the video description! Also, I find the sound quality of Apollo x8 to be the best, so I’d plug the ML-1 into that over a Slate interface even tho it was designed to be used with the slate interface 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Des_Armoni]

Reid i bought this week because of you 2 and i LOVE IT MAN!!! Smhhhh 🔥🔥🔥 so much better than my nt1a! I’ll get the c800g when i get bigger in the industry but for now i swear by this mic!! Thanks. Slate owes u for the sale 😂

[@AyoMillz]

I love the content you and Karra put out. I found the results to be shocking - in a good way. Using the raw recordings I found the ML-1 to be brighter than the Sony giving a more upfront presence in the mix. However; the Sony, not as bright, had a well rounded (maybe flat) tone. I found the Sony to handle the sibilance (highs) really well. I agree; a great purchase for the price.

[@LetsFightCrohns]

Because of you I bought this mic and I got the best at home vocals with the ML1. I’ve been in the pro studio used a u87 and 67 and the ML1 is close enough

[@statueoftheabyss6886]

Usually get these blind tests so wrong, but went with the Sony each time. Be interested to hear the Lauten audio clarion up against the Sony. Either way, can see the draw of the ml1, but for under 1000 the clarion would be my personal go to, very versatile mic.

[@kboogie2323]

will be my next purchase! thanks Reid. realest puppet in the game!!

[@jeansmusic5209]

you think if you used a multipress to compress the upper mids and maybe some precise eq you could get the Slate to Sound even more like the Sony?

[@johnnyh64]

I would like to see you do the same comparison to the Townsend L22 microphone emulator.

[@optimuzbeats1746]

Having owned the slate VMS I can say this is the best video comparison at first I was able to hear the difference dry, but when the you add all the plugins I could not tell the difference, so in essence my assessment is anyone thinking about paying 10k for a Mic thanks to the brilliance of Slate, you simply don't have to thanks to the advance in technology!

[@annekedebruyn7797]

There are certain frequency bands that make it pretty easy actually even with the processing to hear difference. For me it's in the air and the lowest of the bottom end range. Neither sound bad. I'd happily use either.

[@nathankobierowski]

Full vocal chain shootout would be 🔥 Sony + vintech + cl1b Vs Slate with fg800/fg73 + uad cl1b

[@joshualarson2563]

Why Vintech? I volunteer to send an example of a C-800g + Neve 1073 + CL1B

[@ReidStefanMusic]

@@joshualarson2563 You're right! Vintech x73 wouldn't be a good shootout. I will rent a real classic Neve 1073 for a proper shootout against the plugins

[@MikeRP3147]

I picked up a aurora audio GTQC.. That damn thing is the truth. My chain Manley ref C > GTQC> APOLLO(CL1B PLUG)

[@ReidStefanMusic]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGfVnaCrirF6nrM

[@GertoHeupink]

I am working with the Slate ML-1 now for half a year (I used to work with a Neumann TLM-103 as standard) and I must say its an epiphany. I own the full locker of Slate Software Mic's (18 for the time being) and can make a choice afterwards which sounds best. There's always one Mic type that stands out and its different for each voice I record. And even without any processing applied when recording the ML-1 sounds pleasant, clean and open. I am very very happy with my new number 1 microphone and think about selling my Neumann

[@ReidStefanMusic]

Gerto Heupink I recommend to anyone who bought a Neumann TLM-103 (or TLM102 or TLM49) to return or sell it for a different mic that is less harsh on vocals! I also made the rookie mistake of buying an “affordable” Neumann years ago...🙅🏼‍♂️

[@trevfisher]

In the mix the Sony sounded thinner, I did not expect that. I am skeptical about the Slate mic too but this is impressive.

[@stijnbrognon1925]

I like the sound of the ml-1 more cuz it has a darker and lower sound than the sony c 800g even if the c 800g is a bit better in sound quality. It still 800 bucks tough/ 10000 bucks is insane. BTW, love your videos help me a lot.

[@Astronometric]

I own the ML-1 for a few years now. For the price is a good mic but it tend to be a little harsh and to have emphasis on sibilants. I found out that those characteristic are always present no matter what mic emulation you put on it. I'm actually thinking to sell mine because I want to but a good condenser with variable polar patterns.

[@heythere6983]

is the harshness youre talking about in this video?I havent listened with good headphones yet but I havent heard a massive difference in harshness or one that I would notice in a mix with rock instruments and all that. Im considering buying the ml 1 and software though I dont have a preference for vintage mics but the difference in sounds seems interesting, its either that or buying a cheaper mic and using it for multiple things lol.

[@laserfloyd]

The Sony had a bit more clarity and when I say a bit I mean a bit. I got 2/3 so hey not bad for never having listened to a mic comparison. Do more of these videos. It's nice to see that relatively inexpensive gear is out there for us hobbyists to use. :)

[@MoreMeRecording]

I only got the 3rd one right. Pretty damn impressive.

[@austinfreeman9040]

Yo is this Acoustic Version available somewhere? She sounds fantastic.

[@ReidStefanMusic]

Austin Freeman will be posted on @iamkarramusic Instagram soon

[@ottam]

I liked the weight of the mids in the Slate mic much better. The Sony sounds crisper but colder and somewhat flat.

[@TravelingFloridians]

Could you do a Slate Mic only going thru a Focusrite VS a Cheap mic only going thru the Focusrite for the budget people.

[@RayAndre]

Man, this video literally inspired me to do a similar one on my channel. I compared the Slate to a $5,000 Neumann, and also a $200 Dynamic. Let me know if you can hear the difference!!

[@lovemusic942]

Still using the Slate mic? Not sure if should keep it with the VMS One. Still in it's box. Zzounds told me the VMS is discontinued. Thanks.

[@xovernighttv]

I’ve owned Slate mic for 2 years. Best purchase I’ve ever made. The options and the sound are amazing for the price!

[@GREGLASSIERRA]

I see the cat fight behind ! is it the difference ?

[@stevehummingbird400]

When listening to the video I had the impression that the second mic (first pass) is a bit quieter. If you run a loudness meter on the individual sections, the Slate seems to be 1dB louder. If you turn the Slate 1db down, then suddenly the good parts of the sony become much more clear. Now, measuring the vocals together with the piano isn't very scientific. But it would be so great if the individual files could be downloadable, so everyone can easily compare the results and adjust without having to download the audio, chop it up and align everything.

[@stillgotyourmom]

The vid is useless. The recorded voice isnt natural, you can clearly hear the AT on it. Makes no sense

[@Zizotron]

@@stillgotyourmom autotune wont change much in terms of mic quality

[@stillgotyourmom]

@@Zizotron Ok you understand nothing about freaquencies. Just leave it!

[@Zizotron]

@@stillgotyourmom no i do