This is a test of the vintage AKG D120E microphone. I compare it to a Beyer M400 Soundstar Mark II, a very well thought of European dynamic.
The songs are "Ride Me To Heaven" and "Hard Times" both written and performed by Hairy Larry. There is also a voice over test where I speak into both mics at the same time.
On all three cuts the AKG is on the left channel and the Beyer is on the right channel. On "Ride Me To Heaven" and the voice over test the mics set right next to each other both pointed straight at the source. These two tests are designed for a/b comparison of the microphones. The "Hard Times" test has the mics in a stereo x/y configuration so each mic is pointed in a different direction and is recording slightly different audio. The AKG on the left is pointed towards the body of the guitar and the Beyer on the right is pointed towards the neck of the guitar. So this test is not really intended for a/b comparison but is more of a test of how well these two microphones work together.
For critical listening download the .flacs which are identical to the .wav production files.
Please enjoy the songs. I hope you find these tests helpful in evaluating these wonderful microphones.
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