Item Reviews for:
Subject
Totally worth the money
Tim B from Baltimore, MD, USA
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
Not sure about dependability yet, I've only had it for a month...but it seems like it'll last. This is definitely NOT the usual cheapo Samsom mic.
Features
What do you consider to be the best features of this product? What features would you add to this product if you could?
First of all, the mic works wonderfully...if you have a good-sounding room...ribbon mics are figure 8 pattern, so you usually hear the room from the back of the mic.
The construction seems very solid, feels good in the hand. The mic fits nicely into both the yoke mount and the shock mount.
Ease of Use
How easy is this product to use? How easy is the product to use with other products? Did it take long for you to learn to use this product? Was the manual helpful? How playable do you consider this product to be?
well, it's a mic, so pretty simple.
Sound
How is its Tone?
Definitely has that "in the room" sound that ribbon mics are known for. Sounds wonderful on any acoustic instruments, especially guitar. I used them for stereo room mics about 4 feet in front of a drum kit at knee-level and the sound was huge! Really great vintage vibe there.
Subject
The All-Around Ribbon
Stephen B from Graceville FL
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
Except for the fragile-looking mounts, it seems to be built well enough. Looks good, has given no problems in use, and the carry case is a nice addition.
Features
What do you consider to be the best features of this product? What features would you add to this product if you could?
The best feature of this mike is that it puts out a good clean usable signal that works with pretty much any preamp. It sounds good, definitely a ribbon sound but a little more condenser-like that many.
Ease of Use
How easy is this product to use? How easy is the product to use with other products? Did it take long for you to learn to use this product? Was the manual helpful? How playable do you consider this product to be?
The microphone itself is easy to use. The mounts are not. It should be noted that it does not ship with the long mounting yoke shown in the case, but with two shorter yokes that do not provide room for the mike to pivot. They seem a bit flimsy too -- this is the main thing I would mark the VR88 down for.
Sound
How is its Tone?
Quite nice. For someone who wants to get into ribbons without the hassles involved in the standard unpowered models, this is a very good option. It suits my own baritone voice well, both for singing and voice-over.
Subject
Great addition for your Mike cabinet
Don Hurta from Stamford, CT
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
good quality
Features
What do you consider to be the best features of this product? What features would you add to this product if you could?
Being a ribbon mike it has a nice smooth sound.
Ease of Use
How easy is this product to use? How easy is the product to use with other products? Did it take long for you to learn to use this product? Was the manual helpful? How playable do you consider this product to be?
You must keep in mind that this is a ribbon mike and must be treated as such... Gently.
Sound
How is its Tone?
The review before mine used the VR88 for different applications then mine. I did use the mike for trumpet and upright bass. Ribbon mikes are great for naturally bright instruments such as trumpets. On upright I got a nice full bodied fat tone. I would suggest you also use a good mike preamp to get the best results. (I use a Prosonus Eureka one channel preamp.)
Subject
Bang for the buck!
video_man from Miami, FL
Quality
Would you consider this product to be made well? How dependable?
So far, nicely constructed and works a treat
Features
What do you consider to be the best features of this product? What features would you add to this product if you could?
Smooth ribbon sound with a good hi-end rolloff, nice build quality and accessories. Has onboard preamp so gain is good, unlike unamped ribbon mikes which need a ton of mixer gain
Ease of Use
How easy is this product to use? How easy is the product to use with other products? Did it take long for you to learn to use this product? Was the manual helpful? How playable do you consider this product to be?
Like any ribbon mike, you can't be ham-handed with it, it is more delicate than your SM87 you hammer nails with. It will be happier in your studio than banging around in your Microbus.
Sound
How is its Tone?
Like all ribbon mikes, rolls off the higher freqs which is great for male vocal or speech, guitar miking off the body, probably acoustic bass/cello and drums, but I haven't tried that yet.