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 🤷🏼♂️
@@ReidStefanMusic Can i plug the slate mic into a BAE 1073 MP and still use the emulation functions? Or was the slate mic specifically designed for the mic pre it's coming with? :)
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...
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.
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 !!
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.
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.
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. :)
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
@@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.
@@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
@@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.
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 !!!
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.
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
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
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.
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
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”.
Dude! You have the best vs. gear vids on youtube! I don't know why RU-vid 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
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.
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!
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
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.
@@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 💩
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 :)
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?
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
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.
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 🙌🙌🖤🖤
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.
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
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!
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
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
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.
@@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.
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 😂
@@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
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
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...🙅🏼♂️
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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!!
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
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.
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
if the song is a hit, it will be a hit with Slate if you don't have the budget of the Sony, i'm sure about that. There is a slight difference to my ears, slightly more high end and silkyness with the Sony but i wouldn't call that 'better'. And i was able to guess which is which. :)
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.
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.
On every test I picked out my favorite sound...which is something that has great low mids - much easier for me to add some high end and deal with esses (don't use de-esser, just cutting the esses and dragging down the volume beats every de-esser in my opinion) than to create great low mids after the fact - and Slate took the prize every time. So yes, the Sony is a bit brighter and hollow sounding to me, and I bet it will be harder to make the Sony sound like the Slate than the other way around. Great work Slate.
I can't believe I'm gonna say this, but I liked the ML-1 over C800 in the final test. The ML-1 has they beautiful low mid that was just hollow in the C800. From what I could hear.
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. :)
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.
Might have asked a different question. Which do you like better? I hear the difference as the Sony seems a bit smaller. A bit more precise. Less punch and stuff on it. I'm sure it is also more accurate and "takes direction better". Sort of like a better employee. Maybe. But I could see someone picking either. And then proceeding to make great professional recordings. with either. And not every voice will be even special enough to even push either of them to their limits. Thanks to this video to show us exactly what the two colors are like. Shows also that the value proposition of the Slate gear thru a modern DAW is incredible. We are living in amazing times. Power to the people indeed.
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!
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".
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!
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
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.
Thanks for this video. I have the Slate ML1. I have always liked it a lot… but after hearing this comparison with the Sony, I think I am liking it a bit more! 😊 Thanks for the great video!
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.
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.
Id love to here a comparison with the actual Sony 800 that was modelled, Prefered the ML1 in this test, just sounded a little easier on the ear in the top end. That might be because its modelling an older more warn in mic
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
I've been pretty happy with my VMS purchase. Even just the mic by itself without the emulation is very usable, but the plugin does some really cool stuff. I put their 251 on almost all my vocals.
Kyle Pierce I ageee!! I know it’s technically wrong to say this, but I also love putting the FG-800 plugin on my Sony recordings! It’s an incredible plugin for mixing any vocal recording (not just ML-1 recordings)
@@ReidStefanMusic Oh yeah I'll throw it on stuff that I didn't record with my mic all the time, even software instrument stuff. Sometimes just adds a different dimension to it.
