Mic Shootout: FLEA 47 vs Neumann U87 vs Sontronics ARIA vs AEA R84A vs Neumann TLM 102

In this test Robin compares the FLEA 47 (leading U47 clone) and Sontronics ARIA (both tube cardioid mics) against his existing Neumann and AEA mics on the song 'I Can't Make You Love Me' by Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin. We actually did this a while ago and only getting around to editing it now, so some things have changed in our studio and opinions since then!

We matched levels, but didn't add any reverb or change EQ on the vocal so the differences can be heard better.

Timings:
0:10 - Introduction
1:32 - Piano intro
1:59 - Verse 1 - Mics all through Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 preamp
2:31 - Chorus 1 - Mics all through Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 preamp
3:23 - Verse 2 - Mics all through Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 preamp
3:57 - Chorus 2 - Mics all through Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 preamp
4:50 - Verse 1 - Mics with selected high-end preamps
5:26 - Chorus 1 - Mics with selected high-end preamps
6:18 - Verse 2 - Mics with selected high-end preamps
6:52 - Chorus 2 - Mics with selected high-end preamps
7:57 - Conclusion

Vocal: Robin Phillips
Piano: Robin Phillips
Recorded at: remusic recording studio, nr Cambridge, UK.
Video edit: Seb Fisher & Robin Phillips

Mics:
FLEA 47 (tube LDC)
Sontronics ARIA (tube/valve LDC)
Neumann U87 (1985 - LDC)
AEA R84A (A840 - active ribbon)
Neumann TLM102 (LDC)

Preamps in second section:
API A2D (API 312 preamps with digital output stage)
UA 4-710D (710 Twinfinity preamps with digital output stage)
AMS/Neve 1073 DPD (1073 preamps with digital output stage)

Robin's conclusion - see video for full thoughts:

"The FLEA is great with that warm 47 sound, but fairly expensive and you only get a cardioid pattern mic for the money. The ARIA has lots of high end clarity which could be good or bad, especially if mixing for phone speakers etc. It picked up a little too much bow noise on the cello test and a little too much sibilance on this vocal one. It's almost more like a big SDC (clarity and detail) then a tube LDC. I imagine the ARIA gets warmer as you get closer to the mic too, and it combos really well (see cello test). The U87 is a little thin on it's own (but punchy) and the AEA a little too dull on its own (but warm), but they combo together to make almost an exact 47 replica sound. The TLM102 held its own, especially considering the price differential and its tiny size!

"I didn't get the FLEA because I already have one in reality with the U87 and R84 combo, but I bought the ARIA thanks to their artist pricing as it was a great deal, although I'm still trying to work out where it sits in my microphone arsenal and if and when I'll call on it.

"I actually ended up buying a different 47 clone, the (Dave) Pearlman TM47 when one came up on offer later on, having listened to it on other shootouts against the FLEA and loving the look and sound. It's is a great mic, I didn't include it here because I demo'd it in a different room from a different distance and so we agreed it wasn't close enough to include. Why did I buy it when I said above I didn't need one? Well I liked the idea of having the '47' sound in a single mic because it makes processing easier. But also, I really like the look of the TM which inspires performance, and to get the same look from the FLEA you have to get the 'vintage' model which costs quite a lot more,

"Comparing the FLEA and Pearlman here behind-the-scenes today I find the Pearlman is a little warmer in the low end and a little more open in the top end (on my voice) whereas the FLEA has a slightly dulled sound in the higher frequencies. Also, I think I could have matched the mics and pres better, probably matching the AEA with our DAV or AEA RPQ, the U87 with our Neve, and the FLEA with the DAV (my go to for tube and ribbon mics). But we did this test a while ago and you learn every day! With that said the findings in this video stay current today listening back," Robin Phillips.

For more information about the studio see: www.repmusic.co.uk/recording-studio