Someone commented on this video the other day asking how the CSS-5 performed in quiet situations, more specifically the difference between the self-noise in “Normal” and “Wide” modes on the mic. I’ve never thought of the CSS-5 as a very quiet mic (and don’t ever use it for recording quiet things), but I wanted to give him some examples, so I did a quick A/B compare.
Here’s the original video:
Here’s the A/B:
I just did a quick recording on my back porch, so there are some rural noises in there (distant a/c hum, kids and toys, occasional traffic, etc…).
What are your thoughts?
Wow, a bit hard to tell, but I’d say it’s pretty bloomin’ good. I think it’s noise level is way better than my U87. Kind of hard to beat the MKH 50 and the other MKHs, IMHO though.
Yeah, most of the MKH’s are pretty quiet, save for the 416, and 816. I’m a huge fan of the MKH800.
I’ve never done an A/B test between a U87 and the CSS-5 (not quite sure why I would…), but according to specs, the U87 is a bit noiser.
However, for a proper comparison, you would have to compare a similar microphone setup. I suppose you could compare the CSS-5 to an MKH M/S setup, like a 30/50 or 30/60, which would definitely beat the CSS-5 on noise. Or the RSM191, MKH418s, Schoeps M/S setup, etc…
Very good point. I guess I mentioned the 87 because I am just always used to always using a U87 – I’m a studio recordist who mainly records dialogue and not so many effects with different mics.
Are there mics you want to A/B with the CSS-5 that you don’t have that I might have? Maybe we could figure out some sort of similar source material on a similar preamp or something. Might be fun.