Studio Projects C4 Reviews

4.1/5.0 based on 10 customer reviews

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Customer Reviews

Janet
from Canton, MI
January 11, 2013Music Background:
No musical background

Excellent VALUE!!

I purchased this to replace a mic that retailed at over $800 and I am thrilled and impressed that I am getting such comparable quality. I teach high school video production and we use this microphone for group interviews. It really serves our purpose well. The interchangeable capsules also add to the versatility of the microphone. I am so happy that I purchased these.

Keith
from TX
November 6, 2011Music Background:
40+ year hobbyist, playing regularly (CC), tinkering with live recording for a few years

Great value - recommended addition

I got these to use to capture a stereo image and planned to augment the recording of other mics that were dedicated to specific instruments, but found that much of the time an X-Y configuration of these is more than good enough. Nice and quiet and very well matched. Cheaper than just one of the other small condenser mics I have, and so far, these are the ones that I rely on. If you don't have a matched stereo pair, these are a good choice.

Todd
from Inland Empire, CA
December 14, 2009Music Background:
Recording Engineer (in school)

What a steal...

So I needed some pencils, and it was between these and the Rode NT5's. I went with these for two reasons; price and function. I liked the fact that these came with two capsuls (omni, cardiod). I also really wanted the roll off, as Im using these mostly as cymbal mics, its almost essential to me. And of course the db pad is a nice plus. I would imagine the NT5's probably sound a little better, and I'll likely end up buying those too in the next year. But for right now, money is an object, so these came first. Now in terms of sound...

They're pretty detailed, a little bright, but not shrill. They're pretty good quality, I'd say they sound very similar to Shure KSM137, maybe not quite there, but close. So if you're looking for good overheads at an amazing price, I give you my blessing.

Also, mine came in a VERY nice cherry wood case, where all my other mics are in a filing cabinet draw, these are on display on my desk.

Mark Johnson
from Lees Summit, Missouri
December 31, 2007Music Background:
Producer/Engineer, Drummer, Bassist - 7 total years of studio experience

Small Diaphragm Bang for your Buck!

With abundant capsule (omni or cardioid) and pad/rolloff options, these mics have stunned me in only 3 sessions. I've heard them likened to 'human ears', and that's a fair assessment. If your room is less-than-ideal, you can close it off with the presure-gradient caps. If you want your living room in the recording WITH the piano, the omnis will give you just that. Warm, bright but not brittle, these mics will serve you well on piano, vocals, drum OHs, and many other applications.

from
January 15, 2007

Possibly the best in its price range

The C4 set is a great pair of microphones. I've used them on drums, acoustic guitar, ambience mics, and also some experimentation with the omni capsules. They sound good. Period. Very versatile, very clear, but without sounding sterile. I have yet to be disappointed by any mic from Studio Projects. They all have had fantastic sonics and a really decent price. The C4 package continues that trend.

from
April 15, 2011Music Background:
Composer, Music Technologist, Researcher

Good for the price

A very nice pair of mics. They sound great and are very versatile. The build quality is cheap and mine didn't come with one of the hyper-cardioid. Studio Projects has made it very easy to get the capsule sent to me with no hassle. So that makes me feel good about the service. Obviously low QC though.

I would buy them again. I like them more than the NT5 matched pairs for ambient recordings. They aren't Neumann, but for the price they certainly are nice.

Doug
from Thurmont, MD
November 28, 2012Music Background:
Recording Engineer

Great sound, so-so build quality

These mics sound great, and provide a decent budget-minded alternative to a pair of Neumann KM-184's. There are a few odd things, though. First, the "matched pair" microphones come in plastic bags with stickers containing sequential serial numbers. The mics themselves are not marked with serial numbers, so if you buy more than 2 (as I did) it's easy to get them mixed up so the "matched pairs" (if they even really are) are no longer matched. Second, after a couple of months, the diaphragm assemblies in 2 of my 4 mics have begun to rattle when the mics are moved. I haven't noticed any difference in the sound of my recordings, but it's a bit disconcerting. Are they falling apart? Third, the included mic clips are too tight, and can cause the little SP logo medalions to pop off very easily, requiring them to be super-glued back in place. Lastly, the "wooden" (read: plastic) box included with each pair is really just for show, is not that well padded, and is much larger than it needs to be, making for inconvenient carrying/transport.
I'd recommend these mics for their sound, but given all the "little things" listed above, I'm not sure how long they'll last.

Anonymous
June 1, 2005

good for the money

These mics are pretty good for the price. I've never had much luck with SP mics. One always seems to arrive broke. But most people don't have this problem. As far as sound, its a bit heavy on the hi end and definitely deficient on the lo end. Its not harsh or tinny, mind you. Its just that it really lacks any definition from like 500hz and down. And if you're using it for drum overheads, that might not be so bad. But why they ever put a lo cut filter on this mic is beyond me (the omni does have a bit better bass response). All that being said, it is a real sweet sounding mic for big Martin guitars (on a Taylor I'd bet it would be too bell like). As for me, I'd rather use the Rode NT5s (similar price range) for a more full bodied sound. Of course, these C4s give you a ton of options. I think these are great starter sdc mics. And they would be great in any number of situations, esp for the price.

Anonymous
February 1, 2005

Studio Projects C4

These mics are absolutely fantastic. They come with 2 sturdy shock mounts, 2 cardioid and 2 omni capsules which are easily interchangeable, along with a sturdy flight case. As Drum overheads they are full, extremely detailed and have a very smooth top end. On acoustic guitar they perform perfectly, further showcasing their smooth nature and impressively low self noise. Overall they are a great buy for recording acoustic instruments on a budget

Dean
from Sacramento, CA
September 1, 2004

Great value for the money

These are great mics for the money. While not in the same league as Neumann KM184's or Earthworks, their price is about 4-5 times lower for a pair. The build quality is good. The shock mounts are plastic with easily stripped threads, but they are better than standard mic clips. If you factor in the two sets of capsules and carrying case, better mics for the money would be hard to find. For acoustic guitar, they were forward and present with the cardioid capsules, and open and airy with the omni capsules. I have not tried them with other instruments. Recommended if you are looking for a pair of small diaphragm condenser mics in a lower price range.