recordinghacks

Studio Projects B3

Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

The B3 is a side-address, multipattern FET condenser with a large-diaphragm condenser capsule and transformerless output.

As do the other mics in Studio Projects’ “B” series, the B3 uses a 3-micron capsule. Unlike the B1, the B3 uses a dual-diaphragm capsule that provides three pickup patterns (selectable via a switch on the front of the microphone body): cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-of-8.

A second switch allows selection of the pad or high-pass filter features. It is not known whether both the HPF and pad can be enabled simultaneously.

As with the B1, the B3’s impedance conversion circuit is linear.

Like most of the Studio Projects line, the B3 was redesigned in 2006. The revised model is said to incorporate circuitry changes to lower the noise and raise the sensitivity, but the published specs have not changed since 2002. The 797 Audio branding was removed, and the SP logo updated; otherwise the new version appears to be identical on the outside. The MSRP changed from $199.99 to $219.99 (and briefly to $264).

MIX

It’s pretty scary that mics this inexpensive can sound this good.

The Studio Projects B3 is also known as: B-3.

Specifications

Frequency Response - OmnidirectionalClick Graph to Compare!
Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!
Frequency Response - BidirectionalClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Omnidirectional (14 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz) Cardioid (16 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz) Bidirectional (18 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)	Pad: -10dB (Via Switch) Filter: HPF: -6dB/octave @ 150Hz (Via Switch)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 27mm Capsule diameter: 34mm Diaphragm gauge: 3 microns	200 Ohms (Low)	Self-noise: 14.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
n/a	226mm (8.90'')	53mm (2.09'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Requires phantom power Phantom voltage: 48 ± 4v

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