Today I did the test that I have been meaning to do for a while. I am recording a comparison test between Barcus-Berry and Harley Benton contact microphones. I am lending a Barcus-Berry contact microphone, Piezo crystal sensor, with a 4000XL Piezo Preamp that comes with it. I have my own contact mic or basically a Harley Benton HB-T pick-up mic of a very cheap one. About 12 euros worth that I bought from Thomann some time ago.For those who don't know what a contact microphone is, more info on Wikipedia.
Well, I decided to record a dish washer as a test to compare these to mics. I have only lifted the volume with 10dB from the original. I recorded using the same pre amp for them both, only by switching. I placed them in the center metal panel first.
Here are the sounds of both mics to compare:
As you probably hear there is a difference but it is not that bad actually. The Harley Benton pick-up mic sounds a little more muffled and bassier that the Barcus-Berry contact mic.
At least I now know how much there is difference with a very expensive contact mic and a very cheap one. You know it now too :)
