Beyerdynamic MC 740

The Beyerdynamic MC 740 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that is uniquely designed.  This is one of a few condenser microphones that I've used made by Beyerdynamic, as most of the mics they make are like the name states, dynamic mics.  I've only used this mic in the recording studio setting and wouldn't recommend using it outside the studio as it isn't meant for any other sort of use.  The mic has the ability to pick up sound in five different patterns including all of the standard ones like cardioid, figure eight, and omni.  It also has a pad and a roll off features.

OVERALL OPINION

While I've only used the Beyerdynamic MC 740 a handful of different times, each time I've used the mic I've liked the results that I got.  I love having just about every polar pick up pattern that I can think of in the mix here, as it makes the mic extremely versatile.  I also like the unique shape that it has as it not only looks cool, but caters to being able to pick up a wide array of sounds.  I've used the mic for recording vocals for the most part, but once also tried it on acoustic guitar and acoustic piano.  All three of these applications suit the mic perfectly as I was extremely happy with the results that I got in all three situations.  The sound of the mic can generally be described as full and detailed, as I was able to hear all of the nuances in the sound.  Although they no longer makes these mics, you can still find them pretty easily and at pretty reasonable prices for a mic of this caliber.  I'd definitely recommend the MC 740 for both home and professional studio owners as it is one of those rare microphones that isn't overly expensive but has the sound of one that is...

Microphones, five directional characteristics can be displayed using a wheel:
Pure-cardioid
Wide-cardioid
Hyper-cardioid
-Bi-directional
Omni-
In contrast to the useful face, respectively, were two additional functions:
Attenuator 0-dB/-10dB
-Low-cut filter 80 Hz and 160 Hz
This microphone has a double membrane suspended, it comes with its soft suspension it will be essential to use!
The principle rests on a system with relatively conventional condenser type, connected to a double membrane providing a frequency response absolutely constant, regardless of the selected diagram, which is of course therein lies the main interest of this microphone .

OVERALL OPINION

Situation in the MC 740 has always surprised me by two phenomena often contradictory, he manages to be both warm and precise. Indeed, the ample remains serious, sometimes perhaps too generous, but not in excess of the microphone, simply because the acuity of his taking down low, forcing the course to ensure different locations. The medium is hot, it phonogénise a soft voice but without any established, and treble is precise, never hard. However, there is a rise in acute from 4 kHz to reach its peak around 10 kHz is beneficial to the ear. Especially as the gradual de-emphasis from 12 kHz to 20 kHz up to avoid the unpleasant appearance of hyper-realism of the acute, that is too strong of a dive is not always desirable, including a stereo phase according to the current digital technology ..

The rise of the high makes sense to use omnidirectional. Indeed, the significant loss of high frequencies, outside the main axis, thus seems somewhat offset by the sensor. Frequencies reaching the microphone as an oblique remain practically as well as transmitted live on its axis is one of its major strengths.

Using a pair of MC 740 as omnidirectional pattern gives excellent results, even if it is of course at the expense of compatibility mono / stereo space marked only the process is where digital pay can afford a stereo image dramatically developed along the horizontal axis listening. The proximity effect disappears completely.
Operating wide cardioid microphone that highlights the lack of rear rejection. In fact, it's almost a kind of hemisphere without reaching for the omni, however, allows the inclusion of a source in a sound and above all to present a better correlation of phase-AB ORTF pair, even above 110 ° opening.
The MC 740 is very sensitive to vibrations, however it is able to cope with the pressure the most dangerous, this option allows the intended both to conventional stereo intensity than the sound of extreme proximity. I predestined the micro and foremost a working couple, he is also fluent in AB than in MS, which is not the case with all the microphones far from it ..

A microphone that can forget the sense of the term, the ultimate studio tool. However, it will not hesitate to add a good preamp to get the quintessence of the sensor ..