Beyerdynamic Opus 69 and 81
Dynamic and Condenser Performance Mics

by Robert Hanson

 

The Opus 69 (click for larger view).
Beyerdynamic’s latest performance mics are the Opus 69 and the Opus 81. The $299 69 is a supercardioid dynamic intended for live sound applications, ranging from vocals to miking instruments and cabinets. The $425 81 cardioid condenser (back electret) is equally usable onstage and in the studio for vocals and acoustic instruments. The mics offer a black matte finish, sleek styling and rugged construction, built to endure long outings on the road; both include mic clips and padded carry bags.

 The Opus 69
 Boasting a respectable frequency response of 35 to 16k Hz, the 69 was a solid performer in live sound situations. On vocals, I set up the 69 for the lead vocalist in a local rock band. With a full P.A. and live drums, I A/B’d between the 69 and the SM58s that we normally use. The first thing I noticed was the level difference and the clarity; I normally spend a good amount of time fighting with the gain and the EQ to get the lead vocal to cut through. With the 69’s noticeably higher output and excellent rejection, I could back the gain way off while preserving a great-sounding signal. The 69 produces a pronounced mid-range boost that provides a bright sound without requiring EQ. All of this yields a very clear and easy-to-use signal.

The 69’s extremely tight pattern does wonders to reduce leakage, but performers who sing while playing or moving around a lot should get acquainted with this mic before going onstage. In my studio, I set up the 69 for some demo work and tracked my own vocals and a direct guitar line. In playing back the material (without adding compression), I noticed substantial level differences in my vocals on each of the more difficult chord changes where I was turning my head. After a few run-throughs, I was used to the 69’s pattern—this tight, supercardioid response is something performers need to know about before using this mic.

The Opus 81 (click for larger view).
On acoustic guitar, the 69 seemed an obvious choice. On a boom stand positioned approximately 10 inches from the performer, the 69 sounded great—clear, uncluttered, full and warm. The same applied to guitar and bass cabinets; the 69 rocked on both a Fender Princeton and a Peavey TNT bass amp. The mic had no trouble with high SPLs, and its handling of heavily effected guitar tones was exactly what one would expect from a mic of this caliber.

The Opus 81
 The Opus 81 has a stated frequency response of 50 to 18k Hz and a max SPL of 138 dB. The capsule is fitted with a tight mesh covering, which doubles as an internal pop screen and protective cover to keep saliva and dirt out of the condenser element.

On lead vocals, the 81 sounded like a happy medium between a high-end dynamic and mid-level studio condenser. It didn’t quite have the warmth, character or features of, say, a RØDE NT-2, but it sounded noticeably fuller and richer than any of the dynamics I paired it against. This mic would be an especially good fit for younger performers, quieter singers, and softer, more nuanced per-formances. The mic’s in-ternal pop screen was fairly resistant to plosives, and the 81 had almost no handling noise.

I also tried the 81 on guitar and violin in the studio, and the mic continued to impress me, providing the kind of clear, pristine signal that you almost don’t want to touch. On guitar, the 81’s response was flat and predictable, with the performer positioned six to 12 inches away and even swaying around a bit. With the violin, I felt the need to keep the performer on the mic a little tighter, but, again, the 81 provided a realistic and uncolored signal.

Conclusions
 For performers who play in less-than-ideal locales, where the mic selection leaves something to be desired, a complement of Opus 69s for your vocalists will do wonders to improve your overall sound. The Opus 81 could be a dream come true for performers working pro venues where phantom power is available. These are two mics that you’ll definitely hear the difference.

Beyerdynamic, 56 Central Ave., Farmingdale, NY 11735; 631/293-3200; fax 631/293-3288; www.beyerdynamic.com.

Robert Hanson, Mix’s editorial assistant, is a musician/producer who somehow manages to survive in San Francisco.

Reprinted with permission from Magazine, April, 2001
© 2000, Intertec Publishing, A Primedia Company All Rights Reserved


[an error occurred while processing this directive]