Hi,

Does anyone on here have an experience with both of these mics?

I tried the GeminiII a while back and quite liked it. As a result I'm tempted to get one but someone mentioned the Z5600II as being very similar for less money and with 9 different pickup patterns.

Has anyone on here tried both of these mics? What are your thoughts on them?

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www.richardpenrose.com

The Gemini III is still available from a few places (DV247, for instance) for about the same price as the Gemini II. The III is a multi-pattern version of the II, nothing more or less. I like mine as lot.

CC

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Putting the fun back into dysfunctional.
Mr Punch's Studio

Can't recommend the z5600. It's the one mic from SE that isn't worth having.

Hi,

I have both. They are very different mics, primarily because the Gemini has two tubes (12AU7 valve on the output stage in place of the traditional transformer) whereas the 5600 has one.

They are both very good on vocals but the Gemini slightly edges due to the extra 'intamacy' from the second tube. I'd say the 5600 is execellent on anything, because it's not as 'warm' and therefore suited to more applications - aided by the switchable polar patterns will suit any source.

Build quality - both execellent. They have very heavy brass bodies, decent shockmounts (with 'teeth' to prevent slip), both have external PSUs that come with the mic. Both are supplied in a very good case.

As I predominiatly record vocals these days, I always go for the Gemini II before anything else. It's a case of plug in and record, always a great sound.

There is a 'FET' only version of the Gemini called the G350 (same capsule, no valves). This has just been reduced to £330 at DV247.com - probably a winner for 1/3 price.

If you want to hear them first - SE do a free 7 day loan service. As you can guess, I'm a big SE fan and have been since buying my 5600.

Quote Ant Gamble:

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There is a 'FET' only version of the Gemini called the G350 (same capsule, no valves). This has just been reduced to £330 at DV247.com - probably a winner for 1/3 price.

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That's a very good price, gear ... acquisition ... syndrome ... must ... fight ... it ...

CC

--------------------
Putting the fun back into dysfunctional.
Mr Punch's Studio