EV PL33, PL35 -- Real or Crap?

Bezmotivnik · 08-10-2011, 01:00 PM

Long deal here.

I've seen a very few reviews that seem to indicate these are quality microphones, but my instincts tell me they're just yet more crap-level Chinese drumkit sets with $1.37 generic capsules, a different name on the outside and an insanely-inflated fake MSRP.

Anyone actually know anything about these?

Thanks for any hard info.

Steve36 · 08-10-2011, 10:43 PM

Hey Bezmotivnik...I have a PL33 that I really like.I bought it on
impulse (for $180) a few years back and use it all the time...
I can't tell you anything about the PL35's though...kit seems to be a pretty good deal.

Steve

Bezmotivnik · 08-11-2011, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve36

I have a PL33 that I really like. I bought it on impulse (for $180)

I've since read that these are the same model names for different (cheaper?) microphones.

Still not clear on this...but if it's not like the usual cheap and shoddy percussion sets maybe it's worth getting.

There is a conspicuous absence of real reviews on these models...which is why I'm hesitant to pounce on this deal; I don't need any more marginal dynamic microphones.

Steve36 · 08-11-2011, 09:24 AM

The PL series was originally around in the 70's...big with a lot of live engineers...I don't know if there are two versions of the newer ones, but the pic looks the same as mine...it's a pretty useful mic to me (PL33)...never heard the 35's...If I could get 'em for $99 here I'd be all over it...PL33 is at least a good xtra option for a kick,bass cab, or floor tom...

Steve

Steve36 · 08-11-2011, 09:38 AM

I've just done a quick search of Australian prices on these and the PL35's are from $140 to $180 each...PL33 $120 to $206...

Steve

pixeltarian · 08-11-2011, 10:36 AM

I have 6 PL 35 mics
they have a lot of snap too them. very boombastic sounding.

I'm selling them for $60 USD each. preferably sold in groups of 3.

ObiK · 08-11-2011, 04:09 PM

I have a PL-78. Awesome mic. Anytime I see one used I'll try to buy it.

Steve36 · 08-12-2011, 12:09 AM

The mic kit in the deal Bezmotivnik has linked to above has a PL33 and 3 PL35's for $99 US...

Steve

pixeltarian · 08-12-2011, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve36

The mic kit in the deal Bezmotivnik has linked to above has a PL33 and 3 PL35's for $99 US...

Steve

oh whoe! I didn't see that link. I'd buy that deal in a heartbeat.

Steve36 · 08-12-2011, 02:12 AM

Ditto...!!That kit is nearly $600 here...

Steve

Bezmotivnik · 08-15-2011, 03:44 AM

OK, you lot talked me into it.

Ordered...

Bezmotivnik · 08-19-2011, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bezmotivnik

OK, you lot talked me into it.

Ordered...

Arrived today. Haven't tried them out, but they certainly look like relatively quality units. Extremely nice, BIG carrying hard bag with deep padding and lots of extra pull-outs for more microphones.

Capsules are typical plastic and tape jobs, but of apparently of higher quality than usual and not the generic ones that seem to identically show up in every Chinese dynamic in the $1-$75 range.

These are apparently "pro" enough for Bosch/E-V to get endorsee drummers to tour and record with them.

Rim clamps are sort of a mystery, but they do work.

Slick spec sheets, E-V cable wraps, steal-my-gear E-V bumper sticker, padded bag strap, etc.

Three Year guarantee, as I read it.

In short, an EXTREMELY good deal for $100...not in the same class as the yucky CAD, Nady, etc. drum packs at similar prices, but much more in line with the US$625 MSRP.

If you snoze, you lost. The price is back up to US$379.

jacobestes · 08-19-2011, 06:09 PM

My first thought was that just the clamps and case and so on are worth the $100. I mean, if they were garbage microphones, then they wouldn't be worth the time it takes to open the box.

Interested in hearing how they sound. So, good deal.

Steve36 · 08-24-2011, 09:43 PM

Hey Bezmotivnik...have you had a chance to try 'em out yet...?

Steve

Bezmotivnik · 08-25-2011, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve36

Hey Bezmotivnik...have you had a chance to try 'em out yet...?

Nah. Been too confused. I at least wanted to try them out to see if they work, but the studio box mysteriously crashed the other night. I'm suspecting a known flaky video card, but don't have the ambition to try to fix it and don't trust the box enough to use it in the meantime.

All my projects are obstructed, stuck in the gate as usual.

I would bet no four people here combined have had as much intermittently bad new hardware in their recording studios as I have. For eight years. It's like a curse or a bad dream.

Bezmotivnik · 08-25-2011, 01:24 PM

Well, I tried them out and all I can say for sure is that they work and the 35s sound reasonably alike from one to another

I tried them on a piccolo snare and the 35s sounded really muddy, but that was almost certainly the placement. I'm no authority...but the clamps are pretty limiting and difficult to use, a universal complaint in the buyer reviews...BUT...they do seem to hang on once you get them attached. All I can say about the 33 is that it had less high end, so it really is a bass drum microphone.

Bezmotivnik · 09-09-2011, 06:10 AM

For those who missed out, the set with four PL35s and one PL33 is $129.99 today, September 9.

Very impressive deal at that price.

Bezmotivnik · 10-05-2011, 02:35 AM

The deal is back.

Tuned · 10-12-2011, 12:39 AM

Wow. The EV N/D408 is my fave instrument dynamic, it's like taking the best of the Sennheiser 421 and 409, nice rip that's not 'papery' like the e609, and deep neutral bottom end. Knowing EV, these are of that vein, jump in.

But I'll never give up my Audix D6 kick mic. The rest of Audix's D line have similar big bottom end that's strangely embellished but not resonant like a Beta52. Love the Audix low end on kick and it's got the most condenser-like snap of any dynamic kick mic I've used, but I prefer the 421-like deep neutral low end on toms of the N/D408.