It's either one or the other guys.   I wonder if when you walked in on their personal recording sessions, are they REALLY using these budget mics that they touted in their last review, or is the U87 which just got "blown away" in their last review the one sitting on the stand for their top flight sessions!

 

The truth is, if all reviewers were being honest about how they were positively giddy over the latest budget offering, and top producers concurred, then you would only see the budget chinese mics on stands in all major studios.  Afterall, 399.00 VS 3,999.00?  And the latest review had the 399.00 mic "blowing away" (or at least being equal to) the 3,999.00 mic?  I would pocket the difference, and vacation Hawaii.  Forget those pricey German manufacturers, buy chinese instead.  Yet, somehow I get the feeling this won't happen anytime soon!

 

Also, I'd sure like to hear some honest after action reports about how the reviewed mic sat in the mix after everything was recorded.  I have heard mics that were breathtaking acapella, but sounded anemic or muddy in a mix.  That's why it's easy to wow consumers at Namm shows, where they stick a set of headphones on you and have you breathe and speak into their mic.  Absolutely worthless criteria. 

 

In summary, product reviews appearing in the same magazine as the manufacturer's paid ads for the same product is a conflict of interest, at least from the standpoint of objectivity.   I enjoy reading them for the specs, features, and general product knowledge, but beyond that, don't make a purchase decision based on a magazine ad.  Instead, search the user forums and other avenues for pre sales information, and then listen to the product.  You be the judge.

 

Good luck, and happy shopping!