Studio Projects B1 vs B3

[Reaper]

I've been looking closely at these two mics. The B1 runs around $80 (street value, it lists at $100), and the B3 at $160. So far the only major difference seems to be the "multiple-pattern" option on the B3 (it offers omni and figure 8 patterns in addition to the standard cardioid). Is this really worth doubling the price? Or is there something else I'm overlooking here? Is there any reason why I should take the B3 over the B1 (other than the patterns)?

Btw, I'd be miking piano, guitar (amped more than acoustic), brass, and possibly woodwind (mainly sax).

Specs can be found here:
http://www.studioprojectsusa.com/b3.html
http://www.studioprojectsusa.com/b1.html

[JESTER700]

Originally Posted by Reaper

I've been looking closely at these two mics. The B1 runs around $80 (street value, it lists at $100), and the B3 at $160. So far the only major difference seems to be the "multiple-pattern" option on the B3 (it offers omni and figure 8 patterns in addition to the standard cardioid). Is this really worth doubling the price? Or is there something else I'm overlooking here? Is there any reason why I should take the B3 over the B1 (other than the patterns)?

Btw, I'd be miking piano, guitar (amped more than acoustic), brass, and possibly woodwind (mainly sax).

Specs can be found here:
http://www.studioprojectsusa.com/b3.html
http://www.studioprojectsusa.com/b1.html

Multi pattern usually makes a mic much more flexible. Unfortunately, the other patterns on these mics are usually pretty horrid. If you want to get the other patterns as a learning tool and just in case it ever comes up as useful, go ahead. But you'll use cardioid the vast majority of the time.

[Polaris20]

From what I have heard, if multipattern is what you want, then get the C3, not the B3.

Otherwise, the B1 is highly recommended for Acoustics, vocals, piano, and brass.

I am totally getting one (after I get some cash).

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by JESTER700

Multi pattern usually makes a mic much more flexible. Unfortunately, the other patterns on these mics are usually pretty horrid. If you want to get the other patterns as a learning tool and just in case it ever comes up as useful, go ahead. But you'll use cardioid the vast majority of the time.

What would the other patterns be used for? And what's "horrid" about them? Is there a drop in sound quality?

[JESTER700]

You might use an omni pattern to pick up room sound. Or a figure 8 to mic snare & hat with one mic. But a pattern should have a good frequency response and even pickup pattern, and most shanghai mics (though I can't speak to the Studio Projects mics specifically, so this may not apply) have better response in cardioid. Still, it can't hurt, if all other things are equal, so if you think you might use the extra options, go for it.