Right now I'm looking at SDC's like the oktava mod MK012's, the Peluso CEMC6, maybe a used set of Neumann KM184's, AKG c451, and Shure SM81's. I have no idea what to get. There's no way I'm going to be able to try all of them out so I was hoping someone in here could tell me which mics they've had good experiences with. I'm currently using Groove Tubes GT57's as OH's and any of these mics would be an improvement...
looking for something more specific than just "sm 81's are awesome" however i am considering them
I'm in the situation you are in except I only want to spend about $800 or so. You probably won't find used KM184 pairs for 1000. I've also been told that new 451s are not the same mic as vintage 451s. For a while I was really conviced that I wanted real MK012s but too many people have said the quality is just too uneven. You could also look into the Rode NT5 or NT55. A lot of people use them.
In the end I'm either going to get a pair of SM81s (because they seem like the standard other than KM184s) or a pair of Chameleon Labs TS-1.
I have a pair, but I haven't put them up over drums yet. However, I can say that the pattern, while advertised as cardiod, is really hypercardiod. The off-axis response is excellent, and they are detailed w/o being bright. The bottom is full and deep.
I can only imagine that they would do very well as overheads, especially for live work.
johnthemiracle Recording Org Pro Audio Group
Joined: Jul 26, 2004
Posts: 94
Location: vienna, austria
josephson c42mp matched pair. Often used by Steve Albini. Exceptionally crisp, detailed mics. Bright mics without stridency, with a dry, precise sound.
You can find them for $900 here:
http://www.mercenary.com/josephsonc42mp.html
Drewslum Recording Org Pro Audio Group
Joined: Dec 27, 2007
Posts: 73
Location: Seattle, WA
josephson c42mp matched pair. Often used by Steve Albini. Exceptionally crisp, detailed mics. Bright mics without stridency, with a dry, precise sound.
You can find them for $900 here:
http://www.mercenary.com/josephsonc42mp.html
Yes I have & I'm very happy with these microphones!
They have a thickness on them & a bit of extra sparkle on the top end. I often use these microphones for cymbals, drum overheads & for choir ensemble.
Cucco Moderator
Joined: Mar 8, 2004
Posts: 4213
Location: Fredericksburg, VA
Most of the mics you've listed are great for their purpose. However, your GTs are quite nice as well. I've owned and used GT mics for several years and have always found them to be far better than their price would indicate.
unisonic wrote:
josephson c42mp matched pair. Often used by Steve Albini.
While I agree that these are fantastic mics for overheads, I could care less who uses them. Unless Steve Albini himself will come record your drums for you and personally insure their success, this is absolutely useless. You see - Steve Albini could use Radio Shack mics and get a good sound because -
1 - He has a good room and a good set of drums
2 - He knows how to use whatever he's handed to use
3 - He knows how to tune a kit to get his desired sound
4 - He knows how to place the mics to get his desired sound.
But again - good advice on the mics - very nice.
johnthemiracle wrote:
km184. ok it's over 1k, but it's worth it. i wouldn't settle for less...
Yikes...
First, the 184s are about as strident of a pair of overheads as I could imagine. They're decent at some things (hand percussion and steel string guitar) but for overheads...a bit much. I wouldn't say "i wouldn't settle for less..." But hey - if you like them, that's all that matters. Personally, I've found that most people who own the 184s are those who need a SDC and decide that they MUST have a Neumann and don't give it any more consideration than that.
Drewslum wrote:
I'm in the situation you are in except I only want to spend about $800 or so. You probably won't find used KM184 pairs for 1000. I've also been told that new 451s are not the same mic as vintage 451s. For a while I was really conviced that I wanted real MK012s but too many people have said the quality is just too uneven. You could also look into the Rode NT5 or NT55. A lot of people use them.
I've seen 184s for under $1k a pair on Ebay. It's not at all uncommon.
The new 451s aren't the same as the old ones but the old ones can be found on Ebay for VERY little money and are very well worth it. Not to mention, the new 451s are great mics too. They're bright (not as much as the Neumanns) but the midrange isn't as smooth as in the Neumanns. Either would do fine - the 451s are cheaper though.
The MK012s can be excellent, but you'll want to buy them from someone who will match them for you. It's a little more, but well worth it.
The Rodes are friggin amazing especially given their price. They have a smooth midrange and a nice smooth top end.
I haven't tried the Chameleon Labs - can't comment.
Some others to consider -
AKG C460/480 or Blueline
AT 4041/4051
I am shocked the NT5s don't get much mention.
I have always been rather fond of them. They can be rather sensitive to where you place them, but if you take the time they can really preform well.
Last night, I used a pair of AT3035's ad that also work pretty well. We were going for a blink 182 drum sound, and they did their job. And the song being recorded has allot of cymbal with a very wide dynamic range.
I know both of theses are cheaper then a grand, but hey, no reason they should be over looked.
Davedog Moderator
Joined: Dec 10, 2001
Posts: 2634
Location: Pacific NW
I'm kinda curious as to what the problem with the Groove Tubes 57 mics is?? They're certainly not the best, but an LDC with patterns and pads and an FET electronic footprint should be able to do a fine job as an overhead mic most anytime. Of course I also think a recordist should always have a pair or more of good SDC's
around. My favorite has always been the SM81's. Its a desert island mic to me. I've used them on just about anything making noise and they always perform up to task.
But I'm still curious about the GT57's. I've heard these mics and they're quality soundwise and build wise. So perhaps a look at the recording environment is in order or maybe a visit to the placements.....Just a thought.
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