A classic microphone comparison

[Screws]

Ok, it's a given that nothing is like my 65 Jazz Bass, or my 77 Music Man. But the fact is, there are other basses that are in the ball park of these, and though the feel and sound is not exactly the same, there are at least some instruments that are similar.

So, with all these new LD condensor mics out there, is there something that is in the ball park of -

AKG C12
ELA M251
U47
U67
U87

Since the idea of spending $5000 or as much as $15,000 for some of these great mics is an impossibility to many of us, it would be nice to at least know which of the $500 to $2500 mics are similar in sound to them.

Obviously, this is only for those who've actually heard the classic mics as well as the new Rodes, Marshalls, Soundeluxes, Lawsons, Neumanns, AKG's, etc. So if you're a player, we're all ears, er, eyes.

Now the idea is this, if you've heard 4 mics that are slightly reminiscent of a 47, please list them in order by the criteria of which mics sound closest to the classic.

Steve Cruz
Cruzified Music

[hargerst]

I haven;t had much experience around the C12 or the 251, but I've been abound a few U47s, although it's been a while. Arm yourself with a large bag of salt to be taken frequently.

I can address the bottom of the heap mics. The Marshall V67G has a similar magic to my ear as the U47, although I would really need to hear them side by side. Same with the Oktava MC012 and the 33mm LOMO head - a magical combination.

I've heard the Brauner and the Soundfield and both are wonderful mics, but too detailed to fit the U47 sound. The T.H.E. mic with the 33mm capsule also sounds very good to me.

[Screws]

Hey Harvey,

Thanks for being the first to chime in. I've read many of your posts here and at rec.audio.pro and always appreciated your opinions.

Thanks especially for understanding the spirit of this thread. No one really expects a $500 mic to sound exactly like a $5000 classic, but there are degrees of seperation that can make observations like yours a welcomed source of valuable input.

How about it? Anybody else?

Steve Cruz
Cruzified Music