PS I beg your patience and indulgence. I appreciate the tips and recommendations already given in the TRP post. I'm still weighing up and seeking out second-hand options re schoeps (Mk21, 2H, or Mk5 - the cardiod option would be handy), and will soon have the opportunity of AB'ing the Gefell M296 and a THE Audio diffuse-field omni (forget the model #). That should be interesting.

However, since hearing some AKG 426 snippets from Dave and Teddy, I've become intrigued. Those sounds were striking; intoxicating :-) and gave me that "that's precisely what I'm looking for" feeling, a bit like when I heard the SF24. But the 426 is way beyond my price range. So I'm wondering if I could achieve as good a sound from the 422. There must be some reason for the price difference... has anyone had experience with both?

I believe the 426 has upgraded electronics giving a better noise floor. Basically a newer model. If you are in Los Angeles, you can rent the 426 at Audio Rents in Hollywood for $50 a day, or pick up Fri and return Mon.... for same 1 day rental.

Occasionally you can find a 422 with CK-12 capsules, but they are *very* rare. I've used both and as a practical thing, there is virtually no difference in sound between the two. As a matter of fact, I've had concerts recorded with both and mastered tracks between the two with almost no difference.

The 422 perhaps has a touch higher noise floor and if I remember correctly, the bottom capsule is fixed to the body- much like the C34. Means that you'd have to rotate the mic a bit in its mount to get an X-Y or blumlein pickup.

In the scheme of things, though, you won't go wrong with either. Also, keep an eye out on ebay- the both sell for pennies compared to the original cost.

--Ben

Yep, the bottom capsule is fixed. THe noise in the 422 is a bit higher, but not enough to stop the train. FYI, Peter Drefahl does an upgrade to the 422 that basically brings the electronics up to date...this corrects the noise issue, and opens up the freq. response. (he says 100khz). Peter also makes the cables for those mics, as well as pattern boxes. He does all my maintenance.

Tony Merill also does mods for those mics, replacing the caps with SPAudios custom sub micron versions..Tony also has access to some of the original brass ck12 caps. He did a number on a buddys AKG c33e...wow.

FifthCircle wrote: Occasionally you can find a 422 with CK-12 capsules, but they are *very* rare. I've used both and as a practical thing, there is virtually no difference in sound between the two. As a matter of fact, I've had concerts recorded with both and mastered tracks between the two with almost no difference.

The 422 perhaps has a touch higher noise floor and if I remember correctly, the bottom capsule is fixed to the body- much like the C34. Means that you'd have to rotate the mic a bit in its mount to get an X-Y or blumlein pickup.

In the scheme of things, though, you won't go wrong with either. Also, keep an eye out on ebay- the both sell for pennies compared to the original cost.

--Ben

Thanks guys. So basically it is a small noise difference. That's quite heartening. I will definitely keep an eye out on ebay.