What are you going to be recording, and where? Is it for studio work or recording live performances? Do you want to use them as X-Y, ORTF or some other configuration?

From your citing the AKG C451B as an example, I assume you are wanting a pair of SDCs rather than a single stereo microphone.

The C451B is a classic mic for drum overheads, and many people use them for choirs and solo instruments.

However if you need flexibility of configuration, I would look to a microphone that has interchangeable capsules, so you have the option of A-B (spaced omni) configurations as well as X-Y. For that, the Rode NT55MP is, in my opinion, unsurpassed in this price bracket.

I'll use it for overheads,for close miking and stuff,so i think those are good:)
Yes im looking for a pair:)

Boswell wrote: What are you going to be recording, and where? Is it for studio work or recording live performances? Do you want to use them as X-Y, ORTF or some other configuration?

From your citing the AKG C451B as an example, I assume you are wanting a pair of SDCs rather than a single stereo microphone.

The C451B is a classic mic for drum overheads, and many people use them for choirs and solo instruments.

However if you need flexibility of configuration, I would look to a microphone that has interchangeable capsules, so you have the option of A-B (spaced omni) configurations as well as X-Y. For that, the Rode NT55MP is, in my opinion, unsurpassed in this price bracket.

I was borrowing a pair of NT5s from a friends and at the time I was looking for a pair of SDC for overheads and acoustics. I knew they were good, but I thought I would be better off spending $900 on "better" mics...so I did. Afterwards I realized I could've bought 4 NT5s and still had a bunch of cash for whatever else. NT5 or NT55 are sooooooooo cheap for how great they are.

Drewslum wrote: ...I was borrowing a pair of NT5s from a friends and at the time I was looking for a pair of SDC for overheads and acoustics. I knew they were good, but I thought I would be better off spending $900 on "better" mics...so I did. Afterwards I realized I could've bought 4 NT5s and still had a bunch of cash for whatever else. NT5 or NT55 are sooooooooo cheap for how great they are.

I've had a pair of NT5's for a while, and just bought a pair of NT55s so I'd have the option of the omni capsules. Every time I think I ought to get a better pair of SDCs I look around the studio and see ten things that need to be upgraded before the Rodes.

Got to agree on the NT5s. I use them for my choirs all the time and just nailed a Yamaha C5 grand piano. (7'6") I've been satisfied but not happy with the sound I was getting on it using far more expensive mics in all possible stereo combinations.

I'm considering a second pair or the 55s

Phil

As a rogue suggestion, try EV RE200s or Crown CM700s. Both excellent choices for your purposes, and fairly inexpensive - especially on fleabay. I like 'em both, but only have the EVs now...

We're all like little kids in candy stores.

These are some of my favorite flavors

You can never have enough of these.....

one pair 451's
one pair KM 86's
two pair M160's
two pair SM 81's
only one KM 56 dammit.

A bunch of large diaphragm goodies
A bunch of workhorse dynamics
A bunch of Radio Shaft PZM's
A bunch of miscellaneous
A empty wallet
A headache
A Man?
A?....not tonight.
A Ms. Remy Ann David