Well, I own and have used the SM81 hundreds of times on acoustic guitars. But more often than the SM81, I use an old AKG 452 for a pencil mic and if I want or need to add a LD mic or to replace the pencil mic, it could be a 414 TLII, AT4050, AT4060, TLM103 or even a MD421. It just depends...

AudioGaff wrote: Well, I own and have used the SM81 hundreds of times on acoustic guitars. But more often than the SM81, I use an old AKG 452 for a pencil mic and if I want or need to add a LD mic or to replace the pencil mic, it could be a 414 TLII, AT4050, AT4060, TLM103 or even a MD421. It just depends...

Im "really" undecided on the pencil mic thing------I dont have a good pencil mic,and am trying to decide which one Im gonna go with.
Ive read the specs between thye AT4050 and the Shure KSM44,,they are almost identical.
I own a KSM44----really love it-----but I need a good pencil,
Ive read so many good things on the SM81 (tried and true).
Is the 81 that clear?

The SM81 is great mic, is very flat compared to most other pencil mics and should be in any decent mic locker/collection. I've even used them for drum overheads many times. The AT4050 and KSM44 are close enough to each other that either would surfice as a choice.

AudioGaff wrote: The SM81 is great mic, is very flat compared to most other pencil mics and should be in any decent mic locker/collection. I've even used them for drum overheads many times. The AT4050 and KSM44 are close enough to each other that either would surfice as a choice.

Have you ever used/own the Peluso CEMC6 condensor?

Have you ever used/own the Peluso CEMC6 condensor?

No, I have not.

The sm81 is extremely clear and crisp. Handles spl's like madd for reamping to if you have a nice reverb chamber. Handles the high's real well without getting gritty.

If it's AC guitar you're looking to mic and haven't made up your mind you might want to check out the AT3035 (although not a pencil mic) and save a few $$.

CoyoteTrax wrote: The sm81 is extremely clear and crisp. Handles spl's like madd for reamping to if you have a nice reverb chamber. Handles the high's real well without getting gritty.

If it's AC guitar you're looking to mic and haven't made up your mind you might want to check out the AT3035 (although not a pencil mic) and save a few $$.

Acoustic guitar micing is the order for me.
Im really looking into the 81-----I know I need a good pencil condensor for my locker,,,from what I understand,every studio has one :)

stereo miking your acoustic guitar with a pencil-style small diaphragm condenser mic is a great idea. aim your "pencil" inward (towards soundhole) from the 12th fret and your large diaphragm aimed directly at the soundhole. it will take some experimenting with the positioning but your results should be fantastic, provided you have the right equipment.

here are some ideas of some quality, yet affordable pencil-style condensers:
Oktava MK012 (150.00)
AKG C1000S (199.00)
SE Electronics SE1 (150.00)

i'd imagine any of these mics would sound great paired with the AT4040 you had in mind.

good luck.

Anyone A/B the SM81 against the KSM141 on cardio?

Just curious and any opinions would be appreciated. 8-)