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Hi!

Has anyone here used the Sennheiser MKH 20? I'm looking for a really good and transparent omni for a AB setup (you could say I'm aiming for the best there is...). I've also been checking out microphones like the Earthworks QTC1, DPA 4003, Schoeps aso. All seem to be really good mics, but the MKH feels right in some strange way. What do You think?

Comments

anonymous Wed, 04/13/2005 - 08:39

I use the QTC1s and am very happy with them ... plus you get lots of wierd looks from peple wondering what they are. :) I have had great success with them doing A-B on orchestra, and they render especially well on pipe organ.

That said, I would love to get into the DPAs sometime, but $$ is a constraint at the moment.

Mike

FifthCircle Wed, 04/13/2005 - 08:43

MKH20's are fantastic mics. I love the Sennheiser MKH series... I find them to be clear, but with a slightly warmer sound than a Schoeps (MK2) and they don't have as peaky of a sound as Neumann KM130's. Compared to the B&K's, they probably aren't quite as clear, but have a bit more "body" to the sound. I'd say the B&K's would have the most similar sound. The noise floor on them is also extremely low...

When it comes to mics of that level, you can do very well with any one of about a half dozen mics- from there it is just a matter of picking the sound you like.

--Ben

anonymous Wed, 04/13/2005 - 15:41

Ok, thanx! The performance of the MKHs doesn't seem to be anything to worry about...

I've heard superb recordings with the QTC1s, but I'm a bit worried about the noise the maybe could be a bit too high...But still great mics, no doubt about that.

The Microtech-Gefells could be interesting too. The price (here in Finland) seems to be nice. I'll check them out.

By the way, do You have any opinions on (very) transparent preamps? I've seen detailed tests on the Earthworks preamp and I know it is, or at least extremly close to, audibly transparent. But if there is anything similar at a lower price I'm really interested.

ptr Thu, 04/14/2005 - 01:39

Like Ben wrote; the MKH 20's are excellent Mic's. A good allround choice for Organ and chamber music or even as a basic pair on orchestra. One of my colleagues here in town have used the 20's with my favourite pre, the DAV Broadhurst gardens No. 1 with superb results. (Several recordings straight into a Lynx Two Card).

DAV Website : http://www.davelectronics.com/bg1.htm

/ptr