So much here...where to start??
Most of the mics you've listed are great for their purpose. However, your GTs are quite nice as well. I've owned and used GT mics for several years and have always found them to be far better than their price would indicate.
unisonic said:
josephson c42mp matched pair. Often used by Steve Albini.
While I agree that these are fantastic mics for overheads, I could care less who uses them. Unless Steve Albini himself will come record your drums for you and personally insure their success, this is absolutely useless. You see - Steve Albini could use Radio Shack mics and get a good sound because -
1 - He has a good room and a good set of drums
2 - He knows how to use whatever he's handed to use
3 - He knows how to tune a kit to get his desired sound
4 - He knows how to place the mics to get his desired sound.
But again - good advice on the mics - very nice.
johnthemiracle said:
km184. ok it's over 1k, but it's worth it. i wouldn't settle for less...
Yikes...
First, the 184s are about as strident of a pair of overheads as I could imagine. They're decent at some things (hand percussion and steel string guitar) but for overheads...a bit much. I wouldn't say "i wouldn't settle for less..." But hey - if you like them, that's all that matters. Personally, I've found that most people who own the 184s are those who need a SDC and decide that they MUST have a Neumann and don't give it any more consideration than that.
Drewslum said:
I'm in the situation you are in except I only want to spend about $800 or so. You probably won't find used KM184 pairs for 1000. I've also been told that new 451s are not the same mic as vintage 451s. For a while I was really conviced that I wanted real MK012s but too many people have said the quality is just too uneven. You could also look into the Rode NT5 or NT55. A lot of people use them.
I've seen 184s for under $1k a pair on Ebay. It's not at all uncommon.
The new 451s aren't the same as the old ones but the old ones can be found on Ebay for VERY little money and are very well worth it. Not to mention, the new 451s are great mics too. They're bright (not as much as the Neumanns) but the midrange isn't as smooth as in the Neumanns. Either would do fine - the 451s are cheaper though.
The MK012s can be excellent, but you'll want to buy them from someone who will match them for you. It's a little more, but well worth it.
The Rodes are friggin amazing especially given their price. They have a smooth midrange and a nice smooth top end.
I haven't tried the Chameleon Labs - can't comment.
Some others to consider -
AKG C460/480 or Blueline
AT 4041/4051
Cheers-
J.