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The 414 sounds the most "classic" and instantly familiar to my ears, followed by the 184. No surprise there, eh? So, in a way the 414 is my favorite of the 4, even though it can seem a little bloated solo'ed and without any EQ... but combine that 414 with a km(1)84? Now that's a bass sound. I like the km mounted in the bridge pointing up. Some folks dig it 'looking' at the fingerboard. Blend to taste.
Admittedly, I'm no TLM 103 fan, but I didn't hate it here. I just thought it was a little funny, but totally workable. I'd rather have something else. Come to think of it, that's my review of the 103 in a nutshell!
As always, it sounded a bit scratchy and bright on top, bringing out plenty of string "clack" in this case. It's indisputably wide pickup pattern was in full effect here, and it picked up much more room sound than any of the others. In this instance, those two characteristics made for a Bass sound that was reminiscent of an old Charles Mingus recording: fairly articulate, fairly roomy upright bass. Not bad! ...Also, not good for everything!
Sorry Steve, I'm still not a fan enough to buy any for myself. I've used them a bunch in the past, and felt the same way everytime. Now I tend to leave them at the bottom of the locker when I'm working at outside studios.
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