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Dr Bob · 27th November 2005

I second the recommendations concerning omnis, but in case you need a directional mic, I have had really good luck close miking wiith the cardioid Earthworks mics. I have an older pair, but I understand the current SR 30 is sonically equivalent. In the class I am teaching this semester we did a "how many ways can you mike an acousitic guitar" class with a wide variety of sdc mics (Earthworks, KM 184, KM 140, Schoeps CMC64, Oktava's, and even Shure KSM 141's) and while they all were "good," there was a special quality to the Earthworks pair. The lack of proximity effect up close (they roll off a lot in the lower freqs) gives them a quality other mics don't seem to have. We are used to hearing conventional proximity build up in close miked situations and when it doesn't happen the sound is startling. Not quite the same as omnis either.

The manufacturer claims they just sound more "real" and in our experience on both steel strung and classical guitars that certainly seemed the case. I have also used them as the "inside" pair on piano with great results--an application in which I often reach for omni's.

27th November 2005	#5
Dr Bob Gear nut Joined: Jan 2004 Location: Storrs. CT Posts: 81	And if you need cards: Earthworks I second the recommendations concerning omnis, but in case you need a directional mic, I have had really good luck close miking wiith the cardioid Earthworks mics. I have an older pair, but I understand the current SR 30 is sonically equivalent. In the class I am teaching this semester we did a "how many ways can you mike an acousitic guitar" class with a wide variety of sdc mics (Earthworks, KM 184, KM 140, Schoeps CMC64, Oktava's, and even Shure KSM 141's) and while they all were "good," there was a special quality to the Earthworks pair. The lack of proximity effect up close (they roll off a lot in the lower freqs) gives them a quality other mics don't seem to have. We are used to hearing conventional proximity build up in close miked situations and when it doesn't happen the sound is startling. Not quite the same as omnis either. The manufacturer claims they just sound more "real" and in our experience on both steel strung and classical guitars that certainly seemed the case. I have also used them as the "inside" pair on piano with great results--an application in which I often reach for omni's.