High End mics-Sony,AKG,Neumann,Telefuunken?

[Jeremy H]

Hello all...

Looking for good high end mics to compliment my Avalon/Api/Vintech X81 pre setup (..that's one at a time, not in a series...!) into PT6......I already have a TLM103, Rode NTK, and a Neumann M147 tube......Looking at the following....

SonyC800G--------Nemann U87ai-----------AKG C12vr----------Telefunken Ela M 251E---------------

[BradD]

Your options are kind of all over the board. If you're in a major market, I'd encourage you to listen to some of these mics. From purely second hand information, I'd cross the C12VR off the list. When I was in this position about a year ago, I went with the Korby Convertible. It's gone up in price to about $7,000. However, it's actually a very good value when you consider that it has 4 interchangeable heads for U47, U67, Elam 251, and AKG C12. It has really taken my recordings to the next level. Now I need to get some better pres. Good luck.

[Ruairi]

Brad,

could you elaborate on your experience with the Korby, first hand info is hard to come by with this unit. I am considering selling my Soundelux U99 and E47 to get the 4 head version. I will be in London next month so I will demo it then. Any thoughts or comparisons you may have done would be appreciated,

cheers,
Ruairi

[jon]

I'd sell the M147 and NTK and find someone expert to help you choose a good 47, 67, 269, 49, 251, vintage 87 (not 87ai!) or a Korby or Soundelux version of one.

Plus get a few ribbon mics (121/122, AEA, M160) and dynamic mics (SM7, SM57, 421s, etc) and small cap condenser mics.

I agree with the advice to avoid the VR version of the C12.

[picksail]

Hey jon,

If you come across a 269 you'd better sleep with one eye open!!

[BradD]

I'm here in Kansas City where mics like Soundelux, Lawson, and Korby are not terribly common. I've never heard any of the Soundelux or Lawson versions, nor have I heard any of the vintage originals. With that backdrop, here's my take on the Korby. I have all four heads. Most of my recording with the mic has been for vocals, although I've also used it as a mono overhead, on acoustic guitar, and on guitar cabs.

The U47 is dark, somewhat veiled and I've heard it maligned by some. I love it. I have a sort of midrangy voice that can sound nasal with some mics. This mic gives me plenty of bottom and if I need more top it takes EQ well.

The U67 head is the only head that is not a true copy of the original. It is modification based on the Stephen Paul mod. (Tracy Korby worked for Stephen Paul for a time). Overall it is probably my favorite of the mics. It is extremely open (wide) sounding with a full bottom and an extended top end. From a vocal standpoint I think this mic is extremely versatile and I can't envision a vocalist it wouldn't sound good on.

The Elam 251 is also very nice. It has some of the veiled darkness of the 47 and some of the top of the 67. It is also a great and very versatile vocal mic.

I've always heard the C12 is supposed to be a great vocal mic. However, it is by far my least favorite of the four heads. It's accurate, but far thinner on the low end than the other 3 heads. It makes my voice sound somewhat nasal. It may work for some voices, but it's not particularly good on me or the other male singer in my band. If you could only afford three heads, I'd leave this one out. However, I've also heard some say they love the C12, so your mileage may vary.

Hope this helps.

[Ruairi]

Hey Brad,

thanks for taking the time to reply,

cheers,
Ruairi

[vsimmons]

Get the ELAM 251. Contact them out there. They are nice people. They can work with you. If you can get a vintage 251 and know what to look for this would be very good. I just love those mics

[Ollie]

You can get a real Neumann U67 for cheaper than the Korby system. Also look at AKG C12A, and C12B if you want that top end thing that the CK12 capsule has. I picked a C12B up on EBAY from a guy in the states last year for $1300. Right place, right time. Sounds great.

I have a couple of Neumann vocal mics that sound great: M49, and for small cash a Neumann Geffel M582 with a M71h large gold capsule. Both sound great.