New Classics - what are the truly great modern mics?

[SoundHouse]

Originally Posted by Johnkenn

I'm sure some of you will poopoo this, but don't knock it till you try it. The Miktek CV4. Fantastic mic.

Miktek CV4 is one of my favorites. I also love the Oceanus by Lauten Audio.

[littlesicily]

Originally Posted by oudplayer

to me, "new classic" doesn't imply "good modern recreations of old classics," but rather new designs that will have a modern (implying different) sound. A few mics come to mind that I don't even like but honestly I think have had a considerable impact on the sound of enough albums that they deserve to be included.

I agree with this definition. There are plenty of useable copies of classic mics, but not as many new sounds. Brauner stands out to me.

[Verve111]

Originally Posted by Unclenny

I figure the KSM32 to be a future classic.....cost effective workhorse.

Totally agree with you here. The first time I played into one of those things I was absolutely astonished. It is however a somewhat unfortunate looking mic. Maybe it's the ugly duckling.

[Verve111]

Originally Posted by oudplayer

to me, "new classic" doesn't imply "good modern recreations of old classics," but rather new designs that will have a modern (implying different) sound.

Agree as well. I am also interested in which of the recreations of classics are worth their salt, regardless of how close they come to the mics they were copied after. I'm sure some exciting new directions in mic sound were forged from trying to copy a classic and getting it wrong (or right?).

[cheu78]

Originally Posted by Verve111

Agree as well. I am also interested in which of the recreations of classics are worth their salt, regardless of how close they come to the mics they were copied after. I'm sure some exciting new directions in mic sound were forged from trying to copy a classic and getting it wrong (or right?).

I also agree with oudplayer.. in fact my first post on this thread mentioned all the mics that IMO will/could become a classic tomorrow..

and these are some of the mics that took the roots of the "classic" and recreate them faithfully or they took a sort of new direction:

Flea mics (very nice recreations, as close as possible today)
Beesneez (the Arabella is a sort of new take based on classics like the 49 and the 47)

Just my 0.02$,



Cheu

[littlesicily]

I'm always looking for something new w/ "new" mics... even the Heil mics are cool b/c they're a new twist on a dynamic design.

[superburtm]

AEA makes great mics

[KillerV]

Originally Posted by Verve111

Totally agree with you here. The first time I played into one of those things I was absolutely astonished. It is however a somewhat unfortunately looking mic. Maybe it's the ugly duckling.

Each to his own, I guess. I actually quite like how the KSM32 looks. And I absolutely LOVE how it sounds. I can't imagine life without my pair.

[jmikeperkins]

I don't like a lot of their current mics, but the top of the line (modern) Neumann M149 is great mic. A future classic.

[littlesicily]

Originally Posted by jmikeperkins

I don't like a lot of their current mics, but the top of the line (modern) Neumann M149 is great mic. A future classic.

It's no 49 but a very useable mic. It gets poo-poo'd a lot but I've used it a bunch with good results.

[The Studio RI]

Originally Posted by Nevelous

Brands I would and will stay AWAY from are:
all NEW Neumann's
all NEW Telefunken's
Blue
Violet
and maybe even Brauner
because all these mics are way over priced I think. The name of the brand gives them another grand in the price ticket and they offer nothing spectacular.

Every time I see the word "ALL" I get a bit suspicious.

My u87ai is a great mic. It may not be the best for everything, but it certainly works when others don't. Is it overpriced? Absofrickinlutely! I remember when the exact same mic was $1800 street price, now it's $3300. WHAT???? WHY??? I lost a bit of respect for Neumann because of that.

I just finished a project with a Tele AR-51. I was pleasantly shocked. It was the only vocal mic used for over a dozen artists and it sounded great every time. I'm not sure it's worth almost $3000, but I bet many would agree it sounds better than a u87ai.

BLUE won my heart years ago. I'm often touting the Dragonfly Deluxe as a great all-purpose mic because it IS a great mic, and can be had for around $800 used on Ebay. It sounds nothing like the regular Dragonfly. I also have the Blue Bottle which, again, is a fantastic mic. Is it worth $6000 base price? Well... that's debateable, but it is definitely in the same class as any high end tube mic selling in the same price range, and you can change the capsules. Either way, they sell for about $3500 used, and that's a great price.

Can't speak on Violet or Brauner.

Just because something is overpriced does NOT make it a bad mic. Buy it used.

[littlesicily]

Originally Posted by Nevelous

Well are you saying that Brauner has a mic for example for vox that just rocks the shit out of you? If so, let me know, and I'll try to get one for a test drive and I just might change my mind some day

I used the Brauner VM1 for years and it's truly an incredible mix with a new sound... not a copy of anything I'm aware of. On the used market they go for $3000USD.

[KIDBILL]

Andreas Grosser Voxorama
A very serious microphone for sure, plus Andreas Grosser service is the best I ever experienced.
Very recommended!

[legato]

Andreas Grosser Voxorama

Great, no doubt.

But modern?





Henk

[KIDBILL]

Originally Posted by legato

Great, no doubt.

But modern?


Henk

Sure, it's a microphone build now, not vintage
With some improved modern parts
(First post talk about Wunder Cm7)

[Vintageidiot]

Originally Posted by The Studio RI

I just finished a project with a Tele AR-51. I was pleasantly shocked. It was the only vocal mic used for over a dozen artists and it sounded great every time. I'm not sure it's worth almost $3000, but I bet many would agree it sounds better than a u87ai.

.

That mic sells at VK for $1,895.00, not $3k like you stated.

[voiceactor]

The Lauten Oceanus. Worth a whole bunch more than what he sells them for. If you haven't tried one I would suggest doing so. Mine just gets better and better with age.
I haven't heard the Atlantis yet but I'm sure it too will be a future classic. Lauten builds great stuff. Brian's customer service is second to none too.

I've also heard a lot about the Blackspade stuff and can't wait to hear it personally.

Most of the Flea mics I've heard are great too.

[toneguru]

Bock is debuting his new ifet mic. It may very well become a classic in its own right.

I can't wait to check it out at the AES show. I know I am gonna like it. The part I do not know is how I am gonna get my hands on a pair.

PS. Anyone use the Royer tube ribbon that came out round ten years ago? That may qualify as a classic. I heard it at the AES show back then and was floored by the smooth silky midrange.

[chessparov]

+1 CV4.

Really like the TLM(gasp) 67 too...

Chris

[John T]

Originally Posted by superburtm

AEA makes great mics

So true. The 84's are fabulous for OH's and the A 440 is an amazing mic for vocals, acoustic instruments (great for acous guit), and many other uses. The 440 has a lot of output being phantom powered so some of the "weaker pre's" handle it well.

[legato]

OK, I re-read the thread and the OP indeed states that "modern" should be read as "currently produced". My bad.
Still, in that case it might be a good idea to alter the topic title to avoid further confusion.
Not that it's a matter of life and death, mind.




Henk

[littlesicily]

Originally Posted by legato

OK, I re-read the thread and the OP indeed states that "modern" should be read as "currently produced". My bad.
Still, in that case it might be a good idea to alter the topic title to avoid further confusion.
Not that it's a matter of life and death, mind.

Henk

My bad, too then b/c I've been responding based upon "new designs"...probably b/c that's more of an interest to me than just another wide focused/general thread like "what's a good mic" or ""what's a good preamp".

[John Willett]

The Gefell M221 omni is also something special.

[joeq]

pooh-pooh Pronunciation (pp)
tr.v. pooh-poohed, pooh-pooh·ing, pooh-poohs Informal
To express contempt for or impatience about; make light of: "British actors have long pooh-poohed the Method

poo-poo
? ?[poo-poo for 1, 3; poo-poo for 2] Show IPA
noun Baby Talk .
1.
excrement; feces. "see Jimmy? Doggie made poo-poo"

[chessparov]

Then we MUST include the Shure SM7-most popular suggestion on GS.
(O.K. it works pretty well on moi YMMV)

Yeah, if oldies but goodies are fair game, gotta include AEA KU4, and their 44 based microphones. (although either RCA 44 and AEA 44/440 are my faves)

Chris

[Baz]

Originally Posted by chessparov

Really like the TLM(gasp) 67 too...

Chris

No need to gasp The mic is actually unfairly maligned imho. The first time I used one, I wasn't expecting much (mainly based on the comments I'd read here,prior) but we found it to be perfect for the vocalist. My vintage 87 was a little spitty in comparison on this particular voice.

[Verve111]

Originally Posted by legato

OK, I re-read the thread and the OP indeed states that "modern" should be read as "currently produced". My bad.
Still, in that case it might be a good idea to alter the topic title to avoid further confusion.
Not that it's a matter of life and death, mind.




Henk

I know, sorry guys. In starting the thread I didn't put much thought into the wording.

My initial thought was "what is a brand new mic I can go out and buy today that might be considered a future classic down the road."

There are just SO many high end mics in high price ranges to choose from I figured some most stand out from others. There are also sleeper gems I've never used or heard of that are really affordable.

[chessparov]

Gotcha Baz, Slight "spittiness" on me with a U87ai too, vs. the TLM 67.
Guessing that your singer also has a "bright" voice.
(why I LOVE a great ribbon!)

O.K. standing by CV4 for value in a "new sound", although IMHO the Pearlman TM1 sounded a bit
better on me (but it's based on U47 tube type sound).

Chris

[aileka]

Truly modern miss?
I'll repeat myself from other threads: Josephson C-700A or S. Just amazing. Bock 507. and I saw mentioned the DPA 4060 or 61 and this is a truly interesting captor.

[didier.brest]

Originally Posted by aileka

Truly modern miss?

Lady Gaga ?

Originally Posted by aileka

this is a truly interesting captor.

Captor ? I guess that you mean sensor.