cheap SDCs

[Drumsound]

Audio Technica Pro 37R. I love them. Great on many sources. I use them on acoustic guitar 99% of the time. Times I don't I'm going for something weird.

[2leod]

KEL HM-1's. Try them and see if you like them.

[TyRip]

I have heard good things about Studio Projects C4 pair, you get omni and cardioid capsules with them.

Looking at the frequency response graphs on MXL's website, the 993s have a HUGE high-mid frequency peak. This may be cool for sheen on an acoustic, but if you want natural, those are not it.

Personally, I decided to buy a set of real cheapies, and actually have been pretty pleased...

Superlux CM-H8K

They are in a stereo matched pair in a package called SMKH8K, check Ebay if your are interested.

I used them for a location recording and for micing my Taylor and was really pleased.

I have also never used the Oktavas, but have heard them as overheads once at a live gig and they did a really good job of picking up the whole kick in a 3 mic setup.

Good luck.

[henryrobinett]

Peluso CEMC-6. Very nice.

[dalo]

Thanks, the information has been very helpful and interesting.

I am now looking to spend around 300 for a pair of SDCs now. It seems there are many better options at that price point.

That said, I am curious about shure ksm109s, they seem to have a fairly good reputation. They also seem very versatile which is a huge plus. I am also intrigued by the Rode NT5s as well as the AT Pro37s and the SP C4s. Any opinions on which of these would be best suited for OH and piano work? Also, any other suggestions are greatly welcomed.

Thanks again,
Dave

[SoundChances]

I have a pair of the Rode NT5s and I really like them. I call them dark sounding, but really they are just non-hyped but compared to most of my other mics they are dark.

I've used them for OHs with great results as well as guitar amps and just recently on vocals with pretty good results as well.

I've also used them for some simple 2-track live recordings which did not turn out real well, but I do believe that was because I was limited in placement options, not becuase of the mics.

I got mine for $300, but it seems most people are selling them for $400 these days. You might have to look around a little to get them for less than $400....

[Yutaka]

Maybe CM-700s by Crown are around that price? I used it a long time ago, and it sounded pretty good on acoustic guitars. I thought they were well made, too.

[Drumsound]

Originally Posted by dalo

Thanks, the information has been very helpful and interesting.

I am now looking to spend around 300 for a pair of SDCs now. It seems there are many better options at that price point.

That said, I am curious about shure ksm109s, they seem to have a fairly good reputation. They also seem very versatile which is a huge plus. I am also intrigued by the Rode NT5s as well as the AT Pro37s and the SP C4s. Any opinions on which of these would be best suited for OH and piano work? Also, any other suggestions are greatly welcomed.

Thanks again,
Dave

I haven't heard the Shure or the SP (though I want to). I use the AT and have used the Rodes. I think the AT sound much better. More lively and faster, witch is what I like in a SDC.

YMMV.

[henry]

I've always thought the pro37R was as top heavy as pamela anderson. I haven't used it on too many things lately. MXL 603's i recently picked up work very well. They are a little top heavy. Oktava MK-012s were my favorite (against all odds). Hope that helps.

[sonic dogg]

I like the ADK SC-1 and the SC-2...they are not as hyped as some mentioned and the pattern is a touch larger yet still tight.They have a balance to their tone that seems to compliment drums especially. I also like the SP C4's but not as much for drums as for acoustic guitars as they have that upper mid rise that seems to be so prevalent these days in the less expensive mics.

[dale116dot7]

I'd pick the Oktava MC012's before the Pro37R's. The 37R is ok but I find it quite noisy compared with most other SDC's, and the sound isn't quite as clean in my opinion. But I would pick either before any of the Chinese SDC's I've heard. Just for some background, my SDC collection includes (from lowest priced to highest) 1 Apex 185, 2 MC012's, 2 Pro37R's, 2 C451B's, 1 Altec M11 Coke Bottle, and 1 DIY tube mic with a CK61ULS capsule. The Apex 185 and Pro37R's get the least use, the DIY tube + CK61ULS gets the most use. I have an extensive mod for the Pro37R that makes it a bit nicer IMHO.