Josephson C42 matched pair vs Peluso CEMC6 matched pair?

[GeorgeG3]

Hi,

I am planning on recording some solo classical guitar for a CD project. My preamp will be: DAV BG-1

I would like to record the guitar with a matched pair of SDC mics which I still need to buy - my budget is less than $1,000.ºº for the two microphones. I will be recording onto computer hard drive, in a well treated room.

Unfortunately, I am not in a position to audition the microphones myself, so I must rely on reviews and personal recommendations. Any opinions or personal recommendations based on real experience with either the Josephson C42 or Peluso CEMC6 small diaphragm condensers specifically for solo classical guitar?

Either of these matched pairs are within my budget, and both the Josephson and Peluso seem to have glowing user comments.

Which pair would you recommend me to buy (for solo classical guitar recording), and why?

1. matched pair of Josephson C42 microphones: approx. $900

2. matched pair of Peluso CEMC6 Condenser Microphones (stereo kit): approx. $700

Any helpful comments or recommendations will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Nu-tra]

I would go for the Peluso for classical. It is a very detailed mic. I borrowed a friends stereo pair of C42's and they were great on drums but I liked the imaging and clarity better on the peluso. That's just my opinion without spending days testing. They both kick ass.

[GeorgeG3]

Thank you for your input, Nu-tra. Anybody else want to chime in with opinions?

[Junkie]

Never used them mic's im afraid, but I can suggest some obvious choices: AKG C414's, AKG Solid Tube, S.E. 5600A, Rode NT2A. Oktava or Schoepps ribbon mic's are mind blowingly sweet as are original BBC ribbon mic's

[GeorgeG3]

Thank you, Junkie, but I am specifically looking for a matched pair of small diaphragm condenser mics specifically for classical guitar, for less than $1,000.ºº
That's why I am asking about the Josephson's and the Peluso's. Any other suggestions?

[gabor]

hi! i do not want to hijack the thread... i also record/or try to record/ classical guitar.and would like to know how is your room treated? thank you.

[yhomas]

Many people like omnis for this kind of application:

I have seen Fletcher recommend the T.H.E. KP-6M (http://www.mercenary.com/tkpsttemeomm.html ).

Also, many people like the Avenson STO-2

Of course, you can get omni caps for the Peluso as well.

I have been very impressed with the mp3 samples obtained from the $20 Naiant MSH-1: http://www.naiant.com/studiostore.html

Here are clips comparing DPA 4061 (using a RNP) http://www.fxguidry.com/recordings/dpa.wav with the Naiant MSH-1 (Using a John Hardy M1) http://www.fxguidry.com/recordings/msh.wav
(These were originally posted by Fran Guidry here: http://www.3daudioinc.com/3db/showthread.php?t=9146 )

[Acoustic Cloud]

Another (sorry) choice you may look at is the Shure KSM 141, or 137 pair. I have a pair of the 141's, and they are stunningly clear and detailed for nylon, especially.

I am not "Shure" whether they come in matched pairs or no, and IMO, the value of matching is somewhat overblown.

The only difference in the 141 and the 137 is the 141 has an omni setting by twisting the capsule, and the 137 is card only...otherwise, they are the same mic.

[Nu-tra]

The KSM 141 is my fave hihat mic. I have yet to try it on nylon strings.

V

[GeorgeG3]

Thanks for all your input, guys. I will also look into the T.H.E. KP-6M, Avenson STO-2, and Shure KSM 141. Please do let me know if you have any other suggestions as well. Thanks!

[AmekGuy]

Beyer MC930 SDC. Phenomenal and is close to the KM84 in sound, but the body is longer, has more output and is quieter. Exceptionally detailed mic with one of the sweetest midranges I have heard. It has a flat response with sparkling highs, yet is not hyped like many of the mics today. The low end is lucious, but never muddy. It excels on nylon string gtrs, acoustic sources, OHs and stereo micing. One of the nicest sounding SDCs I have heard in years.

I'm also going to pick up a pair of the Pelusos CEMC6s based on having used the 22 251's, which is one of the best values in a tube mic.

[Rick Shepherd]

I have used the CEMC6 pair as well, very detailed, perfect for guitar.

[Darius]

I own the c42s and have used them on my Collings OM and Martin D35. To me they sound crisp and modern, and set well in a pop or country track. While I've not used the Pelusos, from the comments I've read, they might be better for a classical track.
good luck,
Darius

[James Lehmann]

Originally Posted by GeorgeG3

I am specifically looking for a matched pair of small diaphragm condenser mics specifically for classical guitar, for less than $1,000.ºº
That's why I am asking about the Josephson's and the Peluso's. Any other suggestions?

My matched pair of Microtech Gefell M300's cost $1,500 and sound wonderful on acoustic guitar. I know this is the Low End Forum so I dunno if you can 'stretch' your budget, but I thoughts I'd mention them anyway! I've not tried the others you mention.

[GeorgeG3]

OK - now I need to also look into: the Beyer MC930...and the Microtech Gefell M300's which I'm sure are incredible, but a little too pricy at the moment for my low-end budget. Thank you.

[AmekGuy]

Originally Posted by GeorgeG3

OK - now I need to also look into: the Beyer MC930...and the Microtech Gefell M300's which I'm sure are incredible, but a little too pricy at the moment for my low-end budget. Thank you.

If you think the M300s are incredible, wait until you hear the Beyer MC930s.

[Nu-tra]

Warren sells the Beyer 930's at frontendaudio.com maybe he will let you borrow em to listen.

V

[homestudioguy]

Originally Posted by GeorgeG3

Thank you, Junkie, but I am specifically looking for a matched pair of small diaphragm condenser mics specifically for classical guitar, for less than $1,000.ººThat's why I am asking about the Josephson's and the Peluso's.
Any other suggestions?

I cant comment on the 2 mentioned but I do like my sE Electronics SE3 SDC.http://www.seelectronics.com/
It is a very smooth sounding mic with some nice hi-end but not anywhere near brittle. Pretty warm and balanced in my opinion.
I use it on my Carvin Cobalt 750 Acoustic and it sounds just right.
Matched pairs go for $649ish.
Warren Dent at Front End Audio has done a shootout with the SE3 and Neumann KM 184(?) and might be someone one to speak to.

[T.RayBullard]

easy..

AT4050

2 for 800 bucks..swiss army knife of a mic.

Micheal Bishop of telarc uses them on Guitars. nuff said!

Teddy

[henryrobinett]

Yes, but he specifically wants a SDC. I have a pair of AT4050s and they're great. But I also have a pair of the Peluso CEM6 and they're great. I can tell you I'm sure you won't regret the Pelusos. Perfect for your situation. Sorry I havent heard the Josephson. I'd go with the Peluso, if I were you.

[James Lehmann]

Originally Posted by yhomas

Also, many people like the Avenson STO-2

Yes these are phenomenal mics - at $500 a pair everyone should have some regardless!

But I'd still like to have some lower noise, directional SDC's in the cupboard as these might be better suited to the recording situation than omnis.

[AmekGuy]

Originally Posted by henryrobinett

Yes, but he specifically wants a SDC. I have a pair of AT4050s and they're great. But I also have a pair of the Peluso CEM6 and they're great. I can tell you I'm sure you won't regret the Pelusos. Perfect for your situation. Sorry I havent heard the Josephson. I'd go with the Peluso, if I were you.

Can you elaborate on the CEM6s: are they flat? Hyped? How is the low end? Hot output? Quiet?

Thanks.

[Rick Shepherd]

I seem to remember the CEMC6's to be pretty hot, not hyped at all, very even response across the spectrum, very detailed. I noticed a really nice stereo image using one over the shoulder, one at the 14th fret. They are certainly a great choice. They are flat, quiet, with a very nice low end. Could not find fault with them at all. BTW, you can get a stereo set with the extra capsules of the CEMC6 for not much more than the C42's, which are said by many to be a brighter mic with a more colored sound. Either way, you need to try both of them if you can to really know what is best for you.

Another thing: Unless you are planning on upgrading your whole setup in the future to the same level, it would be a waste to just buy a higher end mic, like the M300 or the aforementioned Beyer SDC's, because you want be using them to their full potential if the rest of your signal chain is weak. I realize that some may disagree, but I noticed this to be true with my Gefell M300's.. After I upgraded my converters, the true beauty of their sound quality was unveiled.

George, what is the rest of your signal chain?

[Acoustic Cloud]

Hope I dont hijack here, but has anyone heard the Pelusos vs the Shure KSM 141?? Just wondering about the sound similarities. Plus the Peluso omni caps may be a more accurate omni than the setting on the 141....hmmmm.....

[henryrobinett]

Yes, I agree with Rick Sutton about the Pelusos. Not hyped at all. High output. Flat across the spectrum seems to be. Very nice mics.

[desotoslo]

Originally Posted by Acoustic Cloud

Hope I dont hijack here, but has anyone heard the Pelusos vs the Shure KSM 141?? Just wondering about the sound similarities. Plus the Peluso omni caps may be a more accurate omni than the setting on the 141....hmmmm.....

I'm wondering the same... 3 year bump!

[n8tron]

I have a pair of the c42s and love them on acoustic guitars. I've used them on other string instruments, violins and a small string orchestra and they are really great. They are very detailed, a touch bright I would say but very crisp without being thin. I've compared them directly with KM184s and they had a very similar flavor overall with the c42s being a touch brighter. The josephsons also come with a GREAT case that is very strong, its not fancy wood like a neuman case but you feel like you can take these mics anywhere in it.

Sorry for this plug, but it might help you out... the link in my sig has a free download of one of my songs that largely features an acoustic recorded with a pair of C42s.

Considering it's in a bad room and through an RNP->002R I think it sounds pretty good.

I don't know anything about the Peluso.

[Groberts]

Originally Posted by n8tron

I have a pair of the c42s and love them on acoustic guitars. I've used them on other string instruments, violins and a small string orchestra and they are really great. They are very detailed, a touch bright I would say but very crisp without being thin. I've compared them directly with KM184s and they had a very similar flavor overall with the c42s being a touch brighter. The josephsons also come with a GREAT case that is very strong, its not fancy wood like a neuman case but you feel like you can take these mics anywhere in it.

Sorry for this plug, but it might help you out... the link in my sig has a free download of one of my songs that largely features an acoustic recorded with a pair of C42s.

Considering it's in a bad room and through an RNP->002R I think it sounds pretty good.

I don't know anything about the Peluso.

Downloaded the song from your website and wanted to let you know I really LIKE your song!! Great voice, nice lyrics, and the acoustic guitar through the Josephson C42 mic pair sounds very clean, pristine and clear. Very, very Nice! Thanks.

That said ...I use a stereo pair of Peluso CEMC6 and I love them too. But I've never done a comparison to C42's. I don't think you can go wrong with the Josephson C42's, Peluso CEMC6's or Beyer 930's. All excellent flavors of 'great.'

[n8tron]

Originally Posted by Groberts

Downloaded the song from your website and wanted to let you know I really LIKE your song!! Great voice, nice lyrics, and the acoustic guitar through the Josephson C42 mic pair sounds very clean, pristine and clear. Very, very Nice! Thanks.

That said ...I use a stereo pair of Peluso CEMC6 and I love them too. But I've never done a comparison to C42's. I don't think you can go wrong with the Josephson C42's, Peluso CEMC6's or Beyer 930's. All excellent flavors of 'great.'

Thanks a lot! That's always good to hear.

I always hear good things about Pelusos in general. I really do support some of these lesser known Mic companies that make fantastic mics for such an affordable price. Every time someone hears the C42s they think I paid 1500-1800, and when I tell them half that for the pair they flip out. Like you said, I'm sure you can't go wrong with either.

I just wish I could find a LDC that I love as much as my C42s....

[wmking]

Another bump. I'm a classical guitar maker with a similiar need for a SDC pair. What did you end up doing George and how do you like 'em ?