All Purpose SDC

[EnTeaOh]

I'm looking to buy a nice (relatively inexpensive) stereo pair small diaphragm condenser. At this point I think that Octava's MK012, the factory matched pair from the Sound Room, are in the lead.

I'm looking for something that is pretty multipurpose. Something I can do a standard stereo technique for concert halls, drum overheads, and acoustic guitar with.

My personal "mic closet" is pretty small at this point, consisting only of a Studio Project C3 and two off-brand Moving Coil mics. I have a fully loaded closet available to me at my college's studio (I'm a "sound recording technology" student), so this purchase is more for my own personal (home) work and just to generally build by collection.

Any suggestions??

[manthe]

I bought a RODE NT5 stereo pair several years ago and have never been disappointed. They don't really have any character, to speak of. They just record whatever you put in front of them pretty accurately. I do not find that they enhance or hype any frequencies. They are well built and solid performers.

I've used them on guitars, banjo, mando, dobro, drums and horns. All were fine.

As you can tell, it doesn't necessarily excite me. But, then again, I prefer character and/or color mics. I like mics and preamps that have sonic signatures. I tend to shy away from transparent most of the time. Basically, ever since I started getting 'character' small and mid diaphragm cond. mics, I have not really touched the NT5s much at all. But, for just under $500 for a pair, it is a stellar deal!

Originally Posted by EnTeaOh

I'm looking to buy a nice (relatively inexpensive) stereo pair small diaphragm condenser. At this point I think that Octava's MK012, the factory matched pair from the Sound Room, are in the lead.

I'm looking for something that is pretty multipurpose. Something I can do a standard stereo technique for concert halls, drum overheads, and acoustic guitar with.

My personal "mic closet" is pretty small at this point, consisting only of a Studio Project C3 and two off-brand Moving Coil mics. I have a fully loaded closet available to me at my college's studio (I'm a "sound recording technology" student), so this purchase is more for my own personal (home) work and just to generally build by collection.

Any suggestions??

[juan162]

I'm sure you'll get other suggestions from those with much more experience than I, but the 012's with the cardiod caps and the -10db pad were my first 'real' mic purchase and I've been very happy with them. The only think I'd do differently is to buy the 012 kit with the hypercardioid and omni caps. I've used them for many a concert stereo recording and I don't think I will be purchasing another pair of SDC's until I can afford a pair of schoeps,

Juan

[BlueRadio]

I use the Neumann km184 for most of my sdc work. I also own the mk 012.

They are two different animals. If I had a gun to my head, I would take the Neumann.

Don't believe all of the GS-BS about them being crappy or harsh. Like any other tool, you have to use them appropriately.

Nobody complains about the AEA r84 being muddy, which is arguably the DARKEST mic I have ever owned. You have to use your tools the right way.

The km184 is super accurate and clear. No disappointment...and you can probably get one on ebay for like $400ish used.

[d_fu]

Don't decide before trying the Beyerdynamic MC 930

Daniel

[pearldrum944]

Originally Posted by manthe

I bought a RODE NT5 stereo pair several years ago and have never been disappointed. They don't really have any character, to speak of. They just record whatever you put in front of them pretty accurately. I do not find that they enhance or hype any frequencies. They are well built and solid performers.

I've heard some great sound out of the NT5s, for the money I think they will be hard to beat. When it's time to upgrade my SDCs I'll probably look into getting the NT5s, I actually just saw a pair on craigslist for about $250 I believe.

[joelpatterson]

(Psssst! The Avant CK-1 is exactly what you're looking for, astoundingly multi-purpose and brilliant at all! Tell 'em I sent ya!)

[GordZilla]

+1 for the Oktava MC-012s

Another awesome SDC is the venerable Shure SM-81... which IMHO excells as an "all purpose" SDC (if there is such a thing).

Peace

[tnjazz]

Originally Posted by d_fu

Don't decide before trying the Beyerdynamic MC 930

Daniel

And the crowd roars it's approval! The fans go wild!

The beyer will stun you, considering its price. No offense intended, but it will mop the floor with the Oktavas.

[sodiumcycle]

Originally Posted by EnTeaOh

I'm looking to buy a nice (relatively inexpensive) stereo pair small diaphragm condenser. At this point I think that Octava's MK012, the factory matched pair from the Sound Room, are in the lead.

I'm looking for something that is pretty multipurpose. Something I can do a standard stereo technique for concert halls, drum overheads, and acoustic guitar with.

My personal "mic closet" is pretty small at this point, consisting only of a Studio Project C3 and two off-brand Moving Coil mics. I have a fully loaded closet available to me at my college's studio (I'm a "sound recording technology" student), so this purchase is more for my own personal (home) work and just to generally build by collection.

Any suggestions??

I have the Mk 012.

I also have the C3 and find the MK 012 to work way better for vocals and as a room mic. On acoustic guitar the 012 is superior to the C3 (I still think that the C3 is a good mic for vocals on certain voices.)

There are also the SE Electronics and Rode mics in the same price range. You might want to check those out as well. Also, Pelusos are around $600 for a pair and some people think they are much better.