Beyer M160s vs MC930s

[gareth.h.rees]

So I'm trying to put together a sort of "all round" mic locker and I'm having a hard time deciding between either a pair of Beyer MC930's, or a pair of M160's.

I'd say about 80% of the time, they'll get used as drum overheads in either my studio, which is 3 x 4 x 2.5m, or in clubs with probably low ceilings! Studio pic is attached below.

However, I wouldn't mind the ability to have a good stereo pair for "classical" recording - ie, choirs, orchestras (though nothing too large), small string or brass sections etc.

I'm leaning towards the m160's because of the drum overhead application.. but the MC930's seem a bit more flexible in *all* situations.

For reference, I have (or will have) the following other mics:

MD421
m88
sm57

AT4050

2 * ACM3 (royer 121 clone)
2 * Naiant MSH1 Omni mics
2 * Naiant MSH2 Omni mics

I guess for the odd time I'll be recording "classical" stuff the omni's might be okay... but not sure if I'd want to really trust them...


Cheers!
Gareth!

[gareth.h.rees]

Just a thought...

I could probably just about afford one m160 and a pair of mc930's, so I could use the m160 and one of the royer clones in m/s...

Does that seem like a better suggestion?!

Gareth

[Daniel Stark]

That's a tough choice. Can you test them both out in the room?

[gareth.h.rees]

Originally Posted by Daniel Stark

That's a tough choice. Can you test them both out in the room?

Indeed!

I'll check out the local hire companies to see if they have them around, but I could probably do with them for a studio session I have over summer. Though, it may be worth making do for that session in order to try both out in the club.

Even then though - I'm guessing the 160's would suck for choir/orchestra stuff...

[JD Latorre]

Originally Posted by gareth.h.rees

Indeed!


Even then though - I'm guessing the 160's would suck for choir/orchestra stuff...

This post might just confirm what you already know--I have a pair of 160's which I love as drum overs (or even one as a drum over, one on the snare, and a 3rd mic for kick if you don't want/need that slick, produced sound--like on a jazz session for example). I find they are very forgiving of a bad room too.

But, I was curious what they would sound like in in a classial setting about a month ago and threw them up as an x/y pair in addition to my normal M/S set up on a wind ensemble session. They were not very impressive, not horrible, but I was glad I was not really using them on the session.

Maybe someone else can suggest mics that would be better at both jobs.

[gareth.h.rees]

Originally Posted by JD Latorre

This post might just confirm what you already know--I have a pair of 160's which I love as drum overs (or even one as a drum over, one on the snare, and a 3rd mic for kick if you don't want/need that slick, produced sound--like on a jazz session for example). I find they are very forgiving of a bad room too.

But, I was curious what they would sound like in in a classial setting about a month ago and threw them up as an x/y pair in addition to my normal M/S set up on a wind ensemble session. They were not very impressive, not horrible, but I was glad I was not really using them on the session.

Maybe someone else can suggest mics that would be better at both jobs.

Haha hmm! Even though you've pretty much confirmed what I thought regarding classical, I am leaning towards the m160's because I'll probably end up using them as overheads 80% of the time.

Maybe I'll make some of these for the odd time I'd need them DIY Cardioid Microphone

If anyone has any other suggestions though, my budget is around £500 - £600 Oh, and I want to avoid "gimmicky" mics. I'd rather stick to the "good" names, if you get me!



Cheers
Gareth!

[leddy]

I own a pair of both and I would always reach for the M160's first for drum OH duties.

[desotoslo]

also, make sure you have a pad for the mc930s. they are hot!

[Remoteness]

Originally Posted by leddy

I own a pair of both and I would always reach for the M160's first for drum OH duties.

Very cool.

How many of you started using M160s post the start of the Remote Possibilities forum, and of course how many pre this forum?

I remember when very few were even interested is using these mics for drum O/Hs.
I have seen a serious change since the forum became popular.

Just wondering.

[JD Latorre]

Originally Posted by Remoteness

Very cool.

How many of your started using M160s post the start of the Remote Possibilities forum, and of course how many pre this forum?
.

I got mine about five months ago (post forum obviously)

[Remoteness]

Was it because you heard about it on Gearslutz?
If you're interested in commenting on this please consider voicing your opinion and vote on the poll I started here > beyerdynamic M160s for drum overheads!

Now, back to the original thread topic.

Originally Posted by JD Latorre

I got mine about five months ago (post forum obviously)

[gareth.h.rees]

Originally Posted by Remoteness

Was it because you heard about it on Gearslutz?
If you're interested in commenting on this please consider voicing your opinion and vote on the poll I started here > beyerdynamic M160s for drum overheads!

Now, back to the original thread topic.

On other forums that I've been on, even within Gearslutz, the m160's on drums don't appear to be as much of a talking point!

Any suggestions on the original question Steve?

Cheeers!
Gareth

[Remoteness]

Believe it or not, I'm glad it's still a best kept secret.

With regard to your original question it's a tough choice.
If it was my decision I would grab both of them.

If I had to pick only one pair it would be the M160s.
I can never have enough of those mics.
I'm seriously considering buying another four of them.

I wouldn't have picked the MC930s because I have plenty of SD mics with that sound timbre.

Decisions; decisions; decisions...

Since you say roughly 80% of the time, they'll get used over the drum kit I would go with the M160s.
With that said, MC930 would sound nice as your "classical" recording mics, but like you said, it would only be about 20% of the time. Right?

Originally Posted by gareth.h.rees

On other forums that I've been on, even within Gearslutz, the m160's on drums don't appear to be as much of a talking point!

Any suggestions on the original question Steve?

Cheeers!
Gareth

[gareth.h.rees]

Originally Posted by Remoteness

Believe it or not, I'm glad it's still a best kept secret.

I agree - Selfishly, I hope its kept that way

Originally Posted by Remoteness

With regard to your original question it's a tough choice.
If it was my decision I would grab both of them.

Me too! But I don't yet have the money nor enough work to justify both

Originally Posted by Remoteness

If I had to pick only one pair it would be the M160s.
I can never have enough of those mics.
I'm seriously considering buying another four of them.

They do appear to be good on almost anything, or so I've read.

Originally Posted by Remoteness

I wouldn't have picked the MC930s because I have plenty of SD mics with that sound timbre.

I have no SDC's... but I do have the Naiant Omni's. Also there are lots of circuits around for SDC's, and making microphones is a bit of an ambition so will give it a go... but whether I'd want to rely on DIY ones as a main pair...

Originally Posted by Remoteness

Since you say roughly 80% of the time, they'll get used over the drum kit I would go with the M160s.
With that said, MC930 would sound nice as your "classical" recording mics, but like you said, it would only be about 20% of the time. Right?

I'm leaning that way too...

I say 80% of the time, because my prefered music (to listen to) is rock and jazz. I've hopefully also got a regular gig recording rock/alternative bands in a club. I have been involved in recording more classical-type things though, such as wind bands and brass bands. I've also been asked to do a choir recording for a friend of a friend - so wouldn't like to rule out this type of work just because I don't have the right mics.

Will have to look in to hire rates for SDC's to see if its justifiable to hire them in for the odd gig I do that really does need them.

Cheers for the advice - I think its probably going to havet to be the m160's for my situation. I won't be buying for another month or so, so keep suggesting/giving opinions if you can

Thanks for everything so far!
Gareth