stereo pair SDC mics $1000 or less

[feyshay]

Any recommendations for a pair of small condenser microphones for $1000 or less--for acoustic guitar and other applications?
I'd really appreciate some ideas on this one.
Up to now I have been recording acoustic with an AT4050 and Shure SM7.

[SK1]

I have sm81's .. pretty cool .... around $600 for the pair ... good value.

Though I'd love another set of sdc's for flavor.

I'm interested in what others would recomend.
451's ??

[Jimbo]

I own the Avenson STO-2. Great omnis, and worth checking out ($500/pair)

I'm considering the Peluso CEMC-6 pair as well for cardiod ($650/pair).

The Avensons are quite realistic, I really like them a lot.

The Pelusos offer interchangeable capsules.

- Jim

[krs]

I think you can pick up a pair of KM184's used for about $1000.

[Youn]

well when I was looking for the same thing several yearas ago I ended up with josephson's c42 and have not been dissapointed. They are on the bright side, though not harsh. On a bright acoustic I've found they don't work so well but on solo work or finger-style (ESPCIALLY nylon string) they work beautifully. It's the hard jangly stuff that for me these mics are too bright for, and your sm7 might capture it better. Actually I have and use the sm7 alot so I've been in this same situation before. Other applications I've used the c42 are on drum overheads, which always seem to work great and room mics. really robust little mics, I only use them with my api 512 now though, really makes them much fuller sounding (was previously using RNP)

Other mics I considered were cheaper ones like Rode NT5s and Oktavas (multi-capsule might be nice), Avensons omnis (I already had some cheaper omnis though), and of course standards like AKG 451 and sm81 which are also bright mics. Oh and AT 4051 which are not as bright.

The c42s were kinda new kids on the block when I bought them but I think they've stood the test of time OK from what others have said. I know mine aren't going anywhere.

[jigsawlogic]

I've been liking my AT4051s. Drastically below retail at full compass, but you have to call them to get a price quote.

[feyshay]

Any of these potentially useful for other purposes, like cabinets or room mics/vocals?
My acoustics are a Martin (bright) and a Cordoba (not bright).

[six_wax]

a nice 'sdc on acoustic' shootout was done recently, & posted with wav files... can't find the thread... might do a few searches.

[Zwinter]

I will second the C42 suggestion. They are great sounding mics that are bright, but never harsh. A great choice for the under a grand market.

[weatherbox]

I really like the KSM141. Great on OH and acoustic guitar, really natural snare sound. Switchable between card and omni, handles SPL really well. Definite sleeper mic.

[Ribbonmicguy]

C42 Josephson!

[RussianRecording]

both the shure ksm141 and josephson c42s are excellent choices.

[Jeff16years]

I have a pair of the Shure KSM 137. I really like them a lot.

I think they are a bargain for $300 each.

[tINY]

The Earthworks SR25 would be right in that price range. Good transients on those.




-tINY

[smarsland]

and I have a pair of the c451b's... really nice!

s

[OVERNIGHT]

Originally Posted by jigsawlogic

I've been liking my AT4051s. Drastically below retail at full compass, but you have to call them to get a price quote.

+1. Mix magazine did a big shoot a while back and though these were the cheapest of SDC's tested they were at or near the top for most applications. I think they also tested the Josephsons, Pulosi's, KM184's, 451's and others. Definitely the best at the price point IMO. I got a pair for $600 off of Ebay. I'm not disappointed.

[squeegybug]

I went through a few different small condensers, kept AT4051 and Avenson STO-2. Both very nice, and complement each other.

The Avenson is a very smooth sound, no high end lift. Can sound dark in comparison to most condensers. The midrange is very rounded and mellow. I like these mics when recording solo guitar. Also works well with bright instruments, and for strumming styles where directional condensers can get too jangly.

I don't always choose Avenson when the guitar is accompaniment for dark (usually male) vocals. Can compete in frequency ranges in this application, and make the mix a little thick. But with a good EQ to knock out some low-mids, the bass on Avenson can be really special, almost like a ribbon.

The 4051 is a great all around mic. Clean, with some texture and body. Slight treble boost, but never harsh. Can have a huge bass. I also like these mics for live sessions. Excellent off-axis response, quick and easy to place. It is also great on vocals.

If your budget grows someday, by far the best acoustic instrument mic I've found is Sony C48. It's a large diaphragm condenser, not SDC. When I've made comparison recordings with these different mics (and others), the small condensers sound like nice recordings of instruments. The C48 sounds like the instrument is in the room. Brings the reality to a completely different level than these other mics. Yet never overdone or hyped in any way, just a sweet, natural sound. Wonderful on vocals as well.

Steve

[warhead]

sE Electronics SE3 mics are fantastic for a smooth unhyped sound and nice off axis response.

Beyerdynamic MC930's are killer, tight patterned but highly detailed little mics.

KM84's = sweet but out of budget?

War

[Boby Stoica]

Geffell M300?

[Blenn]

http://www.soundonsound.com/forum/sh...fpart=1#276137

But do read the entire thread before judgement is made.

Paul Blenn

[DirkB]

The C42's are excellent mica, highly recommended if your on a $1000 budget.

Good luck,
Dirk

[audiothings]

the shure ksm141s and the oktava packages from sound room represent value and versatility.

good luck.

[classicalrecord]

i picked the josephson c42's over the km184's and haven't been disappointed. (although I haven't heard all the other options, i haven't felt too much need to find something else which i suppose is a good thing. well, except for lusting after a pair of schoeps.) my understanding (for what it's worth) is that the 4051's are probably flatter in response which is neither better nor worse necessarily, just a different approach.

[T.RayBullard]

Gefell M300.