Neumann KM184 vs. Earthworks SR30

dwitmer · 5th February 2007, 08:27 PM

I want a microphone that will be great on finger style acoustic guitar. Which one of these mics is better suited? I really want to capture the life of the guitar... as naturally as possible. Thanks!

Rob King · 5th February 2007, 08:42 PM

I have been using the Neumann KM183 (Omni's) lately on Acoustic. They really sound great and cut through a dense rock mix. Haven't used the earthworks but I have heard great things.

Sizzleboy · 5th February 2007, 08:56 PM

I know you are looking at SDC mics, but if you have not tried one, you may want to check out a ribbon mic such as the AEA R84. It's my favorite mic on fingerstyle, although not my first choice for strumming.

billgennaro · 5th February 2007, 10:46 PM

have to agree with siz. the r84 is wonderful for fingerstyle and for capturing the woody tone of a guitar. the neumann will give you lots of top end tizz. never cared for that sound.

bill

numrologst · 5th February 2007, 11:44 PM

how are you guys placing the r84???

I tried it on acoustic a few times, and I could never get it sound the way I wanted... It always sounded a bit to wooly and dark... Not really any high end character to it at all... Although i did get the whole woody vibe.

I have actually been prefering an akg c451b over any other acoustic guitar mics... I got that same top end sizzle as the km , not quite as much depth, but i think it cuts better than the km

uncle duncan · 5th February 2007, 11:49 PM

Are you doing finger style guitar in a mix with a rhythm section, or is it solo or guitar vocal? The style of production will point you towards which mics to use.

dwitmer · 6th February 2007, 02:08 AM

i am doing mostly acoustic guitar and vocals. very folky. i do have drums, keys, strings, etc on occasion... i usually do basics (drums, bass) in a studio, then bring everything home to overdub acoustic guitar and vocals, then mix back in the studio. I currently use a Neumann TLM 103 on my acoustics, but I'm looking for something that will have a different flavor without losing the amazing, clear, lively acoustic sound. I find that i have to shelf everything below 90HZ almost always with the large diaphram mic, that's why i'm thinking small diaphram condensor. thanks for the suggestion on the ribbon mic... I'll try one out for sure! i've heard great things about those mics. used the original RCA version of that mic once on vocals and loved it (that's the mic that used to sit - or still does - on David Letterman's desk, right?)

5th February 2007, 08:27 PM	#1
dwitmer Gear interested Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 11	Neumann KM184 vs. Earthworks SR30 I want a microphone that will be great on finger style acoustic guitar. Which one of these mics is better suited? I really want to capture the life of the guitar... as naturally as possible. Thanks!

5th February 2007, 08:42 PM	#2
Rob King Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Sherman Oaks Posts: 756	I have been using the Neumann KM183 (Omni's) lately on Acoustic. They really sound great and cut through a dense rock mix. Haven't used the earthworks but I have heard great things. __________________ Rob King Green Street Studios http://www.greenstreetstudios.com http://www.myspace.com/greenstreetstudios

5th February 2007, 11:49 PM	#6
uncle duncan Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 1,933	Are you doing finger style guitar in a mix with a rhythm section, or is it solo or guitar vocal? The style of production will point you towards which mics to use. __________________ "You're either with a native DAW, or you're with the terrorists." G.W. Busch Lite

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5th February 2007, 08:56 PM	#3
Sizzleboy Lives for gear Join Date: May 2006 Location: Washington D.C. Posts: 921	I know you are looking at SDC mics, but if you have not tried one, you may want to check out a ribbon mic such as the AEA R84. It's my favorite mic on fingerstyle, although not my first choice for strumming.

5th February 2007, 10:46 PM	#4
billgennaro Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 565	have to agree with siz. the r84 is wonderful for fingerstyle and for capturing the woody tone of a guitar. the neumann will give you lots of top end tizz. never cared for that sound. bill

5th February 2007, 11:44 PM	#5
numrologst Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 1,898	how are you guys placing the r84??? I tried it on acoustic a few times, and I could never get it sound the way I wanted... It always sounded a bit to wooly and dark... Not really any high end character to it at all... Although i did get the whole woody vibe. I have actually been prefering an akg c451b over any other acoustic guitar mics... I got that same top end sizzle as the km , not quite as much depth, but i think it cuts better than the km

6th February 2007, 02:08 AM	#7
dwitmer Gear interested Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 11	i am doing mostly acoustic guitar and vocals. very folky. i do have drums, keys, strings, etc on occasion... i usually do basics (drums, bass) in a studio, then bring everything home to overdub acoustic guitar and vocals, then mix back in the studio. I currently use a Neumann TLM 103 on my acoustics, but I'm looking for something that will have a different flavor without losing the amazing, clear, lively acoustic sound. I find that i have to shelf everything below 90HZ almost always with the large diaphram mic, that's why i'm thinking small diaphram condensor. thanks for the suggestion on the ribbon mic... I'll try one out for sure! i've heard great things about those mics. used the original RCA version of that mic once on vocals and loved it (that's the mic that used to sit - or still does - on David Letterman's desk, right?)