Need new overhead mics

[djanogil]

I wrote another thread called "upgrading from MK012" but I realise that I don't necessarily need SDCs.
I just want a pair of mics that will sound big and good enough for a fair representation of the kit.
What I've used so far;

MK012 (good but too muddy sometimes), AT4033 (too bright,not enough lowend roundness) RB500 ribbons (I like the colour and the rich lows but lacks detail and clarity).

What I'm looking at;

Beyer MC930, Peluso CEMC6, AT4050, Josephson C42 and Avenson ST-O2
any suggestions?

[johnwayne]

I have the MK 012's and I think they're pretty good. I also have 2 AT 4050's which sound great. Different to me though. I think they're fuller and more larger than life. Get the 4050's and use them as overheads, and use your MK 012's as stereo rooms. Sound great together.

Also, if your room is small an acoustic cloud above the overheads will do wonders.

[djanogil]

Originally Posted by johnwayne

I have the MK 012's and I think they're pretty good. I also have 2 AT 4050's which sound great. Different to me though. I think they're fuller and more larger than life. Get the 4050's and use them as overheads, and use your MK 012's as stereo rooms. Sound great together.

Also, if your room is small an acoustic cloud above the overheads will do wonders.

Thanks for the info about the 4050's, what's an acoustic cloud?
Is it just acoustic panels?

[Cornvalley]

You might try Shure KSM44s. Great in the upper mids. Represents the kit pretty well.

[PRobb]

I'd add the Beyer M160 cardiod ribbon to that list.

[johnwayne]

Originally Posted by PRobb

I'd add the Beyer M160 cardiod ribbon to that list.

I've been wanting that mic for guitar cabinets. How is it? I've heard nothing but great things.

[Silverlode]

I have the Avensons and totally love them! Of course, my last overheads were AKG C1000s, so, you know....

[DigitMus]

Originally Posted by djanogil

RB500 ribbons (I like the colour and the rich lows but lacks detail and clarity).

While I'm not familiar with that particular mic, most ribbons I've used have plenty of both - it just gets overshadowed by the mids & low-mids. Since ribbons are known for taking EQ quite well, this is very easy to fix. From your list, it looks like you're on a (low) budget. I don't think any of the mics you're considering will make a major improvement over the ones you've already rejected. If you really are concerned with sound quality, I suggest you widen your horizons and perhaps up your budget a bit.

As always, try before you buy. ...OH! and don't be afraid of EQ (just don't abuse it).

Scott

[warhead]

Don't overlook a pair of ATM450. Outstanding overhead mics if you are looking for a whole kit sound in particular.

War

[djanogil]

Originally Posted by DigitMus

I don't think any of the mics you're considering will make a major improvement over the ones you've already rejected.

Scott

Do you really think that the Josephson C42 is in the same league as the Oktavas or the AT4033?

[DigitMus]

Sorry djanogil, I must have missed the Josephson when I read the post. Since I don't own the C42, I really can't comment (I do have a pair of e22s, which are among my favorite OH mics).

The point I was making was; If you're really searching for a "go to" pair of OHs, increasing your budget will get you into a territory where there are a lot of great choices.

Scott

P.S. I love e22s, Royer SF12, Brauner Valvet BEs, Microtech Gefell M295s on OH - I've also used C414s, AT4050s, KM184s with acceptable results, but they wouldn't be my "go tos"

[djanogil]

Originally Posted by DigitMus

Sorry djanogil, I must have missed the Josephson when I read the post. Since I don't own the C42, I really can't comment (I do have a pair of e22s, which are among my favorite OH mics).

The point I was making was; If you're really searching for a "go to" pair of OHs, increasing your budget will get you into a territory where there are a lot of great choices.

Scott

P.S. I love e22s, Royer SF12, Brauner Valvet BEs, Microtech Gefell M295s on OH - I've also used C414s, AT4050s, KM184s with acceptable results, but they wouldn't be my "go tos"

Thanks for clarifying!

[noizemakerz]

I use a M160 and 130 for MS, as the oh mics.. and the kits sound amazing..

[djanogil]

Originally Posted by DigitMus

Sorry djanogil, I must have missed the Josephson when I read the post. Since I don't own the C42, I really can't comment (I do have a pair of e22s, which are among my favorite OH mics).

The point I was making was; If you're really searching for a "go to" pair of OHs, increasing your budget will get you into a territory where there are a lot of great choices.

Scott

P.S. I love e22s, Royer SF12, Brauner Valvet BEs, Microtech Gefell M295s on OH - I've also used C414s, AT4050s, KM184s with acceptable results, but they wouldn't be my "go tos"

Hey Scott,

what pair would you suggest for a $1000 budget ?

[DigitMus]

For $1000/pair I'd have a hard time... You might be able to find a pair of Microtech Gefell M300s used for not much over $1K. They're not as good as the M295s, but better than the KM184s, IMO. Also noizemakerz's suggestion of the Beyer M/S pair is pretty good and not too much above your budget new - in fact if you look for B-stock/demos you might get a new pair under $1K.


Scott

[manthe]

I've used 2 Groove Tubes GT66 tube LDCs for the last 4 or 5 bands I've recorded. I love them immensely and so have they. There is something very special about the sound. Its like the heavy saturation from being tube driven imparts a sort-of 'natural compression' that sounds very cool. It is a very 'rock & roll' sound, so it may not work for some things.

The tone is thick and punchy with that smooth (not too bright, harsh or brittle) top end. Sometimes I use the low-cut filters to allow them to blend with my kick mics without too many competing frequencies. But, when I do leave the low in in, it sounds really good too.

I went through 4 or 5 other mic pairs (SDC and LDC) before these. It wasn't that I was unhappy with other sets, its just that I fell in ove when I tried these and have stuck with them since then.

The GT66s have been replaced with GT60s (I believe). If you can find them used, you'll come in under budget. If you buy the newer GT60 models, you'll still be on budget.

Good luck!

[EJW]

You could look at some used C414B-uls as well. You can get one used on ebay between $500 and $600 all day long.