Beyer M160 or AEA R84 for rock electric guitar?

[Sean Sullivan]

I really want a nice ribbon for recording electric guitar and was pretty sold on a AEA R84, but yesterday I came across a Beyer M160 brand new for $399, so I'm torn between the two.

For rock guitar, in conjunction with a SM57 or MD421, which one would you prefer? I would probably give it a try on drums.

[Elof]

My goto combo is 57 and R84.
I recently tried the 421 and m160 in combination and ended up with only m160 in mix.
I think m160 is a great mic, especially at $399, go for it. I own two R84s and still feel like I need at least one m160, very versatile mics.

[Sean Sullivan]

Considering the M160 is about half the price of what I can find a used R84 for, I think I'll give it a try. If I don't like it I can probably get most of my money back.

[jeep]

the M160 rules
get it. you won't regret it

[bigbongo]

yep 160 is great on all sorts of things, been using it on solo strings this weekend.
sounds great.

[roger]

m160 for rock guitar for sure! much more focused/tighter sound! also great on snare and as somebody mentioned - strings! R84 good way back off the amp if you want some ambience from a nice room but sounds a bit tubby up close for my taste.

[Jack Ruston]

Definitely the 160. It's tough enough to go in close and you get a really tight focused sound (I ususally end up use hyper cardioid on the condensors too for amps). It gives you the midrange prescense and bite that you get from a 57 but without the grit and fizz. Also excellent on acoustic guitar, overheads, snare and hi hat. They are AWESOME.

The R84 is no less great a microphone but it's more fragile and having a much bigger bottom end and the less controlled fig8, it's not quite so universal in it's application.

J

[adamcal]

R84 or M160 on rock amps?



YES!!!!!!



the R84 is a slightly bigger/darker sound, but it is also physically much bigger, easier to break, costs twice as much and is Figure of 8 if any of those are a problem for you.

[Sean Sullivan]

Sounds like I should give it a try...they seem pretty different in characteristics so later down the road maybe I'll grab a R84, but it sounds like the M160 will suit my needs. I can't wait to try in on strings, my Oktava SDC leave a little something to be desired in that department.

[Marlowe]

For $399., buy the m160. If you don't like it I'll gladly buy it from you.

You're going to like it.

[84K]

Originally Posted by Marlowe

For $399., buy the m160. If you don't like it I'll gladly buy it from you.

You're going to like it.

X2

[Han]

Originally Posted by Marlowe

For $399., buy the m160. If you don't like it I'll gladly buy it from you.

You're going to like it.

$399 is a steal, Sweetwater offers it for $650.

[mahasandi]

Yeah but they are not a place for deals.
but I think the prices have gone up on the m160
(euro )

Unless someone knows a place with a deal.

[warhead]

Somebody likely has an older stock mic, cost is way higher than $399 for a dealer.

Having said that I have never liked the M160 on guitar cabs, especially loud ones.

I prefer the sE Electronics R1 ribbon on cabs, fits them like a glove.

War

[84K]

hey Warren, is that enormous 'wall' icon necessary? takes up like 1/3 the screen.

[Mike P]

Originally Posted by warhead

Somebody likely has an older stock mic, cost is way higher than $399 for a dealer.

Having said that I have never liked the M160 on guitar cabs, especially loud ones.

I prefer the sE Electronics R1 ribbon on cabs, fits them like a glove.

War

I tried an SE Electronics R1 last year and was blown away by that mic on a modern hi gain amp in conjunction with a 57. By itself, it was way too tubby and undefined.

I would have purchased the mic in a heartbeat had it not been for the price. There's no way I'm paying $799.99 for a Chinese ribbon mic.

If that mic was priced at $399.99 MAP (which IMO, where it should be priced), they wouldn't be able keep it in stock. But with the volatile Chinese mic market, I'd never take a chance on purchasing that model at even close to that price.

[backhair]

Originally Posted by 84K

hey Warren, is that enormous 'wall' icon necessary? takes up like 1/3 the screen.

amen. i was starting to think i was the only one seeing that bug.

[MickeySmid]

YEah... he's found a hole in the system... a crack in the wall...

[gevermil]

Had a strange time with the 160 . I found it ok on guitar , ok on drums but it was awsome on bass guitar ! Great little mic . I wish I could afford to have a few around because it seems to be a tool that finds a home on every recording .

[warhead]

Somebody else did that to my avatar...I don't have control over it...I swear! I will consult with...uh...that guy...

War

PS: My R1 is fine on its own and I don't use it with a 57 or any other mic on cabs, it just works for me.

[suicide shift]

M160 is one of the better ribbons for mic'g electric gtr cab.

[cowrange]

I have both. I prefer the r84 for clean stuff, esp Fender type cleans. The m160 is better for driven guitars, sometimes with a 57 to get a bit more bite.

[robot gigante]

I prefer Royer, although I love the other two for electric guitars also.

[drBill]

You should check out the CD from Cascade re: the Fathead ribbons. It was done independantly by a GS member and Cascade ended up using it. It compares the R84, Royer and Fathead. I prefered the fathead a significant number of times. Coming in a close second was the Royer and the R84 was just too wooly most of the time. Just something to consider.

bp