The ultimate drum overhead mics?

[pieter]

I am currently using Rode NT5s for drum overhead mics. While certainly OK for the money, I would like go take a step higher on the quality ladder.

Models I was thinking of:

Microtech Gefell M300
Neumann KSM 184
Audix SCX - 1
Royer SF12

Any advice ?

[PRS1JAZZ]

Earthworks SR77 or 30K for a more open flavor........

Just had to chime in!

[lang_dave]

I bought a pair of Josephson C42s for this and I love them! Cheaper than the Neumann 184s, better sounding than the Rode NT5s.

ymmv

http://www.mercenary.com/josephsonc42mp.html

[syra]

M150's...amazing to say the least...

peace

[De chromium cob]

Ultimate? While nothing can be the ultimate in every situation, my pair of Klaus Heyne tweaked U67s come pretty damn close!

[robmix]

I'll put a second vote in for Josephson C42's. Incredible on drum overheads and acoustic guitar !!!!


Rob

[Jules]

Someone has rented my SF12 royer stereo ribbon, I got a Vintage valve Neumann SM69 (or is that SM67??) on loan - Awesome!

I used to rent these

Fantastic stereo spread!

Might be hard coming back to the royer after these!

[Brad Lunde]

Even though I am completely and hopelessly biased, a SoundField SPS422B flown 12-18 inches over the drummers head, with 5.1 output pack, is the ultimate image. A "you are there on the drum throne " experience I could never have imagined was possible 5 years ago.

Brad

[pieter]

Thanks guys.

I'm going to check out these Josephsons. I'm sure the other options are incredible but considering i'm not a commercial studio, they're a bit out of my league as far as budget is concerned.



Pieter

[crispy]

Originally posted by pieter
Thanks guys.

I'm going to check out these Josephsons. I'm sure the other options are incredible but considering i'm not a commercial studio, they're a bit out of my league as far as budget is concerned.



Pieter

Hang on, you did ask for the 'ultimate' in overheads.

If you had no way of affording the best money can buy, then you asked the wrong question.

[pieter]

Mmmmm, you actually got me there.

What about the ultimate but priced below 2500 USD?

Above that, I actually tried acouple of DPA 4011s which are pretty incredible.



Pieter

[Ted]

I second that Brad, incredible!,

Thanks,
Ted.

[Freakuency]

SE 414 stereo pair and save the lef over $1000

[STILL]

I also like the Josephsons........

This might sound odd, but what about Royer 122's as overheads? Pretty versatile as well, but I haven't done it, just curious....

[Mastersonics]

Groove Tubes GT44 for overheads

very impressed with the sound

i think Wagener use them too

you should give it a try

let us know
thanks,
Charles

[Brad Lunde]

OK, so we are no longer ultimate, and we are now at $2500. I'd say a pair of Brauner Phantom C's are almost in that price.... a little wider cardioid pattern does a nice job. Hypers (like Brauner Valvets) are too focused, too small a pattern, don't pick up enough (unless you are live with a PA and are forced to avoid feedback).

[atticus]

I'll second Brad on the Phantom C. I have one and it is incredible on a lot of sources. I also love the THE BS-3D Sphere mic. It is amazing on drums, piano, and acoustic guitars. Good luck!

[Nathanael]

A pair of Schoeps will give a wonderful sound. I've used the standard cardiods. Many feel the hyper-cardiods are even better.

[jackassman]

My Earthworks TC30K's through my OSA C's. Biggie Sized!!!!!

[Marshall Simmons]

i'm using the schoeps as well, but i'm using the omni's


i love them more then the cardiods



i wish i hadnt sold the figure 8s


marsh

[heinz]

Another vote here for Josephson C42, they are absolutely wonderful.

[jbchef]

I second the Josephsons, they are my go to pair for OH.

Second choice, AKG C451s Jim Williams modded, with Blue lollipop capsules..

Moko

[Hans Hitmachine]

Gefell mv692/m94.

Best o.h sound ever.
stike

[Pricey]

The Josephson e22s (formerly known as the Series Six) is like a higher-end C42. It kills everything else for clarity and smoothness.

The e22s has a cardioid capsule and a transformer-output body. Hopefully they will bring back the whole Series Six line, including transformerless bodies and omni capsules.

[Frost]

I used to use my lawson fet 47's, but around 6 months ago switched to my gefell 691 with the um70 large diaphram. Smooth and full sounding kit with just those plus kick and snare.

If Im doing the put a mic on everything kit, I usually like small diaphrams. right now using earthworks sr77 on loan with great results. Also use the 4006 which sounds amazing.
Frost

[Overdrive]

I stick to the C451B (!) usually through Great River MP2MH. Yes those new ones. In my room they sound right and bright. No EQ needed later on down the recording process.
I used to use Scheopes and Sennheiser for a while, then U87s and 414EB but I love the precise and airy 451 sound on OH.

[dale116dot7]

I'll second the AKG 451B's. I run them through a homebrew high-speed mic pre. I find when recording with those I need very little (if any) extra mics on hat or the other metal bits.

[thaddius13]

I'll take a pair of Royer 121's any day of the week. Except when I chose something else.

[caughtup]

That kind of money can snag great mics...
Of course my choice is the TC30K's from Earthworks if you have a good sounding room. If you are after a tighter sound, that much money will also buy you the SR77's our well educated friend previously mentioned, and have enough left over for a box set of SRO's (sound re-inforcement omni's; a budget minded Earthworks purchase that STILL KICKS ASS!!!)
Without a doubt I'll be starting a firestorm by suggesting that the biggest reason many folks don't recommend my mics is because... they haven't used them! ha ha, flame me all those with differing opinions! 414 on drums??? O-K!!!

God, I love free speech forums.. I can stick my foot in my mouth as deep as I want...


Jeff-- Sales at Earthworks (OitWoiks) Audio Products!! happy new year!

[Jules]

Hmm I wonder what would be a 'low ceiling favorite' mic?

If any one genuinly has a suggestion for mic's to use in low ceiling / less than ideal situations I would be interested to hear it.

I DO wonder sometimes if my SF 12 is less than ideal....

But I've yet to do any sigificant accoutic treatments so far...(to my new live area / drum room)