Pair of Good Condensers

Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:42 pm

I have been looking for a pair of akg 5600s {I love those things} for about 2 weeks with no results what so ever. Since Im not finding them I would like to ask you all what your opinions are on a decent pair of condensers under say 800 for the pair. They will be used for everything from church choir live sound to recording Overheads on Drums, Vocals, Horns, u name it. Some thoughts Ive had are Shure KSM or SM81s, Audio Technica stuff, maybe the AKG budget lines. I am looking for mics that will last and are tried and true with frequent use{at least weekly}. Lots of polar patterns and bells n whistles are optional. I want to get something that I will still use after I get into some 414s or 87s because darn it they still sound good. Do they exist?

Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:58 pm

SM81's and then take your better half out to dinner for the difference in cash.

Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 4:56 am

I would try the MBHO MBNM440C-L. I believe they are the ones re-sold for $799 a pair in N America by KEL Audio under the model number P-1. They sound excellent as OH, on ensembles, on choirs and (singly) on acoustic guitar. It's a no-frills pencil SDC with outstanding performance and tight directional pattern.

Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 5:40 am

It's worth to check out

Beyerdynamic MC 930

Peluso CEMC-6

Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:53 am

Rode NT5s are a good choice as well.

Phil

Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 2:06 am

Boswell wrote:

I would try the MBHO MBNM440C-L.

I thought you were joking until I read the full post - that's a ridiculous model #.

I can only comment on the 2 pairs I have -

AKG 414 B-XLS: Fantastic mics. I bought them used (not matched) for a total of $1300. My main OH mics, also used on vox, percussion, gui cabs, bass cabs, acoustic instruments, etc. Very nice on almost anything.

Cascade M39: pencil condensers, and they give the 414s a run for their money as OHs. Also great on acoustic (AB stereo), percussion, and as a room stereo pair. I'd imagine not as tight a pattern as the mic Bos mentioned. They DO pick up sounds in my space fairly easily.
Got them free as part of a package, so not sure what they cost, typically. That package was one of the best buys I've made to date, in great part due to the M39s.

Dave does make me hunger for some SM81s, though.

I think you'll find a worthy mic in almost every one mentioned. Each has its own advantages over the others. You won't know for sure unless you can try them - see if you can borrow or rent some of the suggestions, your preamps, purposes, and space make a big difference in the performance of a mic.

Hope that helps.

Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 8:14 am

I have a pair of SM81s and a pair of Rode NT55s - both in your price range. I use the SM81s as overheads. The NT55s for ensemble AB or ORTF stereo recording. For things like acoustic guitar, piano, etc. it is a style choice. The SM81s have a smoother, less prominent high end. The NT55s can end up as livelier or too crispy depending on the source and your taste.

The NT55 is the same as the NT5 with a pad, rolloff, and two capsules (cardioid (like the NT5) and omni). Well worth the extra money.

Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 1:47 am

I have read alot of these forums lately and am convinced that Dave and Remy are both Shure sales reps. LOL Thanks guys and Gal

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