Dark Coloration - A List of Mics

[bgavin]

I understand the Oktava MK319 is a prime example of a "dark" mic.

What are the others?

[tubedude]

Sennheiser e609 Black is one that I have... kinda dark sounding. The Silver, on the other hand, is not.

[rvdsm]

AKG Solidtube

[Track Rat]

Most ribbon mics.

[Recording Engineer]

From the little I've heard, I've never thought of the Solidtube being dark.

My idea of a dark mic is Audio-Technica 4047.

Most ribbons, as a general-statement, I find dark.

Then again, some would say the Neumann TLM-193 is dark, though I consider really more on the flat-side.

[rvdsm]

Originally posted by Recording Engineer
From the little I've heard, I've never thought of the Solidtube being dark.

My idea of a dark mic is Audio-Technica 4047.

Most ribbons, as a general-statement, I find dark.

Then again, some would say the Neumann TLM-193 is dark, though I consider really more on the flat-side.

The Solidtube doesn't have a peppery upper-mid pressence like a U87, in fact I think it's much more the opposite. I guess you would have to define dark. Dark as in dull, or dark as in lacking brilliance.

[Flatpicker]

Originally posted by bgavin
I understand the Oktava MK319 is a prime example of a "dark" mic.

The MK319 is only “dark” when you compare it to a “crispy” Chinese mic. In the grand scheme of things, it’s actually fairly neutral.

[Recording Engineer]

Agreed.

[ozraves]

I'd put the MK319 in as a more balanced mic than as a dark mic.

[tdukex]

Originally posted by Recording Engineer
From the little I've heard, I've never thought of the Solidtube being dark.

My idea of a dark mic is Audio-Technica 4047.

Most ribbons, as a general-statement, I find dark.

Then again, some would say the Neumann TLM-193 is dark, though I consider really more on the flat-side.

RE, how well do you think the 4047 would compliment a CR998 in a vocal mic cabinet. I know you have experience with the CR998, and I think you have said it has a bright but smooth top end. Do you think the darker sounding 4047 would be a good compliment to the CR998?

[Track Rat]

If it's any help, a 319 is a bit darker than a 4047.

[bgavin]

I mentioned the MK319 because I've been doing a lot of reading here, and saw it mentioned many times as a classic example of a dark mic.

I'm going to start a new thread for the opposite: bright, "crispy", etc mics. This list will help newbs (like me) get a general understanding of which mics are dark/light, and what to audition when the opportunity arises.

I'm interested in dark mics first, for female vocals, banjo, bagpipes, and other screechy bright sources.

My ATM25 mics strike me as "dark"... very bassy, not a whole lot of sizzle at the high end.

[tdukex]

Originally posted by Track Rat
If it's any help, a 319 is a bit darker than a 4047.

Thanks TR, I would certainly consider a 319, but I'm going to have $300-$500 for a vocal condenser, so I want to get the best I can for that price--something that will compliment the CR998 tube mic I already have. I have also considered a LOMO head for my MC012 preamp body.

[Richard Monroe]

I find the Solidtube rather dark, along with Oktava ML-52. The MK319 is a different case. The quality control on the transformer stage and the capsule is so variable that speaking about the tonal qualities of the mic is pointless. Mine is quite dark, but I have heard others that do have a very noticeable upper end. The MK319 is like a box of chocalates. You never know what you're going to get. I should note that my dark one and the others I've heard were all pretty good mics. They just aren't the same.-Richie

[Wireneck]

"My ATM25 mics strike me as "dark"... very bassy, not a whole lot of sizzle at the high end"

Maybe im thinking of the wrong model number but last time i checked that mic was geared torwards being a Kick mic. I wouldn't exactly put it in with the LD vocal condensers everyone is naming off.

[bgavin]

I didn't specify LDC types when I created the thread. I'm just looking for a list of "dark" mic types. I used my ATM25 as an example that I own.

[laptoppop]

When I'm recording a "thin" voice that I want to thicken up, I tend to reach for my MXL V67. I consider it "darker" than the C1, for example.

-lee-

[cominginsecond]

My 319s are the darkest condensors I own (out of my NTK, ECM 8000s, MC012s, B1, and B3.)

[Dot]

MXL V69ME - dark and colored
MXL V67 - dark and colored
Oktava MK319 - dark and more neutral
Groove Tubes GT33 and GT44 - "dark" because they're not bright or hyped. Neutral.
Neumann U47
AKG C12
AKG Solidtube
AKG D12E - probably the mother of all dark mics
AKG D112


Dan Richards
The Listening Sessions
The Project Studio Handbook

[Rimshot]

Originally posted by bgavin
I didn't specify LDC types when I created the thread. I'm just looking for a list of "dark" mic types. I used my ATM25 as an example that I own.

Judging from that, you are listing mics that are geared towards very low frequencies that tolerate high SPL's. The ATM25 is most definitely a mic like that. That's why it is used primarily as a kick mic and for bass cabs.
When I think of a dark mic in a condenser, I'm thinking more of a mic that really shines in the mid frequencies giving a full rounded resonant sound, tolerates the low frequencies
and takes all of the edge off of the high frequencies. It can do it with all of the crisp clarity of a bright mic but it's concentration is slanted differently. A good kick mic is duller and darker than that. It sounds padded even when it's not.
Darkness and brightness is also relative to other like mics. I find the Mk-012's to be a bit darker than other SDC's but they're really not dark mics. My Mk319's are darker than my SP B1. I used to own a V67G than was darker than the B1 but a tad brighter than my 319's. My 319's are brighter than Richard Monroe's 319 .I've heard his. (Sorry, but I don't own any of the fancier condensers that you guys are talking about---poor drummer here)
I have a Cad KBM412 that is the darkest and DULLEST mic I have ever used and not good for kick, but I use it mounted in the throat of a djembe with a AKG D690 on the skin side and it's wonderful.
I had another of these Cad kick mics that was damaged in an accident and it was much different and was quite a good kick mic (not as dull).

[Wireneck]

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by bgavin
I didn't specify LDC types when I created the thread. I'm just looking for a list of "dark" mic types. I used my ATM25 as an example that I own.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My bad dude wasn't out to ruffle your feathers. Ive just never heard anyone describe a kick mic as "Bright" or "Non Bassy". I believe these are traits that one automatically expects from a kick mic (being dark and low end heavy that is).
I just wanted to make sure you weren't cutting vocal tracks with a ATM25 and wondering why it was sounding that way. Sorry about that, ok everyone Carry on with your listing.........

[bgavin]

Not ruffled at all, but thanks for asking.

DOT posted a chart in the companion thread (Hot Coloration) that shows exactly what I wanted to see, in graphical form.

He details both Dark/Bright as compared to Transparent/Colored. Very nicely done visual... worth thousands of words.

The purpose of all this info gathering is my ever-increasing spread sheet of musician's information. When I can figure out how to turn on vB, my signature will display the URL.

[formerlyfzfile]

Definitely a lot darker than my SM57's.

Dont own the 319's though....and its dynamic.

-mike

[Recording Engineer]

Dot, what am I missing? The C12 is known for its brightness and extended top-end.

And formerlyfzfile, the 319 is not a dynamic.

[formerlyfzfile]

I was trying to say that the RE-20 was a dark dynamic compared to the apparently dark 319 condenser.

My bad.

-mike