SDC -- Need advice. Purchasing within the next day or two.

P

Picker

New member
SDC.. Ok, so I think I've got it narrowed down...

And the Contenders are (for a pair).

Josephson C42 -- $900
Peluso CEMC6 -- $600 or so (can purchase other capsules/paterns)

The main use I will be putting these to is drum overheads and as instrument mics (mostly acoustic guitar).

C42-
Pros: Reputation. Rave reviews from most everybody
Cons: Costs more. Also, read one reveiw that said it's a little harsh on acoustic guitar

Peluso.
Pros: Costs less, can get multiple patterns, Bass rolloff and pad switches. Great (but Limited) reviews.
Cons: Kind of unknown. The best (and rave) review I've gotten was unfortunately from someone who sells them, so I have to take that with a grain of salt. They havent been reviewed much by others, though those that have seem to love them.

Sooo... Any input would be helpful. Anybody tired/have either of these mics? Raves? Concerns? Cautions? anything else at this quality level I should consider?

thanks
 
I believe Soundpure.com sells both. You should get both with the right to return the pair you don't like as much.
 
I have used the Pelusos, which I thought were very nice for acoustic guitar, very accurate, well-balanced tonally, no real coloration to speak of. I have not heard the C42s, but they seem to be a fovorite of many who record drums as well as acoustic guitar. I have heard mixed comparisons on acoustic guitar using the C42s, some say they can be bright and harsh sounding, some say they sound smooth and creamy.

If you plan on recording mostly rock, or mixes that have many tracks, I would recommend that you try out the C42 pair because they are great for use on drums as well as acoustic guitar. I think you can get different results using the C42 on guitar depending on the placement of the mic. Also, alot of people prefer the guitar to be a bit more bright to cut through a mix.

If you plan on recording solo guitar or singer/guitar stuff, you might prefer the Pelusos.

Sdelsolrey, I don't think soundpure sells the Josephson mics.

For what my limited knowledge is worth, I hope that helps.
 
Thanks Rick.

Really I'm looking for something very versitle so I can do everything from the guitar/singer stuff to rock and roll. I know, I know... You can't get one mic that does everything well, but I'm looking for something that is more of a workhorse that will sound good on everything as opposed to a mic that sounds Outstanding on piano, but not so good as a drum overhead.

I'm really struggling because of my inability to hear all these mics myself. Most of the local stores dont carry them and even if they did, it's hard to get a good trial in a store. Anyway, that's why I'm turning to you guys for advice. Just trying to get something a cut above the basic Oktava 012s or similar. Going more for a Semi-pro studio than a Hobby studio if you know what I mean and trying to keep it under $1000 for the pair. The two mics I listed were recommended to me, but I'm not sure which way to go.
 
I have the C42s and like them quite a bit. Use them on acoustic instruments mostly. Used pairs go for @$800. Haven't heard the Peluso mics, but they have been garnering good reviews. I'd like to give them a try too. Another option are the Audio Technica AT-4051a (cardioid) or AT-4053a (hypercardioid). Excellent SD condensers and a bit more even than the Josephson mics (which lean towards the bright side of the spectrum). I have these as well and they are great. If you are inclined to shop used, they can often be picked up for @$250-300 each. Otherwise they are generally priced in the range you are considering. The capsules can be swapped on these. I don't believe that AT sells them as matched pairs, although I haven't found that to be an issue -- they are well made enough to be close enough. You might find the following review to be of interest (although it doesn't include the newer Peluso):

http://emusician.com/mics/emusic_smokin_condensers/

Once you get into this level the mics seem pretty comparable (with some sound variation to taste) and noticeably better than the cheaper SD condensers. The next step up would be Schoeps, DPA or Neuman KM84s -- but they are a lot more money. I have one (lonely) KM84i and it certainly has its own sound. Someday I'll have to find it a friend. :D
 
Both of the mics you are considering will do a great job for you. As an alternative to those two I'd suggest you check out a pair of Crown CM700 SDC's. You can pick them up for $299 a piece at MF.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/search/detail/base_pid/278418?src=HC004

Here are a few comments on the CM700's.
http://www.harmony-central.com/Recording/Data/Crown/CM700-01.html

Another comment.
http://www.epinions.com/inst-review-27D7-6F678D9-39AD3934-prod2

Sound On Sound Review.
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1996_articles/dec96/crowncm700.html

Here's a pair on ebay with a BIN for $349.99
http://cgi.ebay.com/PAIR-OF-CROWN-C...368512339QQcategoryZ41466QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

If you decide to buy the CM700's from ebay they are priced low enough that if you don't like them put them back on ebay for what you paid for them. Good luck.
 
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