ACM 310 mics

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guitar zero

guitar zero

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I've got a pair of ACM 310s ordered from the GB. How should I realistically expect them to perform (compared to say a Rode NT5 or Oktava MK012 or Studio Projects C4 pair)? Is it reasonable to expect they will be comparable without modification (editors note: really just trying to divert attention from the group buy soap opera, as we all wait for our gear to arrive)?
 
Mine sounded great out of the box. I did swap out the capsule coupler capacitor, but it didn't really improve the sound. Of the mics you mentioned, I only have the MK012. The 310 is much higher output, but very quiet, and probably has a fuller sound.

It sounds great with smaller stringed instruments, like ukes, small acoustics, etc. The sound is almost too big with my dreadnought acoustic.
 
And in another attempt to leapfrog that jumping-bean-of-a-thread that the GB thread is, I can tell you this:

You'll probably want to replace the cable that goes between the mic and the power supply. I was lucky enough to get a couple of them (7 pin XLR-style) in the bargain bin at GC. I didn't use the stock one that much, but it's the same that comes with the 6802T, and Marik let me know he had trouble with it and had to replace it.
 
I bought a pair with this current buy with the hopes of them being good Overhead mics for my drum kit.

If they are too bright I will use them elsewhere.
What were the problems with the cables?
Can any 7 pin tube mic type cable work?
 
They're not too bright, but I haven't tried them as overheads. Marik said he was getting cut-outs, I think. My replacement cables are Mogami, and they work. Marik warned that there was no real standard for the 7 pins, but I imagine that ones which are sold alone would work (as possibly opposed to one that shipped with a larger package of stuff and had a specialized pinout).
 
I posted some samples of the ACM-310 a few months ago. I used them on the dobro and the fiddle on this recording:



I think they hold up pretty well. I didn't EQ them at all, so you're hearing the native sound of the mic. However, obviously there are a lot of open mics on that stage, so there's certainly some bleed happening. Still, the dobro and fiddle are pretty prominent on this sample, so I think you can get a decent idea from it.

If you want to hear the entire concert, it's available here:

http://www.folkalley.com/music/livefrom/stringdusters/

I bought them thinking they'd be good for piano, but I haven't had the chance to try that yet. However, with my experience so far, I opted to order two more in the current group buy.
 
Gilliland said:
I posted some samples of the ACM-310 a few months ago. I used them on the dobro and the fiddle on this recording:



I think they hold up pretty well. I didn't EQ them at all, so you're hearing the native sound of the mic. However, obviously there are a lot of open mics on that stage, so there's certainly some bleed happening. Still, the dobro and fiddle are pretty prominent on this sample, so I think you can get a decent idea from it.

If you want to hear the entire concert, it's available here:

http://www.folkalley.com/music/livefrom/stringdusters/

I bought them thinking they'd be good for piano, but I haven't had the chance to try that yet. However, with my experience so far, I opted to order two more in the current group buy.
Click to expand...

I've not got the ACM-310's, but I do have the NT5's that were mentioned earlier, and I love them on all acoustic strings, such as mandolin, guitar, dobro...etc... I tried them on a grand piano tonight and they were OK too... I also tried my Rode K2 and the ACM-6802T and I liked the NT5's better on piano... This is my first time recording a "real piano", not an electric keyboard, and I'm a bit lost...

Randy
 
Nice...Very nice!
I am looking forward to my pair.
 
tmix said:
Nice...Very nice!
I am looking forward to my pair.
Click to expand...

I bought one the first time around and liked it so much I've been kicking myself ever since for not buying a pair. I fixed that this time around.

I think you'll love 'em.
 
Zetajazz44 said:
This is my first time recording a "real piano", not an electric keyboard, and I'm a bit lost...

Randy
Click to expand...

Randy - I did a shootout with Ribbons on Piano. I feel they are much more natural sounding, and don't wear me out like condensers do. The clips, pics of the unusual placement, and lots of comparison comments are on this thread:

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/gear...s/150891-ribbon-madness-some-comparisons.html

If you're getting ribbons in this GB or have some from the last GB and want to record piano, definately check it out.

cheers,

bp
 
drBill said:
Randy - I did a shootout with Ribbons on Piano. I feel they are much more natural sounding, and don't wear me out like condensers do.
Click to expand...
In the right room with the right piano, I'd tend to think a ribbon would be an excellent choice as well.

I mentioned wanting my ACM-310s as piano mics, but I didn't describe my environment. 99% of my recordings are made in live concert settings - clubs and halls with a wide variety of pianos. I wouldn't choose ribbon mics for most of those settings. The bleed from the back of the figure-8 would be a problem in many cases. And sometimes I would need the crisper high-end of the condenser.

Though I haven't yet tried them on piano, it's the full-bodied midrange of the ACM-310 that makes me think it would be a good choice.

But in a suitable studio, a ribbon mic could definitely be the right choice.
 
I don't remember who wrote the post, but someone said that the 310 has become his go-to mic for any nylon-stringed instrument.
 
How close to the dobro / fiddle was the ACM-310 Gilliland when that was recorded?
 
hotrodder said:
How close to the dobro / fiddle was the ACM-310 Gilliland when that was recorded?
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Fairly close, probably six to twelve inches or so. This was a typical live stage performance, and the recording shared the mics with the FOH. Obviously, you're hearing plenty of ambiance around it, but that's because there are room mics open and also the bleed from all the open instrument and vocal mics. Lots of open mics on that stage, plus a bit of digital reverb.
 
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Zetajazz44 said:
What did you use on the lead vocal?
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All the vocals and other instruments in that recording used Audio Technica mics. The vocals were captured with their AE4100s. I think they were a great choice.

Audio Technica's HQ is about five miles from the venue. They like us to use their mics. <g>
 
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I have a set of 310s that so far I've pretty much only used as overheads. I like them. I had been using a pair of un modded SM81s. These are definitely brighter which in my head translates to having a little more life. I haven't had reason to use them on an acoustic yet, but I'm pretty sure they would work really well.

I have had no issues with the supplied 7 pin cable.

Remember to check the voltage setting on the power brick before you plug them in the first time.
 
Just curious, but has anyone with a 310 looked into getting a "socket" for the subminiture tube?
 
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