Acoustic Mic

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musikman316

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I was looking at the Neumann KM 180 series mics for an acoustic mic, what other mics should I look at? And if I go with the Neumann then which one (KM 183, 184, or 185)?

My price range is $500 - $600.

I will be using the mic on violin, piano, guitar, up-right bass, mandolin, and other acoustic instruments... and don't have the money to buy an arsenal of mics right now.
 
I have a 184 which is the cardiod model. Very nice on acoustic instruments.
 
I also have a matched pair of the Octava 012's. Very nice too. A bit darker and rounder sounding mics and not as much air on top as the Neumanns.
 
The Audio Technica 4041 is considered a good small diaphram. You could get a pair for $400. www.8thstreet.com has them for that price.

Oktava MC 012, AKG 451B
 
I am looking at buying the Oktava now, thanks for the suggestion... now I have enough money to buy some bass traps (woo hoo).
 
Another choice

Not to cloud your decision, but the earthworks series of mics work very good on acoustic guitar and piano. They are really neutral though so if you need some character without eq they may not be the ticket.
tmix
 
I've said it before and I'll keep plugging these great, little-known mics: Elation KM201. These are the big brother to the Oktavas (hand made in Russia) and are available from the SoundRoom.

These are particularly sweet on acoustic instruments, and I've gotten better sounds out of them than I have with any other small diaphragm condensor...and I've tried both the AKG and Neumanns.

I bought a matched pair on recommendation alone, taking a chance. But it was a good chance to take.
 
I almost bought a used pair of Earthworks from a guy that was selling his studio about a year ago, but I used them on a violin and it sounded too raw (more like a fiddle) this is the only reason I'm not buying them because I think they sound great...

Thank you for the input, all of you...
 
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