AkG C-1000 VS Octava MK 219

[MASTON]

Hi,
I've got an AKG C-1000, which is OK but proving to be a real pain recording one line solos on a classical as I have to put the mic like 2-3 inches away from the soundhole to get a good level.
I've now got an option on an second-hand Octava MK219. Am I right in thinking this is much more sensitive and easier to get a level out of i.e I can place it further away from the guitar and my fingers, as well as generally being a much better mic for guitar and vox.
Using Art Pre, Cakewalk, SB 1024.
cheers
Maston

 

[Harvey Gerst]

Maston,

As most people here probably know, I'm not the most enthusiatic booster of the AKG C1000, but if you can only get a decent signal from 2 0r 3 inches away from the soundhole, there is something very wrong with your signal chain, or the mic is defective.

If all else was equal (which it isn't), going from a 1/2" condenser to a 1" condnser will give you 4x the output (about 6 dB more). The 219 might be better for vocals, but I would definitely check your mic (compare it to another C1000 at a store), and check the rest of the chain for possible shorts or incorrect settings.

 

[MASTON]

Hi Harvey

Hey, noboddy likes the AKG C-1000.
As regards my signal, I just went and played around a bit and I guess I was exaggerating a tad.
If I'm strumming I'm in the orange (can't hit the red as I'm using digital and it just distorts) with the guitar about 18 inches away. That's OK.
The problem is, my style also uses some really quiet gentle lead lines to go over the rhythm, using the very quiet treble strings of the classical, and I don't like to play them louder by plucking the strings harder as that completelly destroys the feel of the song. I guess at 4 inches pointing slightly away from the soundhole, the signal is OK. I mean for the quiet parts, the signal shouldn't be 100% should it, or should it?
I've got the art set to 75% I and O by the way. Can't get it any more as that's when the noise kicks in.
Anyway, some more volume and less fiddling about getting the mic at just the right place would be good.
Would the Octava be better specifically for male vocals as well, the AKG is great on female but for male it just sounds kinda, I dunno, what's the word, ........rough?
So what d' you reckon. Shall I go for the Octava

cheers
Maston

 

[Harvey Gerst]

Move your mic towards the bottom bout of the guitar aimed slightly behind the back of the bridge. Try about 9" away for starters and see if that helps the level and tone.

As far as the Oktava, how much for this second hand mic? If it's around 50 or 60 bucks, go for it. Much more than that, and other choices are available.

 

[MASTON]

The Octava's £60 ($90), but this is the UK and options are limited. A new MK 219/319 is about £130 ($200). You hardly ever see them 2nd hand here. Here's some mic prices here (new)

Marshall V67 $350
Cheapest Rode $210
SM 58 $120
AKG C-1000 $190

so in light of this, the Octava seems a good deal ??
Ill try the positioning you suggested.

cheers
Maston