akg c430 or Rode nt5

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drummerfreak33

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Im looking for overhead condensers for recording drums. I have narrowed it down to these 2. Both look like very decent mics. Im guessing that the nt5s might be better, but they are also more expensive. If the c430s are good enough I may not need to spend that extra cash. Anyone who has used these mics or knows more about them, please let me know

....or the mxl 603s? I have heard some decent things about those
 
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jon's comment

I would certainly opt for the 603s over c430. I have both (in pairs) and the c430 just suks on OH duty, but sounds good for hat miking and even bass guitar cabs. 603s are bright by nature, but work great on the tone of cymbals, etc...
 
NT5's = very bright and unEQable. I'm not into them, althought admittedly I don't track drums. Can't imagine they'd be great there..
 
so the mxls are a good way to go huh? Are there any better suggested in the same price range, or is the 603 the way to go?
 
uhh

my fave OH pairs in your range- Oktava MC-012 (normally works well, but major QC issues), MXL 603s (tons of 9khz, but very realistic for OH), Rode NT1-a (clear & quiet, but picky as to what sources they "like"), possibly MXL 2001-P... :D

By the way, my current fave setup on OH for my band is (L/R is ORTF pattern 45 degrees to cymbals, in front of kit, from 2 feet away):
LOH- MXL 2001-P
ROH- Rode NT1-A

C OH- MXL 603s (in front of kit, but at cymbal's edge heighth)
 
Nt5's Bright?? Are you sure?

When comparing to mxl603's or oktava mk 012s, the NT5's are not bright at all. Im kinda wondering where this info is coming from?? If anything they are on the darker side or more natural sounding without the hyped high end of the mxl 603's or the Oktava's. Smoother on the cymbols and pick up a nice tone of the whole kit when used as overheads.
I would start with the NT5's and if you dont like them sell them but I willing to bet you will love them.

My 2cents

Peace
 
pro tools guy, I was sort of wondering the same thing. i dont know a whole lot but I have always heard about how great nt5s are as OH. I definitely dont want anything bright, but I wouldnt think they would be too bright.
 
krs said:
NT5's = very bright and unEQable. I'm not into them, althought admittedly I don't track drums. Can't imagine they'd be great there..
Click to expand...

Are those the same NT5's I've used? Hmmm, I don't know what you're comparing them to but they're not bright. If anything, they're slightly darker than many SDC's.

War
 
I'm going to have to chime in too and say that the NT5's are not nearly as bright as the 603s or the C4's in my expirience. Not sure where the rumor that they're bright started (I've heard it other places too). Anyways, they should be good for OH and they're pretty nice on ac. guitar and other strings too.
 
so from what Im hearing, nt5 is pretty much the shiz for this price range?
 
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