Help me choose a pair of SDC's

[deSilhouette]

That's a good point. I'd rather just do without any eq-ing (well, as much as I can get away with anyway.)

Also, wtf is up with the prices of MK012's? A pair of capsules alone go for $160 on ebay. I'm starting to think that getting two MK012's will be too much to spend.

At this stage I'm sort of sick of thinking about it. Considering that the MK012's are a little too pricey for me (unless someone knows a good online shop that has them for a good price), and I don't really like the flatness of the HM-1's on acoustic guitars I'll probably go for either the JM27's or the 603's, depending on what I can get cheapest on ebay in the next few days.

 

[XLR]

If you like the sound of a Neumann km184 on acoustic, then you will probably like the mxl603 or 604 *a lot*. The 603 exhibits surprising clarity and shimmer with a smooth bottom. If you prefer a grungier, veiled or more lo-fi sound, then you might like the mc012.

I agree about the km184 similarity. I've used both. But I don't agree that the mc012 is grungy, veiled, or lo-fi.

Tim

 

[Harvey Gerst]

If you prefer a grungier, veiled or more lo-fi sound, then you might like the mc012.

Excuse me? Here's the charts on one of my matched MC012's from the Sound Room. Wanna show me where the "veiled or more lo-fi sound" might be coming from?

 

[TragikRemix]

Excuse me? Here's the charts on one of my matched MC012's from the Sound Room. Wanna show me where the "veiled or more lo-fi sound" might be coming from?

SHH! HARVEY HAS SPOKEN!

 

[XLR]

I'd say it's widely agreed that the mc012 is a fine mic, very rich, clear and detailed. It's also widely known that there are many units out there that have a poor sound quality due to inconsistent quality control and counterfeit production. So one may sound great and another crappy.

Tim

 

[Harvey Gerst]

SHH! HARVEY HAS SPOKEN!

Nah, I just get pissed off when people make irresponsible statements like that. They ain't all that different sounding from the Neumann KM84's that they're modelled after, and I don't hear people accusing the KM84 of being "veiled and lofi-sounding".

 

[CCS]

They ain't all that different sounding from the Neumann KM84's that they're modelled after, and I don't hear people accusing the KM84 of being "veiled and lofi-sounding".

I've used the KM84s extensively and they don't sound anything like the 603s, which are not near as smooth on the top end and lack the low of the KM84s. Two completely different mics.

 

[Harvey Gerst]

I've used the KM84s extensively and they don't sound anything like the 603s, which are not near as smooth on the top end and lack the low of the KM84s. Two completely different mics.

I was comparing the Oktava MC012 to the Neumann KN84, not the 603.

 

[CCS]

I was comparing the Oktava MC012 to the Neumann KN84, not the 603.

My misunderstanding.

 

[pohaku]

Since you are in Europe, you might be able to track down a pair of Beyer MCE93s or 94s. Decent SD condensers. In the last 2 years I've picked up two pairs with shocks for less than $200 a pair on E-Bay. I think they are more common in Europe than the US. I think they are great mics for that kind of money.

 

[BigRay]

if you are complaing about 160 being expensive, might want to put things in perspective a bit. 160 bucks isnt even a drop in the bucket. Save up to get the oktavas. Harvey Gerst endorsed them, the man is probably smarter and has more experience than anyone else on this forum(and many others)..just save up the dough for the Oktavas man....if 200 bucks is hurting you that much, by all means, dont get into this gig. run far far away.

 

[deSilhouette]

if you are complaing about 160 being expensive, might want to put things in perspective a bit. 160 bucks isnt even a drop in the bucket. Save up to get the oktavas. Harvey Gerst endorsed them, the man is probably smarter and has more experience than anyone else on this forum(and many others)..just save up the dough for the Oktavas man....if 200 bucks is hurting you that much, by all means, dont get into this gig. run far far away.

Look at what I said again. $160 for a pair of omni capsules. Not even the mics. That's not cheap in anyone's book. The best price for a pair of MK012's on ebay right now is $650.
I got my entire current recording setup for less than that. (MR-8 HD, an SP B1, and SM57).

When I can get a pair of mics (either 603's or JM27's) that the majority of people here are telling me I'd be fine with, why would I spend an extra $500?

 

[sdelsolray]

Look at what I said again. $160 for a pair of omni capsules. Not even the mics. That's not cheap in anyone's book. The best price for a pair of MK012's on ebay right now is $650.
I got my entire current recording setup for less than that. (MR-8 HD, an SP B1, and SM57).

When I can get a pair of mics (either 603's or JM27's) that the majority of people here are telling me I'd be fine with, why would I spend an extra $500?

Keep in mind that the MXL 603/JM27/ADK SC-1 are 20 mm capsules with a wide cardioid polar pattern. Nothing wrong with that, but for a stereo pair you might want cardioid or hyper cardiod to start with. A pair of Oktavas can be had with one capsule for each mic (of your choice) for about $350 at the Soundroom. You can add capsules later if desired.

 

[BigRay]

Look at what I said again. $160 for a pair of omni capsules. Not even the mics. That's not cheap in anyone's book. The best price for a pair of MK012's on ebay right now is $650.
I got my entire current recording setup for less than that. (MR-8 HD, an SP B1, and SM57).

When I can get a pair of mics (either 603's or JM27's) that the majority of people here are telling me I'd be fine with, why would I spend an extra $500?

160 is dirt cheap to me. the capsules for my schoeps are about 1400 new.

anyway, that is moot. I dont particularly care what you get, but the more you get into this, you might as well leave your wallet at the door. I started out with a Sound Professionals pair and a mini disc, and now ive dropped nearly 150,000 dollars on gear, and Im not even a studio guy, I am a location recording engineer! so be ye warned....the lust for higher quality/higher priced gear takes hold afterwhile! good luck with whatever you choose.

www.thelisteningsessions.com has some mic tests.

 

[travelin travis]

the oktava mk012's i have are quiet and sound good. i'd recommend them over the 603's and jm27's. i have all three and the oktava's are the only one's i use anymore. well worth the $100 i spent for the pair.

 

[timboZ]

I have the Joe Meek JM27's, Kel Hm-1's, and Oktava MC-012's.
Most of the time I end up using the Joe Meeks for drum o/h and A-Guitar.

 

[deSilhouette]

160 is dirt cheap to me. the capsules for my schoeps are about 1400 new.

You know you could get a beautiful guitar for $1400.
And that's the problem, my spare cash mostly goes towards saving for upgrading my instruments and effects.
Really only a small percentage can go towards recording gear. I need to stick to a very tight budget.

I think in 6 months or so I'll get a pair of MK012's but I'll see how I go first.

well worth the $100 i spent for the pair

Nice buy. Thinking of selling?

I have the Joe Meek JM27's, Kel Hm-1's, and Oktava MC-012's.Most of the time I end up using the Joe Meeks for drum o/h and A-Guitar

Serious information overload here. It seems that it will just take time to find out what I prefer. It sucks that the only way to work through the various options is to buy the mics in question.

 

[BigRay]

You know you could get a beautiful guitar for $1400.
And that's the problem, my spare cash mostly goes towards saving for upgrading my instruments and effects.

so do you make money gigging?? wouldnt a nice demo potentially get you more gigs??and more money?? a demo you made..
Ive got many beautiful guitars! a gibson j-45, a gibson b-45-12, a custom built German Jumbo Acoustic, an Alvarez Yairi,an alvarez regent, a MSA S-10(3+4) Pedal Steel, a Sho-bud d-10 pedal steel, a rickenbacker lap steel from 1973, a 1971 Dobro........ My budget wasnt even counting those. I have to say that the only thing more expensive than recording gear is guitars!



I hear a lot about the Nakamichis too...they are relatively cheap and show up on ebay all the time...also modular, multiple capsule options.

 

[BigRay]

oh yeah..one more thing..if you do a lot of guitars and guitar cabs..the shinybox ribbons are really wonderful for that task. under 200 each. Ribbons are a whole new ballgame, but man..they sound so great.

www.shinybox.com

You know you could get a beautiful guitar for $1400.
And that's the problem, my spare cash mostly goes towards saving for upgrading my instruments and effects.
Really only a small percentage can go towards recording gear. I need to stick to a very tight budget.

I think in 6 months or so I'll get a pair of MK012's but I'll see how I go first.



Nice buy. Thinking of selling?



Serious information overload here. It seems that it will just take time to find out what I prefer. It sucks that the only way to work through the various options is to buy the mics in question.

 

[travelin travis]

You know you could get a beautiful guitar for $1400.
And that's the problem, my spare cash mostly goes towards saving for upgrading my instruments and effects.
Really only a small percentage can go towards recording gear. I need to stick to a very tight budget.

I think in 6 months or so I'll get a pair of MK012's but I'll see how I go first.



Nice buy. Thinking of selling?



Serious information overload here. It seems that it will just take time to find out what I prefer. It sucks that the only way to work through the various options is to buy the mics in question.

I think you're going about it right. I'd much rather have a nice guitar and a cheap mic than the other way around. No way I'm selling my oktava's. I ended up putting a "want it now" ad on ebay and a guy offered them for $100 w/-10 pads, clips, boxes. Seriously, it's about the best $100 I've spent on recording gear.

If you want, I'll throw together a clip of my acoustic guitar using a mk012, 603, and jm27 for comparison.